SistahCraft

Greetings From Cape May––Wish You Were Here

In A Nod To Victoria, I Brought My Wheel

 (Fitting in with the decor; all pics enlarge)

As I compile my notes for the next post, I thought I'd ramble a bit on my doings here on this lovely cape, and during the time I was away from the blogosphere. First, about the spinning. Soon after my major peeps Chante´ revived my interest (I learned over a decade ago), I've been at it full force. Pictured, is a knitted sample of an Icelandic fleece from Bryna, a sheep at Sunrise Sheep & Wool, in Minnesota. The knitted sample on the chair is mine; the one I'm about to spin and knit, is for the owners. The scoured locks were opened with a flick carder, to spin both the tog (outer hair), and the thel––the inner hairs that feel as soft as cashmere––together for warmth and softness.

(Hail Victoria!; a lovely period home)

Cape May is a lovely place to ride around (go to Sheild's  Bike Rentals at 11 Gurney; 609-884-BIKE). It's flat terrain is easily negotiable, and the drivers conscientious. While shooting these ornate residences, I surmised about the ladies of the time, sitting under the grand awnings that shade their porches; would they be knitting or crocheting the latest pattern from the Godey's Lady's Book? Or would it be just too damn hot, especially wearing all those clothes? Currently, a few of these homes are now for sale––they certainly look nice, but I bet they're  a b***h to heat during the winter.

(The Fiber Arts Yarn Shop carries some outrageous yarns; would Vikki approve?)

No trip to this town would be complete without a stop at the local yarn shop (LYS). The photo foreshortens the store, but believe me, it's not messy. Actually, it's easy to walk around in, has an abundance of natural light, and Kathy is welcoming and lovely! Yes, I bought a few things; my purchase was so small, Mr. K would approve. Please go to the above link for more details about this great shop.

(Keep these artisans going; hand carved circulars from Nepal)

I thought these were fabulous! They're 12mm circular needles, connected to a fabric tube. The photo doesn't do justice to the exquisite carving.

(The separate guest house at Buttonwood; its two mini apartments are cute for a small family, or friends)

Before I sign off, I gotta tell ya'. If you are either allergic (as I am) to mosquitoes, or have a phobia of them, you won' t do well at Brothers II Pizza, on Sunset and Broadway. They had the door open, and as I was waiting for my outgoing order, I looked around and realized I was surrounded by mosquitoes––hundreds of them––on the floors and walls; I programmed myself out of panic, and, in a testament to the power of Off! Deep Woods I was not bitten. In fact, when a fly landed on me, I was grateful.

Meditating Upon Completion––It's The Dog's Turn

The Empress's New Clothes

(Della, the "it" bull, in her new sweater; all pics enlarge)

First, I want to thank my friend and new subscriber, the creative and astutely sagacious Veronica Mitchell, for helping me re-discover the practice of meditation, to actualize my flights from chimera into reality; my UFO shelf is almost empty! Here's the latest.

Della's two-piece sweater (underside not shown), is from one of my all time favorites, "Dogs In Knits" by Judith L. Swartz. The yarn, Cascade 220,  is from my stash. I used two skeins of color 9404, and one skein each of 8010, and 9471. The slip stitch stripe, what I call the lazy man's fair-isle, is from "A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns" by Barbara G. Walker. 

 A Dog––The Knitter's Best Friend

Do the sweaters you knit for your mate, lie at the back of the closet, while he/she claims they are worn, it's just that you're not around to see? Does your choice of yarns and styles consistently spark protests from your loved ones? Here's a suggestion. Get a dog. In particular, a short haired one.

I love to knit for Della. She wears my sweaters with enthusiasm. I can try out new yarns and patterns, and she doesn't complain. Sometimes, it's not easy. She's not small. Her chest is 32" in diameter (about the size of a ten year-old's), she's 23" from base of neck to butt, and her neck itself is a good 16" (her hind section does narrow to 17", giving her a beautiful frame in standing profile; she's a sexy beast). But I don't have to worry about sleeves, and her outre´ fashion sense, is great for stash-busting. Another plus––unlike some of my neighbor's children, Della senses when she's wearing something nice, and doesn't wallow in mud or other detritus. She becomes the neighborhood fashionista, accepting compliments with an outstretched paw. Good girl.

