I really like Japanese short rows!! Like most knitters, I have never been fond of short rows. I think they cause a tear in the space-time continuum that I like to think of as my lovely knitted fabric. However, Japanese short rows do no such thing, when executed correctly. They create a fabric with short row shaping and minimal short row ick (technical term!).Â
We have posted this link before but it bears repeating: Nona Knits Japanese Short Rows. Use it! Good knitters do not let other good knitters do bad short rows ;).
Anyway, jump ahead a couple of days and the top is finshed:
The color in the top picture is much truer — why is it so hard to get good pictures? Why does it look so BEIGE in these pictures?Â
I am not thrilled with the top — it looks like you could buy it in a store for much less money and effort. No one will think it’s silk, and I think the color should be prettier. However, I do recommend the pattern if you are looking for a nice summer top. It calls for 20 sts/4″ gauge which is very common, the pattern can be sized to any figure, and it is easy to do.Â
Those of you who have been paying attention will notice the absence of bobbles (Mary M. will not be surprised!). Yes, I have an active aversion to bobbles. I had already decided to forego the bobbles on the back — I thought they would cause bumps that looked like tumors growing on my back in perfect alignment. I got to the front and actually knitted the bobbles on the first section, but thought they were way too much effort for the result, so I did a bobblectomy. I substituted some textured knitting instead. Again, another reason to like this pattern for its adaptability.
The timing of this FO is great because I got an email today stating that my PEACOCK YARN IS IN THE MAIL AND WILL ARRIVE TOMORROW OR THE NEXT DAY. Do you realize what this means!!?? I am mere hours away from starting the project of my [recent] dreams: many hours of aggravation and love to make a shawl I will never wear. Heaven.
Bless me Father, for…….
Okay, I’m not Catholic, but I have a confession. I have never knit a lace shawl before — not in laceweight anyway. The Peacock Feathers Shawl will be my first foray into the mysterious and scary world of actual laceweight lace knitting! Whew. I feel better clearing my conscience. I did not realize it was my first until I started swatching some lace in preparation for the Peacock’s arrival. It felt unfamiliar. I racked my brains for a memory of knitting a lace shawl. Lots of examples in DK+ came to mind, as well as some failed attempts at laceweight. But no shawl. Ever.Â
So, this should be fun!
I am also slowly knitting along on the Mitered Tote — which is PERFECT mindless take-along knitting. I will be totally content: work on lace at home and tote on the road. My world is in order.
The silk top is lovely – I’m glad you skipped the bobbles. Your version is much nicer. Beware the lace weight yarn; once you start, you won’t be able to stop. I think you’ll love knitting with the Zephyr. I’m so glad it’s finally on its way to you.
Comment by Melanie — May 2, 2007 @ 12:07 am
I also have an active aversion to bobbles — an allergy, in fact.
Comment by AuntieAnn — May 2, 2007 @ 12:15 am
Very nice top! I think it would look bizarre with bobbles, even though I have no aversion to them. *g*
Yay Peacock! You’ll have fun. My first laceweight shawl project was the Tina shawl from Fiddlesticks. Yep. Baptism by fire, they call it. 😉 Just remember to use stitch markers. They make a huge difference! It’s gonna be gorgeous! Simply gorgeous!
Comment by Romi — May 2, 2007 @ 1:55 am
But we will know that you had put much thought and effort into it! It’s lovely.
Really? Make it look easy, OK? Or you’ll have 3 unused cones of the Zephyr on your conscience 😉
Comment by Marina — May 2, 2007 @ 7:02 am
Your comments on the pattern are quite useful. It looks lovely. Does the resulting fabric have any sheen to it, and does it have a lot of stretch and drape?
Comment by Gale — May 2, 2007 @ 8:05 am
Very pretty top. Thanks for the link to the short-row lessons. Something new to try — I’ve never like the wrap and turn business.
On with the lace!! (I’m hooked)
Comment by Wendy O — May 2, 2007 @ 9:16 am
Susan- (Giggling) Bobblectomy- that’s priceless.
It is a very figure flattering design- bet you look “whack” in it.
Let’s see: Bobbles, Intarsia, Acrylic, Cobweb Weight Yarn, Plastic Needles,
Nupps, and Knitted Thongs- those are the seven deadlies of knitting.
It’s in the Bible.
Comment by Lorraine — May 2, 2007 @ 9:23 am
Yes, laceweight is an addiction. Just look at me!
Comment by surly — May 2, 2007 @ 9:53 am
If your top feels like silk, it’ll be worth it. Much luck with your laceweight — isn’t it nice to have new things left to learn & do?
Comment by Pam — May 2, 2007 @ 5:02 pm
Down with Bobbles! I’m with you on that one.
Be wary the wiles of lace, you may never look back. I’ve been thinking about doing the peacock feathers shawl, so I’m excited to see how you like it.
Comment by Christine — May 3, 2007 @ 12:30 am