Start spreading the news . . .
Yes, the Rainey Sisters will be together again! Tomorrow, Susan is flying to Washington, and then on Friday we will take the train up to New York. We’re going to see Clay Aiken in his Broadway debut in Monty Python’s Spamalot on Friday night. (I say “we,” but y’all know it’s mostly me.) On Saturday, we’ll catch Wicked. (Susan’s seen it; I haven’t.) In between, we’ll knit and visit yarn stores. So far, we are thinking about Purl Soho, String, and Habu Textiles. Any other suggestions greatly appreciated, although we don’t have a lot of time.
In the meantime, for those who like to watch paint dry, I’ve finished the second front of Pearl Buck.
Just the two sleeves to go. (Doesn’t sleeve avoidance mean it’s time to start a new project?) The original pattern calls for very short (just below the elbow) belled sleeves. I’m making more of a full length stove pipe sleeve — kind of a cross between the sleeve on this:
and this:
The sleeves will therefore end up being slightly belled at the wrist, but get tighter at the elbow (even though I am not changing the number of stitches until close to the armhole).
The jacket doesn’t have any additional finishing along the front edges. I think it needs something. I’m debating among several quick little finishes; I’ll let you know what I chose to do once I decide.
Now to answer a few questions/points:
1. Should I get a little assistant of my own?
Yes. I mean, no. Not if I want to keep my husband. (Don’t tell him it’s a tough call.) I think someone asked his name. It’s Batman (the little assistant, not my husband).
2. The length of the Pearl Buck Swing Jacket
Yes, it’s pretty dang short. Too short to actually be called a jacket in my opinion, but I am not the one who named it. The usual way of lengthening by just adding rows before the armhole won’t work because the pleat chart, which completes the lower back panel, is a set number of rows. There are two ways one could lengthen it, however.
If you wanted to add fairly significant length, you could chart out one more diamond for the pleat — a larger, first one. You would need to alter the number of stitches you cast on and move the fold line stitches out slightly, but it would be relatively easy to do. I considered doing that, decided not to, and have slight regrets. Le sigh.
If you only wanted to add an inch or so, you could add that to the yoke, which is knit sideways. You would just add stitches to the number the pattern tells you to cast on, but then follow the directions as written for the neck shaping. HOWEVER, you would also need to adjust where you start the armhole shaping on the lower back piece and on the fronts. You would need to move the shaping up to compensate for the increased width of the yoke.
3. Why did I invert the pleat?
I just didn’t like the way the pleat hangs in the original design and thought it would be fun to hide the diamond pattern inside an inverted pleat.
PS from Susan — here is my Viking:
You should definitely go to Knitty City. It’s on 79th and Broadway, just off the A train (get off at the 79th St. stop and walk east to the end of the block.) It’s my favorite yarn store and it has the biggest knitting library in New York City (or so I’m told).
Comment by Sarah — January 16, 2008 @ 11:56 am
No added suggestions on where to visit, but I am so jealous that you are getting to do all these fun things. I do love a road trip.
Comment by Marsha — January 16, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
From Susan — I wish I looked as good in MY Viking Turid as Lucy does! I think I’m bringing mine to wear this weekedn, though! 🙂 See you tomorrow!
Comment by lv2knit — January 16, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
Oh, what fun! There is nothing like a sister trip (or daughter trip, Maria). We do ours in Minnesota or Dallas. Both have fun yarn shops. Have fun.
Comment by Eunice — January 16, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
How on earth could your husband say no to your own Batman? I’m not a complete fan of Chihuahuas, but that little guy is just so absolutely adorable.
I love all of your work. Have fun in New York.
Comment by Tiny Tyrant — January 16, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
I would advise a visit to School Products when you are looking at yarn stores here. They are the originators of Karabella and some times have deals on it. But the real draw is their luxury Italian mill ends. They have cashmere, they have silk, they have yak. See here http://www.schoolproducts.com/index.php?cPath=27_68 . They also have lots of interesting things that don’t make it to the website, and they have the best supply of lace yarn in New York City. They are in an office building on the third floor, 1201 Broadway 28/29th. Their hours are not what they might be, check the website. Near the oriental rug district, should you want shopping diversity.
I second the Knitty City comment, the upper west side is a fun neighborhood to visit.
Comment by Valerie — January 16, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
Since you’re going to Habu, why not go to School Products as well? They have amazing stuff you can’t find anywhere else and great prices. Address:
1201 Broadway Suite 301
New York, NY 10001
between 28th & 29th Streets
3rd Floor
Monday through Friday
9:30 – 6:30
Saturday
10:00 – 3:30
Sunday
Closed
Comment by Katie K — January 16, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
Spam-a-lot is hilarious! My husband and I saw it when they were playing at the National in DC. I hope you ladies enjoy it as well :D.
Also- the Viking is lovely. I’ve been eyeing it some time for myself; I love the colour!
Comment by Liz — January 16, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
I’m not sure what you are looking for in a yarn store, but I’m a fan of Downtown Yarns (a mile East of Purl). The staff is lovely and the selection nice for a small shop. If you go be sure to stop and grab a slice of pie (pizza) at Two Boots across the street.
Downtown Yarns: 45 Avenue A between 3rd and 4th streets
http://www.downtownyarns.com/
Comment by Cassandra — January 16, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
I agree with all previous suggestions about NYC yarn. Habu and School Products are only a few blocks apart, just south of the theater district and are unique so I think they are a must. Downtown Yarns is a classic and I always try and get there when I’m in NY.
Comment by Claire — January 16, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
Is your husband’s name Bruce Wayne?
