KNIT LOUNGE

Copy Cat

So I find this fabby sweater in Ravelry and the pattern is from 2003. 

 

The chances of locating the gem would be a hassle and not worth the effort when I could be knitting or reading or both this past weekend.

On Thursday I spent a bit of time studying the notes and pictures in Ravelry. I felt confident that I could recreate it without the pattern.

The original calls for each section to be knit independently and from the bottom up. Yuck.

Why do people continue write patterns this way? This is terrible for new knitters who have not developed the skills or patience for finishing work and advanced knitters don't want to be bothered with seaming. I would be the later. I have better things to do with my time.... I digress. 

A plan began to form in my wee little brain. 

I'm going to work it from the top down and use short row shaping to give the boat neck a graceful curve whilst giving my neck a little more comfort.  

 

As for the cables I don't care for the asymmetrical placement on the original. It would bother me to no end so mine are going to be symmetrical and retain the triangular shape.  

The back and lower body will be done in a 8x2 rib.

When all is said and done I'll only have two little seams to graft at the shoulders. That I can live with. And look, it's done already and took 10 minutes of time.

 

Once the front and back are done, I'll begin working in the round.

The sleeves will be "set in" similar to a short row heel and I'll carry on with the 8 x 2 rib. 

Well the plan seems to be working and the first sleeve cap is in. 

Blush

No, dear reader, this is not what you think it is but it does bear a strong resemblance to it's older sister Breakwater.

 

I became quite enamored with the Linen Stitch detail on the collar whilst working on my Crimson Breakwater. Then inspiration hit me upside the head. OUCH! It has no choice since I'm so thick headed that it has to take agressive measures to get my attention. I digress.

It would be just fabby to have another top with similar details in a material that is more appropriate for the near tropical weather conditions that I must endure during my incarceration in Key West.

I dipped into my extensive Comfy Cotton Stash and selected a sport weight in Flamingo pink.

As I began to knit the collar, ideas began to take shape in my head. Linen stitch for the collar, sleeve and bottom bands, and the rest in simple Stockinette. Short sleeves would be a must. The upper body would be fashioned with negative ease to create a more shapely silouette. 

 

Just past the bust line I would add a wide band in the Linen stitch pattern, giving the top an Empire waist. Then I'd finish by fashioning a flattering A line shape in Stockinette then add one last section of Linen Stitch before binding off.

I love it!!!!!  The fit is positively divine and it came together exactly as I envisioned it. 

 

Finito

Mother's Day weekend was prime knitting time for me.

Friday evening I casted on for Mondo and plowed through the half the body.

Saturday I finished the body added the back and then ripped the back.  A test fit revealed that the body needed to be longer.  So I added one more repeat and re-knit the back again.

Sunday I knit the first half of the front then grafted the seam. Did a test fit. The arm was too deep by one inch. Ripped back the front and back by one inch and re-grafted.  Second test fit was perfect.

Monday I had my fill of knitting scandalous and cleaned the house instead.

Tuesday I finished the front, sewed in tails and called it done. I love it. The cotton feels so good against my skin. Mission accomplished.

Now for the details. I converted it to a bottom up and choose to knit the body in one piece instead of two then omitted the ribbing at the bottom. Comfy cotton does not curl so I took advantage that fact. 

And there you have it. A charcoal top that fits me perfectly. Life is good.

 

 Zoe said the Mother of Pearl shield pendant is a great choice. I agree.  

 
Thanks Sydney!

Mondo

Ever since I discovered machine washable Comfy cotton from Knit Picks, I've been dreaming of knitting my entire summer wardrobe in it to sustain me for the ten long months of endless sweltering heat.

Lord knows I might melt into a puddle down here but I'm determined to look fabulous in the process. 

First up is Mondo from Chic Knits. I'm envisioning a dark charcoal gray color in a worsted weight similar to this.

 

Don't you think it will look fantastic paired with ice white linen trousers?

This will be a welcome visual relief to the vivid candy colors that are so prominent here.  

Should the yarn be in my post box today, you can be sure that I will working on it tonight.