Tuesday, March 09, 2010

On a roll!

This was a UFO from 2008! I started it in July of 2008 and it even went on a beach vacation with me to the Jersey Shore. This has sat in a bag for a very long time. Last year, 2009, I had pulled it out again and was able to finish the garter band. Then I promptly lost interest again.Since I am on a mission to finish my UFO's, I pulled this out again at the end of February 2010. With a great determination, I finished this last week. Let me tell you that it was torture to knit this in black. Don't do it! I am surprised that I didn't go blind. You need very good lighting, like natural sunlight, to be able to see this when you are knitting. It was miles and miles of stockinette and I quickly remembered by I kept putting it off. But my mind was set to finish it and I did it.

The yarn is Lion Brand Microspun. At the time, I was a newbie at knitting adult sized garments, so I bought the yarn that the pattern called for. At the store, I had a choice of bright colors or black. That's why I chose Black. I actually didn't have any trouble knitting with this yarn. It is really soft in the ball form and knit up.I honestly love this blouson! It's very flattering and it's comfortable. This pattern runs extremely big, so be aware of that if you try this pattern. I only knit the skirt part for 8 1/4 inches and it calls for 10 1/2 inches. I have a very short torso so it's great that this pattern was top-down. If I were to make this again, I would knit the garter band with smaller needles. I got a tip from another Raveler about weaving in some elastic thread from the inside to tighten that up. So, I will try that when I get a chance to get to the store.

Pattern: #28 Short Sleeve Blouson (Ravelry link) by Cathy Carron from Knit.1, Summer 2007
Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm
Yarn: 4.68 skeins = 786.2 yards of Lion Brand Microspun in color: Ebony.
Size: Small

27 comments:

knithound brooklyn said...

It looks fantastic on you, and the black is very flattering. I bet you get to wear this tons now that you have it finished!

Harlem Purl said...

That looks great on you. I think you stopped it at just the right length.

Sayschnicklefritz said...

The black may have been a nightmare to knit, but you made teh right color selection. Cute and classic, good for day and night (maybe I should write catalog copy). And the fit is good; not so big as to be sloppy, but neither so tight as to be restrictive and unforgiving. A winner!

Also, WTF were you doing up ayt 6 am? You're a night owl.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

What a gorgeous top! I know you'll enjoy wearing it, and one more crossed off the UFO list. Win. Win!

hetty said...

That is a gorgeous blouson! Congratulations on finishing it. I once knit a sweater for my daughter in black and swore never to do that again. Yours looks lovely though!

yahaira said...

whoa this is a blast from the past! I remember wanting to knit that pattern and just never getting around to it.

yours looks great! and just in time for spring

radioactivegan said...

that is a really cute top. it makes me want to give knitting clothes another try!

craftivore said...

Oh Shazam! That is adorable. I hat knitting with black too but it looks like it was worth it.

rohanknitter said...

That is really cute! Good for you for getting another UFO done!

caitlyn said...

You are definitely on a roll! This top looks really great on you! Black makes it super versatile, too.

Rima said...

It looks so good on you! It might be "driving me crazy" Black, but you will be wearing it all the time! Cant wait to see you wearing it.

Sue said...

It looks beautiful. I dont think I ever knit with black yarn as it makes my eyes hurt. I am sure you will wear that top a lot now that it is finished.

LittleCanoe said...

On a roll is right! This is awesome.

Jackie said...

this is a very good effort and definitely it's beautiful !

it looks good on you and bet it worth all these effort.

black is soooo elgant, good choice (hahaha)

Erin Joy said...

I agree about the color - excellent choice. Can't go wrong with good ol' black!

MarieR said...

Now this I like! It's very flattering. Can't see why you would need to weave in elastic, it fits you perfectly. And the color is great on you, but I agree about knitting with black yarn. Once knit a pair of black lace socks...and that was the end of that! Enjoy your new top!

Jeanne said...

Beautiful! It looks so nice on you - congrats on getting it done - you must feel wonderful for getting an old UFO out of the way.

Anonymous said...

the black really gives the design a whole new look - 'love it! - bravo - Cathy Carron

Jennie said...

Pretty, it looks great on you =)
I have the same problem sewing in black, it can only be done during the day or with all the lights in the house on =D

kim said...

I love it on you! Even a little big, it's cute. Congrats on another UFO finished.

Sam said...

My goodness this is pretty - great shape and classy design. Love it in the black.

opportunityknits said...

It's such a pretty blouson. Love the colour and the bodice band. Knitting black stockinette is hard on the eyes, but the end product is worth it :)

Rebekah said...

this is such a pretty top! It looks great on you!

I have some black yarn stashed for a cardigan and now I'm afraid that I won't be able to see it while I knit...

Stephanie said...

that looks so fantastic on you! congrats for finishing it off :)

Hannah said...

Wow, you sure are knitting up a storm! Your prolific creations are such an inspiration...!

Anonymous said...

Wow! This is so cute! I'm impressed with all these FOs. I need to pick up a bunch myself.

Taradactyl in a Modern World said...

super cute!