Finished Object: Not-So-Derivative Top
This top was a long, long time in the making. You may not recognize it, because it used to be orange. I won’t revisit the entire tale of its genesis, since it is already well-documented, and my memory is pretty fuzzy at any rate. The short version is that this garment started out as a copy of an Anthropologie sweater, veered off into disaster when I (a) ran out of yarn and (b) couldn’t figure out how to get the bottom portion right, and (c) sat in my unfinished pile for almost a year while I refused to contemplate it.
Luckily, all that time off took the sting out of my disappointment, and I was recently able to unearth the project, unravel the hideous bottom portion, wash and reskein the yarn, and figure out a new plan for finishing. I ditched the flowy part altogether in favor of a fitted look. Whereas the bodice portion was knit flat from side to side with purled ridges every inch or so, the bottom is picked up and knit straight down in a wide ribbing that lines up with the ridges. After futzing around with how to finish off the bottom edge, I finally settled on a purled ridge that curls under.
The result is far from perfect, but it is at least better. And it would be wearable, too, if I didn’t spend my days caring for the sort of baby who will spit up on it at the first opportunity. I think I’ll put it away until next spring.
February 14th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
This version is *way* better than the original. Well done.
February 14th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Hi Ruthless,
I like what you’ve done with it and it suits you. Great shots of you and the baby too.
Sincerely, Euhoria
February 14th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
LOVE the sweater. But mostly I want to say that you and the baby look great!
February 14th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Yay! I remember the orange sweater - and I love this version, very nice. And you look great (nice to see you and your sweet little one!!)
February 15th, 2009 at 9:08 am
The sweater is adorable but the baby is gorgeous!
February 15th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Lovely sweater and gorgeous baby - I love the design, and would ask for some hints on making my own, but you are probably a bit busy…
February 17th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Looking good Ruth! Nice to read about what you’re doing in the knitting world. I think the shirt you picked to wear under the finished sweater shows it off nicely — an unexpected perfect factor!
February 17th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I love the way this one turned out, and that baby makes a great accessory.
March 8th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Ruth!!!! I am feeling *extremely* foolish, but since I didn’t see any updates on my RSS from the old site all these months, and just assumed that you had stopped blogging because you were busy with the pregnancy. I thought I’d come here anyway and send you an email asking you how you’re doing, and realized that I had forgotten to update my RSS link to the new domain!!
Congratulations on the birth of your son! The photos are adorable and I’m off to read all that I missed - and you look fabulous!
April 14th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Very pretty - I like it a lot