Row 2–Out Of Season, Ahead of Fashion

Cheaters Never Win

I reached my goal to have Sweet pea blocked and sewn last week, but my self-imposed finishing deadline of Friday went out the window. But in disappointment, I had to re-adjust my attitude and realize that it wasn't all about that damn top anyway. I had other things to accomplish. Take a look at Archetypes On Da' House in the sidebar, for two free pattern. The Lover Tank, will be in the upcoming Men Knit, which I am sure will be a knockout answer to what men really want to make for themselves and maybe you. See, shoe's on the other foot, ladies. The Cutlery Holder pattern is featured in the DIYWomen profile (see sidebar).

In conclusion, one of the visceral benefits of knitting is: whenever you finish a beautiful article for yourself, the uniqueness of the piece will generate the attention–and perhaps, envious glances from those whose only access to such loveliness is to purchase it. In other words, whenever I finish it's still fabulous-looking, 'cause I made mine, and can you make yours?

Now feeling creatively resuscitated by this empowering thought, I was able to resolve some design and construction issues, rather than to–gasp–cheat, just to prove to my friends and readers–who I don't think really care anyway–that I can stick to a self-imposed, er, unrealistic deadline.

One of the construction issues was Proper Finishing.  This lower bodice was knitted so that it would look continuous when sewn. This involved sewing the purl to the knit stitch, invisibly.  Trust me, you don't want to cheat on this.

For me, it's ALL about Proper Finishing. Your work can turn out looking really bad if it is not sewn together properly. On some garments bad sewing, will hasten its demise. But Proper Finishing doesn't have to be a bugaboo. Ya' just need to have a good set up for yourself.

1– Learn the Mattress Stitch Seam really well. It will be your best friend for most knitting.  The Harmony Guides Knitting Techniques: Vol 1, has the best illustrations I've seen, especially for the purl version.

2– Work on a solid, flat surface. Your lap plays illusions with the straightness of the seam.  And don't watch TV, pay attention to what you're doing. Listen to some music instead. If you're nervous, have a glass of white wine.

3– Spend the time. Instead of looking at this as a chore, meditate on the power of perfection; contemplate, on the fact that the invisibility of the stitch gives you a garment with no beginning or end.

4– The more stable your work is, the easier it is to do. It amazes me how many sisters I see at HKC, trying, I tell you, to do this on their lap with stability. Next to a table, no less! Lord! It hurts to watch. But they swear they're fine, ("I work better on my lap"). But that's okay. I catch 'em cussin' when they think I'm not looking. And their sweaters speak for themselves.

Take a tip–good sewers pin, pin, pin. You should do the same. If you want to hear it from me (too late now, huh), buy yourself a Seam Roll–as shown in the photo–(or a Tailor's Ham if you need to, for hats).  They're actually for ironing; especially if you don't like creases in your blouse or shirt-sleeve, or need to iron round, or small areas. They are widely available and inexpensive, to order

I marked out the length of the lower bodice side seam with pins, aligned the lace holes and pinned the piece to the roll.  Now I can accurately sew it together, while maintaining the proper length. On longer sweaters and dresses, I simply divide the side seam length by the length of the part of the roll I can see, and pin the garment accordingly. When you finish a section, slide the roll, re-pin and continue.

Bond America® made something similar called the Sew Easy, that used pegs. It was OK. This is better (for me anyway).

I resolved the issue of the armholes and neckline; I wanted a picot, but the regular picot looked a tad too big. I decided that a beaded picot would frame the upper bodice better, and be smaller.

The edging is done with: a "C or 3"/2.75mm hook, and a # 6 steel hook. The # 6 is used to slide the bead through the ch loop.

So it goes like this: 1 single crochet, using c-hook and pulling up the loop about 1/2". Place a bead through the # 6, and slide the bead off the hook onto the loop (see arrow in enlargement). Chain 1, (to lock the bead in place), then 1 single crochet in the next stitch.
The drawstring will be crocheted in a Double Chain Stitch, as I want a flat tape; there will be a few
beads embroidered onto the ends.

The feeling of accomplishment is coming closer. Close enough for the Ancestors to guide the temperature for the Knit Out & Crochet–supposedly 80º on Sunday! Fagit'  the baseball jacket of my previous post. My emancipated attitude about my deadline has given me a second chance!

 

Comments

[sheila]

Gurrl that tank if off the chain!! your work is impressive! Thank you for your tip. I can take that tailor ham out of retirement!

[Wanda]

Gurl, I'm all kind of ways behind in my blogreading but just got to your post today. It's so informative and helpful. I haven't seen the seam roll, but I do need to make a trip to Joann's or Michael's sometime soon, so I will look for the seam roll. That looks very handy.

Thank you for the tips for finishing, because I have a couple of sweaters that need finishing and I'm usually the one that does while tv is playing. I'm going to make myself sit down with some nice jazz in the background and work on them both.

I love the cutlery holders, I think those are just great. I would like to make some. The Lover's tank is pretty hot too and so it the model!

[sherry]

That is the best piece on finishing I have ever seen! I have a seam roll and tailor's ham but have only used them when steaming finished garments. Please, sometime, I would love to see you do a set in sleeve! Your skills are impressive. Thank you.

[Donna]

Thanks for sharing your gift for knitting. Thanks for sharing your pride in beautiful finishing. And holy cow girl that man is beautiful, now thats finishing at it's best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Michelle]

Thanks so much for sharing! You give alot of great tips here. I never heard of a Seam Roll. I will have to go buy one now! Your cami is very beautiful even thou it is not complete! Love your work.

[Jon]

Oh sweet Cheeses! That man is HOOOOOTTTTT! Can I take him home? Franklin has the bod for that tank. I, however, do not and should be covered up with thick, bulky sweaters at all times. LOL

Oh yeah, this is in reference to the men's tank! YUM-MEE!

[Bonne Marie]

That cami is AWESOME! I can't wait to see it finished - what a beautiful job you are doing on the finishing - I especially like the picot edging...

I really like finishing things and am so delighted to read about YOUR delight! :)

[Jean]

This is brilliant! Thanks! I had never even heard of a Seam Roll, but I'll go out tomorrow and get one. I found you via the link on Franklin's Blog.

Cheers. Jean

[obscure]

Beautifully done! It's technique and attitude that make a fine finish. And I found it funny that I'd never grabbed my seam roll when I seam! It will make a fine seam that much quicker and easier to accomplish. Then I'll have that second glass of wine.

[Franklin]

The timing of this could NOT be more perfect for me. You make me want to tackle that sweater with resolve and patience. Thank you so much.

[Jon]

This is one of the most informative and thorough posts I've ever seen on a knit blog. Wow! I am so glad you stumbled onto my blog leading me to stumble onto yours!

[Nik]

This last post is the reason that I read knitting blogs...to learn something. I think it's in my nature to always want to find better ways to do things. Thanks for the tips.