Pattern: "Jade Empire" by Penny Ollman (knitter's magazine, issue 88, fall 2007) Size small
Needles: 5mm
Just under 9 balls of: Michell & CIA Luxury Collection 100% Fine Merino Superwash DK
Colourway: teal
I sewed it all together last weekend, and in the week since I think I've worn it at least three times! This is MAAAAAAAAJOR for me. It definitely marks the first really wearable thing that I've knit (garment that is...). I love it! I don't think I can even stress that enough. the bell sleeves, the empire waist and flare--me loves!
I even love the colour, which originally was *also* a bit of stretch for me---I don't usual wear a lot of bold colours (unless they are "under" vests and cardigans) but for the most part I am strictly a black and neutral kinda girl. The yarn is really nice (and was on sale!) though I have noticed some slight pilling already...I'll have to see how that develops.
I will definitely get a lot of wear out of this baby, and have already gotten tons of compliments on it every time I've worn it. The pattern was well laid out, easy to follow charts etc., but it's the kind of knit that "looks" like it was complicated to make, so people are always extra impressed when you tell them you've knit it. I took a bit of chance on the magazine, as there was literally nothing else I was interested in in it, but in the end it paid off, I couldn't be happier!
I didn't bother blocking it after I pieced it together, since it didn't seem to need it, though the button band could probably use a bit of a spritz just to get it to lay flat but bah! that is what I have to say, bah!
AND, today you get a two-fer! I FINALLY busted out the DPNS again to finish Fetching's mate.
I had originally started them in the fall, got one done and then a massive snowstorm blew in so it seemed kind of pointless to complete them. But that's the thing about Ravelry---every time you log in there Bam! your wips are in your face nagging at you to get them done (yes there is some residual catholic-school based guilt here, but that's about all). So I just bit the bullet and finished it's pair. Second sock sydrome no more. Plus there are several new things I'm itchin' to cast on right now, but I am trying to be good until some other works-in-progress can get done.
SO, try not to eat too much and get all yer Xmas knitting done peeps! (She says as she scarfs another rum ball on day three of birthday/xmas/eating/drinking extravaganza). Oh well. Hopefully I'll get to see some of you over the holidays --(miss Muffy I'm lookin' at yoooouuuuuuu...)
Happy Holidays everyone,
xxoo Cara
9 comments:
Merry Belated Christmas Cara!
LUV your empire cardi! You did a great job on all the details! And most importantly that you are in love with it!
And I know how it is about those nagging WIPs I just knocked one out! :op
Many blessings to you in 2008!
haha thanks --hope you have a great holiday as well!
Your Jade Empire is amazing! I don't doubt that you're getting tons of compliments on it!
cara, the sweater is fabulous!! I love the colors and the shape and the great fit on you! amazing work!
thank-you, thank-you!
Love the cardi!
New York sounded fantastic - and am so glad you had knitting with you for the stopover in Detroit!
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you a fab 2008
Oh my word. That sweater is so cute I could spit! Brilliant!
I love that you used DK yarn though the pattern called for worsted. That's what I want to do! Did you ever feel that the fabric was too loose? Or is it nice and drapey? The sweater (jade empire) looks beautiful on you.
thanks! It is quite drapey actually, but I like that about it (plus it was a superwash I used so another DK might not be quite so drapey...) but the fabric itself isn't loose --size-wise it's definitely big on me though. I say go for it in a DK!
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