Tuesday, February 14, 2006

The Complete Practice Swatch

It's done, sewn in and blocked out. And it's small.. and I knew that. The swatch started as a foray into fairisle practice, then slowly made its way to a steeking practice. I didn't have the right yarn for it, so I picked up a few balls of fingering weight Knitpick's Palette yarn just so I could play with it. I made it in the 34" size too... since I want to experience the whole she-bang once... figure out what I can do better if I had the actual DK weight yarn.. and where I should pay particular attention to.
Initially, I only wanted to show you this.

But I got carried away and stuffed myself into this too-small too-tight cut-off-my-circulation vest just for kicks... (yea I need to pay attention to picking up stitches.. see where it's wonky and holey? That's not gonna happen when I have my real yarn)
The giant practice piece here is better suited for a 32" bust.. if you use fingering weight yarn and sz 3 needles like I did. My next piece is so going to ROCK!

Edit: Silly me.. totally forgot the most important part. I followed Eunny's directions to the tee... her diagrams and instructions were very well-written and made this an easy knit. Can you knit and purl? Then you can knit fairisle! Eunny, thanks for the explicit instructions and impeccable pattern.

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27 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

DUDE, for some reason, I didn't think your swatch was THAT big. Wowsers.. Hey man, that will make a great gift. It looks awesome for a practice swatch. I bet those holes won't even be noticeable on someone who's a 32".

11:32 PM  
Blogger Leyna Faye said...

Oh my god! That is freaking fantastic! I'd pictured your swatch as barbie sized...but I agree with angela, I'd hold onto it as a gift! Did you alter the neckline at all? Because yours is alot deeper than Eunny's. (I actually like yours alot better; it's more modern.) Great job!

11:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

wow, you look smoking in that! seriously, it looks awesome, screw how uncomfortably tight you say it is. ;)

and i agree with leyna, i like the deeper v as well, totally cute.

i just bought some color cards for the vest - can't wait to steek.

11:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

you can come swatch for me anytime, lady! (huh?) that looks effing beautiful.

1:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are you sure that's a practice piece? Because it looks awfully good the way it is.

1:39 AM  
Blogger yahaira said...

looks hott! gorgeous "swatch", now watch out posting such sexy pics of yourself and using the word bust in your post :)

now what yarn do you think youll use for the real one?

4:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

swatch my ass. i thought it was doll-sized. i hate you. in a good way.

4:59 AM  
Blogger Stacey said...

Nice swatch.....but, to give you more than ample credit, your "real" one will be incredible after doing it once already!

6:12 AM  
Blogger B's Momma said...

That is a beautiful swatch. I'm going to have to swatch that vest now to. The fair isle plus the steeking was scaring me a little. You have convinced me. I can't wait to see your actual piece.

6:20 AM  
Blogger marirob said...

It looks great as is! I'm so excited that you finished it with no problems - it gives me hope that I can get through it (whenever I start making it!). Fantastic job!

6:21 AM  
Blogger Stephanie said...

It looks awesome! I'm working on the vest as well, but I'm not nearly as far along as you are. I'm almost up to setting the neck steek. Yours has given me inspiration - something to look forward to!

6:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Not bad for practice, not bad at all! I can't wait to see the real deal - you're right, it will ROCK!

7:15 AM  
Blogger goodkarma said...

I can't believe you made the whole vest! Just for practice! Wow. It looks great and I'm glad to hear that fairisle went smoothly for you. Can't wait to see the next "real" one someday. :)

7:57 AM  
Blogger caitlyn said...

Wow, it looks amazing, Winnie! I love the colors. Great job!

8:13 AM  
Blogger carrie said...

it's beautiful! i thought it was like stuffed animal size or something. just wow!

8:38 AM  
Blogger cmeknit said...

It's gorgeous! I really don't think it is too small...looks fabulous. Can't wait to see the "real" one. I like this pattern, great learning one. I may try it. Thanks for the inspiration.

10:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That is the most impressive "gauge" swatch ever.

11:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It looks like it fits to me! I would certainly wear it . . .

11:45 AM  
Blogger craftoholic said...

Haha, I too thought your swatch was toddler-size....it's pretty smockin' this way, nice job!

1:14 PM  
Blogger fishgirl182 said...

that looks pretty good for a "swatch." can't wait to see the real thing.

5:31 PM  
Blogger loopylulu said...

from the pictures that doesn't look too small at all. it looks really good on you, now i'm itching to start!

7:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is incredible!

9:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love the color combo!!! Look forward to seeing the "real one".

2:32 PM  
Blogger Tara said...

Winnie, I think it looks mad hot on you anyway!

2:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't know.. I think it looks rather good, myself. What will you knit the 'real one' with?

2:47 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I think it looks great on you. You call that a swatch. Is that hard to do?

11:02 AM  
Blogger Gina said...

Amazing!

1:46 PM  

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