Pattern: Indigo Ripples Skirt, IK Spring 2007 (Rav link)Yarn & Needles: Elann Den-M-Nit, 9 balls indigo, US5
Pattern Mods: I lengthened the stockinette portion and I only knitted 50 rows of the lace pattern. I also added a few shorts rows right below the waistline but before the first hip increase to account for my apple-ish bottom. I've added all the details in my Rav notes, and included some stats about shrinkage. If you're not on Ravelry, um, why?
I never thought I would knit a skirt for me (I did knit one for Rosebud), but a few in the last year really caught my eye. Jody's. Eunny's. Elspeth's. (Interestingly, they were all designed by Kat Coyle, who I guess we have to thank for the resurgence of the knitted skirt.) The return of Elann's Den-M-Nit this fall sealed the deal for me, and I've been single-mindedly knitting on this skirt to finish it time for MDSW.
I've knit with denim before, and didn't much like it. Knitting the denim can be a chore. I am not usually bothered knitting with cottons, but denim is really hard on my hands and wrists, and the indigo dye rubs off on my hands (but not on my clothes, which was a good thing). But the fabric it creates is perfect for a skirt. It is an extremely comfortable garment, but it feels substantial, like woven denim cloth, especially after shrinking, which firms up the fabric nicely and evens out the stitches. This weightiness keeps the skirt from grabbing and bagging around one's bottom. Instead it skims the curves and when it starts to droop, just stick in the washer and dryer!
This pattern is extremely simple to knit; from the top down, with simple increases through the hips and then some easily memorizable lace at the bottom. The ruffle at the edge takes a long time, and it took me all day to bind off. But it was so worth it. It creates a lightness and movement on a substantial garment, and makes it really fun to wear. I find myself twirling and twisting and walking with an extra swing in my step just to enjoy the swirl!
Minty posted pics of her finished Snapping Turtle Skirt this week, and as I read through her comments, I saw a lot of knitters who loved it (it is gorgeous, and looks great) aren't sure about the knitted skirt. I, too, was once a knitter dubious of the knitted skirt. But I am now a believer. I am not a particularly skinny gal, and my lower half is curvy and womanly and reflects my age and my status as a child-bearer. I have hips and ass and a poochy tummy, and this skirt looks and feels great.So if you are still not sure, ask me about it at MDSW this weekend. Or even if you believe in the knitted skirt, come on up and say hi! Ann and I will be together for another XRK meet-up, and we'd love to say hello!
28 comments:
I love your commentary on the knitted skirt. This skirt was a must have for me and I knit it back in March last year. I want another skirt from a different pattern because it feels so good to wear.
Awesome look with the boots. I will need to wear mine that way some time.
Work it... worrrrk it! It looks fantastic on you and you did a wonderful job. I wish I was going to MDSW... can't wait for your full report!
Fabulous! It looks so good on you. Enjoy it. Wish I could see it in person.
It does look like a great skirt. I hope to see it in person (on person?) Saturday ...
I on the other hand have knitted nothing for MdS&W. As usual.
Oh, I wish I could be there to meet you.
At Rhinebeck this year there was a woman wearing a knee length knit dress and I basically stalked here the entire festival before finally asking her for the stats. It was never something I had considered before but now must knit sometime in the future.
You'll rock that skirt! Have Fun!
The skirt is really fabulous! I am sorry I will not be able to see it in person this weekend. Have a great time!
It looks seriously fabulous, Liz. I love it! I'm still on the knitted-skirt fence, but you may be nudging me over.
That looks fabulous - totally makes me rethink the knitted skirt. Have fun this weekend!
It is a great skirt and it looks really good on you! Excellent job on it.
wow that skirt came out SO CUTE!!! I love the outfit all together. Great Job...wish I was going to MDSW just so I could find you and touch your skirt.
Ummm...hmmmm...did that sound a little stalkerish? Well either way it is that nice! :O)
Luv yours!! I have had the yarn since last year and just swatched for it...oh abouta month ago! LOL I will get to mine eventually!
Yours just motivated me to get back on it!
If you have a sec please tell me how you did the short rows on your skirt.
Have a wonderful time at MDSW!!
Your skirt looks fantastic.
OMGosh! You totally rock that awesome skirt!!!
I actually have a JJill skirt that has similar shaping that I wore all winter to dance class -- maybe I should try knitting a skirt? Sounds so unlike me! Next thing you know I'll be wearing make-up and shaving my legs ... NAH!
The skirt is most excellent! I can't wait to see you this weekend!
It's beautiful Liz! Looks so good on you, too!!
I am glad to hear all your comments on the knitted skirt. I'm still somewhat doubtful, but maybe I'll come around to this one. In any case, it is very flattering on you and looks like a skirt that would make one want to twirl!
I had the same reservations about a knitted skirt....I love how you say your "status as a child bearer...!" Glad to know the concerns are unfounded. I have had this pattern in my Q for ages and it looks WONDERFUL on you!
If I see you (and Ann) I will be sure to harass you!
Hmm, I may have to rethink the knit skirt - I've always been concerned about bucket butt.
Anyway, see you on the bus - I'm a bus captain! Hopefully, I won't leave anyone behind.
W
Love the skirt. We will be at MDS&W. See you there.
It looks great! And I love the action shot -- all good skirts must be twist-appropriate.
See you Saturday! (I hope)
I saw it last night in person and it's FABULOUS!
and yes, liz was worrrrrking it last night! LOL ;-) never fear, fellow knitters, she was at her SnB group meeting!
You could almost make me a convert. The skirt is lovely on you and you write most convincingly. I especially like the idea that the denim would shrink in on itself a bit to tighten up the knitting.
I hope you have tons of fun at the MDSW. I'm sure you'll get tons of compliments.
Grrl, you rock the skirt hard. Mrowr.
And yeah, don't you love Kat's patterns?
Have a great time at MDSW!
I will see you and I will be bearing gifts! I'll be anxious to see you wearing this, too! It looks really cute and comfortable, a great combination for any knit.
I think I had been trained to fear the knitted skirt for years as well, but a woman I know had knit herself several and wore them regularly and they looked great, so I took the plunge. I think it's more of an urban myth that they'll be awful than the truth, if of course you choose your pattern and yarn carefully! Perhaps it's one of those things you have to try to believe.
I love your indigo skirt, Liz! I can't quite believe that yours is the result of some modifications--this looks how a skirt like that was meant to be. Sad I won't see you again at MDS&W; it was such a thrill to finally meet you last year.
I will be looking for you & your skirt! Is Mo going? That would help me, since I know her. You've got me wanting to queue a skirt ~
you look amazing in that skirt! you have *almost* made a believer out of me with your post, too. maybe next year. my hips don't seem to go back to "new normal" until a kid is at least 2. now a wrap skirt... i could do that. hmm. off to sketch a little.
The skirt is really cute! And in denim, wow!
Can't wait to read all about MD S&W.
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