My attraction to the aforementioned book, was the author's statement that "dogs do have a sense of dignity." You're so right Judith, they know when they're wearing something silly. Her designs are sophisticated, photographed on a variety of breeds. There's instructions for measuring your dog (great for larger canines), and a basic sweater pattern to start, both in knit and crochet. In Della's case, I limited myself to using four colors, selected with my eyes closed. I then had to make the combination work. We're both pleased with the outcome, and even Mr. K feels he can walk her without looking foolish (read un-masculine).

(Her mistress's voice; underside view)

Big Dogs Need Sweaters Too

If you own a large dog and haven't knitted or crocheted for it yet, consider this. It's bad enough the majority of sweaters sold, are for dogs from 8" to 20". But why do folks think certain breeds––Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Cane Corsos, to name a few, don't need a coat because of their supposed toughness? Are you kidding? I've seen way too many leashed outside in the cold freezing, while the owners are in a heated store leisurely doing whatever–––it's irresponsible!  Sweaters for large dogs aren't wussy––they're necessary. Remember, in their natural environment, they'd be in a den, if they weren't hunting.

A nice hand-knit sweater, can turn your big dog, into a big deal––they'll love it, and you too.

 

Knits And News

And The Knits Just Keep On Coming

(The Purple Haze Tweed; All pics enlarge)

Occasionally, I like to make my own tweed combinations. For me it's like painting, combining different yarns in order to achieve an amalgam of luminosity, texture, and color. It also uses up some of my machine knitting yarn stash––that I have pounds of.

The sweater Lola's wearing, is made up of one end of 2/32 Linea PIU mohair (the haze) and the remainder: 2 ends of 2/18  wool/silk, 1 end of 2/24 wool/alpaca and 1 end of 2/18 merino, from my all time favorite supplier,   JaggerSpun! Here's a huge shout out to Chuck! The tweed effect, was made using the amazing accessory shown.

The Daruma Yarn Twister, has been around since the eighties (in my memory). I don't t know when the company ceased to make this gadget, but it was a damn shame, that they did. The twister allows for the the threads or yarns to wrap around each other evenly; you don't get "runs" of one color or another, as when you either knit or crochet, slipping the strands through your fingers. And the twist doesn't bias when worked. Valerie, I'll have the full instructions for assembly and use under the Project Working Notes in the sidebar tomorrow.

I've put up the first part of the blocking tutorial in the sidebar  for Twist, speaking on the why and what of blocking; The how is next. Stay tuned.

Big Up Time

My sistahfriend Trina Michelle Robinson, knits together phenomenal occurrences throughout the African Diaspora and presents them on her blog The Passage Project. It's my go to for an aggregation of awareness and consciousness lifting news and events; check it out. It'll become yours.

It Hasn't Unraveled Me

Yes, I'm finally on Ravelry! Now I can see what all the fun is about. I very excited to be a part of this sub-universe, and maybe that's what's motivating me towards completion. I can't wait until I'm finished with the spring publishing cycle at work, and I get some time off; then I'll time to revel!

The Last Twister

Slow and Steady, Made The Cardi

(Colored pearl and semi-precious stone necklace, Shimoda Accessories; suede and mock croccodile satchel by Marie Elanne; boots, Dumond; photo by Mr. K; all pics enlarge).

Bonne Marie's Twist, is the first sweater, not of my own design, I've made for myself.

During the 23 years I've been knitting, I generally supported the work of sweater designers by purchasing their garments. Knitting patterns involved labor, and at the time, I had enough of my own work to do. But, once I changed careers, I found I could relax my mind to faithfully and uncritically knit another designer's pattern––and the timing couldn't have been better. The blogosphere has given rise to some very good knit designers, the major benefit being,  I haven't worked for any of them! Now surrounded with a plethora of interesting knits, I looked for precise instructions with no errata (pattern mistakes make me crazy), and a good schematic and/or pattern chart. Twist, gave me exactly what I was looking for.

Twist is a well balanced design in terms of knitting interest, the fringed cable collar giving it a youthful sass. And, it was classic enough not to date by the time I finished. Given the numerous daily deadlines I face at work, why impose any on an art I enjoy? 

I did resist a strong urge to run the cable pattern along the sleeve, and stayed true to the pattern; the discipline was not to re-design or embellish. If you are already knitting someone else's idea, why create more work for yourself?

Anyway, I started knitting this almost a year ago, and finished this past fall. I've worn it on a number of occasions, and it is indeed a chic-knit, receiving many compliments. Now, to elaborate on a few details.

