Tuesday 6 July 2010

FO: Athyrie


Pattern: Athyrie

Yarn: Mirasol Nuna in 'Royal Purple"

Needles: 3.5 mm (US 4)

Mods: Eliminated two of the hexagon repeats, as I was concerned that the silk in the yarn would already yield a much longer garment, post-blocking.

Notes: I fell in love with this pattern, and I have a soft spot for convertible items of clothing and accessories (perfect for travelling!) but this was just a bit off the mark. Some of it was the pattern being a bit too general in it's sizing, and some of it was my fault. The 'my fault' part: buttons. I was so excited to use a bunch of the vintage shell buttons I had, but I find that the results a bit too much of a gypsy sort of look. Not that it's bad (it isn't) but it's not my style. I wish I had gone for more subtle, nearly invisible, buttons.


The pattern: the sizing is waaaaay to big for my arms (the photos hide how flappy the sleeves are. I don't understand why fit issues never seem to show up in the photos- I swear it's not all in my head!). I understand that the width is meant to give it the option of being a wrap, but I don't think it then converts easily into a shrug for those with skinny toothpick arms. If I were to make this again (and I very well might, I love the idea of it so much) I would eliminate about 15-20 stitches of the stockinette in the middle.I also would probably eliminate another 2 hexagon repeats, so that it could still be worn as a vest (see the Flickr photos for better shots of when worn  as a vest) but with less fabric volume.

Otherwise, this was a fun knit. It's a good thing that I'm determined to give lots of knitted gifts this year! I believe this lovely thing will go to someone who fits it better.

Also, I never gave an update on the  Agathe colour combo voting!! Option 3 won out, but not by much. And there were some excellent suggestions about possibly mixing it up based on some of the colours in that post- using pink stripes in with the black or brown, for example. So- I've placed my order for  option 3 colours, and when they arrive I'll begin watching!!

27 comments:

The Sweatshop of Love said...

I'm so loving that deep purple is so popular now! Every time I see it I get excited. The pattern is so unique! I'm kind of loving how big the sleeves are. It would be fun for layering? Maybe you can play around with how you wear it to see if you like it more in different ways.

Otherwise, yeah! It will make an awesome gift :)

Anonymous said...

Looks gorgeous, Julie. And I like the funky buttons on it. :)

Unknown said...

That is such a cool pattern! I'm totally with you, I love the idea of it and I definitely think that its worth another shot. Consider this your test run.

Crystal said...

You're far too pretty :) I agree that the buttons on this are odd to me, you're right to find something to blend in more for your next version. The focus on this one should be the lace. Although I do love a nice shell button! I'm starting to amass a little collection of "gifts" myself, haha.

Hilary said...

That is SOOO pretty. I can see what you mean about the fit, but it is a truly lovely piece. I actually like the buttons and don't think they stand out too much. Whoever ends up with this is very lucky!

knittyornice said...

so pretty! and versatile! holy smokes! purple looks so lovely on you....

NJ said...

Wow I think your is much prettier than the original pattern. I'm really loving that shade of purple.

Monique said...

Great job with this. The buttons do really pop. You can always gift it. You've done too nice of a job to frog it.

Allison said...

that color is just stunning. I'm sure someone will be very happy to wear it with those buttons :)

Ashley said...

This is so beautiful, I love the versatility, I especially love the view from the back when you button the two ends across the top in the back. Everything you knit is gorgeous and it ends up looking perfect on you, stop it :)

Michele Saunders said...

This turned out lovely and the color is gorgeous! I know what you mean about it not looking like the picture - I'm working on the scarf from the same magazine in the recommended yarn and mine looks nothing like the photograph. At least yours is versatile - it looks very nice as a wrap.

yoel said...

Wonderful as always! The color is perfect on you, and the buttons are delightful. (Although not a delight to sew on, I'm sure!)

Salihan said...

I;m glad you finally sewed the buttons on. It looks stunning! I've not seen a top/shawl like that before. The colour is stunning on you. I hope you do make another one that you're much happier with. Looks like it's a lot of fun to wear. :)

Anonymous said...

Pretty! That sure is a lot of buttons to sew on...

Aesderina said...

I love that colour on you. I don't mind the buttons but I can see what you mean... but I can totally see the extraness in the sleeves.
I love the pictures you put of allthe different way you can wear it!! makes me kind of want to knit it..

Nat at Made in Home said...

I love the colour, I love the concept of flexibility. Not big fan of so many buttons - but I understand why you need them. Also wouldn't it be nice to add a simple lace pattern within the middle section - a sort of wave design?

Teresa said...

You're right - the knit shows no signs of ill fit in the photos! I have a crush on convertible knits myself. I find the construction fascinating. I love seeing people make ingenious things.
The purple is so lovely with those buttons, I can understand your enthusiasm to use them!

Susan said...

That looks stunning on you. I really like all of the buttons with your yarn choice actually. Not an ojbect for frogging at all. I think you will love the next version.

I'm adding this to my ever growing (but never knit - it seems) queue. lol

Sam said...

Hello Julie!
I'm Sam and I just came across your blog today. This piece that you've knitted looks awesome! I just love how versatile it is :)

Maryse said...

It's beautiful! The color is amazing! I like the buttons, especially on the sleeves! I love that there are so many!

Anonymous said...

Julie, I'm pretty sure you could make a potato sack look just gorgeous! I see what you mean about the loose arms though. I like how it looks as a loose shrug though...the ones toward the bottom. I'm not sure what you call that. But looks great. And now you'll be prepared for the next one, yes?

Cheers!
Daisy

Skein said...

Your Athyrie looks wonderful, its a shame about the arm size though. Some lucky person is in for a lovely surprise:)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful color. I really like the line of buttons, too.

weezalana said...

Bummer the fit didn't turn out quite right. But it's very pretty!

Kristin said...

This is so cute. I love it!

SugarMaple said...

This is so different from anything I've seen before. I think I'll need to build up to something like this, but worth a try. Beautiful colour choice!

Yarny Days said...

This is a beauty. Purple is your color.