I Can Almost TASTE the Sweetness

Good gracious! The front of Sweet pea is done. It's a little rugged-looking in the photo, as it is not blocked. I was excited enough to block it, so I could see the future, but I decided no, wait until I finish, then block both front and back. When you block one piece at a time, you may have consistency problems, depending on water temperature, dryer temperature, etc. I have to rely on my apartment building's laundry room. I thank the ancestors, that the landlord has top-loading machines. These are the thinking persons washing machines, because you can stop the machine at will. As a needle-worker, timing is everything when it comes to blocking, constructive shrinking, felting and such.

Here is a detailed close up of the beaded bodice.
I have outlined the Elongated or Drop stitch, for your viewing pleasure.

I have to make a decision about the type of edging around the armholes and neckline, and possibly the botttom (another reason why I didn't block so quickly).

This is important. Given the size of the yarn, I don't want the edging to be too decorative. A highly decorative edge will bring itself into prominence. This may cause conflict at the bottom–looking like some weird add on–or, around the visual parts of the armholes and neck, distracting, taking the top from sweet to Junior department saccharine. Y'all must think I'm anal, but I am design trained. It is these sort of details that make you look at some garments, and dislike them, even though the piece itself is knit very well. I don't want to wind up on You Knit What??

I'm somewhere between good 'ole Crab st. (boring), or some other vintage edging, either knitted or crocheted (see, this is why every knitter should try and be handy with a crochet hook. It opens up more possibilities for you. And if your bands, necklines or armholes look a little tipsy or drunk, you can reign them in easier). This is also why some swatches should be mini garments. Not the whole thing, but the parts you need to make decisions about. My final decision will concern the ribbon, woven through the ridged row of eyelets, just below the upper bodice. But that's easy.

Now, with my written pattern handy, I'll blast through the back (I knit in the Continental Style). Any edging suggestions will be gladly accepted at this point. I'll make little swatches, post them and we can vote. I expect to be finished in about ten days, so–'git crackin'! : - )

P.S. Happy belated birthday wishes to my closest friend Paul Eaddy, an accomplished dancer and knitter (now get back to it honey–male knitters are out and about now), and a wonderful man.

Comments

[Wanda]

I would think some sort of ruffly edging on the bottom would be very cute. Not frilly, but a slight curlicue edge would look nice. I think something like a crocheted edging on the neckline and arms would be fine. Have you seen Knitting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein? It's all about different edgings on an item. You may want to check for it at your local library, although it is a good book to have.

Sweet Pea is gorgeous and I love the beads in the bodice.

[Njoya Angrum/The Harlem Knitting Circle]

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