Here's tank top number two from the Filatura di Crossa Spring/Summer Collection 2003. The tank top is made out of Filatura di Crossa Brilla, color 388. I love this color because it's got enough blue in it to go well with my skin color and depending on the lighting, it looks blue or grey. It has a lovely iridescence that is hard to tell from photos (except for the fact that it is very hard to see stitch detailing when you have to use a flash).
Brilla's a Cotton/Viscose blend and it has a very nice smooth feeling against the skin (important because this top is not completely bra-friendly, given the strap positioning. I found it easy to knit with as well. It can split, but only if you work at it. It says it's handwash. I suspect that when I need to, this top will go into the gentle cycle on my machine.
Right now, I am a total fan of this Filatura pattern book. Both patterns that I have done from it have provided rapid gratification. Not only that, but I have found the instructions to be relatively clear and easy to follow -- and the end product quite satisfying. Good for beginners and easy for more experienced folks. My only complaint is their yardage estimates. I think that they are not at all generous enough. I had scraps of yarn from the first project I did, and if I hadn't modified this pattern a little, I think I would have run into the same problem.
Fortunately, the modifcations that I made were to make the shape of the top a little more compatible with my shape. I shortened the body of the top by an inch so that I didn't get too much drape over my hips, which usually isn't too flattering for me. I also changed the edging on the armholes.
The pattern calls for a row of single crochet and a row of reverse single crochet around the neck and armholes. I left it around the neck, but removed it completely from the arm holes. Even after agressive blocking, the armholes still rolled on the edges with the crochet. I just didn't like it. (You can see a little bit of the rolling behavior on the neckline). When I took it out, I decided that the armholes didn't really need any edging, at least in my opinion. I also felt that the crochet edging took away from the cable detail, which was why I liked the top in the first place
This last shot shows the top off in profile. I don't suppose I really need to post another shot, and the colors aren't terribly accurate, but I also just like the picture for some reason I can't quite put my finger on.
What's up next.... well, Elann.com has gotten me hooked twice this week... once on some Tai and today on some St. Tropez... so I'll be doing at least two more tops out of the Filatura book, along with working on Charlotte.
Other news... I had the pleasure of getting to meet one of my knitting neighbors -- Bonnie Marie Burns of ChicKnits, who happens to share a Chicago neighborhood with yours truly. She and Julie and I all met up at Letizia's Natural Bakery on Division tonight for a little knitting and chatting get together. What a great evening! It was definitely a pleasure to meet and knit a while with Bonnie Marie (and it's always fun to hang out with Julie!). I love having interesting and inspiring creative neighbors!
How wonderful, that top came out so nice and the color and style looks great on you! I agree with the arm holes, they look nice just as they are!
Thanks for sharing!
Brilla looks lovely on you - very flattering shape.I really like the cable detail too.
The Brilla looks really nice on you! I like the armholes the way they are... I find it hard to believe that any more finishing was called for. You sure look good in that top! :)
Brilla looks great and you look gorgeous in it! I notice that lovely South of France glow on you. Thanks for posting your vacation pics looks like you had a great time.
Theresa, the color of Brilla looks wonderful on you. It is a terrific sweater! Thanks also for the pictures of Nice - I was there in college and promised myself I'd get married at the Hotel Negresco. Yeah, right!