Luckily, I had almost all the yarns they selected in my stash: a couple of balls of Kidsilk Haze, one lone ball of Calmer, a truckload of Tahki Cotton Classic, (earmarked for a blanket) and two balls of Denim (in the interest of full disclosure, they might be Elann's Denim, but they are totally equivalent yarns), leftover from my MIL's sweater from last winter. I recently made a semi-pledge to myself to hold off on any significant stash enhancement until MDSW (no caveats there!), so I really wanted to design using stash.
It took a week or two of thinking before I decided on my design idea: a lace camisole/tank for Rosebud, to wear as a layering piece over regular cotton tanks, knit with Denim. I have lots of smallish quantities of leftover cottons in my stash, and love the idea of coming up with a sort of tank-template for her, with the idea of switching out lace patterns, bodice shapes or strap treatments as the inspiration hits.
I began with my Stitch Pattern-A-Day Calendar, and quickly settled on using Fishtail Lace as the main design element. The big question was choosing a needle size, since I wanted the tank to be lacy enough for her under-tank to peek out of the holes without having that macrame plant holder look. After purchasing an extra ball of Rowan Denim to ensure I had enough for copious swatching, I started with a US8 needle, knitted a swatch, then washed and dried it.
The idea is to begin with the lace all over, creating a nice scalloped bottom edge, and then transition to a mostly stockinette bodice, but continuing two lace panels that will then transition into i-cord straps.
Miraculously, I was pleased with the fabric it created, and am ready to begin knitting on the actual piece. I am, however, really trying to finish my CPH before my big trip to Chicago next weekend, so summer clothes for Rosebud might just have to take the backseat for a week or two!
8 comments:
That will be lovely!
I know - you are going to chicago to meet the great franklin habit!
no?
tour the sears tower, the hancock building, the architectural tour by boat via the chicago river, navy pier, the aquarium, the art institute, the billy goat tavern!
no again?
hmmmmmmm, what ELSE could be going on in chicago that weekend? AHA, the st. partick's day parade, where they dye the chicago river green!
again, no?
well, I give up!
(wink wink nudge nudge)
What a great idea for a CAL! I wish I had some of the yarn in the stash, but alas, I don't. And I'm also feeling burdened by unfinished business around here ...
I'm excited to see how the tank for Rosebud turns out!
What a great KAL. Can't wait to see what you all create!
I love the fish tail lace. It should be adorable! Funny that you're going to Chi-town, since that is my other old stomping ground - I lived there for ten years. Bundle up - it's gonna be chilly! xox, J
What a lucky girl, that Rosebud. Can't wait to watch your process and prgress.
I have no doubt that it will look wonderful. You are a creative and talented knitter, Queen Midas if you will. Rosebud will look back at her childhood pictures and think, "Man, my moms was da bomb!"
Or something like that. Have fun in Chicago. :o)
It looks good so far. Have a great time on Chicago.
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