A reader asked me to post pictures of Ballerina, which I said I would do but haven’t yet. I really enjoyed making Ballerina, even though it felt like it took forever. And then there is the “translation” problem with the pattern. With Hanne’s designs, you kind of need an interpreter — and I’m not talking about Swedish to English. I think it’s more like Hanne to everyone else. She has her own unique way of writing directions that defies convention. I have finished my third jacket of hers and finally think I can understand her. I’m thinking of offering a class called “Hanne Helper.”
Anyway, as my knitting peeps know, I change every pattern somehow. On Ballerina, the changes were minor. I decided, based on my experience with Mermaid, to opt out of the built in i-cord hem. Instead, I added an applied i-cord after the fact.  I also did an i-cord bind off around the neckband and ended up not needing the sleeve band.Â
Here is a comparison of the two hem finishes for Mermaid (top) and Ballerina. I was more concerned about the appearance of the inside of the hem on Ballerina because of the design — it is a “swing coat,” longer in the back, so I thought the inside of the jacket might show at times.Â
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I think the Ballerina i-cord looks much better.Â
Not the best picture, but here is the front:
Front detail:
 
Back:
I am now a huge fan of i-cord in all of its forms.  I use it on just about everything. I am so un-original!!
PS — to my Thursday group: I won’t be there this week. I am going to the opening night of Wicked in the nosebleed section!
Beautiful! The applied i-cord gives it a nice even finish. Hope you enjoy Wicked.
Comment by Julie — July 12, 2006 @ 9:16 am
It really is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Wendy in VA — July 12, 2006 @ 9:49 am
Thank you! Thank you! It is stunning! I definitely think the applied i-chord makes a much nicer finished edge. Lovely.
Comment by Niteowl — July 19, 2006 @ 4:42 pm