It wasn't a hat trick, but that Lace Panel Cardi is done. In time for the closing ceremonies, button band lined and everything. I am immeasurably pleased with this little number. On me, it turned out to be a Victorian jacket of a cardigan, the high neck extending into a ruff, while the torso connives a bone-less corset. It's a shape that tends to suit me, if I do say so myself. But there are so many other reasons to love it. For one thing, it beats out the morning frost that seems to settle over the British Library over night, and is even warm enough to withstand the afternoon chill that seeps back in after lunch.
For another, I seamed it. I seamed it and I enjoyed seaming it. Weirdly, this has in no way made seaming any less daunting a prospect, but perversely its made me want to seam more. Perhaps I am a glutton for punishment.
For a third thing, I not only seamed it, but I followed the pattern pretty well exactly. This is not because I fear taking control of pattern and making it my own with modifications or harp overtures of respect for the design, because some times waist-shaping, shoulder-narrowing and hip-flaring are all musts. But I really liked the way this pattern read before I started and it appeared to coordinate with the pictures, so I figured let's do it.
For a fourth thing, the buttons make me giddy. They came into my stash by complete fluke and although there are indeed nine button holes and only eight buttons, I like the way the button band branches out now at the very bottom. I think it lends itself nicely to the Victorian overtures.
*love* this!
Posted by: Lix | March 20, 2010 at 09:13 PM
it's lovely!
Posted by: kyliemac | March 15, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Congratulations! It's gorgeous.
Posted by: Fredi, London | March 12, 2010 at 02:24 PM
That's fabulous! And the color is wonderful on you! I love those kinds of patterns that look so tailored and so sophisticated that few people would realize it was hand-knit.
Posted by: Barb | March 11, 2010 at 04:21 PM
Nice! I like the collar. I'm sure you'll get a lot of wear out of this.
How are your Julia socks coming along?
Posted by: Camille | March 11, 2010 at 02:05 PM
I saw you wearing this and I didn't comment on it! I am rubbish...if it makes up for it I was thinking how lovely it was and I loved how you lined the button band (that was why I thought it couldn't have been new because you seemed to be only finishing the sleeve a few days before...and then to knit a button band and then line a button band seemed a super human feat)
Posted by: Kate | March 11, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Also, before I go to bed, a little amusement for your day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOFps_Naytg&feature=player_embedded
Posted by: Tikabelle | March 11, 2010 at 08:55 AM
That is SUPER cute. I like! Congratulations!
And now, I'm going to bed.
Posted by: Tikabelle | March 11, 2010 at 08:52 AM