The lace border for Lotus is now complete. (Well, all but the one row of pink edging that I don't think will take any time compared to the last row of the main motif). Since we're leaving for our vacation on Kauai on Friday, I'm clearly cutting this one a little close*. It will be interesting to see at what point I am sewing on those sleeves. But at least all the hard work is done. I spent the evening feeling rather pleased with myself and treated myself to an interchangeable set of tiny gauge crochet hooks (to take with me on my trip) that I can use to test out those Japanese doily motifs.
I remain somewhat curious as to how the final fit of this garment is going to be. Even with all that lace, when I tried it on, the edges just touch over the bust line. Given that this sweater is not really meant to be closed in front, I don't think it's a big issue (especially since the rest of the shaping and sizing looks good), but I was hoping for a little more ease, given that the small size should be about 36" around.
Please send motivation for setting in those sleeves. I know how to do it and can even do it reasonably well, but it always takes a lot of good knitting mojo to get me started!
* I plead guilty to a bit of descent into adolescent OCD when I discovered that all the issues of a favorite graphic novel series of mine from high school, ElfQuest, are now available online. Instead of knitting I've been re-reading and reading for the first time the issues that were published after I went to college (I never had a car, so I never really had an opportunity to regularly seek out a comic book store like I could in Ann Arbor. I warn you, should you be into fantasy fiction, that should you take a trip over there, you might not come up for air for a while. I don't know why, but ElfQuest really pulls me out of my normal headspace and holds me in its zone. Getting away from it is like waking up from a really vivid dream... it takes a while.
And for anyone interested, that lovely bit of color sneaking into the picture with Lotus is my newest, very fab handbag. I am in love with this darn thing -- and not just because strangers come up to me and ask me about it -- I bough it because it's big enough to carry my stuff and some kid-related gear and it doesn't look like a "mom" bag.
I remain somewhat curious as to how the final fit of this garment is going to be. Even with all that lace, when I tried it on, the edges just touch over the bust line. Given that this sweater is not really meant to be closed in front, I don't think it's a big issue (especially since the rest of the shaping and sizing looks good), but I was hoping for a little more ease, given that the small size should be about 36" around.
Please send motivation for setting in those sleeves. I know how to do it and can even do it reasonably well, but it always takes a lot of good knitting mojo to get me started!
* I plead guilty to a bit of descent into adolescent OCD when I discovered that all the issues of a favorite graphic novel series of mine from high school, ElfQuest, are now available online. Instead of knitting I've been re-reading and reading for the first time the issues that were published after I went to college (I never had a car, so I never really had an opportunity to regularly seek out a comic book store like I could in Ann Arbor. I warn you, should you be into fantasy fiction, that should you take a trip over there, you might not come up for air for a while. I don't know why, but ElfQuest really pulls me out of my normal headspace and holds me in its zone. Getting away from it is like waking up from a really vivid dream... it takes a while.
And for anyone interested, that lovely bit of color sneaking into the picture with Lotus is my newest, very fab handbag. I am in love with this darn thing -- and not just because strangers come up to me and ask me about it -- I bough it because it's big enough to carry my stuff and some kid-related gear and it doesn't look like a "mom" bag.
and the LINK to the interchangeable crochet set?
I like the look of Lotus, even without the sleeves.
You have to get the sleeves into Lotus! For myself, I'd never have glanced twice at the pattern, but yours is quite inspiring.
This sweater is definitely all in the border. Until you get to that, it doesn't seem like much. And once that border starts to emerge in your hands, there's definitely more than one "wowza" moment.
Wow! It is a real accomplishment. And I am sure that is is meant to not overlap in thee middle. That would not be nice, and this sweater is REALLY nice. Good luck with the sleeves. I know what it is to be overpowered by a good book.
That is gorgeous. You did a beautiful job with the lacy crochet border. Obviously you out to get to the sleeves tonight, just so you can dance around in that stunning sweater!
Wow -- your lotus is absolutely stunning! I'm de-lurking after years of reading your lovely blog. :)
The body is gorgeous!!!!! The sleeves will make it even more so. You did a fabulous job on the border. Enjoy Hawaii, it's wonderful.
Congratulations on (almost) finishing the border. And good luck with the sleeves! It looks wonderful!
That project looks pretty darn impressive, knitting-skillz-wise.
I usually lurk, but I'm compelled to write to admire your handiwork. Gorgeous!
Y'all are very kind with your comments. It's definitely encouraging!