Calmer on Sale

I don't know how many people this would benefit, but I was looking around for needles at my local yarn shops last night, and noticed that Knit Happens (Alexandria, VA) has Rowan Calmer on sale on their website for $7.99 I believe. I have no idea how much they have left (the webstie will let you know for each color), and I'm pretty sure this is a website only sale, but check them out here. I know, shameless plug, but I swear I am not affiliated with or emotionally attached to them in any way!

KnitHappens


It is listed under "featured items" on the front page - just scroll down a bit.

Better late than never!

I got started in this knitalong really late, so I'm quite late on finishing, but Orangina is finally done! You can see a photo of the finished product on my blog.

Is 100% cotton really that bad?

Well, as the original nominator of this pattern, I thought I had my yarn all picked out. Then actually READ the thing and it said that 100% Cotton is not suggested. Well, the yarn I had picked out is of course 100% Cotton. I've been searching through my stash of yarn and sweaters to be recycled and am not sure if I have anything else that would be appropriate. So my question is, is 100% cotton really all that bad for this sweater? Should I do some more digging, or do you think I might be able to get away with the yarn I had picked out? Do you think silk/Cotton would have enough elasticity, or is silk not elastic too?

Dawn
http://dawnprickett.blogspot.com

Woohoo!

I am in, I am in, I am in! Thanks Jeannie.

I can't wait to start. I left that yarn purchase rather late, so I await its arrival rather eagerly. I must admit I have been a coward. After reading everyone's contributions to this blog about Tempting II, I thought I would be tempted into yarn substitution... I backed out at the last minute.

But also being in the UK, I would have to import the alternative yarn which would probably have ended up costing the same... And, I have already done swatches with the same yarn for my current project. That is my justification anyway [my head is feeling rather warm in the sand ;-) ]

Another Yarn possibility

I realize most people probably have their yarn by now, or have at least decided on one... I just found out Elann has Esprit in variegated yarns now. The cool thing is that they have a handy little guide that tells you what solid colors of Esprit coordinate with the Esprit Prints. I could see Tempting II worked in a print for the body and sleeves, with the neckband in a coordinating solid color.

I am using TLC Cotton Plus in Thistle and Esprit in Aegean Sea (I posted a picture of my swatches a week or two ago). I haven't decided which one I will do first... I think I will need to do some short row shaping, and may make the body an inch or two longer. Definitely modifications to the neckband to keep it up on my proportionately narrow shoulders. Any one else doing mods besides the neckband?

Complete!

I know I'm late but I just finished. And I actually finished before the next KAL started!! First Sweater ever. I used KnitPicks Crayon in Brick. It was way soft and super light. I wore it yesterday for my birhtday even though it was in the 90's here and had no problem at all. Thanks for letting me join in I have really enjoyed seeing everyone else's SWC's as I went along. It inspired me on those horrible days when I would have to rip back a ton. Thanks again.

Jump starting my Tempting II

I cast on my Tempting II about 2 weeks ago in order to get most of the 1x1 ribbing out of the way. I will not have any time in July to focus on knitting since I'll be busy with work things for Q2. I've been zipping through the ribbing though, and I am thisclose to being done even before the official start of the KAL. Ooops!

I am looking forward to seeing how all the other Temptings turn out. I am using TLC Cotton Plus in black on size 7 needles. I am making the 32" size and I have some modifications to the sleeves. I still don't have a buckle for the neckline, so I don't know if I'll opt out of one and do something with a button instead.

The Cotton Plus is a worsted weight yarn and for some reason I don't think it's as light as the pattern example photo. Was Rowan Calmer also a worsted weight yarn or is it a bit lighter? I just could not afford to get those balls of Rowan and, unfortunately, I could not really work with my recently acquired cotton stash since the pattern called for more of a blend for the stretch factor.

Cheers!

All set now - I'll be knitting during the Race for life this weekend

I'm doing the Race for Life on Sunday so what a great way to get started on my Tempting II. 5 km while knitting (and walking) should be good although I may have to cast on early as I can see that being a disaster during the race. I'll try to take my camera and take a picture on the day.

I'm using Calmer in Khaki and hopefully will not have quite finished by the time I go to Guide camp at the end of the month - who am I kidding, I'm on the catering team so I doubt I'll be able to knit much there but you never know. I took my Shetland Shawl to Switzerland last year and did most of the edging on the bus.

My buckles came courtesy of a jumble sale table a few weeks ago and are very pretty 1930s ones. I have a choice co I'll wait until I come to the end to decide which to use

Bragging

I just wanted to post to say I HAVE THE BEST SECRET PAL E-V-E-R!!!!! Yeah, that's right, she's the best. Just returned from a week's vacation with the fam, and what's waiting on my desk for me when I return? A box from my Secret Pal, with enouogh TLC Cotton Plus (in black at that!) to knit Tempting II. OMG, SP, whoever you are - you rock! That's awesome! Everyone else involved in SP8 should be jealous! I got the best one! :O)

Okay, I'm through! Thanks!

Calmer

I received my Rowan Calmer today!!! I chose a dark coral/pinkish color for my Tempting top. Now for some hot gauge swatch action. Sorry...had to keep it "sexy".