The question is, is New York ready for the Rainey Sisters?
Comment by Lorraine — January 16, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
This list was just posted form someone who is going on the Stitch N Bitch cuise with me 2/27. These are her favorites.
Downtown Yarns
45 Avenue A
New York, NY 10009
(212) 995-5991
http://www.downtownyarns.com
Habu Textiles
135 W 29th St
New York, NY 10001
(212) 239-3546
http://www.habutextiles.com
Knit New York
307 E 14th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 387-0707
http://www.knitnewyork.com
Knitty City
208 W 79th St
New York, NY 10024
(212) 724-9596
http://www.knittycity.com
Purl
137 Sullivan St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 420-8796
http://www.purlsoho.com
School Products
1201 Broadway, 3rd Fl
New York, NY 10001
(212) 679-3516
http://www.schoolproducts.com
Seaport Yarn
135 William St, 5th Fl
New York, NY 10038
(212) 220-5230
http://www.seaportyarn.com
Comment by katomliz — January 16, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
I just want to know if you have a rule that the person who traveled with the sweater that is identical gets first dibs on what to wear (so that you don’t both wear the same sweater). My mom and I met in a small town in Iowa years ago wearing the very same outfit! She promptly went into a store and bought a scarf (she being the more clever). Obliquely related to that, my sister and I both bought the same card for our mom–three times. I’m rambling again…
But Habu! That would be fun. I’m so sorry I didn’t buy the stainless steel cardigan kit a couple years ago. Have a great time.
Comment by Kay — January 16, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
Another vote from me for School Products. I also had a grand time at Seaport. Habu was interesting, even just seeing the showroom.
Enjoy!
Comment by Gerrie — January 16, 2008 @ 9:56 pm
Seaport Yarns is great (but perhaps off the beaten path depending on where you’re staying – it’s down by Wall St.). It’s a bit odd – the 3rd floor of an office building, and little rabbit warrens of rooms – somewhat unkept even, but a HUGE stock of a lot of different yarns, and lots of different colors, etc. I bought a lot when we were there on vacation (altho I used to live just down the street) and she shipped everything to me very quickly. You’re almost shopping in a warehouse tho – don’t expect sofas and kindly sales help, but if you’re looking for a lot of different things, this is it. I also went to Knit New York – nice, clean, shiny, VERY small and low inventory. Good luck – I’m jealous!
Comment by Jenny — January 16, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
Have a great time both of you, bring back lots of stash to show us 🙂 (No yarn shop suggestions from me obviously!)
Comment by Mindie — January 17, 2008 @ 9:14 am
Hey, both lovely Vikings (not you sojourners, but the garments – I mean, you’re lovely too… D’oh! I’m digressing already…)
I’ve long considered making a Viking but wondered about the placement of that Celtic design smack in the middle of the belly. I’m about your size (Susan’s, I think – if she’s the shorter one?) so it’s not like I mind putting the design in the belly; it’s just so unusual.
Anyway, I don’t see any links to Viking in your finished projects? Is that maybe because they were completed before your blog started?
Hope y’all have a lovely wonderful (not too cold) time together!
Comment by Susan — January 17, 2008 @ 10:08 am
If you are going to Purl you may want to stop in at The Point very small shop about a mile or so from Purl but very cute and fun. Also downtown is Stitches East in a Bank Building, not far from MOMA. I always visit Seaport, Andrea the owner is real down to earth and has a wide and varied selection of yarns and decent prices.
If you are looking for a restaurant check out Flora del Mayo it is Peruvian/Chinese and also Le Bonne Soupe has great food.
Have a good time NYC is always fun
Comment by Louise — January 17, 2008 @ 11:07 am
I see that you have been told about school products, Not to be missed….especially for their cashmere and at prices you can’t afford to miss. $60/lb on the cone. fabulous stuff and some yak/merino. It should be your first stop. School products is Karabella yarn
Comment by cathy Goldman — January 17, 2008 @ 11:12 am
Have a great time in New York!! Sounds like a great weekend — can’t wait to see how it inspires you both.
Comment by Soo — January 17, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
It looks great, but I’m curious: Is there a reason that you didn’t do both fronts at the same time? That’s my typical approach for cardigan fronts and for sleeves, and am always interested in knowing why another knitter does things
her way.
Enjoy NY, maybe check out the exhibit at the Museum of Art & Design. (We saw Spamalot in DC, too, had a great time)
Comment by Anne C — January 17, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
I think you definitely need a little assistant, Sally. 🙂
Have a wonderful time in NY you two!!!
Comment by Romi — January 18, 2008 @ 2:47 am
I’ve given you an award; come by to see!
Comment by Romi — January 19, 2008 @ 2:12 am
Have a great time! The sweaters are gorgeous!
Comment by Carol — January 19, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Hi – in response to comment #1, the subway stop for Knitty City is the number 1 (the closest, Broadway and 79th St) … the A train is an express and doesn’t stop anywhere close to 79th st – just in case you don’t want to get lost!
Also, I second, third and fourth the recs for School Products and Downtown Yarns – enjoy your weekend!
Comment by margaret — January 20, 2008 @ 10:43 am
okay I can’t stand it anymore….. Didn’t you love it? I mean L~O~V~E it?!!! I’m telling you…. I want to be Elphaba when I grow up…. That play touched my heartstrings for sure. What a fabulously intricate mind created that masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear your take on it! hey, I have an idea…. Let’s knit something GREEN!
Comment by Michelle — January 20, 2008 @ 11:26 pm
You got an award at my blog!
Comment by Maria — January 21, 2008 @ 11:59 pm