- Pattern: by Connie Chang Chinchio, Twist Collective Summer 2009
- Yarn: Elann Callista (50 viscose/25 cotton/25 linen), 4.6 balls in “Boysenberry”
- Size/Gauge: 33.5″ (slight negative ease)/ 5.75 spi in Stockinette on US 3, US 4 for the lace
- Time to knit: 12 days in September 2009
Here’s my last summer FO for 2009, and my final project for the SKC 3rd quarter knitalong, for which incidentally I won a prize. I’m not sure how the winners were determined, but I was most happy with my prize, three of Connie’s independently published designs. As for Uhura, thankfully today was warm enough, in the 80s, so that I could get outdoor photos.
The pattern was easy and fun. The racer back was a fun and somewhat unexpected detail. I found the shaping a bit odd- it seems that the bust shaping (decreases) starts at a point that would be above the biggest part of the bust (only 1/2″ down from the horizontal band at high bust). I considered moving the shaping down and/or adding short rows, but ultimately decided against it. A secure fit around the bust is a good thing for a tank top, especially one with a keyhole. As for mods, I knit stockinette selvages throughout- I find these easier to work with than garter, and I made a regular picot hem (yo,k2tog across) because I preferred it. I skipped the crochet edging because it seemed unnecessary.
The yarn… well I already wrote about my gauge issues. When blocking, I found that the stockinette portion of the garment had shrunk both widthwise and legthwise after a soak in lukewarm water. I was baffled- my swatch on US 3 needles had grown! Before blocking-33.5″ bust, 15″ long. After soaking- 30″ bust, 13″ long. Some aggressive reshaping was necessary. Aside from that, Callista is a lightweight cotton blend with good stitch definition and drape, excellent for lace.
Overall, knitting success! The style is pretty and a bit unusual. The arrowhead lace pattern is cool. The weather is rapidly cooling off, but I’m sure this will be a favorite next summer.
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