Soooooo excited for July 1.

Self Fringing Shawl Pattern?

I am looking for a self fringing shawl pattern. Anyone know of sites that have one? Knitting a mixed fiber shawl with different yarns I will be dyeing myself. Very excited about this project! Watch my progess at KnitRunSpin@blogspot.com/ Thanks for your help!

Heather

SEXY KNITTERS CLUB TOO

I 'just' created 'SEXY KNITTERS CLUB TOO' (http://sexy-knitters-club-too.blogspot.com/), so those of us who want to knit something different, can and we can post about it there, but I figured with that title we would still be affiliated. So if you wanna come on over & join up there too, great ... if not, well, c'est la vie ...

I received my yarn for Tempting II!!

I received my TLC Cotton Plus and an extra set of #8US double pointed needles for making my Tempting II.



I chose to make it Navy color. I think it is going to look great with a golden buckle...

I cannot wait to cast on! :)

Although we are moving tomorrow, I hope I will be in time for the official start of the KAL, on July 1st...

Isabelle aka

Piccovoli

Well, I was massively pregnant when you all did the Picovoli knit along and I was totally disappointed. I really wanted to knit it, but I didn't want to knit something when I couldn't try it on. Now that the baby's been here for 3 months, I finally got my Pico.

I completed it in Knit Pick's Shine sport in hydrangea. I made it with the picot edging, but I didn't see the line where I was supposed to knit 2 rows after the yo, k2tog row, so I only knit one, and I knit it together with the provisionally cast on edge. There wasn't enough room there, so it wants to curl out. Oh well...lol

I'm a bit lazy and didn't want to bother with a needle to tack down my cast off picot edging, so I simply knit it down. I reached down with my needle to catch a purl bump on the back side 3 rows down and knit that together with my cast off edge. Do this for 2 stitches, pull the first stitch over the second and off the needle just like every other bind off. This made a pretty chain on the backside, which seems to be laying pretty flat now that I ironed it down once.

I also added some tiny capped sleeves to it. I need a little bit of shoulder coverage...lol To do this, I knit back and forth on the sleeves, picking up a stitch on the underarm each row and then knitting it together with the next stitch as I came back. I did this 7 times on each side, then picked up the rest of the stitches and knit around twice. I did my yo, k2tog round, then knit 2 more rounds. I then knitted it down like I did for the hem.

I REALLY love this top. I plan to make it a couple more times I think. It's simple and very feminine :D

I bought my yarn!

I just went on ebay and bought my Tempting II yarn!! I decided to use Rowan Calmer. I've used other Rowan yarns in the past and LOVED them so I figured I would give this one a try too! I decided to use the turquoise color. I found it at Sheila's Wool Shop. The price seeded good to me. Of course, she's in the UK so it may not make it by July 1st but I'll start as soon as it gets here! I can't wait! :)

Yarn?

Hey ladies,

I'm new here and thrilled to be apart of the sexy knitters!!

What weight is the yarn. I know its 75% cotton blend and its rowan, but I'm in Ireland and our wool is different.... is it the equivalent of dk or aran? Any help would be appreciated... I may just end up buying online, but I'd love your input.

Also, I have 4.5 and 5.5 in my circulars, but no 5. will either of these work?

Thanks ladies! Looking forward to being a part of the group.

Glenda
owner http://www.sxy-stylz.com/bb , chic knit, crochet, kals, etc...
owner http://www.myspace.com/sxystylz myspace sexy knitters & crocheters club

I was Tempted

I was tempted to join this KAL because I will be leading one with my Beaded Garden Party Scarf for The Knitting Zone next month and I've never done a knit along. I love the yarn, but it is boring knitting a k1, p1 rib for 15". I dropped down a needle size after 1.5" to take in the waist and torso a little, and will go back up a needle size when I get to the bust. I also have a different neck band in mind. Will post another picture when I get there.

Plush II Tempting!

Ok, so the tittle is a little pune-ish..hehehe! I have done a gauge swatch using the Red Heart "plush" yarn that I have. I am just about dead-on gauge using a size 5 needle instead of the size 8 called for both in the pattern and on the yarn's label. (What can I say, I often have trouble following directions!)

I will admit here and now, I am cheating and starting early. I have to hunt for a place to move to that we can afford. Pack to move, while not yet having a place to move to. Take care of family/household business. Try to get the house ready for dh's return. All of this while awaiting dh's release from the hospital. (UGH!) Even with cheating and starting early, I may not get it done by deadline...so, sue me if this offends you.

Tempting Candy

Here's my swatch for Tempting II using Artful Yarns Candy. I'm using the Fireball color that you see in the ball, not the swatch color.



This is not a yarn that would normally catch my eye. But I had knit a swatch for my LYS and really liked how easy it was to knit, the elasticity, and the feel of the knitted fabric. So when the yarn was on clearance, I bought 7 balls of the Fireball. The Sour Apple color was already gone.

I think I will make the sleeves longer for Tempting II, like you see in Blaze.

