When In Doubt Part. 2: Turn It Inside Out! -- Alma from Rowan Mag 55
I didn't know this was going to be a series, but I should have known from my tendency to treat patterns like flapjacks! In Part 1 of this tale, I was in doubt about a pattern, and I Flipped It.
When I first saw Alma by Carlo Volpi from Rowan Magazine 55, it really jumped out. I loved the combo of the chunky Summer Tweed with the skinny Fine Lace and how it all jumbled together.
I used Summer Tweed but replaced the Fine Lace with Kidsilk Haze. It was my first time using Summer Tweed and I didn't enjoy knitting with it much, BUT the look is totally unique and the smell of the raw silk is a pleasure every time I throw this baby on. I did hear that Summer Tweed might be on the out (according to the telltale sale bin in John Lewis stores in the UK), so if you like it, stock up just in case.
The stitch goes quickly because it's a slip-stitch pattern, but as I was working on it, I realized that I Very Much Preferred the "wrong side" of the pattern.
It was neater, smooth and looked like fancy colorwork without the actual "work"! Hmm. I didn't have to decide until seaming, so I carried on. The pattern is a large rectangle and moves right along, I really enjoyed it.
All finished, I canvassed the crowds: our fabulous Rowan Love Ravelry group, my Facebook Page and... the final critic, my husband. Most preferred the wrong side, and my husband said about the right side, "Yuck, that looks like the bottom of my shoe." Dramatic, that is he.
Yup, I was going to TURN THIS SUCKER INSIDE OUT.
This top fits right into current fashion: oversized, shapeless, decorative. Over a mini-dress it's perfect!
Don't neglect to do the crochet edgings all around, they really make the piece. It was my first time crocheting with Rowan Cotton Glace, and honestly after these edgings I caught a bit of crochet fever! (If you like crochet, you might want to check out my collection of Japanese crochet patterns I am slowly putting up on a special Pinterest board.)
I crocheted the bottom a little tighter to bring the hem in like a bubble top. So cute, I love it.
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AND NOW FOR SOME FANTASTIC NEWS!
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| Image from The Seasoned Plate, mmm. |
We've been busy popping champagne in the Dayana Knits household, because it is CONFIRMED, we are moving to a new life in Bar Harbor, Maine in December! My husband will be starting an Assistant Professorship (he's a scientist and you can read a little about his research here) and I'll also be continuing in science, hopefully with a biotech twist. We're excited for a million different reasons, but here are a few:
1. B. worked his ass off through untold hardship for this success, it is so well-deserved!
2. We are more than ready to shed the Urban Life and live by the sea.
3. Mount Desert Island (where Bar Harbor is), is the home of Acadia National Park, a real treasure.
4. Maine is a crafter's paradise, seriously. Everyone crafts! Your dog crafts!
5. We are finally growing up.
6. I do really freaking like blueberries.
Do message me if you know of any knitting peeps around the area, I'm always shy about integrating into a new community and would love to chat.
See my Alma, Inside Out on Ravelry
I don't think you can throw a ball of yarn in Maine without hitting an acclaimed knitwear designer. ;)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on an adorable FO, and the great life changes!
I'm going to try that... I'll just throw skeins at everyone I meet. Maybe they'll throw a hand-dyed microbatch blueberry-scented skein back!
DeleteI agree you chose the right side for your top. Congrats on the exciting move. I predict lots of seascape photos and more blue knits!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've been thinking about this... I must roam the island looking for the most perfect backdrops!
DeleteCongratulations on your upcoming move - it does sound terrific although I'll miss your Montreal photoshoots (sometimes I'm more nostalgic for Montreal than Toronto - I spent my childhood in Beaconsfield). Also, I love the colours you chose on the Alma - hmmm, may have to check out those John Lewis sale bins!
ReplyDeleteI know, it's going to be tough without graffiti! Maybe I'll have more luck in gritty Bangor. Gritty, lol, exaggerating here. Although, Maine is one of the least wealthy states in the Union, it may have some fantastic decrepit machinery backdrops. I heard that a lot of paper mills went busts there, unfortunately. Also, a house we are looking at is right next to a granite quarry!
DeleteAw, you are moving to my home! (I am a Mainer in exile in Upstate NY) I worked on MDI for several years (at the hospital and one of the elementary schools) but I am from "the Mainland." My favorite local yarn shop is Shirley's on Route 1 in Hancock (right outside of Ellsworth.) The people who own the shop are really nice. I haven't lived there since 2008 but let me know if you have any questions about anything and I will try my best to answer. kerryannmckim at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see all your photos of Acadia!
That's funny because I grew up in upstate NY (Albany)! Thanks so much for the info on Shirley's, I will definitely stop by. So pleased to have you as a contact!
DeleteI love this, Dayana! I even love the smudgy look of the "Right" side out. And CONGRATULATIONS to your husband on the new job, and to both of you on the move. Maine is just beautiful, and it's a knitters paradise!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, we are so excited to be moving on, woohoo!
DeleteLooks awesome inside out, I much prefer it (and am also really into the 90s look the outfit has). And while this city girl has difficulty imagining trading Montreal for Bar Harbor, I did just return from the latter and it is gorgeous! I'll look forward to nature-scene FO shots!
ReplyDeleteHey, I lived in NYC for 6 years and said I would NEVER leave. Then I move to Montreal, and I have a great apartment with a huge deck I spend almost every warm day lounging on. So I think I've been utterly spoiled and something inside would probably wither up if I went back to NYC, despite how awesomely wonderful it is in other ways. Now I have to prove it to myself, go all the way and get the freaking garden patio plus 5 acres of land, already. Heh.
DeleteRe: 90s. I live in a hipster part of town, this top is like I just got it out of one of the oh, 9 thrift shop in a one block radius!
I like the wrong side better also, but either way, it's a great sweater. Congrats on this next phase of your life!
ReplyDeleteIt's true, the right side isn't bad at all! I couldn't really make it reversible because there were far too many ends to weave in. :(
DeleteWell done all around, you and B!
ReplyDelete-- stashdragon
Thank you, my dear! :)
DeleteCongrats to young your husband! And how lucky for you to live in Bar Harbor! I probably would've chosen to use that top wrong side out, too, even though I find myself loving the reverse side of fairisle.
ReplyDeleteThanks! You know, I feel the same way. In fact, I feel like I copped out a bit, because I really do want to embrace the wrong side of things!! Fair isle reversed, especially... agreed.
ReplyDeletePS: I just love your statement "This top fits right into current fashion: oversized, shapeless, decorative." Yep, I'll be bringing the current fashion into play this fall by burrowing to the back of my sweater cupboard for those '80s and '90s goodies - all handknit by yours truly!
ReplyDelete-- stashdragon
Congrats, that is so exciting!! Have you used any String Theory yarn? It's one of the many yummy indie yarns that is produced in Maine you have to look forward to--I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the move, it's very exciting!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'm a fan of this knit, though. You do beautiful knitting, as always, but this particular pattern seems shapeless and unflattering, even on you.
You doll! I love every thing about this post! See ya soon!
ReplyDeleteI love the back! How hilarious is that
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a teenager, I spent summers on Mount Desert Island with my dad. Man, I loved that place! I am filled with envy. Congratulations to you both.
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