As I mentioned in this post, I am (was) working on a green version of my Wildflower Tank. And it turned out too big. I decided to make one size larger than I originally made, because i have a little bit of muffin top post-baby (I have not been exercising nor done a single ab exercise of any kind since before I was pregnant, so it's entirely my fault). But clearly my upper torso is the same size, because this tank turned out way too big. The idea of frogging it just seemed too painful, so I googled about shrinking silk and read that if it's in hot water, the weave or knit should shrink up, but not the fibers themselves. So I tried that on my new FO:
And the dye bled, and the white sections turned lime green. Which of course that's what happens when you submerge hand dyed yarn in hot water, and is why you block and wash knits in cold water. And after all that, it didn't shrink at all, not even one millimeter. I'm so gutted! I'll take modeled shots so you can see, but not just yet. Even though I finished it more than two weeks ago, the pain is still too fresh.
So I'm taking comfort in my new WIP, a classic black version of Nespelem:
I always buy cheap black cardigans from H&M/Gap/etc., and they just get ratty and old looking so quickly. I want a classic black cardigan that I can thrown on with anything, and I'm hoping that this is that cardigan! I'm a 32, and this cardigan comes in a 30 or 34, so I'm trying to get somewhere in the middle. But I'm nervous now, the green tank disaster has shaken my confidence.
18 comments:
Sorry about the tank. I'm also on the lookout for a basic black cardi. Looking forward to your version.
Oh, all that time! Take a look at Amy Herzog's blog. She's posting a lot of information regarding fit and your personal measurements. I love her new book, Fit to Flatter.
Kathleen
That Nespelem will be gorgeous. I bet you'll wear it all the time. Don't lose your confidence. We all blunder once in awhile. You're a fantastic knitter.
::sigh::
The idea of all that hard work and not loving what you've done at the end. I suspect the color isn't the problem so much as the size. Something I read was someone, perhaps Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, saying that if a garment was knit in pieces, she'd knit the front side larger to accommodate her boobs. I'm wondering if something similar could have happened with this where you knit the bigger size on the bottom and decrease to the smaller size on top. I have no idea if it would work but it sounds good.
If it makes you feel any better (probably not, I realize!) it is comforting to me that even seasoned knitters have fit failures :)
So sad!! I hope you can eventually make this into the awesome tank its meant to be.
And good to learn you're supposed to block with cold water!
Oh no! That's such a shame about the dye. I can't quite tell in that shot, but maybe the colours will work together? It's a shame, but says nothing about your knitting abilities, so don't let it shake you too much.
Nespelem is a gorgeous design. Just simple enough to be everyday, but with those little details that make it special.
Oh man! I would be SO gutted too! However I do think the lime green looks really nice (but I'm also really into lime green at the moment). You know it's this summer's signature colour, right?
Hang in there! I can't wait to see how the black cardi comes out!
I'm sorry to hear about the tank! It happens to us all. The new black cardi WILL work! I know it :)
Did you know that Carol Feller has a class on Craftsy about doing surgery on your knitting to alter already knit garments you can't face frogging? I've signed up to the class, but haven't sat and watched it yet so I can't give you any tips, I just thought I'd mention it if you fancied giving it a go.
what a bummer about the tank! at least you should be able to pull out the darker green and re-use it, right?
but the nespelem looks lovely so far, and knitting a classic black cardigan is such a good idea!
After you're done grieving over this top, and I can feel your pain, you might put it up for sale. There has to be someone out there who will love it!
Oh, I'm so sorry! After such a frustrating experience, I completely understand feeling like your knitting mojo is on the fritz. But I'm sure that you'll get back on the horse and have a beautiful FO soon!
oh no :(
I remember knitting a bag I wanted to felt. Didn't occur to me until I trotted excitedly up to the washing machine to check on progress and realised the colours had all bled into each other.
Melina
I kind of love the lime green. I would call that a happy accident :)
Well, this is called experience... Although it is the hard way after so much work... Sorry... I'm still hoping to knit a sweater I really like and wear a lot! Good luck! I have confidence in you!
Ugh, that is SO frustrating! I'm so sorry, Julie! :( But it happens to all of us...the question isn't "if", but "when". Could you take it in on the sides with sewing/steeks? And, for what it's worth, I think the lime green is pretty cool!
today i am ripping a tank that is so old it's not in my Ravelry files. i am hoping to rekint into something awesome after this 7-8 year wait. i am finally facing it. i hope it doesn't take you nearly as long, but i fully understand the disappointment. (and i know it's not what you were going for, but a lime green accent will look amazing with your coloring!)
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