Rainbow Gable
So it seems that my microfiber ribbon yarn and the Green Gable pattern are willing to play nice with each other. I've been referring to this top as "Rainbow Gable", for obvious reasons. Clearly, this is not a subtle garment, even in the subdued light of a rainy, grey Chicago day. But I do think it is a perfect garment to take with me to the Rainbow State (as Hawaii is sometimes nicknamed -- in fact, last year, when we were in Maui, we saw a plethora of rainbows). Lord knows, John will not lose me on the beach -- or any place else -- if I am wearing this!
I do like the being able to "try it on as I go" part of knitting from the top down. You are not getting any modeled shots at this point -- no one needs to have too much exposure to my blindingly white belly (though John was entertained by the process) -- but I am very pleased with how it fits and the nice way the ribbon fabric interacts with my shape. I'm a couple of inches below the bustline right now, so there's still plenty of knitting to go. The only real decision that remains at this point: do I add waist shaping or not? I am tempted not to because I think the ribbon fabric will accomodate most of my curves, but my favorite garments usually turn out to be the "fully fashioned" ones and the only challenge in adding the shaping is doing it at the right place. Once again, an easy thing, when dealing with a top down garment.
And I have no fears of running out of ribbon. As you can see, that ball there is still quite substatial and only the last 2" or so are from that ball. So I should have plenty of ribbon to finish the bottom and the sleeves. I will definitely be lengthening this top beyond the recommendations of the pattern. I am a little past my days of belly tops, I think, and the top will get more wear if it is slightly less revealing.
The Green Gable looks great in this yarn. It is such a nice pattern. I made it in the Cotton Fleece and like it a lot - this inspires me to try again with something more adventurous.
I think it looks great. You'll look like one of the beautiful Hawaiian flowers.
That looks really cool! That is a fun and quick pattern! Going longer and adding some shaping is a great idea! *wishing mine were a bit longer...*
So you have plans to go back to Hawaii? Lucky you!
Those colors together look really great! Yes you will be colorful in Hawaii. What is the content of the ribbon?
YES, by all means waist-shape. It's the only thing that saved my Gable from floppy T-shirt status. I'm not sure how much ease you're adding in, but my feeling is that a little shaping never hurts. My only concern would be if ripping back caused you to lose stitches in that smooth yarn, but you're knitter enough to deal with that, right? I made mine out of cotton and it was sticky enough that I would routinely slide it off the needles to try it on, rip back my last shaping attempt, and keep going. It'll be gorgeous!
Very pretty, and should work well in Hawaii. Good luck with the shaping.
~firefly
it is coming out perfect for your trip to Hawaii .
I like it, too!
So Pretty!
That is really awesome with the rainbow yarn. I love those colors! I'm so jealous that you've got plans to go to Hawaii again!
I would say to go for it as far as the waist shaping. I like my Green Gable, but I didn't get the waist shaping quite right. I could have stood to do a bit more waist shaping. I really don't like the shapeless bit. I think you would prefer a bit of waist shaping.
Grey Chicago day or not... that sweater makes me happy.
I've been living in Chicago for just over a year and I believe you've solved my 'grey day' blues.
I'll knit a Rainbow Gable and my troubles will be over. Thanks!
Rainbow Gable is a doll! Very pretty, and will look super nice on you. I opted to shape at the waist and then increased again for the hip. I found that worked well for my shape and the drape of the fabric. Keep on going - you're almost done!
Gotta love the waist shaping. It makes me look like I actually have a waistline!
Very much willing to bet that my belly is more blindingly white than yours...seeing as the rest of me is also blindingly white :-)
Got to have waist shaping. Women have waists.
I have one sweater knit from a ribbon yarn (mom *bought* it for me! LOL). It's a simple garment, boxy, no shaping, but because of the ribbon it clings and moves with me in a most delightful way. I don't think you'll need to do any special shaping at all to get the effect you want with your beautiful rainbow yarn.
Well named! It looks to be developing into a fun garment.
the web ate my comment- so I try again-
lovely basket of goodies for a great cause. we should organize a group in NYC like the Chicago group. thanks.