Ooo, it's so hard to wait to cast on. Still 10 more days of waiting.

still in gauge hell

SO!
I am still trying to get my swatch correct...I went back to 8's and my stitch count is right..but my row count is not. I know that in most cases the rows are not THAT important..and with this pattern I noticed it says knit 'til you reach x amount of inches.
So got a question for all you expereinced fearless knitters on here. Do you think Im ok with my row count being about 1/2 an inch off towards the larger side?
I should also add that my "boobage" is between the sizes listed. The pattern says to knit your size or smaller..will this mess me up? I love being sexy, but skanky is not my thing! =)
Somebody please tell me what to do. I have done about 15 swatches as of now and Im sick of it!
Please tell me so I can be like Molly and cheat and finish early!
LOL
(Just kidding Molly, I think you are awesome!)

Yarn is here

Just a quick note to say I finally went yarn shopping for this next kal and came home with this: Katia Viena, in this lovely blue color. I'm going to make a swatch soon, let's hope it's adequate !

TemptingII-Plush-Help?

Had time to kill between running errands today. To get out of the heat, and atleast "smell the yarn fumes", we stopped by the LYS. The owener, "Fran the fabulous", gave me a ball of sock yarn that I was going to buy and my mom a 1 lb bag of loose leaf tea she was going to buy. Anyway, I looked (window shopped) for yarns for tempting II and didn't find anything that truely satisfied me. I checked at knit picks dot com and while they do have something that would work quite well, I just cannot justify spending that much on yarn right now.

What I am wondering and needing opinions is: Do you think that Red Heart's 'Plush' would work okay for Tempting II? I know that it isn't cotton, but I already have enough of it to make the sweater and wouldn't have purchase anything. Your input, suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Jumping the gun a bit

I couldn't wait. I had to cast on and start the Tempting II! It was just too, uh, er...tempting. The resulting fabric of k1p1 ribbing is very soft and springy. It goes very quickly, too. Simply get into ribbing mode and around and around you go. I am almost through the first skein of Heirloom Breeze and it has knitted up just over 3". I have 10 skeins altogether, so there should be more than enough. My oldest daughter saw the pattern last week and said she would like one in an eggplant color. I know what my next project for her will be!

Better late than never!

Ok...so I would have been on time if I hadn't had to start over from scratch, but whatever, right? Better late than never right?

If I were to do this again I would have done like some other ladies did and made the lace a little shorter and the ribbing a little longer. I actually have a waist, but you can't tell from the way this fits and I think some extra ribbing might have helped. I even made it in the XS size and god knows I am NOT an extra small! All in all, it was fun, and for my first knitted garment I don't think I did too badly. Except those shoulder seams. Hmm. Still can't figure those out.

More details can be found over at A Mango Lassi(e)

gauge swatches are evil

So, I feel like a total dummie.
I bought the TLC cotton plus ( what can I say, I would jump off a bridge if you all did too =) ) and I have been trying and trying to get my swatch correct, but it keeps coming out wrong.
I went from size 8 to size 4 needles (with every other size between) before I realized that I needed to go LARGER, not SMALLER!
aaagggh! I was so confused on why my measurements seemed to be getting bigger. lol.
Hope to be posting pics soon of my yarn and buckle. I am a complete noob at all this blog stuff, and need to buy a cable for my camera. Then figure out how to post them!
I hope its easier then figuring out gauge! =)
I am so excited to be joining in on this knit along. Cant wait to see everyones progress!

My yarn is here! for Tempting II

 
Well, actually it has been here for a few days as I had a chance to swatch. My stitch gauge was good, but my row gauge is way off. I think I will stick with what I have and then do the neckline with smaller needles to get the row gauge.

I am a fan of Calmer for its feel, but its a bit tricky to knit. I kept splitting the two tubes that make up the swatch. I am also wary of casting on 216 stitches and joining without a twist. Anyone have any techniques (besides dieting so I can make a smaller size :>)? 

My swatches

Ok, I knitted swatches of both the yarns I chose for this knit along. Both swatches were machine washed in a lingerie bag, and inadvertently put in the dryer. The TLC Cotton Plus can be dried per the yarn label, but the Elann Esprit was not supposed to be.

On the left is TLC Cotton Plus in Thistle. On US Size 8 needles, it swatched to 19 1/2 stitches x 26 rows to 4 inches. There was not any change in before vs. after washing/drying. On the right is Elanns Esprit yarn in Aegean Sea. The lower half of the swatch was knit on US size 7, and the upper half on US size 8. The finished size 8 results after washing is 23 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches. It did shrink after washing. (Before washing it was 20 stitches and 30 rows in the size 8 section.) Before washing, the size 8 section seemed a little loose, but after washing it is very dense, but still soft. I think I will end up using a size 9 with this yarn, knowing it will probably get dried on accident at least once! And let me add that a little elastic (1.7%), goes a long, long way :)

FYI, the pattern calls for a gauge of 20 sts x 28 rows to 4" in stockinette.

OMG, wanna rob a bank?

I thought that I'd check online for the possibility of ordering the called for yarn for Tempting II. OMG! I'd just about have to rob a bank, or win the mega-million lottery, to afford enough yarn to make my size and allow just two extra skiens. (Big heavy chest, I always use more than they say.) But atleast I learned a bit of information on the charactoristics of this yarn and therefore can make a better substitution choice. (Oh, did I mention that I decided to make this for me and not DIL?)

