Carrie, the Kim Kit I'd been wanting to knit for Project Spectrum's blue June, has been put on the to-do-later queue. After knitting two consecutive thin-yarn projects (Nicole and the Icarus Shawl), I need a quick knit!
I'd mentioned these blue Rowan DK Cottons last year, but let's quickly recap. The yarn was purchased for Toby, a boy's intarsia zip-up cardi from Rowan 33. I was weak in the face of a million ends to weave in and when I got half way up the back piece, I ripped it. I thought of using the yarn to make a vertical stripe vest instead. After mulling it over on and off for over a year, it's time to start! Hehe, I do get to things eventually. :-)
I found using knitter's graph paper really useful. While regular graph paper is fine, it's easier to visualize the final article when the proportions are correct.
This isn't a very clear picture, but you get the idea. On the left is my 20 st x 28 rows/4" graph paper, and regular square graph paper on the right. The vest is knit sideways, starting from the left side of the graph, and with a provisional cast on so that I could knit the vest in one piece and graft the one side.
I have this habit of finishing with a purl row before calling it a day, and then place the knit with the right side up on my table. Then a couple of days ago, I flipped it to the 'wrong' side.
Well, helloooo! The stripes look woven/ pinstripy as reverse st st. I kind of like this side better now. What do you think? Good thing I didn't weave in the ends as I knit. Did I mention this was quick? I started on Friday evening, and I'm at the middle front now. (We'll ignore the ends for now. :-) I did carry the navy up the sides to reduce some of the ends.) Maybe I'll get my son to choose sides. ;-)
I like the purl side too!
Posted by: Siow Chin | Tuesday, 06 June 2006 at 06:19 PM
Yeah agree, I don't usually like the "wrong" side, but this time I'm all for purl!
Posted by: yuvee | Tuesday, 06 June 2006 at 10:18 PM
I'm with you! I simply love the way the purl side looks when colors are switched, and always dream of incorporating that element into various projects!
Posted by: grumperina | Tuesday, 06 June 2006 at 10:26 PM
Well ... I like the knit side ... but it's for your son, right? Let him choose.
The knitter's graph paper is great!
Posted by: Agnes | Tuesday, 06 June 2006 at 11:31 PM
Wow! You are quick! I like the knit side too... but Agnes has a good idea, let him choose.
Posted by: Peggy | Wednesday, 07 June 2006 at 04:07 AM
I'll vote for the knit side, though the purl style looks nice too.
It's fun, knitting with all the blue shades.
Posted by: mimi | Wednesday, 07 June 2006 at 08:18 AM
All those blues are so beautiful. I don't know I like both sides. I look forward to seeing what you pick.
Posted by: Areli | Wednesday, 07 June 2006 at 09:03 AM
I really like the purl side! The colors seem to mesh together more than just sit there side by side. Also it's more unconventional and interesting to look at. The stripes are looking great! I can't wait to see the finished product!
Posted by: susan | Wednesday, 07 June 2006 at 11:09 AM
Beautiful colors and I envy your perfect tension with the cotton.
Posted by: Navi | Wednesday, 07 June 2006 at 01:50 PM
I like the thinner little lines on the purl side, gives it a more sophisticated look for afar, but not so sure how it looks close up though.
Posted by: erin | Wednesday, 07 June 2006 at 02:33 PM
I like everything you knit, really... Good knitting !
Posted by: flanelle | Saturday, 10 June 2006 at 04:04 PM