OhSewCrafty Blog

I love this tank top, from Phildar #469, Special Twenty Spring 2007.  I’m closer to 30 than 20 but I think I can still pull this off!  I bought my magazine directly from Phildar during one of their sales and I translate the patterns using my high school french and a handy translation guide.  The top is knit in a quite fine gauge, 26 st/4 inch, and the original was 100% non mercerized cotton.  I swatched elann lara, but I didn’t like the stiff feeling of the fabric when knit at such a tight gauge.  Then I tried brown sheep cotton fine, and I think that will work out perfectly.  According to the ball band, the gauge is supposedly 26 st/4 inch on size 2 needles, but when I tried that, I was getting more like 28 st/4 inch.  Size 3 needles are much better.  The only problem is, my size 3s are vintage metal with quite a dull tip… I think I need some size 3 Knitpicks metal needles!  But if I order my $5 needles from KP, I want to order yarn so I can get free shipping!  Hmm, the possibilities… Comfy for Yosemite?  Cotlin for the show off ruffle skirt?  Shine sport for classic elite’s smock top? 

I talked myself down and decided to knit from stash.  I swatched Elann luna for the Wallis cardi from summer IK, and it looks great!  I did a little pre knitting math, because I fall between the first 2 sizes… my plan goes something like: Cast on 2nd size, do 2 less increase rows, knit sleeves in smallest size.  I want elegant and drapey, not big and sloppy!  I’m about 9 rows into the back and the double knit pattern is slow going… looks nice though.

I also got the last ball of Sonata I needed for Cherry’s neckband, and knitted that on.  The seaming is complete, ends woven in, just needs buttons and snaps.  This is SO cute!  Also, I got the rest of the buttons I need for Mirabella.  I hope to have an FO really soon…like tomorrow!