Wednesday, July 25, 2007

The moment of reckoning

Today I went down to This Is Knit and bought some yarn to use for the ribbing of the Silk Garden pullover. Lisa and I tried to find the best match to the Silk Garden (colour 84) but with so many colours, it was difficult. Eventually I chose a ball of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in a brickish red colour. I was hoping there would be a goldeny yellow orange, but no such luck.

It took only a bit of time to do the ribbing on the hem and sleeves, so then I had to face the inevitable:


I'd hand-sewn the reinforcement for the steek. Two lines of stitching on either side of the row of stitches I would cut through. I didn't trust just the one line of stitching, so I put in another one one stitch away. Then I went over the first line again, just to be sure.

I made myself a cup of tea (okay, I lie, The Limey made me a cup of tea) and I got down to work.

It was surprisingly...easy. I did some more.
I don't think I inhaled at all during the cutting, mind you. But it got done. The steek reinforcement held together. I was shocked.


I folded the steek stitches back and sewed the selvedge to the wrong side of the fabric. It still held. I picked up stitches along the edge and knit the ribbing for the scoop neck. It still held.

I think I only really took a proper, deep breath after I'd picked up the stitches for the ribbing. I could see that I wasn't going to have an unraveling mess on my hands.

It's washed and blocking now. Whew.

5 comments:

Lien said...

I've just been catching up with your blog. That was brave!! You need a medal for taking scissors to the knitting!!

Hope the job hunting front works out. But in the meantime, can't wait for the pattern - I'll try to make one when you have it up!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations and well done, Lien! Very brave of you and quite nice of TL to support you in your hour of need....

Lindy said...

I held my breath while reading this! Well done! Don't know if I am brave enough to try it.

SquirrellyWrath said...

I saw this on craftster...I'm really impressed! I don't think I'd have the guts to steek, but your sweater looks gorgeous, I really like the colours as well.

Oh and good luck with the job hunting :)

Peacock Chic said...

wow that came out wonderfully!!! I love the color and how you used one pattern to make your own version. Good Job!