Monday, August 31, 2009

Campaniform; Or, How I Challenge the Stash

Moons ago in April, I began hatching a plan for stash usage.
I decided I wanted to play with a particular garment shape idea, and Campaniform was born.
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Pattern: Campaniform
Yarn: 2 hanks of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, in "Lava"

I had so very much fun knitting this mini cardi. Very mini cardi.
Playing chicken with the yardage turned out alright in some respects, and not so great in others.

Alright: The knit was finished with only about 3 metres of the yarn left
(I'm astonished by my estimation powers)
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Not so Great: In a stroke of goofy luck, I miscalculated the number of stitches for the front - subsequently I have a gap that is much larger than originally intended.
This error has been "surmounted" by the wee tags n' buttons, but not entirely satisfactorily.

Incidentally, the vote I put out there for button choice ended up being tied between leopard and clocks. It was a really tough decision! But with the clocks I went.

Alright: I really really like the shape, and think I have some useful data that can be applied to a new pattern idea.
It was a simple top down raglan, but as you can see, the sleeves ate up most of the yarn with their fun puffiness. I also short-rowed across the back, to give it a bit of a cute wee curve, as well as save some of the yarn. You can sort of see it in this back photo.
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Not so Great: I held out hope til the last that there would be enough to pick up and knit along the front panels, and bring them closer together.
Sadly, I had not the required yardage.
le sigh.

It is comfort, though, that this knit has grown on me significantly after having worn it to work on yesterday (when I conducted this photoshoot).

The inspiration for this knit was partly the yarn, which is lovely and knits up wonderfully. I also looked to the beautiful gowns and fashions of the mid-late 18th century. While certainly not an attempt at exact replication, it's more of an homage to the off-the-shoulder neckline and belled sleeves of pre-revolutionary France. Hence the appropriateness of the clock buttons :)
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14 comments:

Nettie said...

It looks awesome!!

I love the shape!

Shannon said...

*love* *love* *love*

Most especially the button situation on the front!

Yuliana said...

love love this
esp the sleeves and the button situation.

Team Knit said...

wow, this is gorgeous! the sleeves are stunning, and I love the tabs and buttons. Such a gorgeous knit!!

- Julie

Kathleen Dames said...

Very cute! I love the puffed sleeves and off-the-shoulder style. I was eyeing that yarn (in that color) recently. Looks even better as a knit than in the hank.

neferatowen said...

It's beautiful! I love the sleeves!!!! Any chance you'll post the pattern? :D

soknitpicky said...

This is so lovely and full of romance. I love the puffy sleeves and the tabs across the front!

Hilary said...

Tres cool! I actually really love how the fronts are far-ish apart and are held together with those longer straps. Good call on the clock buttons...I was one of the leopard button voters, but now that I see the whole piece, I believe the clocks were the right way to go. Such a neat shape to this one...just awesome!

Clumsy Knitter said...

Wow--that is super cute and so creative! I love the sleeve and the tabs across the front. Very impressive!

Rosie said...

I love it so much!

Sally said...

The sleeves are really cute and the tabs are a great improvisation. I declare this project to be good!

Gege à la Gomme said...

I definetely love your original touch.

Loulek said...

That's cute! I love the french sleeves it's the kind of cloth we'll wear this winter in France :)

CassieMarie said...

super cute.
I think it would also be cool to attach fabric to the bottom (gathered maybe?) to make it into a cardigan. Hmmmm, now I am scheming.... hehe.