Two finished objects in a week! I can hardly believe it - although the truth is, even though life has been busy, there has been knitting, and now I'm playing a game of catch-up to try to show it all to you. I've been calling this my Library Skirt, because I cast on in celebration of being offered my new job (which I'm loving). I got to wear it to work this week, and will confess I was terribly excited and full of the wonders of my new skirt. It was very gratifying then, to have two different customers compliment it - I love that. Plus, I bounced around all over the place showing the ladies I work with. It's been a while since I've knit something both that I enjoyed making, and like wearing.
Particulars:
Pattern - Lanesplitter
Yarn - Noro Silk Garden, 4 balls
Needles - 5.5mm bamboo straights
Notes - When I swatched for this project, I had a heck of a time getting gauge. I settled on using the 5.5mm needles, but had concerns once I had some fabric coming off the needles that it was a bit too loose. I likely would have gone down a needle size, but my girlfriend talked me out of it, and in retrospect I don't think the skirt would drape so nicely if the fabric was firmer.
The beauty of this pattern is that it is knit on the bias (a la Clapotis), which gives a great shape as well as lots of control for sizing. I increased until about 18.5" in length, and then knit until the fabric was about 36" long. My hips are around 38", and I was counting on the skirt growing with blocking. I realistically could have stopped about an inch sooner, as the fabric grew even more than I thought it would.
For the waistband, I picked up stitches using some fingering weight wool, rather than the worsted weight cotton the pattern calls for, and it worked fine, making a smooth band without bulk. I did insert elastic into the waistband, and when I blocked the final piece, pulled the hem of the skirt out into a bit of an A-line shape. I have worn this a couple of times already, and I love it! Comfortable, pretty and unique - what's not to love?
You knit the skirt! It looks fabulous and good on you.
Posted by: Carrie K | January 14, 2011 at 03:24 PM
GORGEOUS!!! WoW! well, now I'm all inspired :^) xox
Posted by: marianne | January 14, 2011 at 03:26 PM
You don't look like the library people I am used to seeing! '
That skirt is awsome! What a way to celebrate a new begining,a great skirt for a great job and a great friend!
Congrats all around!
Posted by: knitybynature | January 14, 2011 at 03:37 PM
Wow - that is gorgeous! And so are you - you look awesome! Well done.
Posted by: Ruth | January 14, 2011 at 09:51 PM
Gosh a few days away from your blog and look at all the loveliness I've missed over here. This skirt in particular is fab and it's lovely to hear you get such a kick out of wearing it.
Posted by: Sarah | January 15, 2011 at 03:09 AM
WOW! looks so awesome! the pics are great. way to rock the knitting ;)
Posted by: colleen | January 15, 2011 at 04:25 AM
love it!! It is one of the ones I really want to make, even more now it looks gorgeous on you. Congratulations on the new job.
Posted by: arianwen | January 15, 2011 at 05:42 AM
Oh,my gosh! That is AMAZING! It looks just gorgeous on you especially with the very cute boots. :) Fantastic work.
Posted by: Holly Jo | January 15, 2011 at 09:45 AM
I love this, you look great in it, what a fab outfit.
Posted by: Denise | January 15, 2011 at 03:04 PM
looks AMAZING!!
ps your email keeps bouncing back? can you email me so i can send you the pattern?
XO
Posted by: ohsweetie | January 15, 2011 at 09:14 PM
wow u looks beautiful.Awesome work
Posted by: Tine ronald | January 17, 2011 at 03:55 AM
That turned out beautifully! I am afraid of backside bagout in a knitted skirt (but then, there's way more backside to consider here than at your house.) Well done! I love Silk Garden.
Posted by: Judy G. | January 17, 2011 at 07:36 AM
You're looking FAB-U-LOUS! And the skirt is pretty fine too! :-)
Posted by: Patty | January 17, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Gorgeous!!! I love it! (The boots rock too...)
Posted by: S/V Mari Hal-O-Jen | January 17, 2011 at 06:41 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Hasbu | January 18, 2011 at 02:26 AM
That looks terrific on you, Charity! Congratulations on the new job!
Posted by: Lorette | January 22, 2011 at 04:43 PM
Pretty! and very flattering!
Posted by: Laura | February 17, 2011 at 09:58 AM
It is lovely, and it looks very good on you.
Posted by: Hilde | May 31, 2011 at 11:24 PM