All the training and sacrifice were worth this very moment. The triumph over adversity and the perseverance through the wonky stitches. And in the final seconds, in order to achieve this feat, a change in normal habits, an adaptation in style. Yes, it slowed this athlete down at first, working all the purls clockwise and untwisting the stitches on the way back across the rows, then knitting on the edge, the dangerous tips of the needles. It was a struggle to the finish line, but cross it I did! Don't you dare pull a Paul Hamm on me! This medal is mine, all mine!
There is alot to share over this tank. I really should have run when I read other's trials with Linen Drape. To say it must be knit very firmly is the understatement of the year. And a warning: Knitting with this yarn is only to be done when you can pay attention to every stitch knitted. The splitting almost sent me packing. To Splitsville! Even when paying attention, I would get a few rows past, look down and....AARGH! A splitty loop to rip back down to. The linen has no give at all, and does not take well to being bossed around. And I am so bossy! I don't like losing, that is for sure. It is a testament to my downright stubborn determination that I made it to the end with this baby! (A disclaimer-these are the opinions of this Olympic knitter only and should not be used exclusively in making your own choices. Some really love knitting this yarn. I only like wearing it). How do you like my seam? When I started knitting the decreases and increases it became apparent early on that seaming would be a witch, so I restarted including selvage stitches, and I mattress stitched her up from the right side so I could match up the incs and decs. I think it made all the difference.
A preference of Kim Hargreaves that has sent many knitters to the mad house is her choice of decreasing in the 2x2 rib. In certain places that she has used it, I think I would not like it very much, but for the purposes of this design I think it works really well. I like the way the outside rib moves across the armhole and neck edge openings without the decreases being worked into it. It gives the shaping a nice line. I don't know if I would like it at the waist shaping as in Audrey, where it falls in an unflattering place.
I do have to admit a little secret though. Twice lately, as I have been in yarn shops looking around, the wonderful colors of the discontinued Linen Drape have almost seduced me into unspeakable things. Like adding them to my stash. How quickly we forget the hard times of a relationship when confronted with a pretty face. No worries. I ran screaming from the shops, leaving knitters and shop owners making mental notes of my face so they can hide when they see me coming.
Visit the Moonbeam photo album for a few more pics and details, if you are desperate for more. Or don't bore yourself. My photgrapher likes the sweater, or as he puts it, the way it accentuates my b**bs. He knows me. He knows me very well. We have a relationship. He knows I don't have b**bs, that is all pads, baby. He did take a picture of what I do have though. Ah, he still lusts after me, how sweet!
Moonbeam looks great! The trials and tribulations with Linen Drape were definitely worth it. I say go get MORE Linen Drape. :)
Posted by: Annie | August 24, 2004 at 02:05 PM
That is so cute! I like your photographer!
Posted by: c | August 24, 2004 at 02:40 PM
It looks fabulous and well worth the effort. Good for you in taming that shrew.
Any news on Kersti?
Posted by: Margene | August 24, 2004 at 04:12 PM
Well, I see where he's comin' from -- that IS very lustworthy. Although probably my lust and Pete's are coming from different angles. I do like that photo of your best assets, too, though. ;-)
Posted by: Norma | August 24, 2004 at 04:13 PM
Great color too! Speaking of color, I dig your nail polish on your toes in your Moonbeam gallery. I must have it for my next pedicure. Can you fill me in?
Kyra
Posted by: Kyra | August 24, 2004 at 05:35 PM
That looks fabulous! Are you sure that the Olympic knitter hasn't been taking performance enhancing, but barred, substances? ;-) Actually, it sounds like linen drape requires the utmost concentration, and possibly a drink afterwards to calm your nerves after dealing with all the splittiness.
Posted by: Susan | August 24, 2004 at 09:58 PM
Cute top. Are you sure you're not really 29?
Posted by: claudia | August 24, 2004 at 10:26 PM
Great top! I like the colour.
Posted by: Clara | August 24, 2004 at 10:51 PM
Moonbeam looks wonderful! Well worth the work I bet!
Posted by: Karen | August 25, 2004 at 08:54 AM
Thanks for your kind words regarding Audrey!
Your tank looks fabulous. That's the tank that I want to do. I have a pic on my blog. Only I'm going to use Rowan Cotton Tape. Do you think that would work?
I also love the edging you did on your other tank. Just beautiful! :-)
Posted by: Eilene | August 25, 2004 at 05:13 PM
I love the tank! I am myself going nutzo with the increases in the 2x2 rib, thanks to mme hargreaves!
Moonbeam, It's a beautiful fit...you did a terrific job...
Posted by: Heather | August 26, 2004 at 08:33 AM
oh wow cool I am makin that tank using Baby Cashmerino (debbie bliss)
Posted by: brandy | August 26, 2004 at 10:57 AM
Very cute on you! Do another flip for the crowd!
Posted by: Kerstin | August 26, 2004 at 12:11 PM
The tank came out great and cits you so well.
I love the laurel wreath too :)
Posted by: amy boogie | August 30, 2004 at 07:43 AM
Has anyone ever pointed out to you how athletically inclined you seem to be when you finish your sweaters? Leaping, flying, or victoriously coronated with olive leaves and the like?
I love the hair, by the way. New 'do?
Posted by: julia fc | August 31, 2004 at 03:47 PM
What a cute cute tank!
Posted by: Carrie | September 01, 2004 at 10:36 AM