FO: Lace Hem Topping

I finally finished the Lace Hem Topping as shown on the July 2008 cover of Creative Magazine.  It took several tries to get the crochet edging so it looked good and laid flat.  I should block it again but it can now go into my FO folder!  

FO- Lace Hem Topping

 

FO - Lace Hem detail

 

Yarn: Cascade Ultra Pima in heathered pansy  

Needles: US 6  

Crochet hook: E  

Size: 38 (medium)  

Modifications: Many.  I used a lighter weight yarn (DK) instead of the worsted weight the pattern called for and also a smaller needle to get a gauge that would relate to one of the sizes.  I used the size 46 (X-Large) directions for everything but the size 38 (medium) for the length.  

It was a great knit even though I got frustrated and had to rip back to the armhole shaping and reknit both the front and back.  I made the armholes too long and couldn’t live with them that way.  I think it took longer to reknit the second time and learn how to do the crochet edging than knitting it in the first place. 

As much as I’d like to knit on the Ms Ida Chain Link mittens or start one of the five baby sweaters in my queue or start two secret projects, I really need to declutter and straighten up the house.  Mr. & Mrs. Aitch’s B&B will have guests (even though they are family) coming this Friday night: 

  • Beds need to be made.
  • Floors need to be scrubbed or vacuumed.
  • Islands and counters need to be cleared.
  • Bathrooms need to be refreshed.
  • Laundry needs done.
  • Knitting needs to be out of reach from toddlers and dogs. 

OK, maybe moving the knitting will be the last thing I do Friday evening but I want to do the rest of my list this morning so I can devote the rest of  the day and upcoming evenings to knitting.

On the edge

I finished the knitting part of my Lace Hem Topping and the two pieces were blocked yesterday.  What’s left is the seaming (ugh) and the crochet edges.  I have several crochet hooks and can do a chain stitch.  The finishing edges on this shell involve a row of single crochet once around the armhole and neck edges followed by a row of reverse crochet.  Does crochet even have rows?  

I did a search for these two techniques and think I have it but am open to more advice.  Can you direct me to any good videos that show these two techniques so I have the confidence to put this shell on my FO list?  Or better yet, come on over and show me!  

Of course I’m itching to get started on another project while waiting for the above shell to dry before seaming and adding the crochet edge.  While in my least favorite store the other day, I came across these fabulous colors of Caron Simple Soft yarn (worsted weight or #4).   

Caron Simply Soft

 

Colors from left to right: Pistachio, Blueberry, Strawberry, Persimmon (soft coral), and Sunshine.  They look a bit bright but they are very soft colors.  

I have three baby sweaters to knit for friends babies and grandchildren by September.  I need help with the color combinations.  Not sure what pattern I’m using but fell in love with this pattern.  It’s for adults but it couldn’t be that hard to take some elements and make it suitable for a  baby or child, could it?  

I think what I like is the texture of the garter stitch against the stockenette.  Do you think I could adapt my eyelet pattern for this?  Or perhaps the 5-hour baby sweater pattern, only make the garter stitch bottom edge extend more into the body by 3 inches and overlap the front edges by 3 inches?  I’m not sure how I would do the neck…and since the pattern is a neck-down pattern, I’d have to figure that out ASAP!  

Color combos?  I would use 2-3 colors for this.  Body (stockenette) in one color, bottom and front panel (garter) in color two, and an optional 2-3 rows in stockenette between the body and garter on color three.  I don’t have a scanner or I would show you my sketches.All sweaters are for girls…as if that should make a difference.  Two for size 6-months and one for 18 months.