Penny Wise and Button Foolish

I wanted to prove to some of my thriftier knitting friends, that you can make a beautiful and inexpensive garment out of 100% wool, if you're not too lazy to take care of it; knitting is too much of a labor of love, to use a cheap acrylic. Panda Woolbale 8 ply, an Aussie import from the famous Smiley's Yarns, was my choice, and this baby clocked in at $36.00US. So I splurged on the buttons!             

They are copper, with a green patina finish, from an Italian boy's military academy, circa 1940's (no, they are not fascist); from Tender Buttons, 143 E 62nd St NYC, 1-212-758-7004, my favorite source in New York (in Chicago, 946 N. Rush, Chicago, IL, 1-312.337.7033).

Here is a close up of the collar, and my friend's necklace.

The knitting pattern contained no errata, and Bonne's instructions were very easy to follow, accompanied by a nice cable chart and a good schematic drawing, especially important when you are ready to block your finished pieces. I gotta say, it was a good knitting experience, for a pattern virgin––although of course, the key––was to knit a large (8" x 8") swatch in the cable pattern first! Remember, if you don't ignore this step, your sweater won't ignore you!

For a blocking tutorial and a novel way to attach the collar, my tutorial page will be in the sidebar shortly.

Saying Ha-a-a-a-a-a-y!

Knitters At Work

 

Leonor Mamanna and myself; My former "Student of the Month" is now part of the Saartje KAL at work. We are fashionably outfitting the feet of some of the new babies of our co-workers. All pics enlarge).

Girl, How Ya' Livin'?

Although the temperature is 42º at present, and the view of the park across the street looks pretty bleak, my internal clock feels the beginnings of the subtle transition toward spring. Or maybe it's just menopause. Anyway, it's been a minute, so here's a report on my own doings, while the devil's playground has been closed.

Shout Out Time

First, I want to big up a few new subscribers––Pooch2, Brokedown Tiger, and MissDavis! I also say welcome to any new unpublished subscribers! I'm happy y'all think my blog is worth the time to check out regularly.

No Idle Hands; A Onsie for Karen

Ancestors! I'm just in time for the arrival of Tawana's daughter, Karen Joi! Plymouth Encore D.K. Colorspun, is my favorite Acrylic/Wool mix; there's enough wool to give the yarn a nice hand, and the synthetic lends machine wash-ability; the yardage (150 yds) is value for money. The contrast yarn is Knit Picks' Merino Style in Harvest. Three balls of the main color, and 1 ball of contrast color was used.

The original pattern, is from Minnow Knits, Too by Jill Eaton (Pottercraft). Her instructions are clear, there are detailed schematics and excellent photos of a diverse range of tykes. I chose the 3 month size, in order to adapt to the larger gauge fabric my needles (sizes 3 and 6), produced; the finished garment is sized for a one year old. Here's a close-up of the buttonhole and Crab st. finish.

I don't have a vision of a button yet, but I'm sure  Tender Buttons will have a miniature work of art which will leap out at me. I'm considering a duplicate stitch embellishment of Adinkra symbols denoting blessings. Powerful devices, when rendered in a juvenile color––such as the contrast yarn––softens the viewers response, while maintaining the strength of their definition.   

Chante´ Put Me In A Spin

(My first handspun bulky yarn)

A refresher lesson from Chante´ last summer, revived my long dormant interest in spinning. I dusted off my very old Ashford Student wheel––no longer made––then got busy. I now own a new Kiwi, and a Bosworth Journey wheel (for cotton), an adaptation of the original Charka book wheel, endorsed by Ghandi to promote South Asian independence.

My yarn is spun from Halcyon's Corriedale top, using the long draw method, while simultaneously creating thick/thin spaces. The swatch shown, is a rib using size 11's. I tell you, it's uber-lofty,soft, and with excellent memory. Ultimately, my intention is to spin and knit items for myself and Mr. K, and to give yarn as gifts to friends.   

Folks, before I check out, I want to hip y'all to a few interesting people, places and things.

Support the Handmade

My girl Stephanie Syjuco has it going on! Her site Anti-Factory, features beautiful recycled jersey tops that knock the hipness quotient clean off the charts! All are handmade by her, and if you're slow you blow––her pieces sell that fast.

Places To Knit and Crochet

I love Tribal Spears Gallery & Cafe 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (8th Avenue) bet. W. 117th & W 116th; 212-666-6550.
It's spacious and cozy at the same time. There's a nice group seating area that looks like your living room, cubiclesque enclosures along the wall for laptop users and the outer part of this large room is multi-purpose, encompassing a gallery/performance space. Good lighting, coffee and desserts round out the offerings. They're open daily until 8 p.m., and is where the nimble-fingered sistahs of the Harlem Sistahfriends Knitting Circle currently meet. We will be in the building again next Sunday, February 9th, at 4p.m.