Finally, I completed my Somewhat Cowl

Hi Ladies,
I finally finished my Somewhat Cowl after so long. I started it when the KAL started but took the whole of last month to finish the cowl neckline cos I was busy enjoying myself in Germany to do much knitting. =P

For more details, click here.

I'm Stashbusting too!

Hi Everyone
I am so excited about this knitalong as it will be something for me!
Here is the post with the picture of my swatch. The bottom part is in stockinette with the top of the swatch being in 1x1 rib. I used size 6 needles with some very very old Bernat Carioca (80% acetate, 20% nylon) in black/silver/gold.
The buckle I found at my lys and I think it will work perfectly (but I am still searching to see if I can find something else possibly.)
It is so neat to see everyone's projects and I am looking forward to seeing the finished sweaters.

I got more yarn!

what i
Just a quick post - I received my order from Elann today. I think the name of this color is Aegean Sea, and it is most definitely a very vivid torquoise! I started swatching the TLC Cotton Plus and I am getting 20 st x 26 rows on US size 8 needles. So, I'm dead on for the stitch gauge, but 2 rows short on row gauge. I'm going to swatch the Esprit yarn from Elann, and wash both before I decide which to use. I'll post an update and pictures of both in a couple of days!

Edited to add: I just noticed the gauge specs on the Esprit ball band show 25 sts and 40 rows to 4" on US size 7s / 4.5 mm. I knew the stitch gauge was a little off, but the row gauge is way off. I'm still going to swatch with this. I'll check the pattern too and see how big of a deal this would be. I'll post what I figure out.

Bawk, Bawk

I really want to join in on this KAL. I chickened out (hence the subject line) on the last one because I didn't think I could conquer Orangina. I'm sorry I did because they all look so great. Maybe one day. Anyone, I thought I would join in, but since I'm a challenged beginner, I'm thinking Tempting I (because it's more mellow and I've always wanted to make it. But I need a little advice from you more experienced (& more sexy) knitters out there. Should I buy the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran? It's a lot of money for someone who has never knit anything wearable (other than scarfs & baby hats). And, I'd take a lot of yarn (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). I'm not very good at that whole yarn substitution thingy ...
So:
1. Should I buy the expensive Cashmerino Aran?
2. Is there a cheaper substitute? I live in the hot, sticky, Right Coast, so I thought cotton may be more practical. The only thing I knit with cotton was a baby hat and I hated it because there wasn't any stretch AT ALL.
3. I'm NOT knitting an XS (get my drift) so is there a yarn that doesn't cling too much? I don't think I'd be "tempting" with a muffin top! :-p
I would GREATLY appreciate any advice you could throw my way. (I know, I know - newbies are so pathetic!)

Anita

I got my yarn!

The UPS man dropped off my yarn today! I chose TLC Cotton Plus in Thistle, which is a beautiful blend of muted blues, limes, and purples. I can't wait to see how it works up! I wasn't able to swatch tonight, but definitely will tomorrow night! Actually, this is a finalist for my yarn selection. I couldn't find this yarn anywhere in my town, so I ordered this from Knitters-Warehouse. I like to touch and feel yarn before I decide (and I love the feel of this), so before this arrived today, I also ordered some Esprit yarn from Elann. It should be here soon, and I will make a decision after I swatch both!

Stash buster!

Yay! I am so excited to be a part of this knit along. It is the first one I've managed to get in on at the start. I am thrilled to be knitting Tempting II using a yarn I have had in my stash forever, Heirloom Easy Care in a blue-green color. I bought it ages ago at a clearance sale and it was an odd amount that just wasn't enough for any of the other projects I had hoped to use it for. But it is just enough for Tempting!

Finally finished orangina

I had my worries, but I think Orangina turned out pretty well. Even my somwhat ugly ribbing seemed to straighten out with some blocking. Thanks to everyone who answered my questions - it makes things so much easier. You can see a better picture on my blog. Looking forward to Tempting II.

Pink Breeze

I searched through my stash for yarn that would be the perfect compliment to the Tempting II. No dice. So, I went shopping. I know, such a chore. I found at my LYS a yarn called Breeze by Heirloom in Australia. It is 30% wool, 69.6% cotton and 0.4% lycra. It is soft and a bit springy. It will be very forgiving on a pattern that is supposed to be clingy. I mini-swatched and depending on how much I stretch the swatch, I get smaller than, right on and larger than gauge. Works for me!

I am not entirely sure that a buckle is appropriate for pink. I may use a button or 2 or make a small bow.

Got my yarn!

I got a new digital camera yesterday & now am able to show you the yarn I ordered online at Joann.com.....I got TLC Cotton Plus in Tangerine & I am glad several of us will be using it, that way we can give & get advice. I started the swatch on #8 needles but can already tell I am going to have to drop down 1 maybe 2 sizes. Good luck all! Keep posting. I'm off to Mexico for a week & will talk to you all when I get back.

new member

I have been stopping by now and then to see what everyone was knitting, but when I saw that July was going to be tempting 2, I decided to join in the fun. I have Calmer in a turquose blue color. (I'll post a picture as soon as I get started). I did a swatch last night and everything came out great. The yarn is very different. I have never knit on anything with this feel before.
I am looking forward to getting started.
Thanks for letting me join.
Stephanie

Yarn Choice

For better or worse, I have my yarn for "Tempting II". I purchased 6 balls of Lana Grossa Basics "Fresh" in color #301. According to the ball band this yarn should knit up at 20 sts over 4 inches as the Tempting pattern requires.



