Pattern: Sahara, by Wendy Bernard
Yarn: Jaeger Roma in color 010, exactly 5 balls. Tilli Tomas Exotica in Stony Mist, 1 skein.
Size: In between the small and medium. I wasn't going to get negative ease with this yarn, so I had to knit it according to the schematic exactly, assuming no stretch.
Modifications: I shorted the overall length of this one. Since it's for summer, I wanted something that wasn't too warm. I joined the center fronts together sooner, so the plunging neckline isn't that plunging. I ran out of yarn, though. The medium size called for 530 yards, but even though I knit it shorter, I still needed 137 x 5 yards of Roma. Still haven't figured that out. I kept the shirt-tail hem, which I think makes the garment lie much nicer on the hips. I will probably incorporate this technique into other knits.
Verdict: LOVE IT. I wore it to work yesterday and only 1 person asked if I knit it. The Roma is just a little itchy (there's 15% angora in it), so I might need to soften it up. Any one know of a way to do this?
Now that I've used the Tilli Tomas "luxury" yarns twice, I have to say that they're not as fabulous as they may seem. The silk is nice, but I think it's way over-priced. The sequins and beads are simply pre-strung on thread and just held together with the silk. I think it would be easy to buy beads or stone chips separately at a craft store, feed onto sewing thread, and just hold together with your favorite yarn, pulling up a bead or chip when needed. I have this in mind for one of my upcoming knits, so I'll keep you posted on how it works.
Looks great!
ReplyDeleteI've considered doing a short sleeve one for summer too. The only thing holding me back has been knitting the same pattern again. But I think I could get past that for Sahara. Your pictures are definitely great inspiration.
You look marvelous!! Your shortie-sleeve version came out perfect. As to the angora - I just made a sweater from Debbie Bliss cotton angora and a toss in the dryer of about 20 minutes (when dry) took off much of the loose pointy angora bits. It was caught in the lint trap, easy as you please. But I don't know if this would work as well with the Tilli beaded yarn.
ReplyDeleteGreat sweater- perfect fit. Glad to hear your thoughts on the TT yarn, too. Beading yourself can be extra work, but it's probably worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteI've never used them, but I think some people say the euclan wash can soften up yarns. May be worth a try.
Both of your saharas have made me think I should make one. Too many thing to choose from! congrats.
It looks fantastic! ANd thanks for being honest about that yarn. I was looking at it today.
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely gorgeous. I've been drooling over this pattern for ages, and I think the length is actually perfect for you
ReplyDeleteYou look so cute! I totally LOVE it! You know, I think I like this one better than the last one...LOVE THE COLOR!
ReplyDeleteGREAT JOB my little accomplished knitter you :-)
Marly
knitthing.blogspot.com
knitthing.mypodcast.com
Wow! It looks great. Makes me want to pull mine out and start working on it again (I've set it aside for other projects). I've heard soaking yarn in hair conditioner can soften it up - makes sense, but I haven't tried it yet. You did a fantastic job on Sahara - both versions!
ReplyDeleteIt's so pretty! I love the color. I'm waiting for my yarn to come in so that I can start my first Sahara. :)
ReplyDeleteSahara #2 is adorable. It really fits you nicely. Great job!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful, and that is a great color for you! I'm looking forward to hearing how your next beading adventure turns out--the TT is so expensive, but very pretty.
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I don't know if I like the first or the junior version better; they're both fantastic. Do you think the Roma is going to be a good summertime yarn? I was thinking of using it for a Fitted Knits puffy sleeve cardi, possibly.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, you give me encouragement to carry on! I'm having issues with the yarn I'm using, but seeing it done & so pretty makes me really want to finish it!!
ReplyDeleteI really love your Sahara - the color is so flattering on you, and the fit is just gorgeous. I'm totally inspired.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a great sweater! I love jaeger roma but never thought of it for this top. To soften, you could try soaking it like you would to wash with just the tiniest bit of fabric softener. I've done it when I dye 100 percent silk and it works for that like a charm. give it like a half hour, rinse gently.
ReplyDeleteI did a beaded version of the simple knitted bodice and it's not hard but time consuming(stringing on hundreds of beads and pushing them along as you go is tough). Still though, the tilli tomas yarn is not worth THAT much just because it's pre-strung.
Wow! I think I like this one even better than the long sleeve. What a great summer knit. I guess I am going to have to cave in and purchase pattern and yarn for this one too. Both of yours are just so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see how nice the short-sleeved version is. Living in sunny San Diego makes that a must if I'm going to go for this pattern. Fabolous work!
ReplyDeleteSD & her blog
Beautiful!!
ReplyDelete