It's a relief to have this finished. UFOs really irk me, I think because I'm so bad about revisiting them if I've lost my momentum. I seem to be getting better at it, with age, but I still think I do best with a big burst of inspiration.
You know what's funny? This might be one of the few garments that looks a little better on me than the mannequin. The very narrow hips and shoulders of my stand-in, make the piece look unbalanced (top heavy?), to my eye. Still, she holds still which is useful on these overcast days.
When I first started designing this, I felt sure that I did not want ribbing at the neck and hem. I can't remember why, because I actually really like it, now. At the sleeve hem, I just used a simple i-cord bind-off to maintain the rather pronounced scallop that the lace produces. But, at the neck and hem, I think the ribbing does a nice job of producing a clean finished edge.
Speaking of the neckline, I used a few decreases to keep that boat neck from falling off the shoulders. It juuuust covers my bra straps. I could probably have done a little more ribbing if it bothered me, but right now, I like it.
I really don't think I need to say much about my love for Calmer. I've used it quite a few times before and love it to pieces. It's soft, soft, soft, soft, soft, and for those of you who can't stomach the price, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the yardage and how far it goes, when knit at the recommended gauge.
All in all, I think it's another piece I'll actually wear. I'll try to get a shot of me in it, eventually, but it's a bit too rainy and cold right now.
Share this post
Comments (26)
Wow. I really love this design. =D
Posted by sophy | February 12, 2008 2:37 PM
Posted on February 12, 2008 14:37
I love how Panda seeming knows how her tail is wrapping around "Lily" and she seems to be thinking, I love Marnie for making this sweater so I too can be in the picture!
I so relate to Panda with my Border Collie Tipsy! She only gets into my pics when I am shooting my creations, it's like her final herding up of the sheep!
Posted by Terri Lynn | February 11, 2008 9:33 AM
Posted on February 11, 2008 09:33
sigh. just sooooooo pretty. when are you going to design for us busty girls, though, lol?
i loved calmer, when i worked with it. my daughter's friend had non-hodgekins lymphoma (at 16!), and steph asked me to make her a hat since they were going to shave her head when she started chemo. i had originally thought to do shedir, but teenage girls aren't into all those cables, so i made a simple short-row hat iwth a cable around the brim. she adored it, and it only took 2/3 of a ball!
Posted by minnie | February 9, 2008 7:33 PM
Posted on February 9, 2008 19:33
Beautiful!!
Posted by Rene' | February 9, 2008 8:16 AM
Posted on February 9, 2008 08:16
"She holds still"? You mean you don't? Or just not in this weather?
What happened to the snow? Or is that only in the mountains? I'm confused. But that's nothing new.
Posted by Kathy in KS | February 7, 2008 10:00 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 22:00
OMG it's amaaaaazing. I LOVE that. I would wear it every day... ;)
Posted by Hattie | February 7, 2008 5:09 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 17:09
If you are worried about bra strap showing, I took a page from a 50's dress and sewed in some little tiny ribbons at the shoulder with baby snaps. I put on my boat neck, slide the little ribbon under my bra strap and snick it closed - stays put all day!
Posted by Jamie Grace-Duff | February 7, 2008 3:06 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 15:06
Lily looks really lovely now that she's finished. It is such an amazing replica of the flower it's mesmerizing!
Posted by Amy in StL | February 7, 2008 11:24 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 11:24
I think it looks great on the Mannequin, so it must be spectacular on you!!! I think this calls for a little Rebecca-esque CAL photo-shoot. Say, Portland, March 14th-ish?
Posted by Julia | February 7, 2008 11:15 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 11:15
this is really just so elegant looking!!!!!
Posted by zoey | February 7, 2008 10:48 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 10:48
I think the ribbing at the neck and hem looks really good! I love how this turned out- Lily is stunning & I bet it looks even more fabulous on you.
Posted by Nonnahs | February 7, 2008 9:56 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 09:56
Oh my, it's gorgeous! The lily of the valley detailing is amazing - and I like how the pattern grows from the bottom of the sleeves. I am a total Calmer addict myself - I've knit with it so many times, and am about to do so again.
Posted by Elizabeth | February 7, 2008 8:58 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 08:58
Lovely! I really like where you went with this design. It is visually interesting but not overwhelming. And in Calmer! I bet it feels so nice on :-)
Posted by disentangled | February 7, 2008 7:54 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 07:54
Lovely sweater though I have to admit I'm distracted by the green grass in the photos (and the doggie). I think that confirms that I have hit the February blah stage of winter.
Posted by Megan | February 7, 2008 7:40 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 07:40
I usually don't like bobbledy bits in my knitting...but on this?
A wonderful design element. (it totally helps that it's not creating the "headlight" effect on ones chest...like so many bobble patterns do ;) )
Posted by Amber | February 7, 2008 6:17 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 06:17
It looks spectacular! I love the way the ribbing brings everything together. I'm glad you finished it! :)
Posted by Ruinwen | February 7, 2008 5:14 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 05:14
um, I think this is one of your finest.
I keep saying that. :) But, I mean it. This is really beautiful and unique.
Posted by j | February 7, 2008 4:46 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 04:46
Your Lily is just so beautiful! You performed is very well and I wish I could design and knit such great pieces.
Posted by Puccannick | February 7, 2008 4:41 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 04:41
I think it's beautiful! I love your designs.
Posted by Anna | February 7, 2008 3:55 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 03:55
It's gorgeous!
Posted by Tasha | February 7, 2008 3:15 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 03:15
Wah... so pretty and so fast you finished this since the last post!
Posted by Wiggley aka Mozart | February 7, 2008 3:15 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 03:15
pretty! I like it a lot.
Posted by emily | February 6, 2008 10:10 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 22:10
Beautiful. That says it all. Have you ever thought of designing something for us.. ah...larger gals?
Posted by Coastergirl | February 6, 2008 8:53 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 20:53
Your sweater is beyond gorgeous! Great job!
Posted by Lani | February 6, 2008 6:48 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:48
Marnie, the sweater is just lovely. I loved the swatch and I love the finished object even more. Kudos!
Posted by Jen. | February 6, 2008 6:24 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:24
Really beautiful!
Posted by Kate | February 6, 2008 6:14 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:14