I've done numerous gauge swatches and I've found the needle size I need to achieve that exact gauge. Personally I think this particular yarn looks better knitted up at a tighter gauge, like 22 to 24 stitches over the 4 inches, but I'll go with what the pattern requires. It's lovely soft yarn and I haven't been able to find much else locally.

I hope I don't end up regretting that decision.

RIP Matcha-ina

Not to be confused with R.est I.n P.eace, Matcha-ina. No, I literally had to rip the whole thing apart and start over. Why? Because I am knitting obliviously along, ignoring the little voice which is saying "whoa. this is looking kinda...big..."

And when I and ready to start seaming, it is only THEN that I hold it up to myself and see that both sides extend past my shoulders by like, I don't know...SIX FREAKIN INCHES!!

How did this happen? I knit up a medium, I got gauge with my swatch...I was confuddled and flummoxed all at once.
So, I started over from scratch making the extra small and not knitting so loosely. And you know? I am glad that I did. The pattern looks much crisper, and now that I am on the ribbing and the end is in site, I am getting very excited.

Let's just hope it's not too small this time around...
(pictures this week-end!)

I won't be participating in the Tempting KAL, but I am still working on the somewhat cowl AND the Green Gable from Zephyr Style AND Tulip from My Life In Stitches. I think I am busy enough for now : )

More infos on my blog: A Mango Lassi(e)

Tempted by tempting II

I wasn't sure I wanted to do it. I liked the pattern but I wasn't sure that I'd have yarn in my stash that would be a suitable substitute. Plus, I just have so darn much going on. Still, this pattern just looks classic, like something I'll wear again and again. Jeanie said TLC Cotton Plus would be a good sub and it just so happens that I have a ton of that in my stash. I've knit a top with this before and it does have nice resiliency in a ribbed pattern. So, when the KAL kicks off, I'll be using TLC Cotton Plus in spruce along with three buttons from my late grandmothers' sewing basket. I might have to fiddle with the neckline to make the buttons work but I think it will be worth it. Can't wait till we get started!!

thanks!

thanks a million all you sexy knitters who left kind words about my blue smock! i truly appreciate it. i would love to offer the pattern and i will try to do that for free but my notes are pretty much non-existant around the neckline since i worked it 3 or 4 times before i liked it so i'll recreate that and get back to you when i have. meanwhile i have no idea how to adjust the pattern from my size (x small) to other sizes. is there some easy way to accomplish this or at least if not easy a formula of some kind? if anyone knows please give me a hint! if not when the pattern is done it'll be a size xs! ok for some but certainly not all. meanwhile see my website for more pics.

Ugly ribbing?

Yes, I'm still working on my Orangina. So far, I love how the lace looks, and I think it will fit well (which was not the case with my now frogged Somewhat Cowl), but my ribbing is looking less than perfect. I seem to get these random jogs in a relatively even column of stitches. Did anyone else have this happen, and if so, can blocking fix (or help disguise) this? I shortened the lace portion and lengthened the ribbing in order to make it more fitted, but now I'm concerned. There's an old photo on my blog, but I've added a few inches since then.

Ready for next KAL!

I bought TLC Cotton Plus in the color Tangerine, but I think it is more peachy. I got 4 balls of it & may order an extra one later. I would take a pic for you all but my digital camera broke at some point over the weekend but not before I was able to post pictures from the Worldwide Knit In Public Day that I organized in Pittsburgh. So you can check those out on my blog. I can't wait to start the new KAL & will hold of CO until July 1.

sakura

I've been wanting to post this for awhile, and keep trying to get a good pic of it, but finally gave up today. I finished a sexy knit recently, which I've named "sakura":

Sakura (Japanese kanji: 桜 or 櫻; katakana: サクラ) is the Japanese name for ornamental cherry trees, Prunus serrulata, and their blossoms. ~Wikipedia.

The yarn is baby pink Schoeller-Stahl Fortissima and reminded me of the cherry blossoms from back home in D.C. because of it's softness and colour.

Just thought I should post it ;)

hey sexy knitters...

i haven't posted lately so i wanted to check in, i've been so distracted that i forgot to vote on the new kal, twice! bummer! i bought this rosey albany jaeger to to make the corset top i wanted for my wardrobe and i wanted to make it with pals!
i'm not commited to the latest kal, i've always thought it was a stunning choice but i am so hot from these flashes that i'm going to pass and work on a hemp number i have in the stash and maybe do the corset top for the fall. can't wait to see progress photos. i wanted to also show my picovoli with sleeves, it was made, quite some time ago, out of tahki tweedy classic in hot pink, orange, lime and turquoise.
and my latest project, aside from the swc which i've already shown off, is this blue smock i made from berroco denim silk...it's my own design and i think i love it, what do you think???
later and have a fun kal and summer!