Computerized Knitting

I've become a laptop knitter meaning, I now occasionally carry my laptop, in addition to my knitting and other essentials. I wanted an accomodating bag, that would offer seroius protection for my Macbook (felted bags look nice, but to be honest, I don't trust them; New York at rush hour is way to brutal). I was becoming flummoxed by what I thought were the lack of options out there for women. That is, until I hit upon Kate Trgovac's lens, and found a bag that completely satisfied my needs. In fact, there were a number of laptop bags to suit all of my needs. Kate diligently and fairly reviews an amazing number of bags; she doesn't merely reprint the press release, like some other shopping lenses.

Ironically, the bag I chose, is made by Spire. Kate informed that the owner is married to Lexie Barnes, who is, as you know, a primo craft bag designer. Ah, there's that thread that  binds us all again!

We Are Fam-i-ly…The Second Annual Sistahfriends Harlem Knitta'-Que

…I Got All My Sistahs With Me!

(And these were just the folks in the frame; all pics enlarge).

WHOOOWEE! The Second Annual Sistahfriends Harlem Knitta'-Que was a resounding success! Given by myself (which is part of why I haven't posted), and my girl Chante´of Harlem Purls, we turned a small patch of St. Nicholas Park into the place to be, for a coupla' hours of folks, food, fun and fiber.

The Family

I'm delighted to say––all of our sistahfriends turned it out! Everyone who RSVP'd came and then some, bringing their wonderful spirit, guests, and some fabulous food. Necia, we missed you (but I hope you had an equally fabulous time). Veronica, you were asked for; Saun, we were there till dark––next year, we're gonna have torch-lights, so you can join us after work!

My New Peeps

 I was particularly excited to finally meet Iris ("Who you takin' a picture of?") of Unfurnished Brooklyn fame (yes Iris, you're famous); blessings to you for making the hike and bringing the corn.

Visiting from Toronto, Canada, was Sharon, whose blog is Scheherazaade. In addition to possessing a copious sense of humor and a sharp wit, she brought marinated veggies that we didn't need to be reminded to eat.

From left; my acquaintance Trina, Vivian, Sharon's friend in NY, and Sharon.

The Food

It was a soulful feast that we chowed down on, between stitches, rows, and treadling. Ready? In addition to what I already mentioned, there was: curried salmon, Jamaican mini-chicken and mini-beef patties, peas and rice Trinidadian style, a macaroni and cheese dish that woulda' made my mom return from the grave to eat, pasta salad, shrimp salad, tomato and cucumber salad, fruit salad, corn, and the prerequisite burgers, veggie burgers, ribs and chicken (I'm glad I made enough). For the vegetarians, we kept it respectful, using a separate grill. Dessert was cheesecake, carrot cake and fruit. There was plenty to eat and plenty to take home––one of the things, a  good BBQ is about.

Turn Down The Furnace, My Needles Are Hot!

Isn't Hell Filled Already? Why More Heat?

(Courtesy of Weather.com; It was 5º cooler, when I started to post. All pics enlarge)

Now, Where Were We?

August has blazingly arrived! Is it hot enough for ya'? Are you're needles too hot to hold? I'm on a break, in my sweathshop feeling studio, envying Della, the Wonder Pit(bull terrier), who's napping, while I embroider bulge bead stems, for the flowers of a silk ribbon evening dress––gosh, I'll be glad when it's finished.

Wassu-u-u-u-p?

It's been a minute folks. I returned to the Magazine, for fall, starting with the women's fashion issue. In a word––headache-y. And, I've finally adjusted to working in Renzo Piano's building, our new headquarters. Check it out! It's a far cry from "The Gray Lady," whose interior reminded me of my old high school. People, we've joined the 21 century! The best part of being here, besides the cafeteria, where the groovy mezzanine lounge is the perfect place to knit––is that I'm closer to the Garment District.

This Old Dog, Learned A New Technique

My small sample, is the result of a class I took last Saturday, in silk ribbon embroidery at The City Quilter. They are an excellent shop, for classes in surface embellishments, and they're nice to knitters! A huge shout out goes to my instructor, Polly Whitehorn, whose patience, demos, and clarity of explanation, helped me learn, in three hours, a technique I had wanted to do, for years. It's astonishingly easy. The keys are patience, a bit of concentration, and a relaxed hand. There was no plan to the arrangement, similar to my gardening style.

