Thursday, March 29, 2007
Finally resuming knitting for myself
After a long break (from CNY to date, it's about 6 weeks or so), I am finally getting to knit for myself again.
No, I didn't touch the red mohair lace as I wanted a portable project that I can tote around without having to refer to the pattern chart too much.
So this is it.
I had started this project in the round as the pattern calls for SSPs and YOs on the wrong side as well. I casted on for it 2 weeks ago and the progress is coming along quickly.
As it contains silk, the phototaking is a challenge as the light reflects badly, depending on the angle. I am pretty much a novice when it comes to photographing.It's coming to the waist so hopefully I can be done by April!On another note, I have taken my Mom's silk tunic for a test-drive. Ok, I know I am *technically* not supposed to. But since she left it at my apartment, I suppose it's ok that I wear it?It's really cooling to wear and at the end of the day, I have nary a bead of perspiration. That's what motivated me to go silk blend for the above project for myself.Oh, did I mention that the yardage is incredible? The burgundy tunic only took 5 x 40g balls and you can see how long it is! I am hooked![Edited to add: The pattern is from a Japanese magazine, Keitodama #106 that was published in year 2000 so I am not sure if it's still available. The thing I did was to merely tweak the pattern to get the desired fit.]
PS. Thanks for the compliments on the tunic. The turquoise top is a pattern from a Lang pattern book (Updated details are found in the earlier entry itself).
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Now that all the fuss is over...
I can blog peacefully.
First, my PC died late January.
I have to say though I was pretty glad that it gave a sign. The PC kept freezing itself in bouts a few days before and I backed up my work onto an external harddisk.
A great decision as it went totally dead the next day.
Then there was the CNY reunion feast. About 18 people turned up and there was quite a bit of preparations to get all the ingredients onto the table -- we had steamboat.
But prior to that, I was knitting furiously. To get Mom's garments ready as promised.
The silk blend top zipped along easily. Until I got to the armholes -- I wanted a snug fit and I wasn't sure if Mom is comfortable with that.
The yarn also garned a lot of comments from the gals, who reckoned that the yarn is very *crunchy* in texture. A strange sensation, not like what we are used to. However, a wash is all that's needed to get the silky feel back.
I also worked on my niece's baby jeans. It was almost all seamed up (note the word: almost.)
I was certainly glad that in the end, I did complete Mom's garments in time for CNY.
This piece was finally done up with all the tails tucked in although I didn't manage to get a shot with Mom wearing it.
[Edited to add: The above turquoise pattern is from Fatto a Mano # 146 put out by Lang Yarns. I used 7 balls of Top Soft for a medium size with some alterations to the armholes to make it snug. (I am sure you are used to my ways of *pattern fiddling* by now. ~grin~ ) Took me about 1 1/2 months to finish this as I was knitting the silk tunic below during the same period.]
However, the surprise is with the next piece.
Initially as I am knitting this top, my Mom is worried that it may be very snug. However, as it is, the silk top has relaxed visibly after a wash. And my sister looks great wearing it. So it looks like it's a winner after all!
Now that these projects are done, I am looking for a new project to start on soon! I've been in a slump since post-CNY.
PS. Thanks for keeping in touch! I am well; it's just that I got weaned off the PC a little when the former met its death. :) So my CNY resolution? Blog more frequently!
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