I tell you, this is taking forever . . . I'll just twiddle my thumbs.
No, I don't mean the photo. I meant the actual sweater.
For those who need a recap, well, I pretty much spelled it all out yesterday, but....
Tatami pattern from Sundara Yarn.
Started in December 2006.
Finished July 2007.
Made in my own, handspun yarn.
Modifications? Well, just two, really.
One is the position of the ties. I've mentioned any number of times that my biggest figure flaw is my waistline, and when I wrapped this around as intended, to decide where to place the ties . . . I just wasn't happy with the way it looked OR felt . . . too clingy. But when I tried just holding it closed at the bust? Perfect. So that's what I did--I crocheted the two ties right there, at the "V" of my t-shirt. Does it bother me that it's not so "kimono-ish" this way? Well, maybe a little, but that's more than outweighed by the fact that I'll wear it this way a lot more often... (Although, honestly, I'm still second-guessing that decision.)
I also left a little "vent" at the bottom of the side seams--just about 2"--just to allow a little more "give." (Probably completely unnecessary, now that I've decided I don't want to wear this as a traditional, wrapped, kimono, but it made sense last night when I was planning to.)
Ultimately, though, I'm really, really pleased with the way this came out. I love the way the dropped stitches add to the drape--and the way they make it both warm and breezy to wear. And I really like the way my handspun worked with the pattern, too.
Now, if it would just stop thundering--look how dark those windows are. I took these pictures at about 4:30 in the afternoon! Chappy is NOT a happy camper with those boomers overhead....
Hey, for you NYC-metro Oldies-music fans . . . remember when WCBS FM 101.1 was hijacked by Jack Radio?
Well, as of tomorrow, the 12th, at 1:01 pm, it's BACK! Woohoo! The format is changing a little--not so much 50's music, more 80's--but still. I'm so happy to hear that. I could care less that they're not going to be using the word "Oldies" any more. ("Heritage," is the word I heard.) And I will miss some of the 50s doo-wop kind of music (not to mention Elvis) that they're leaning away from . . . but still. I think it's great that this radio icon is coming back.
One more picture, just for fun.
Hey, have you seen the TECHknitting blog? Chock full of all sorts of amazingly helpful tips and explanations and things. Like, this explanation of how to join circular knitting to avoid that "jag" at the join--and weave the end in at the same time. Or her brilliant method of kitchener stitch that uses knitting needles rather than a threaded tapestry needle. Or her chart-chart method for lace stitches that's neither row-by-row text nor stitch charts, but . . . something in between. . . . Hmm . . . I could keep going, but maybe it would just be better for you to look at the topics yourself?
I LIKE it, a lot! And with handspun yarn, too! Way to go!
Posted by: Marcia Cooke | July 11, 2007 at 09:39 PM
It looks fabulous on you! And thanks for those Techknitting links. The join looks priceless...
Posted by: Chris | July 11, 2007 at 10:30 PM
It looks good! And done? Yes? Yay! The tie looks like you picked a flattering spot.
Posted by: Carrie K | July 11, 2007 at 11:15 PM
This is just beautiful. And you spun the yarn too - wow, what an accomplishment! Congratulations - fantastic job!!
Posted by: Nancy | July 12, 2007 at 12:27 AM
Gorgeous color yarn. Great pattern too... looks very comfortable.
Posted by: Madame Purl | July 12, 2007 at 01:16 AM
It's so pretty. One day I will finish a sweater... LOL
Posted by: Paula | July 12, 2007 at 09:17 AM
Looks great! We had horrid thunderstorms on Tuesday. The wind alone knocked one of my trees down and ripped a HUGE chunk out of the big Maple near the house. I hope your storm didn't do any damage.
Posted by: Lizzy B | July 12, 2007 at 09:38 AM
It looks awesome!! There is nothing quite like making something out of your own handspun. Beautiful!
Posted by: Jessica | July 12, 2007 at 09:39 AM
It is SUPER cute. Don't feel bad about things looking funny when tied around the waist. Even though I have a relatively small waist, it's also insanely long and when I tie anything at my waist, it just emphasizes how disproportionate I am. I prefer things to be tied up higher, either at the bust or neck.
Your handspun is gorgeous.
Posted by: Marnie | July 12, 2007 at 11:32 AM
It turned out just lovely. You must be so proud.
Posted by: CindyCindy | July 12, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Beautiful!!!
Posted by: Gracie | July 12, 2007 at 01:11 PM
I love it! It's totally cute on you and I really like the change to the ties.
Posted by: Sundara | July 12, 2007 at 01:19 PM
The sweater looks great on you! Congrats.
Posted by: Kim P | July 12, 2007 at 07:57 PM
That looks great!
Posted by: Romi | July 12, 2007 at 11:28 PM
Cute! The color is also really good on you. And may I also add that your hair looks fabulous?
Posted by: terby | July 13, 2007 at 08:27 AM
The sweater turned out great! But then, I knew it would. :-)
Posted by: Laura | July 16, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Saw your post on the Slogalong. Your sweater is beautiful. It must feel good to finally have it finished and wearable just in time for fall!
Ang
Posted by: angelarae | September 16, 2007 at 01:47 PM