Florence is done! Isn't she lovely. Now, I did darn in all those ends but really should had done what Debi recommended, a Russian Join. This is a fabulous technique that I learned ages ago, but for some reason I rarely use. I don't know why, short-row shaping and grafting are second nature, but even learned splicing techniques are not unless I'm doing lacework.
Here's the back.
What better way to display it than on a live body. Knit Happens Kristine obliged with not one but 2 poses.
The Debbie Bliss Cathay knits to the same tension as the Rowan Luxury Cotton and works out slightly cheaper too. Personally, I prefer the Debbie Bliss colour palette, wishy-washy pastels are just don't do it for me. The fiber content are not so different, and both yarns are incredibly drapey.
I made only one modifications to the orginal pattern and it isn't discernable, but makes it easier for me to mattress stitch it. (I left 2 knit stitches at the edge of the garment)
Just a word of advice, when measuring the 1x1 ribbing length make sure that you stretch the shrug out properly so that you get the right drop for the armhole. When you wear the shrug, the 1x1 rib will stretch horizontally and what you gain in width will mean lost in some length. So if you're not careful, you'll find the armholes too tight. (If you have problems picking up the recommended stitches for the sleeve, that's a good sign that the armhole will be too small.
Although there's a lot of ribbing, it's pretty mindless stuff, so a fast knit, especially if you've got a bit of Lonesome Dove to keep you company
Posted by atu at April 23, 2006 07:21 PM | TrackBackLove your Florence. What a gorgeous design and color. Great Knit! Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: Diane E. at May 5, 2006 02:08 AMI'm discovering knitting podcasts to keep me company! There are quite a few now to keep up with - I use my IPod but you can also just listen to them through your computer.
http://www.pointysticks.org/
http://www.knitcast.com/
http://cast-on.com/
http://www.irieknits.blogspot.com/
and more!
thanks for the Russian join, too!
Maryjo
Absolutely gorgeous! You continue to amaze me. And I love that Russian Join! Genius! I am soooo going to use that one!
Can I ask you a bit of advice? Where/How did you weave your ends in for Kiri. Before or After you blocked it? I have an idea of what I'm going to do, but I'd like to hear your advice first.
Posted by: Amy Lu at April 26, 2006 04:52 PMOh she's beautiful! I must cast on one for me!
Posted by: 4-Ply Katie at April 26, 2006 04:45 PMThat's a great shrug!
Posted by: colleen at April 26, 2006 12:25 AMGreat stuff. Your blog is cool to read. KyleX
Posted by: KyleX at April 26, 2006 12:06 AMI posted yesterday, but my comment did not appear. I love this garment. It is my favorite of all that you have knit. I must make one too!
Posted by: elisabeth at April 25, 2006 05:37 PMYou've done a fantastic job, Polly, I think the colour is fabulous and will look great on you. Thanks for the reminder of the Russian join, I've had the instructions filed for a while now but never remembered to give it a go.
I hope all is well with you, I've been having trouble with my e-mail programme and don't think my messages can have been getting through to you. Things have been vanishing into the ether.
Posted by: Louise at April 25, 2006 12:08 PMPolly it looks gorgeous! Bet it looks great on you as well as Kristine!
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah at April 25, 2006 11:59 AMOh it has come out really beautifully. I would be very tempted if only the thought of more ribbing didn't send me screaming into the bushes. Thanks for the link on the Russian join, this looks like a great idea for a neat finish, I am knitting with laptop to hand now ready to try it shortly.
Posted by: Rebecca at April 24, 2006 09:32 PMFlo is ab fab. My goodness it's gorgeous on Kristine! Now we must see you model it. xox Kay
Posted by: Kay at April 24, 2006 07:32 PMAbsolutely fab! I love the colour! Good job! ^^
Posted by: Joanna at April 24, 2006 04:26 PMI LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE.
Did I mention that I love it?
I think it might have to be next on my list of things to knit for me.
Posted by: elisabeth at April 24, 2006 03:29 PMyeah...kristine's hair is way too annoyingly perfect.
florence is way too cute! great knit polly - that is going to become a staple in your wardrobe.
Posted by: jacqueline at April 24, 2006 10:55 AMA really feminine knit, all lovely and flouncy.
Posted by: Tracy at April 24, 2006 10:22 AMPS how much Cathay for what sizes would you guess on??
Posted by: stinkerbell at April 24, 2006 07:47 AMWhat no frolicking... no London wishy washy pastels.. If I didnt know better I'd be disappointed :)
And damn...Kristine made it to London!!! I am never going to trap that one. Timing = not my friend, it seems.
Now I want Flo... (and it is ALL YOUR FAULT :) I think I see some Cathay in my future once I seam Cutaway and cast off Tivoli (makes more sense than knitting with DB Alpaca Silk non?)
Posted by: stinkerbell at April 24, 2006 07:40 AMFlo is gorgous Polly! And thanks for the shout out :)
Posted by: Debi at April 24, 2006 05:03 AMLovely! Congratulations!
Posted by: Wendy Patterson at April 24, 2006 04:36 AMBeautiful!
Posted by: brooke at April 24, 2006 03:58 AMThis is a beautiful piece! I really like it but all the ribbing is making me think twice about knitting this for myself.
Posted by: Siow Chin at April 24, 2006 02:02 AM'Flo' (for some reason the shortened name seems apt for something that kept you company during Lonesome Dove) is really lovely. The Russian Join sounds like some sort of gymnastic trick, I will have to go read up on it!
Posted by: Meg at April 24, 2006 12:17 AMJob well done(as always)! That's lovely. And thanks for the tip on the Russian Join. Had not heard of it myself but do consider myself quite the novice. I'l have to try it.
Posted by: Marsha at April 23, 2006 10:46 PMIt looks lovely. I never use Russian Join either - must remember to try it next time.
Posted by: Mary at April 23, 2006 10:15 PMI'd never heard of a Russian Join - I found the link from your site worked for me - shall certainly try it.
And you are SO RIGHT about the measuring.....
Posted by: Jill at April 23, 2006 10:08 PMFlorence looks great, well done. Also, thank you for the link to the Russian splicing- I've learned something new again today!
Posted by: Kathleen at April 23, 2006 09:56 PMso very pretty! love the colour; it works great with the pattern.
Posted by: kris at April 23, 2006 08:39 PMWow ... it is so lovely! It is a very feminine wear ... just lovely! But I think you need great patience to knit the 1x1 ribbing (which is not my favourite stitch) for the whole thing!
Posted by: Agnes at April 23, 2006 08:15 PMI LOVE your Florence!. She is beautiful and inspires me to knit faster! I just cast on (last night!) for my own - using a beautiful Pink King Tut Cotton from my stash...I'm interested in your comments and especially would love to know what a Russion Join is. I tried to visit your reference to this site with no luck.
Posted by: Linda at April 23, 2006 08:10 PMDoesn't Florence look lovely. I'm off to find that carrier bag........
Posted by: Diane A at April 23, 2006 07:38 PM