Time Warp Fiber

I know that I have been a bad blogger, but I firmly believe that finished objects should get their own posts, so more on my shortcomings later. I present you with my Slanted neck pullover. I'm not sure I should use the name, I changed it so heavily. The yarn is Silky Wool, and the gauge was bang on for the pattern, even though it's not what's called for. I used about 6 skeins, I think, making this an amazingly affordable sweater. I bought 9 skeins, so maybe you'll see a wrap in the same color sometime. The yarn has excellent texture, interesting without being overwhelming, and the silk content makes it a bit lighter for warmer climes. There was rather more vegetable matter in it than I would have liked though. I would call that the one major fault of the yarn.

Sizing is alway an issue with me. I think I must have thoroughly freakish proportion because I am certain there was never a piece of clothing manufactured that actually fits me. I have similar problems with the shaping laid out in commercial patterns. So I took my measurements (an act of fortitude), did a tremendous amount of math, and re-sculpted the pattern to better suit my own proportions. Having worn it, I think I could have brought in the bust a bit more. I worked it to about 1 inch positive ease, but it could have been none. Although, the extra room may give me more freedom of motion in my arms. I put in short rows to make room, but there could have been a bit more of those. In fact, I had written down to put more, but didn't do it in the knitting. I have some residual breast denial hanging around from my (long past) barely-b cup days. I look at the short rows and think, "surely no one has that much boob" and go on my way. It's not bad at all, but more rows might have smoothed out the front ever so slightly more. And really, having only these two small complaints about fit makes this a serious victory.

Other things I changed. Almost all of the trim. The neckband as written was madness, so I did a simple turned hem there. I prefer three-quarter length sleeves, since I'm always pushing mine up, and I ended them with ribbing and a tubular bind off. Oh, and I don't sew. No seams here. The body was knit in the round, and split at the armholes, shoulders joined with a 3 needle BO (actually in the original pattern). I knit the sleeves top-down a la Barbara Walker. If you have not used this technique, you must try it. It's very elegant, and removes all the risk involved with easing your sleeve cap into the armhole. Also, picked up stitches tend to be far more elastic than seams, a good feature on an armhole, I think. I've heard it said sweaters need seams to give them structure, but I call that hogwash. Not all sweaters need rigid lines, in fact, it's somewhat contrary to the structure of knit fabric. Perhaps a worsted weight all cotton aran might need support, but a body skimming pullover benefits from cleaner lines and pliable fabric that can move with you in all directions. Besides, what showcases how clever knitting is better than creating a three-dimensional body-shaped garment without sewing a stitch. Anyway, I digress.

Despite all my departures this pattern is a good one, clearly written, with some good details, such as a few short rows at the shoulder to perfect the fit. I love the neck line, open and dramatic, but the slant keeps me from show four inches of cleavage. And it feels special, something you couldn't buy.

I have some other photos for you, which I will try and get up this week. I hope someone still checks this, despite my negligent ways.