TemptingII, a few ideas please

While I am planning on making this, I was thinking of making it as a short/sleeveless Winter top instead of a Summer one. I think this would be absolutely adorable on my ddil, who is a tiny little thing. So I am wondering if I used the largest pattern size, used very small needles, and fingering yarn it might work. Now I know my guage would be my own, but what do y'all think, would this work?

Help and Advice- Picovoli

Hi everyone! I need your help please. Due to my build, (line-backer shoulders, small breasts and square hips), I am sitting out on the Tempting 2 KAL. Instead I am making the Picovoli so here are my querries:

Did you modify the waist shaping to one's own dimentions? Is there a guidline to doing this, (negative ease or actual measurements)? Good ol' fashion math?

Or did you block it to your dimentions?

My rib cage narrows to my waist and then BAM! there are my hips, as in not to gradual from waist to my hips. /
/_

Sorta like the dashes.

I love the pictures of the Picovoli FO's and it looks to me like some of them were tweaked in regards to the waist shaping.

Thanks for any imput and advice you may provide! I look forward to seeing everyone's tempting projects!

finally finished Orangina

finished seaming 6.6.06
Yarn: 5 sk Katia Sevilla nylon ribbon
Needles Addi Turbo sz 3

I'm really not great at holding the camera steady enough for the shot in the mirron pic. I sort of like this top - love the sheen, love the top on the hangar. On me, it just emphasizes more of the boobage than I typically am comfortable with. Jury's out on how much wear this will get.

another "tempting" version

HI all, some of you were wondering what to do instead of the buckle on the tempting II...
well, it just so happens that there is another tempting pattern out there, the original.
Maybe this will be the answer to your problems, you could always use semilar colored ribbon so that it does not stand out as much.
I fould this pattern on knitty also, there is a link to it under the tempting II page as well.

buckles

Hi everyone!

I was curious to see if anyone has any good suggestions as to places to buy buckles from. I've been looking on M&J Trimming, but can't find much that I like...

Yarns ... hmmm

I found a great site for the TLC ($2.17), but I was going thru my stash and I have a quite a bit of Cotton-Ease ... since it's a blend, how do you think it would work for Tempting II??

How Much Yarn?

I'm planning to use the TLC Cotton Plus for Tempting II. I'm not sure how much to get though. Calmer is 177 yards and 50 grams, and TLC is 186 yards and 100 grams. Do I convert the yards or the grams? Can anyone help me? Thanks.

knitpicks shine worsted for tempting ii?

is this yarn stretchy enough? i know lots of you used it for picovoli, and it looked so pretty and it's so inexpensive!

Yarn Substitutions for Tempting II

I'm swatching for Tempting II right now and will be using Artful Yarns Candy in Fireball. With the elastic in it, it'll have some nice stretch like Calmer. I'm curious as to what yarns others may be substituting.

~ I will not give up! ~

I am still working on my Somewhat crowl and my Organina tank. I will finish them at some point I am sure.

I love the Tempting II pattern. I did join the summer stash along so let's all get our heads together to come up with a list of yarns we can use. What do you say?

Casting on (and off) for Tempting II

(How bizarre...I thought I just posted this using the "Blog This" link, but when I went to edit it, the post wasn't there. So sorry if it appears twice!)
One piece of advice for knitting Tempting II: Make sure your row gauge is spot on for the top shoulder band. If it isn't, the band will pull the otherwise perfectly fitted sweater away from the shoulders, because you're knitting one row onto each stitch of the sweater's top line as you make it. If your gauge is off, knit it with smaller needles, whatever you need to get the gauge right, or even snug. The band holds the sweater on your shoulders and keeps the silhouette of the sweater, so it's an integral piece of the sweater's structure, not just a decoration!
And (this was the edit I wanted to add) yes, you could totally make it without the buckle. When you get to the part of the pattern that begins the band, it tells you to begin knitting several inches of the band first. Start by knitting as little of that as possible--maybe just a few rows for ease of attaching the ends and of working the band onto the body of the sweater?--then immediately begin working the band onto the body. (That four or five inches or whatever it is is what becomes the tail you work through the buckle when you're finished.) Then you're just knitting the rows of the band onto the sweater body as you go around, picking up the live stitches off the circular that you've used to knit the body, effectively casting them off in the process. When you've picked up and knitted all of the body stitches, you've knitted the band all the way around and you're finished. You'd just cast off the band and be done. Where the instructions tell you to attach the band, you could instead sew the two ends of the band together like any unfinished seam, or add a button if that were your style (though in this case it sounds like you're looking for less detail, not more).
If you're going for no buckle, I might decrease a row before starting the band as well as knitting the band on smaller needles, just to be sure the shoulders would stay up. I'm not sure how much additional security the buckle actually provides--it doesn't have fastener or anything, so I wouldn't guess much.
Oh, and for those of you looking for buckles but unsure where to get them or what a Tri-Glide looks like, I found mine at LesBonRibbon.com. Great prices and selection and very fast and excellent service as well.

Winners!

Edited to Add: Just wanted to mention that I emailed Jenna Adorno (the designer of both Tempting and Tempting II) a week or so ago to let her know that her pattern was selected as the winner of our next knit along and asked her to check in on our site from time to time to answer pattern questions, etc. however I have not yet received a response from her and don't see posts or comments from her here on the SKC site yet. Y'all may want to try to contact her yourselves regarding pattern questions...

