Pinning Down a Butterfly
Funny how putting something in front of the camera can change my whole perspective on a project. Looking at these two fronts, you might almost think that I knit them from different Kureyon colorways. I wish now that I had started the first front piece (the one on the left) with just a little bit of a dark color leading into a lighter color. I really like how it creates a striking edge to the bottom of the garment.
The last time I posted about Butterfly, Amy (be sure to scroll down and see her lovely Karalund) asked if I was having problems with the tips of the chevrons curving upwards after I blocked the pieces. In case anyone else is interested in the answer, blocking does seem to cure most of my curling problems. Another thing that helped was casting on the second front piece very loosely. This resulted in a lot less curling before I pinned the piece down on my board. If you cast on tightly, cast on over two needles held together. That will help create a nice loose edge.
You can't really tell from looking at this picture, but I did make a small modification to the fronts -- what would be the button bands if this sweater had buttons is supposed to be done in garter stitch. I followed a suggestion provided by Claudia (scroll down to her October 13th entry) while she was making her incredible Butterfly (out of her own handspun, no less!) and used a seed stitch edging.
Now I have to set sail again for Sleeve Island. Hopefully I can find an open chair next to an umbrella when I get to the beach.
My Butterfly bits all look like they were made from different yarn too. That's the magic of Kureyon for you. I'm really enjoying watching the creation of all these Butterflies.
I really like how they're so different,but still related !
I wish I'd paid attention and done my front band in seed stitch.I've done a 5 stitch garter band.Think I'll add a small i-cord edge to give it more substance.I'm planning to dab my points with a steam iron to get them to behave !
You're going to look beautiful in your Butterfly.
The pinning job shown there is good stuff. Pointy! I'm happy that the seed stitch is working for you. So far, so fine in the actual wearing.
Beautiful! I do like the dark edge on the left front. It will be gorgeous either way.
Looking good. I was wondering if you could tell me how many balls you used for the two front pieces. I bought two balls less than required because I plan to shorten it, but I'm not sure how much (I'm making the third largest size). I hate to shorten too much and have some left over or not enough and have to hunt for another ball.
I figured I would do the smaller size length (27.5") and I shortened the sleeves, but any info helps.
And thanks for the anti-curling tips--I've noticed that too.
I'll save you a chair on the beach; I'm currently working on the sleeves of my own sweater right now.
tersacrafts@LJ
I can't wait to see the finished sweater. Looks great so far!