Thursday, July 24, 2008

Bamboo My Friend?

I'm holding back on proclaiming a deep affection for the sweet panda treat since I have yet to actually wear the garment, but so far, me and Bamboo are getting along juuuust fine.

Here it be (namely some Alchemy Bamboo in "Scarlett's Dark Secret")
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I've never used a bamboo-based yarn before, and am rather pleased with how silky it feels (though, I must admit: per metre, this is definitely at the top of the most-money-I-could-reasonably -spend-on-yarn list, and I buy a hell of a lot of silk yarn... so yeah, it was tres cher.)

I understand that bamboo stretches. A lot. And so, I've tried to take that into account with the design for this here knit (which I'll be calling Solana.)
In fact, I'm sort of counting on it stretching, at least in one direction; I'm thinking about making some sweet little wrap-around ties, and I only have so much of this tres cher yarn to go around.
(three hanks, precisely. Apparently that gives me about 380 metres for this sultry wee halter. I think it can be done. Needs must, right?)

I'm still attempting to master the skillz of short-row shaping in designing. I get how to actually do it, but the logistics of sticking it into actual garments has thus far evaded me (wonder why you've never heard any more about that yellow silk web-thing I was making? Yeah, short-row disaster, that's why.)
This knit has a semi-successful use of it (so far). And (so far) I like how the bamboo is living up to its drapey reputation.

Stay tuned: the hot hot heat of this summer is spurring me on to finish this sucker before it gets too cold cold cold for a halter top.

6 comments:

soknitpicky said...

It's looking good already! You must have an endless reserve of great pattern ideas!

Team Knit said...

Looks SO pretty so far- I love the colour you chose. can't wait to see how it turns out!

- Julie

Susan said...

That really is looking good so far. The color is gorgeous and the drape seems perfect for the style your creating.

Meghan said...

This is looking fantastic! It looks like it will have a great fit.

Sel and Poivre said...

You are a fountain of design ideas! This one looks great so far!

Hilary said...

It's fantastic! The drapey-ness (drapitude?) appears to be making for a great cowl. I can't wait to see it finished (and to hear the history of how it got its name!).