So after much reflection I confirmed that the USMP was beginning to stress me out, and that the main thing troubling me was having gone so long without actually finishing anything. So I set out to find (1) a fast, bulky project (2) using yarn from my stash and (3) needles I already owned. Probably this penchant for instant gratification is a sign of too much television as a child or something. But I digress.
Perhaps I also, secretly, wanted something to wear to the Loop-d-Loop book signing at Stitch Therapy, my LYS, later this month.
I revisited Teva Durham's Ballet Pullover from the Summer '04 issue of Interweave Knits, which I had made a doomed attempt to start once with some bizarre yarn shaped like shoelaces. This time I tried some bulky cotton yarn recycled from a thrift-store top. The gauge was too small (12st = 3.5" instead of 12st=4"), so I chose two sizes up from my normal size and got going.
The body is now complete. I think I will go ahead and add long sleeves - the sweater actually demanded very little yarn and oodles of said recycled yarn remains. Surprisingly, the finished product is actually pretty roomy. Wearable, but roomy... probably my regular size would have served just fine, especially considering all the stretch in the pattern. It's especially surprising considering I'd heard others who made this pattern complain that it turned out more snugly than they'd expected. Ah, the mysteries of yarn substitution.
Also, the neck is supposed to be finished with a crocheted border. I have little faith in my ability to crochet, though it may be worth a try, it's nice unfinished as well.
Anyhoo, the sweater should be finished in a day or so, after which I'll throw it in a warm wash (it's washable... hurrah!) and dry in an effort to tighten it up a bit. If it's still too big, I might just frog and start over again, since it was such a quick knit.
Posted by jess at September 13, 2005 10:55 AMI made a loop-d-loop ballet top not too long ago with substituted double-stranded worsted weight Pakucho cotton. In the smnallest size, it was roomy. And then stretched and sagged, so I frogged it. It was so quick I didn't mind really. Your experience sounds similar to mine. The pattern has so much stretch. BTW, in the book, there is no crochet edge! Don't do the crochet if you don't wanna!
Posted by: jillian at September 13, 2005 11:56 AMYou're so lucky to have a Loop d Loop book signing to look forward to! Teva Durham's patterns are always so interesting... have you seen her crocheted jacket in the new Interweave Crochet magazine? So cute. Too bad I don't crochet. :)
Posted by: Karma at September 13, 2005 12:28 PMYou have reminded me that this is on my list of "must knits". I revise it so frequently that I often forget the original contenders. Both the cap-sleeved and the long-sleeved versions are lovely! No need for crochet.
Posted by: Gina at September 13, 2005 1:33 PMThat was quick! I really like the color you chose. I would worry a bit about it stretching, esp since you seem to be tiny : ) I dont remember what the req yarn is in the book but I saw the actual knitted sample and Teva said that she could fit in both the small and medium since it stretches, but to be honest it stretched that much...umm I forgot my point here maybe it was to not crochet but most likely not : )
Posted by: yahaira at September 13, 2005 1:45 PMI'm glad you're making this. It has been on my list for some time now, but I've held back for some reason or other. I can't wait to see how it looks, and perhaps I'll have the courage to begin looking for yarn subs and finally cast on! Its why I bought that issue, before I became a subscriber. I think its about time.
Posted by: Megann at September 13, 2005 4:24 PMStrange that you would complain that something is too big. I remember you wearing your father's double XX sweaters and shirts. Good luck with the sleeves.
Posted by: mikey at September 13, 2005 9:07 PMCute ballet top and I'm looking forward to seeing your version with long sleeves. As for the crochet border, forget it. As Jillian mentioned, it's not in the original pattern and it looks fabulous without it!
Posted by: diana at September 14, 2005 7:44 AMIt looks nice. I made a ballet t-shirt a while back, using Rowan All Seasons Cotton, double-stranded, and have been planning to make another one. I found the double-stranded yarn quite heavy, so I might do the same you did and use some chunky yarn instead. I'll be interested to see how you do the sleeves - it would be a good way to turn this top into something that is possible to wear in autumn and spring...
And as for the sizing of it, mine came out quite big as well. Not too big, but rather roomy nevertheless - and I made the smallest size! While I was knitting it I thought it might be a bit tight, but there is just that much stretch in the pattern that I think it would equally fit a person who wears 3 sizes bigger than I do.
Posted by: Iris at September 15, 2005 3:04 AMOh that's cute! I may have to try that one. Now to find the right yarn in my stash ;)
Posted by: Lisa at September 16, 2005 11:36 AMYou inspired (enabled?) me to order that issue of Interweave! I love the ballet tee, and I can't wait to see the sweater version. Your color ballet is SO pretty. I was reading on "girl from auntie" today that Teva Durham has 3 patterns in the new knitscapes mag by interweave. Your USMP is coming out beautifully as well. Your blog is the best :)
Posted by: Illanna at September 16, 2005 11:12 PMis this pattern available anywhere? i know the back issue is sold out.
Posted by: shani at February 27, 2007 4:21 PMis this pattern available anywhere? i know the back issue is sold out.
Posted by: shani at February 27, 2007 4:21 PM