Shimmering
I was going to put up a picture of another little project I finished while I was in Corpus Christi. But then this arrived at my door today...
...and I decided that I just had to show it off. The little picture really doesn't this luminous yarn justice. So I also took a close up that better represents the Shimmer in Shimmer 5.
For whatever reason, I have never been a big fan of Point 5. Something about it just didn't grab me, even though I loved the big, saturated colors that it came in. The Shimmer 5 isn't terribly different from a texture perspective, but the sheen really does make a difference. It seems a little more sophisticated to me. Either that, or it's just my inner crow (lover of all things shiny and metallic) asserting itself. The yarn is 50% wool, 50% viscose blend. It seems a little more tightly spun than the Point 5 I have encountered before as well. And I'm pretty sure that it is soft enough to be worn against the skin (this is hard for me to judge until I actually wear it against my skin for a while).
This color palette is a somewhat unusual one for me given the whites and pinks and greys. The idea of winter pastels really appeals to me for a big shimmery sweater. So the only real question that remains is what sweater to make?
I bought the yarn with Giselle in mind -- a big tunic with a notched neck that looks both cozy and sexy -- at least on the model (yes, yes, I know, never judge a sweater by the model). But now I am also feeling attracted to Margot, a cardigan that actually has a little shaping going on.
I would probably get more use out of the cardigan, but I feel very drawn to the tunic. The real question is will the completed tunic just look like a shimmery sack on me or will it have the comfy/sexy (is that a clothing oxymoron?) qualities that I really want it to have, especially if paired with the right skirt or slim pants? Would it make it better or worse if I took the shaping from the cardigan (which is almost exactly the same circumference and length) and applied it to the tunic to make it a little shaplier.
I very much want to dive into knitting with this yarn (I, very conveniently, still have the 12 mm AddiTurbo needle on indefinitely loan from Rob that is the recommended needle size), but for once in my knitting life it has occurred to me that some heavy thinking might be in order if this project is to have the finished result I want it to have. As always, I am interested in any opinions that anyone might want to share.
And once again I have to say a very hearty thank you to the best blog-ring neighbor a knitter could ask for, Emma -- the arrival of this yarn is the result of her help and a little trading action.
It's hard to say with the model lying down in the picture. I'm inclined to say that no shapeless tunic knit at 2 stitches to the inch has ever made anyone look sexy. Unless they are some sort of lingerie model and wearing nothing else. :)
I confess that I really like the cardigan.The tunic would look better with shaping,I think.How about making a knit fabric 'muslin' - doesn't have to be well sewn,just the size and shape of the tunic.
I think the sweater is very beautiful and can imagine this beautiful yarn to match it ;)
very very beautiful!! *hugs*
I definitely think you should make the tunic. Even though it doesn't have any shaping, the drape of the loose knit would make it shape over curves. It would look great with a pencil skirt. Go for it!
I'd say the success of this project depends alot on the drape of the finished fabric. Because the fabric is the star here, not its shape.
That said, I would put in shaping. I am not a fan of the big sack sweater.
I would honestly also wonder about sagging/stretching in the finished sweater and would consider knitting at a tighter gauge than I would otherwise.
I would go for the cardigan, but it could be the cute skirt that is shown with it ;) With something big and comfy you can still find some sexiness if there is a hint at your own shape underneath it.
I say cardigan. I think the tunic only looks good because she's lying down and it hugs her shape. If she was standing up, it would be a bag.
I have no problem with big sack sweaters, they have their place in any closet, but for this yarn, something a bit more shapely is better.
And this sweater will be warm, you'll want something that can be worn open. I love point 5 in the hank and this cardi is the first pattern that is saying "wear me".
I also have to comment that this is the problem with colinette--the yarn is beautiful but the patterns are poorly photographed.
Trope sez: Margot! Margot! I love the cardigan idea. Dress it up or down with whatever is underneath... enjoy the waist shaping... play with it!
However, if the pullover really is calling you, I guess there's nothing to be done except find more shimmer 5 and make one of each. (smile)
I vote cardigan. There's way too much sack potential with the tunic and, unless it's dangerously low cut/paired with a see through skirt, the sex appeal will likely be lost in the bulkiness. The tunic looks like it would be great to have in a more "everyday" yarn. Picking the perfect project is always one of the funnest parts - enjoy!
I personally love the tunic. I think you have the figure to pull it off as long as you don't make it TOO TOO big. I think with the loose stitching even that fat yarn will drape nicely. Go for it!
IMHO, the cardi looks ordinary (unless you plan to walk around in that interesting pose all day, ha). It may be the picture but it does nothing for me. Even though the tunic may have less shaping, it still appeals to me more in that yarn. I'd make it just "skimming" you, not baggy huge. It looks a tad see-through but you'd look fab in it with a strappy tank just peeking through the holes. Just my $.02 worth.
I have a sweater that I made out of Shimmer--it really is an amazing yarn. I noticed that it felt fairly scratchy as I started to work with it, but after a soak and block and some wear it is getting very soft. It probably depends how sensitive your skin is, whether you can wear it without a shirt.