Recently in Linen Drape Category

It's good to see that my readers are as split as I am on which yarn to go with for my Mariah. I'm still undecided so I'm going to let it mull for a little longer.

Project from the Past

I bought a pack of Linen Drape over a year ago as part of the Alison's Linen Drape Along. I think I tried a half dozen different patterns but none of them stuck.

It's been bugging me that the yarn is still in my stash and not being used. I was reading Jackie's blog and saw that she started Wrapped Lace Cardi from VK Spring Summer 05. I love the sleeves but I can't do eyelets across my bust.

Then I remembered I recently bought this little shrug from Old Navy and I love it.

Following me yet?

The Grand Plan

Take the Linen Drape, knit up the sleeves from the Wrapped Lace Cardi, but do a solid body.

The LD is a different gauge than the Glace used in the original, so a little math was in order.

I'm starting on a front and I'll do the whole body before switching to the sleeves. I'd love to make those beautiful full length sleeves but I'm not sure I have enough yarn. I have 9.5 balls and if my estimates are right I'll need 3 full balls for the sleeves. Six balls should be enough for that small bodice but the ties have me wondering. I'll have a better idea after I finish one front piece.

Nothing like a little mystery to keep ya knittin'.

I cast on for Tango - the official name of my Linen Drape project - this weekend. The smaller gauge and splitty nature of Linen Drape is making for slower progress. I've been picking it up here and there between other knitting.

It's in the round now, after about 2 inches of back and forth to allow for a split in the center front.

And here's a closeup. The stitches will really benefit from a good dunk, and because the top edge should be zigzag (instead of straight the way the needles holds it) it still looks a bit wonky. But, no different than my initial swatch did before I cast off and blocked it.

I can't help but think how much I want to just wet block what's there already to soften up the yarn. It feels like string when knitting, but feels more like a soft, comfy, well-worn pair of jeans after getting wet.

Wow - 17 Comments! Who knew I had so many readers? *blushes*

I enjoyed reading all the comments and the reasoning. I also showed it to a few coworkers and got their opinions as well. So, with their votes the tally is:

#1 - 5
#2 - 10
#3 - 3

I think poor #3 didn't do as well because of my poor swatching job. However, I'm going with the majority (and the way I was leaning) and doing the second swatch - the chevron-looking one.

I thought about Christy's idea about having the bottom half not be open. I think I'm going to do the first few inches flat - so it can have a bit of an opening there - and then do it in the round after that. I may still lace it up from the bottom. I'm not sure. But this way I have the option and I don't have to worry about dealing with keeping it all together while I'm wearing it.

I'm so glad I took my time with the Linen Drape and waited until the right project hit me! The swatches feel wonderful and I'm really looking forward to wearing this top!

Again, a big thank you to everyone who gave me their opinion.

Diet

GRRRRR!!!!!! I lost a whopping half pound this week. And I have no way of explaining it. I didn't cheat. At all. Not at the Stitch n Bitch with that yummy looking pizza. Not at my brother's party with the salsa and sangria. Not at the coffee house with those yummy biscotti. I've been totally on plan this week so I just don't get it. I'm not discouraged, but I sure am annoyed. If the weather is nice tomorrow I'm going to go for a bike ride to try and kick start my metabolism. That, plus the weekend of physical work on the house will hopefully get me back on track.

For those of you in the States, enjoy the 3 day weekend. And remember to put those flags out!