FO: Jemima

Finally, FO pics!

Reading the new IK! With a strap slip. Oops. The only negative I can find with the fit is the neckline is a smidge too wide. But only by the barest of smidges.

• Jemima by Anna Bell
• RYC Cashsoft DK, 6 skeins lavender (806) and 0.5 skein grey (505)
• US8 and 6
• Size between 36 and 38
• Mods: Knit arms and sleeves in the round, added about an inch in length to the body, sewed the contrast raglan placket in on all sides, used only contrast color for neckband

I started out making the size 38, after swatching and getting gauge on the US8s. There was supposed to be 5 or 6 sets of increases in the body, but I noticed after only 2 increases that the size seemed much larger than would be expected by then. It was already at about the width I wanted, so I stopped after those 2 decreases. I still followed the directions for the 38″ size for the raglan shaping. Because of the fewer number of stitches, the raglan length was about an inch shorter, but it looked like a length that would fit me well, being of small torso. This looser gauge resulted in a more immediate bagginess right above the waistband.

Since I knew my gauge was a bit larger, when I started the sleeves I opted to follow the 36″ size. Also, the raglan length for the body actually ended up closer to the 36″ pattern size in length, so I hoped this would fit better.

Before blocking, it was short in the arms and body. When wet, it grew alot. I swear the arms were a foot longer. But a ride in the spin cycle and a 5 minute toss in the dryer got the size back in the ballpark, and I laid it flat to dry to size.

I had fit concerns the entire time because of these spur of the moment size changes. Really, the fact that it fits so well is a goodly portion of sheer luck! I think the fact that it’s a simple shape and a loose fit helped alot, which I crossing fingers about while knitting.

But this taught me a sound lesson in paying attention to what is coming off your needles, not just what the pattern says it should be, and how well that length/width/armhole depth will actually fit on your body!

It drapey fabric in the Cashcotton is like a cloud. So lightweight and soft. I love it!

My Spring Cleaning WIP-warpath continues with major progress on my oldest WIP (really nearly UFO status) – the Habu small handbag in linen and paper. I’m about 80% done! Having this done will be such a load off. That thing has been staring at me for the longest time!

Happy Sunday! I hope you find some time to knit