I also wanted to mention that TLC Cotton Plus MAY be a good substitute for Tempting II however I've yet to test it on this particular pattern, so PLEASE as always, be sure to do a test swatch before substituting this yarn for this pattern! I was hoping Jenna might be able to offer her advice on using the Cotton Plus yarn for Tempting II so I'll be checking often to see if she's posted anything here.

I'm excited about making this top and have enjoyed seeing all your sexy knits!!!



Well, the official winning pattern for the next KAL is Tempting II! Congratulations!

The Tempting II KAL will begin on July 1st, so start getting your supplies together now! I posted a comment on another entry (but will repeat it here) that an inexpensive substitute for Rowan's Calmer yarn is TLC Cotton Plus. I used the Cotton Plus as a substitute for Calmer for the Nothing But A T-Shirt pattern and it turned out great PLUS it's washable! As always though, be sure to do a gauge swatch for accuracy! Another Sexy Knitter commented that those of you who are going to use the Rowan Calmer for this pattern should consider purchasing an additional skein, as she ran out before she was finished! Good advice!

Other winners tonight are Stacy Spaulding (who won our drawing for the Somewhat Cowl/Orangina knit along) and Ai-ling Lee (who won our drawing for finishing both knit along patterns)! Each of these winners will receive a copy of the new book Sexy Little Knits by Ashley Paige!

Congrats!!!

pattern details

Since it looks like there are some concerns about pattern details getting overlooked during voting (which ends tonight at midnight), I'm going to post them here. Note any that might alter your vote before you cast it! :)
Calla: calls for four to six skeins of Dale of Norway Svale (50% cotton/40% rayon/10% silk; 114 yds/104m), US 5 (3.5mm) needles, a cable needle, and stitch holders. Sizes XS, S, M,L, XL, XXL, and XXXL (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 inches, respectively). Finished measurements: 31, 33,34, 36, 38.5, 41, and 43 inches. Gauge: 22 stitches/30 rows per 4 inches (10cm) across the pattern.
Corset Pullover: calls for a discontinued yarn and recommends 15-23 balls of St. Charles Collezione Victoria (60% cotton, 40% viscose; 70 yds/63m/50g) by Tahki Stacy Charles as a substitute. Other materials: US 8 (5mm) straight, four double-pointed, and 16" (40cm) circular needles. Gauge: 19.5 stitches/27 rows per 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette; 21 stitches/30 rows per 4 inches (10cm) in twisted rib/purl stitch. Finished sizes: 33.75, 35.25, 37.25, 40.25, 43.75, and 46.75 inches, or 85.5, 89.5, 94.5, 102, 111, and 118.5cm bust/check circumference.
Hush-hush: calls for six to eight skeins of Halcyon Yarn Inc 3/2 Pearl Cotton, 180 yd per mini cone, US 2 (2.75mm) 36-inch circular needle, US 3 (3.25mm) 36-inch circular needle, 13 feet of 0.5-inch satin ribbon, thread, and a needle. Sizes S, M, and L. Finished measurements: 34" chest, 40" hip, and 31" length for S; 39" chest, 45" hip, and 32" length for M; 44" chest, 50" hip, and 33" length for L. Gauge: 31 stitches/39 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
Jacket with circle effect: calls for 250-350g of Alpaca and 250-350g of Safran yarns, 6mm straight and double-pointed needles and US 5 circular needle. Sizes S, M, L, and XL/XXL. A schematic is given with flat measurements. Gauge: 15 stitches by 19 rows with 1 thread of each yarn on the larger needle per 10cm x 10cm.
Lelah Top: calls for four skeins of Lopi lite or436 yds of your preferred worsted-weight yarn or anything else knitted to gauge, US 9 24-inch circulars, US 10.5 24-inch circulars, a stitch marker, matching thread, needle, and 0.75-inch elastic band (or preferred width). Made to your measurements; pattern is for M and L (the designer is a member of the SKC KAL, if that helps). Gauge: 8.5 stitches/12 rows per 2 inches.
Prosperous Plum Tank: calls for two skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (80% pima cotton, 20% merino wool; 215 yds/100g), US 8 24-inch circular needle, US 6 24-inch circular needle, size G crochet hook, two stitch holders, and nine stitch markers (two in one color or type and seven of another). Finished bust size: 28 inches. Gauge: 19 stitches/17 rows to 4 inches on larger needles.
Razorshell Lace Cami: calls for two balls of Sirdar Snuggly four-ply (55% nylon, 45% acrylic; 50g/226m) for main color and one card of Rowan R2 Sparkle for contrasting color; and 3.75mm 16- or 24-inch circular and (optionally) straight needles. Size: XS/S (bust 30-34 inches); pattern gives notes for adapting to other sizes.
Shapely Tank Top: calls for five to nine balls of Alpine Cotton Hand dye DK by White Lies Design (100 yds per skein) or Cascade Pima Tencel (109 yds per 50g ball), US 6 needles, US 5 needles, and tapestry needle. Finished bust sizes: 36, 38, 41, 44, 46, 48, 50, 54, and 58 inches. Finished lengths from shoulder to hem: 20, 21, 21.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, and 24.5 inches. Gauge: 5 stitches/7 rows per inch on larger needles.
Tempting II: calls for four to seven balls of Rowan Camer (75% cotton, 25% microfiber; 177 yds/160m per 50g ball), US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles plus a spare set that size or smaller, US 8 24-inch circular needle, US 8 32-inch circular needle, stitch markers, waste yarn, tapestry needle, and Tri-Glide buckle. Sizes XS, S, M, L,XL, XXL, and XXXL. Finished chest measurements:30, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, and 52 inches. Finished lengths: 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 26, and 28 inches. Gauge: 20 stitches/28 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
Sonata Crest of the Wave Tank Top: calls for four to six balls of elann.com Collection Sonata (100% mercerized cotton, DK weight, 22 stitches/4 inches; 50g/115 yds), less than one ball elann.com Collection Esprit in matching color, US 6 (4mm) 16-inch circular needle, multiple 16-inch circular needles in increasing sizes (this is how the shaping is achieved), and multiple colors of stitch markers. Finished sizes: 32-50 inches, customized based on number of pattern repeats. Gauge: 5.25 stitches per inch in stockinette on US 6 needles.
Tubey: calls for 10-15 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (55% merino wool, 33% microfibre, 12% cashmere; 100 yds/90m per 50g ball) (if striped, 6-10 are in main color, and rest are 1-2 balls of stripe colors), US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles, US 8 (5mm) 24- or 32-inch circular needle, stitch marker, split ring markers or safety pins, tapestry needle, waste yarn, and a crochet hook. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL. Finished chest measurements: 27, 29, 31, 33, and 36 (stretches up to 40, 43, 46, 49, and 54) inches. Finished cross-back measurements (center of armpit to center of armpit): 19, 20, 21.5, 23, and 24.5 inches. Finished lengths: 22.5, 23.5, 24.5, 25.5, and 26.5 inches. Gauge: 20 stitches/24 rows per 4 inches in stockinette and 24 stitches/24 rows per 4 inches in 3x1 rib.
Waves: calls for three to four skeins of Rowan Calmer (175 yds/160m), US 7 (4mm) and US 8 (5mm) circular needles, stitch markers, and 2.5- or 5/8-inch buttons. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XXXL. Bust: 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 inches.