Product Placement

A number of you have mentioned to me, of having trouble finding the Simflex Sewing Gauge, from my previous post. The chorus––"it's sold out." All I can say is Google the name, and go from there. I bought mine from Elegant Stitches. I won't supply another link, 'cause when I start looking, I inevitably wind up ordering something. Mr. K thinks I'm having an affair with the UPS brother, he comes around so often.

Make Mine, With A Twist

I used to dislike marled yarn; the effect of twisting two similar shades together was okay. In contrasting colors, it could look down right ugly, as in a cheap red/black marled pullover, I saw in a store. I overcame an urge to grab some scissors. Then, I purchased a Daruma Home Twister, to make bespoke marl combos for private customers, and my attitude changed. Currently, every now and then, I get bored with commercial yarn offerings, but since I can't spin, I twist. Shown, is the beginning of a V-neck pullover I'm enjoying for fall; a thin strand of mohair gives a wonderful purple haze to the soft hand of the fabric. The yarns are composed of 2 strands of 2/18 merino, 2 strands of 2/18 50/50 merino/tussah silk, from Jaggerspun (hi Chuck!),  and one strand of 2/20 mohair, from School Products.

This baby is hard to find, but if you like knitting with several different yarns––get it. Yes, I know you can just hold all the strands together, but you get row areas, with only one color showing. Not nice. This device, twists yarns evenly, for a more harmonious effect, and you can use more than three yarns, currently the limit with stacking yarn twisters.

Let's Face It…

I am currently besieged with announcements, so I am going to devote a page to them, which will be linked in my sidebar. There is just so much happening in New York City, that it's interfering with other posts I want to write––like my time in London, and a commentary on the end of the New York Knit Out. So, the last announcement I'm posting, is for tomorrow––the opening reception for the show of my sistahfriend, the golden-fingered Laura Gadson. A member of The Harlem Girls Quilting Circle, her portraits are quite something to behold, and indeed, are a prominently displayed acquisition, in the homes of prominent collectors of my acquaintence. Entitled Folks and Family, It's taking place at the  Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion, Columbia University, 1150 St. Nicholas Avenue at 168th Street New York City, from  5:00 to 7:00p.m. The show will run until September 12th. I am certainly not going to miss getting an eye-bath of inspiration! And, neither should you. For more information, contact harlemneedlearts@verizon.net or 212-491-8581.

 

UFO Sightings––The End Is Near

Gee, Is This All That's Left To Do?

The best thing about re-visiting your UFOs––there isn't much left to finish; it's great, if you're an eleventh hour knitter, like me. All pics enlarge).

This hooded cardi for Mr. K's nephew Loughlin's first birthday this September, was next, after my shell. The pattern is from a Sidar kid's book I bought when Mr. K and I were visiting his family in Sydney, Australia this past January. The yarn is my current favorite, Heirloom's Heatherwood, in #545 (Cream Spot). Of course, in American knitter style, I bought yarn, without even thinking about any corresponding book of patterns for it. By contrast, the majority of the Aussie knitters I met, were very diligent about getting the pattern, then finding the corresponding yarn, needles, and notions. It may not seem particularly creative, but they are very skilled, good instruction readers, and enjoy not worrying about the desired outcome. Hey, nothing wrong with that.

I, on the other hand, am worried. I knitted a smaller size, to accommodate the larger gauge achieved from the yarn I'd bought.  As I don't understand the proportions of children's clothes––is a one year-old's head that big?––I figured Sidar can take the blame for anything that goes wrong (how 'bout that? I'm knitting a smaller size of the pattern, with larger yarn, and I'm already blaming the pattern company for the outcome). But…

Cheaters Do Win Occasionally

(The SimFlex sewing gauge)

This tool is worth every penny (about $14US). How many of y'all have UFOs, simply because you're flummoxed by buttonhole instructions, or placement? Just pin out your button side band to its proper length, then stretch out the spacer according to the number of buttonholes you need, and mark their places. Now, you can figure out how to knit the buttonhole band, by simply counting the stitches between the markers. Don't worry if the number of stitches between holes isn't exactly the same; trust the accurate measurements on your gauge; it's never let me down!

