Sunday, May 24, 2009

Swirlette Arrêt

Swirlette
Pattern: Swirlette
Yarn: Berroco Pure Merino, colour Meringue, 5 skeins

This is what happens when I like pretty yarn.

Swirlette
I saw the colour and the springyness of this Berroco and couldn't resist. Without much of a plan I cast on and improvised from there - it was one of those "de-stress knits" I mentioned a few weeks back.

In general, I would knit two rows (beginning with 1x1 rib), then on the 3rd row I twisted each knit stitch to the left. When I had to increase I would purl front and back, first on every third (or fourth, I can't remember) purl, then eventually even out the number of purls so that all the knit ribs were evenly spaced across the bodice.
There were a few issues, forcing several frog sessions, as well as a yarn run - needed a couple extra skeins.
(In this piccy on the right the twists serendipitously aligned with some purty sunshine to show themselves off).


SwirletteDecreasing was one place where I had problems. Had to add more stitches for the hips in a hurry, stupidly forgetting how much the twisting tightens the stitches and reduces stretch. The top also has this unfortunate tendency to puff out at the back, because when increasing for the bust I increased evenly around the entire circumference (you can sort of see the back-twists on the picture below).

The yarn is lovely and multi-plied for an interesting knit. There were more than a few instances of needle-catching-in-yarn, and my inattentiveness when re-knitting frogged areas led to a couple half-picked up stitches. *le sigh

But, as you might be able to tell, I had some great fun on this particular photo session. It's been an incredible few days round these parts, and I fortuitously entered this park garden and initially didn't realize why it smelled so damn good.

Swirlette
These lilies of the valley needed to be in my hair. And they came home with me.

All told, I'm fairly pleased with this "de-stress" knit.
Though, it has to go into hiding for the summer.
But, as is my way, the cold-weather knits get completed right before they can't be used.
Hooray for seasonal planning!

Do you have fresh flowers in your place?
Now that the lilacs are all zapped from the sun, the lilies have taken over.
Sweet goodness.

21 comments:

Walden said...

I really like it. It is nice that you didn't carry the twists all the way down. Very nice.

Wendy said...

That is so cute! I would definitely want to make this if you come up with a more precise pattern. *hint,hint*

Goes by the name of Anna said...

Wow - that's gorgeous!

It always feel so awesome when improvised, de-stress knits come up nicely!

Fel said...

Lovely! Simple, but with those twists...very pretty. :)

heidi said...

it's really very pretty!

Anonymous said...

The pattern is lovely. You must be proud.

Ellen said...

Really cute! The yarn is gorgeous. :)

juicyknits said...

Wow, this is cute! I love the "swirling" part about it. :D

Team Knit said...

oh wow, I love this tee so much!! Those twists are such a great detail- something interesting, without being overwhelming. I would love to knit this!!! I might have to try to make this from your notes....

- Julie

Samurai Mom said...

If you ever made a pattern of this I would certainly want one. It is so pretty! Great Job. This could pull me out of my knitting slump.

LittleCanoe said...

This is beeeeeautiful! I like very much.

miastick said...

I love this top, you're a great designer :)
Can't wait for the lilies of the valley to come here too.

Hilary said...

Just gorgeous! The sweater itself looks like a bit of meringue swirled on top of some lemon pie or something. The yoke is so cool!!

Susan said...

This one came out great. The color and texture are a perfect match!

Eila said...

It is really beautiful! I like it very much!!!

Kai said...

Gorgeous! I love the simplicity, yet complete funkiness of this one... one of my favourites.

Chrispy said...

Beautiful! Such a lovely simple design. I'm currently in love with twisted ribbing that moves.

Andrea said...

That top is beautiful. The color is dead on for this time of year. I hope you do decide to write a pattern up for it.

juniperjune said...

this is awesome; i too would be interested in a pattern!

Pom Pom said...

WHAT a beautiful piece! I love the color! It fits so perfectly! Bravo!

Frida said...

Love it...you are a genius. It's simple and gorgeous:)