Canadian Bacon Barbie: October 2008

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Fiber Facts

The regular blog column "Fiber Facts" presents the scientific side of fiber. Most of these are written by our science specialist, Jordynn. If you have a topic you would like her to research and write about, send us an email.

Here's a list of previous columns, arranged in alphabetical order by topic.

Felting (How does it happen?).
Knots (Why yarn tangles).
Lanital (Milk Fiber).
Mercerized Cotton (What is this process?)
Silk (How it's made).

Bryher FO and a WIP

I know I haven’t posted forever, mostly because this semester has been super busy, and because I’m mainly working on some secret projects. But I did finish my Bryher scarf:

I used 2 skeins of Classic Elite Studio, which I got from a Craigslist purchase, and 1 skein of Rowan Kidsilk Night.

I like the somewhat sparkly effect, although I’m not sure if you can tell from the pictures.

I’m also *actually following someone else’s pattern*… sort of. I’m making the White Ribbed Cardigan from the Fall 2008 Vogue Knitting. If you make it, make sure to check the errata because there were quite a few errors. (Personally, I was shocked to see that practically every pattern in that issue had a ton of corrections… ).

Here’s what mine looks like so far:

I’m using Malabrigo Chunky in Applewood, which I totally love knitting with. But I’ve already used up 2 skeins and I just set up the raglan increase rows. So this is going to be a costly sweater. I think I have 10 skeins total, so we’ll see how it goes. I’m thinking that I might make it cropped, with short sleeves, depending on how much yarn I have. I saw a WIP photo from Rhino’s Ravelry page and kind of love how it looks.

I’ve decided to use garter stitch instead of seed stitch for the body, basically because seed stitch is a pain in the ass in large quantities. So hopefully it will turn out!

Friday, October 10, 2008

New Pattern - Celia Cruz Strapless Top

My new pattern, Celia Cruz, is now available up on Ravelry and available for purchase.

Celia Cruz is knit top down in the round, using Cascade Sierra (or any light worsted, cotton/wool blend yarn, such as Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece).

Directions are included for optional straps, which can be worn a number of ways:

For maximum versatility, I’ve provided directions for both a babydoll verison (above) and a fitted version (below).

To ensure a perfect fit, I’ve provided 14 different sizes, from XXS to XXL+ (based on above bust measurements of 28,30,32,34,36,38,40,42,44,46,48,50,52, and 54". Use your above bust measurement (not your regular full bust measurement) to determine your size; the bust shaping will help you to customize the fit in the bust area. Full instructions are provided for bust shaping using both horizontal and vertical bust darts (especially recommended if you are a C-cup or above).

Cuban salsa singer Celiz Cruz (1925-2003) inspired this quick and fun summer pattern. Born in Cuba, Cruz spent most of her life singing and recording in the United States, but she was known throughout the world as the “Queen of Salsa.” By the end of her career, she had 23 gold records and 3 Grammy’s to her name.

The floral motif for this strapless tube top is reminiscent of Cruz’s 1960s style.

Celia Cruz makes a quick and easy summer project, and a perfect top for summer jeans, capris, shorts and skirts.