Buttons––Miniature Works Of Art

(Buttons, Buttons, in Sydney, NSW)

The fun part for me, will be running off to my favorite button shop in New York City––Tender Buttons, 143 East 62nd St., NYC; 212-758-7004; in Chicago, 946 N. Rush Street, 312-337-7033; Cash only. Robin and Clotilde are both knitters, and are wonderful; tell them I said hello. While in Oz (Sydney's nickname), I found Buttons Buttons; 25 Nurses Walk, The Rocks; Sydney, NSW; (02) 9252 0833 (Carson, have you been?). This button shop is absolutely recherche´! Located in a little tree lined street, it's minimalist interior allows for quiet wonder. The owner (who was away at the time), travels globally to find buttons. Prices vary. Here are some of my favorites.

 

I'm loving the Salvador Dali buttons.

And last, some of the jewels!

Heirloom yarns can be ordered on-line from Tapestry Craft, (a big shout out to my girl Kris, the manager), for the frugally fabulous price of $ 5.64 USD. It's  a totally machine washable wool (cold water), and takes four balls for a 12 month size hooded cardi. The swatch itself, with corresponding info, is up in SwatchOut.

The Vote Is In…It's A Pattern!

The People Have Spoken!

(Aw-w-righty now! Thanks to everyone who holla'd back at me with compliments and comments! Pics enlarge).

Change, Is A Good Thing

After taking your feedback into consideration, I made a few decisions. First, you'll have a choice of two finished neckline heights: the one shown at left, and on me, in the previous post––11", and a slightly higher one, at 9-1/2". These will be displayed in a graph chart, as it would be a lot to write for each size––10 necklines in total. Hey, you just can't simply raise necklines up and down; the rows between decreases change. Trust me, this will be easier to see in a graph chart. The necklines will be color coded, for ease of reading.

I'm going to lengthen the shell to 24" from 22-1/2".  Interestingly, though many of you didn't mind showing a little more up top, almost everybody wanted more coverage around the bottom. Finally, the bottom ribbing will also change to match the armholes and neckline; it's all about balance, and the knit 1, purl 1 ribbing is more elastic.

(Back view)

If Cascade "Sierra" isn't available in your area, Brown Sheep's "Cotton Fleece" is a perfect substitute, in fiber content and weight.

O.K. y'all, I'll get to work!

Sahara's Knit Parade

All Cast Off, And Nowhere To Go

Finally, my Italian collared shell. Silver ankh, Mr. K's; Malachite bracelets, Djema Imports, Harlem, NY; silver earrings, my own; sunglasses by Coach. Photo taken by Mr. K. All pics enlarge).

Thanks to Lady James, I finished my shell on Wednesday morning in the laundromat. Unfortunately, Sit N' Knit NY's meet up was postponed that evening, due to the power outage on the Upper East Side, and an impending thunderstorm. Man, I was bummed. It was too hot––97º––to wear my top, but that was okay; it was just that, after working alone at home all day, I was really looking forward to meeting up with a group of knitters, and listening to some jazz in the piquant summer evening. Oh well. The meet up will take place, nature––and/or Con Edison permitting––again, on July 11th.

Knit Notes

I basically like this shell, and would like to put it up as a pattern, but I want to make a few fit changes. I'm going to lengthening it by 1-1/2". I'm also raising the neckline up 1" for a more confident feeling. I may drop the needle size used for the ribbing down from 4 to 3, for a tighter ribbing, but I'll test that out on a swatch first. Holla' back with any comments about the neckline or collar. In terms of cost, it was frugally fabulous, using almost 4 skeins; it came out to under $30USD.

(View 2, with the open collar over the shoulders.)

Yarn Notes

Cascade "Sierra" though nice to knit with, feels substantial in a garment (11.5 oz). This shell is comfortable to 85º tops. I'd  say the yarn's wool/cotton mix works well if you live in a climate where it's warm during the day, but drops at night. I'll pretty much wear this top on a summer evening when the temp drops and carry a light shawl for my arms, or during the early fall, when I can throw on a light jacket.

There is no mention of Sierra being discontinued on Cascade's site. Indeed, I found three stores in New York City that carried it. However, it is not listed on Yarndex. Once I can confirm the continuance of this yarn's production, I'll use it, as I love the color range. If not, Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece is a great alternative. The pattern's sizing will range from a 36" to 52" bust (size 38" shown). If you click on their link, please note that Cotton Fleece has a slight sheen, and the colors are richer than what may appear on your screen.

It'll be a tall order, instruction writing wise, so I'd like to ask you to please vote. If I get enough interest, I'll go ahead with the pattern. And if not, cool, I'll make it available by request.