Pretty on the inside
I love using a contrast colour for the facing of a knitted hem, even though it’s a detail that can’t be seen while the garment is being worn. Normally when stitching up the hem you would use the main colour yarn to whipstitch up the hem. Elizabeth Zimmerman reasonably suggested that instead of binding off before sewing up the hem by stitching the live stitches directly off the needles the stretch of the knitted fabric wouldn’t be lost. The single ply merino and silk yarn I used for the body of this seemed like a less than perfect yarn for sewing anything, and this musing led me to using the contrast colour, plied, finer, stronger yarn to sew the hem. This began as a practical solution and turned into what I think is a pretty cute detail, prettier on the inside with little picots
and on the outside
I wasn’t completely convinced that the crocheted shell edging was going to work. It definitely seemed to be one of those things that might easily end up just a little too twee, but once I actually added it around the first armhole it just seemed right. What do you think?
I am planning on offering a couple of different versions of this, along the lines of the different edgings and showcasing the effects of yarn choice in Briar Rose. The other version will definitely be less cutesy and the actual pattern will offer different mix and match detail options for finishing the same basic pattern.
Now I need to weave in the remaining ends, so it’s actually finished and neat inside.
And then I think some blocking will be in order to set this puckery mess into pretty gathers. That’s going to work, right?
I do love how three dimensional this is at the moment though.
My plan this evening is to finish this up and re-acquaint myself with my sewing machine, because right now I don’t think I have much to wear with this.
Posted: October 22nd, 2007 under knitting.
Comments: 44
Comments
Comment from Tara
Time: October 22, 2007, 8:46 pm
Your tag line is demonstrably deceiving! I love, love this vest. Your design ideas mesh so well. I get such goo ideas from you. Thank you
Comment from Kathleen
Time: October 22, 2007, 8:49 pm
I’m not sure I can stand how adorable that vest is! Yet it’s not at all twee. Can’t wait for the pattern!
Comment from Anushka
Time: October 22, 2007, 8:50 pm
very pretty indeed :) I love the fact that you’re going to sew a whole outfit..just to match one vest, when your last post indicated that the vest was going to match an outfit.
Comment from Jessica
Time: October 22, 2007, 9:08 pm
Oh my GOSH that is SO CUTE!!!!!
Comment from marri
Time: October 22, 2007, 9:16 pm
absolutely beautiful!!!
Comment from alyssa
Time: October 22, 2007, 9:23 pm
I love it. I wish I had more time to knit. You make so many pretty things!
Comment from Mary-Heather
Time: October 22, 2007, 9:25 pm
The little hem-sewing peekthrough details give just the right amount of balance and reference to the crocheted edging - I really love it. Very, very pretty (the outside too)!
Comment from Tumblina
Time: October 22, 2007, 9:29 pm
I love the stitch effect of the contrast sewing. The colour choice of the vest and contrast I think keep it from being too cutesy - definitely stylish. I hope the blocking works on the gathers the way you want - it’s always that end bit that keeps me in suspense, don’t want all that work to go down the tubes if I don’t like how it drapes!!
Comment from lekkercraft
Time: October 22, 2007, 9:56 pm
so pretty - i love those two colors together.
Comment from Amy
Time: October 22, 2007, 10:39 pm
I’m in love!
Comment from Kristin
Time: October 22, 2007, 10:40 pm
I love this little sweater. The shell edge is lovely and the colour combination is too. It would also be nice with some little puffed sleeves. But I’m all about the puffed sleeves these days.
Comment from sarai
Time: October 22, 2007, 11:06 pm
It’s beautiful, and a lovely colour combination as well.
Comment from Julie
Time: October 22, 2007, 11:17 pm
It’s so lovely! I really like the crocehted trim, actually! And the contrast coloured hem stitching goes perfectly with that brown.
Comment from Kirsty
Time: October 22, 2007, 11:54 pm
I think the brown/blue combo helps you get away with the pretty-pretty edging. It might be a bit twee in pink and white, or what have you, but your colours are just that wee bit more grown-up.
Comment from michael
Time: October 23, 2007, 1:12 am
That is pretty much just adorable, I love the accent details. I think there will be some awesome variations once the pattern is out.
Comment from Wanett
Time: October 23, 2007, 1:36 am
I love the details and the color combo!
Comment from Lucy
Time: October 23, 2007, 1:53 am
You’re such a genius at knitting. I love the pretty details. Thanks for sharing.