Hope that helps everyone decide who hasn't already voted! I think that in future KALs, providing this information should be part of the nomination process :)

One More Time!

Edited To Add: Just wanted to let y'all know that I have not forgotten about the last KAL drawings and we'll take care of all that as soon as the current voting is over. Still trying to catch my breath here! Oh, and by the way... do y'all realize that we're getting VERY close to having 400 members of the SKC??? Wow!

Okay Gals, let's try this again! Sorry it took me so long to get the poll up today -- it's my birthday and the party ran a little longer than expected!

Voting will end on Sunday,June 4th, at midnight!

Choose Your Favorite
	Calla
	Corset Pullover
	Hush-Hush
	Jacket with Circle Effect
	Lelah Top
	Prosperous Plum Tank
	Razorshell Lace Cami
	Shapely Tank Top
	Tempting II
	Sonata Crest of the Wave Tank Top
	Tubey
	Waves Tank
Free polls from Pollhost.com

New Kid

Hello Everyone. I am New here and wanted to say hello. I *must* catch up and so some of the past KALs just because they are so cute!

I know there is a new one coming up, and this is SUPER late to the game, but I wanted to share because I think it is so darn cute AND 120% of the proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research - which I think ROCKS! I will be making this no matter what, but thought the ladies here may be interested!

Here is the link:
http://www.thisgirlknits.com/tgbb.html

and here is a picture:

















StacyZ
aka adoreknits.blogdrive.com

New Vote!!!

Okay, as you can see, there's an overwhelming majority to have a new knit along vote. I will put the new poll up later today and it will run for two days only so that we don't get too far behind. The poll will include the top 10 patterns PLUS the two patterns that were left off the first poll for a total of 12 patterns.

Brenda Dayne will be "pimping" her favorite pattern (which I must admit, also happens to be MY favorite pattern) on her podcast Cast-On, which should be released later today, so be sure to check her out!

Ta Da!!

I just had to post this even though the deadline's long gone. I just kept plugging away while watching those Oranginas and SWCs grow. I loved making this and since the weather just turned really sticky and hot the timing is perfect! I figure I'm probably not the only one who knits like a turtle! I used Cathay but I'm not sure of the name of the color. The only modification I made was to do 2 more sets of decreases which considering my stomach was empty at the time may not have been such a good idea! We'll see after the first wash. It was great knitting along with y'all.

Better Late than Never

Well, it's about time. After ripping out the ribbing almost a month ago, I finally decided to finish my Somewhat Cowl. She's mighty pretty.

I'm being fussy but I'm still not sure about the length. However, when I made it longer, I didn't like the way it sat on my hips. Also, the bind off is still tight but I'm going to live with it for awhile and see how I feel. I have plenty of yarn left over so I'll figure it out later.

So sexy!!

Mohair Dreams