Theme On!

Never let it be said that I don't carry a theme beyond its logical conclusion.  The slipped stitch hem is so lovely, if I do say so myself, that incorporating that reverse stockinette contrast elsewhere required no brain power at all.

And - somewhat with respect to the original pattern that must be hiding around her somewhere - this is a rolled edge. 

A very short six rows of stockinette around the v-neck just happen to roll into a reverse stockinette neckline that matches perfectly with the hem theme.  Adding in this contrast yarn in a very casual style has turned the raglan pullover into a casual top.  That is exactly what my goal was from the beginning.  A casual, wear anytime, Springtime cotton pullover.   I must admit, that when the whole thing was very solid jade, it had a tendency to want to go dressy.  It was begging for a leather flower embellishment or a bit a sparkle filling up the neckline.

As you can see, sleeves are still required.  I'm thinking that you can easily figure out how I might be planning to edge the sleeves.  Only issue left on the design table is the sleeve length.   I'm leaning toward 3/4 length, but given that this top has changed directions several times during the making, the old knitting muse might have a swift turn to make before blocking occurs.

And speaking of blocking, do you notice the extreme change in row gauge when I moved from back & forth to in the round (after the v-neck join)?  It is almost as stark in person as in the photos.  [insert huge sigh here]

A New Ending

It came to me in a flash of boredom.  Since I have my own roll right about where most tops end, I know that following the pattern and ending this pullover with a rolled edge is just wrong - wrong for me to wear and wrong for the rest of the world to gaze upon.

At first, something open or lacy was swirling about in my mind.  Books were consulted.  Online resources were perused.  Nothing just right jumped forth to proclaim, "pick me!"

So, I knit another boring round of stockinette and suddenly it was clear.  I could pull out the coordinating colorway and slip a few stitches with success. 

So simple.  I wonder why it took so long to come to mind?

Swiftly Go The Hands That Knit

Lest you think that my recent absence from the blog sphere indicates an absence from the needles, work is moving swiftly on the new cotton raglan.

Not much to say about miles of stockinette now that no increases are being worked.  Y'all missed the fun part.

I am checking through my library for something of interest to add to the hem and/or sleeves.  The final weight of this piece (aran weight 100% mercerized cotton) has me concerned.  This one pullover, when completed, just might put my luggage overweight for air travel.  Rather than the expected ribbing, the hunt is on for a bit of open work that will add both length and visual interest while using less yarn and thereby saving that last ounce of weight when packing.

To The Swift. . .

Many a race does indeed go to the swift.  Many a yarnaholic is in a race, swiftly, to use up the stash thereby making space for the new.  I am that person.

To the swift go I.

Plymouth Fantasy Naturale is an aran yarn of 100% mercerized cotton.

How could I have forgotten it was safely stored in the dark under layers of the stash?  Well, given that Mother Nature thinks it is summer in this southland, cotton is about the only thing that is comfortable this week.  This is just a tad over 1200 yards.   When purchasing (whenever that was) I had the foresight to acquire both the jade and enough contrasting yardage to allow a lot of flexibility in the project selection. 

After standing at the swift and winding though all the hanks, this stuff has decided to be a nice comfy loose summer tee.  Raglan sleeves will help in the comfort department so I'm planning a basic, no frills top down so that the finishing is minimized.

Sure do hope that the making goes swiftly.

Wrapping Along

The tulip panels are all done.  The whole wrap is completed.  Even the ends have been woven with care.  There is absolutely nothing wrong that a good blocking could not solve.  

All in all, this was a quick crochet.  But that is probably owing to the fact that it is holiday season with lots of time devoted to staying close to friends and family and college football.  There were a few days when I worked a lot - meaning that I think I have crochet shoulder.  Does that malady even exist?

This Lapis Wrap, which is not lapis but closer to garnet/ruby, is crocheted in a swing style.  The one piece construction means that after ends are secured it is finished.  Gotta love the no sewing.

Click on the photo and check out those tulip panels.  The four row pattern is very easy and could transfer into many other projects.  But the star is definitely the collar.  Well, it is a collar on the back and just extends down the front as luscious lapels.

Beautiful design work.   And my execution is not shabby.  The puffy work for the collar panel is easy to memorize - one row at a time.  But this is not beginner stitching.  Some experience in the intermediate or advanced levels will help things along.

I found it fascinating that the eight rows of the collar are so much wider than eight rows of double crochet.  That is the way that lace goes.  Once blocked, the scalloped edge will really stand out.

Please understand that this is not a fitted vest.  It is a loose and swingy wrap (with armholes) that flows according to the whim of the yarn.

Speaking of which:

Frog Tree sport alpaca - eight balls

Pattern specifies using a 'H' hook

Lenora is a bit loosey goosey and had to work with a 'G'

PS - clearly, I am not the model.  Thanks to Sarah for so willingly posing in the winter sunshine.