Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tee Leaves -- a quick knit

Well, my Tee Leaves top is working up very well indeed. I lack just a little bit at the shoulders/neckline, the neckline trim and the sleeves. I really think I will enjoy wearing this garment. My plans are to complete it this week and start over with my bamboo yarn. It will be another tee with the same measurements as the current project. The only difference I am planning at this time is to change the edging on the bottom and sleeves. I want to use the tilting ladders lace on it. Photos will be posted later.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Decision made!

I have definitely decided to rip out the Ogee Tunic. I will photograph it first to show why it must be frogged. It is a case of a design and a yarn that are not compatible. The cables and the lace are invitations to split the yarn. Believe me when I tell you that 100% bamboo yarn does not need any excuse to split. When manipulating stitches with this yarn, the stitches become distorted because of the slipperiness of the yarn. I will definitely reuse the yarn. It was too expensive to abandon, although, I really would rather abandon it. I have a project in mind for it. Another reason not to like the yarn is that it has absolutely no body. It is so drapey that it hangs like a lifeless old dishrag.

To assuage my guilt and to bolster my confidence, I have begun a simple tee using Elann Callista (50% viscose, 25% cotton, 25% linen). Now, this is a yarn that is more to my liking. It shows stitch definition wonderfully, has a bit of crispness to its texture, but is, at the same time, soft. It is a cohesive yarn, showing no tendency to split. For the most part, the knitting can be on "auto pilot," but there are a few details that will make it a pretty garment.