After that initial debacle with the sweater I made in my 30's, I didn't make another garment until I was in my . . . well, let's just say it was quite a while. By this time, I had learned a valuable lesson--make an item at least 3 times. The why's and wherefor's of that wisdom is for another post.
I selected the Shapely Tank Top by White Lies Designs as my learning tool. I chose a bamboo yarn by Southwest Trading Company in a gorgeous red and black. I did a gauge swatch, selected the correct size and set to work. The end result was good, but not quite the fit that I wanted. It was wider than me, and it has grown longer as I've worn it. That's how I discovered one more thing to consider, fiber content. Bamboo is oh-so-soft and comfortable, but it has a tendancy to stretch.
A few months later, I selected a cotton yarn by Gedifra. I thought I would experiment a little and I knit this top in the round up to the armhole bindoffs. I had a difficult time getting the top joined correctly to work in the round and ripped it out 6 times, but then I was on my way. The end result for this top was better and I still wear it often. But . . . it was still too wide for me, particularly in the shoulders.
The solution to this problem seems quite simple in hindsight, but I must say that it didn't come quickly. Over the years, I have gained weight, but that weight has not been distributed evenly. While my bust has grown, my shoulder width has not, or at least not as much. So, the shoulder or armhole shaping has to be greater than the decreases for the size I selected.
Hmmm, first it was gauge, then ease, and now additional body measurements that are important.
No comments:
Post a Comment