"must.make.this" is now "must've.made.this"

So - LONG overdue FO post here. Remember this?

Well, I knit it up pretty darn quickly. But I wasn't crazy about how it looked on me (which has nothing to do with the knit itself and everything to do with my own self-image), and it took me a while to warm up to some photos of me in the sweater. Photo credits here go to my 6-year-old Campbell.

• Pattern: Botanica Medallion by Shiri Mor, from Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 09
• Yarn: 7 skeins Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Dyed Organic Cotton, color Mallard #308
• Size: M/L
• Needles: US6 (4,0mm) and US7 (4,5mm)

This yarn? Delicious! I've had it in the store for a year and hadn't used it before now. It feels fairly "regular" in the skein, but knitting with it one can feel its absolutely squishiness. Mmm. Love it.

And I'm not exaggerating to say that this was the most compelling thing I've knit in years. The center medallion is so captivating that I knit it in about an hour (not surprising, considering it only uses 1 skein out of 7 required). And Shiri's real genius lies in the outer band - her use of multi-row-gauged stitch patterns to acheive the circular shape - amazing. For such a stunning finished object, the pattern itself is really very accessible to the average, intermediate knitter. Genius.

 

Unfortunately, I struggle with the area of my upper arms' backside that feels so exposed when I'm in this cardigan/bolero/wrap/shawl. What I really need to try is a long-sleeved tissue T...maybe this Fall. For now, I'll settle with letting the knit speak for itself on my dress forms in the shop.

I would definitely encourage anyone with a little bit of knitting under their belt to give this a shot - for the entertainment if nothing else!

Comments

[Patricia, OM]

You smarty pants! An HOUR to knit the center. It took me a week... :p I didn't check the errata first.

Botanica is the most beautiful piece of knitting I've ever seen. I'll finish mine, in wool, when it's not 107 degrees. :)

[Pam]

I think this will work with long sleeves this fall -- but you might try my philosophy (I just finished mine. . .). I've decided to imagine that this is such a striking sweater, no one will be noticing my arms. It's a delusion, but you're welcome to borrow it.

And you *do* look nice in yours.