Comment from Lesa
Time: October 23, 2007, 2:23 am
I really love the vest, but for some reason, I want a Hostess snack cake!
Comment from casey
Time: October 23, 2007, 4:10 am
I just love how the crochet trim looks on this! And the little stitches along the hem from the facing… :) Beautiful!!
Oh, and I’m in the midst of working on knitting up the Briar Rose and I have to tell you that I’m just having so much fun! I really can’t wait until I’ve finished this and can wear it… lol. :)
Comment from Ria
Time: October 23, 2007, 5:33 am
this is just entirely lovely. nicely done. i can’t wait for the pattern because i will make this one for sure.
Comment from Ming Ching
Time: October 23, 2007, 8:09 am
Just lovely! The brown together with the pale blue is gorgeous and I loved the hemming. Good on you! (and Elizabeth)
Comment from Webbo
Time: October 23, 2007, 9:26 am
Well that is lovely. As ever the details are perfect - I love the way you make every pattern the occasion to try a new technique.
Comment from KatyLouise
Time: October 23, 2007, 9:39 am
I think this is just lovely. You always add such beautiful little details to your knits, and I think that is what makes them so unique and special. Can’t wait to see the pattern for this.
Comment from Clare
Time: October 23, 2007, 9:54 am
Oh fabulous! I’m not normally sold on vests, but this is just a stunner! The visible hem stitching is very cool.
And I like your mix’n'match edgings. I think it’s a very unique and clever design ‘trademark’/ signature.
Comment from Heather
Time: October 23, 2007, 3:34 pm
Firstly, blue and brown is one of my all time favourite colour combinations. Secondly, I love the little details of this vest. I truly adore it. Well done :D
Comment from Alexis
Time: October 23, 2007, 5:13 pm
That vest looks so good! I can’t wait to see what you come up with to wear with it.
Comment from Katherine
Time: October 23, 2007, 7:06 pm
This is gorgeous, and I love the contrasting colours.
Comment from yvonnep
Time: October 23, 2007, 8:17 pm
Lovely, Ysolda - love the combination of brown and light blue!
Comment from Amanda
Time: October 23, 2007, 8:18 pm
I love everything about this knit! You are a genius!
Comment from courtney
Time: October 23, 2007, 8:42 pm
hi there, i’ve never posted before, but i’ve been reading for a while….
i just wanted to say that i love this sweater! the combo of brown and blue is lovely, and the scrunching in the front is to die for. i would actually learn to crochet so that i can make this! :)
Comment from Anna
Time: October 23, 2007, 9:30 pm
Gasp! Awesome!
Comment from Knittypants
Time: October 23, 2007, 10:28 pm
I love the pretty details. You really have a knack for making knitting beautiful.
Comment from mel
Time: October 24, 2007, 1:25 am
I think it’s just lovely, inside and out :) what nice touches, both the hem and the crochet!
Comment from connie
Time: October 24, 2007, 5:02 am
Very pretty indeed, Ysolda. I do love the blue and brown combination and I don’t think the crochet trim is at all too precious. It’s all very lovely! :)
Comment from gleek
Time: October 24, 2007, 2:31 pm
ooooh, i totally heart this pattern! love all the little details, especially all the contrasting work.
Comment from robyn
Time: October 24, 2007, 4:22 pm
I adore the crochet edging. It really makes the vest pop.
Comment from emilie
Time: October 25, 2007, 2:59 pm
aw man. i am not a fan of crochet edging but that right there is AWESOME. and so not in a twee way. HART!! :)
Comment from michal Wright-Ward
Time: October 25, 2007, 4:00 pm
it’s beautiful! I can’t wait to see the pattern. also - how did you set up your knits in progress on the left? I looked through my ravelry account and couldn’t find it.
Comment from Clare
Time: October 25, 2007, 9:02 pm
i LOVE this!!…. makes me want to learn to crochet
Comment from Karen
Time: October 26, 2007, 3:43 pm
Gorgeous!
Comment from Janice
Time: October 27, 2007, 4:35 am
it’s beautiful!
Comment from sarah
Time: October 29, 2007, 7:57 pm
This vest is so lovely, I love the colour combination and the neat detailing.
sarah
Comment from Kelly
Time: October 31, 2007, 1:51 am
Oh yes, I love the contrast facing! Finishing details like that just make the garment, imho.
“instead of binding off before sewing up the hem by stitching the live stitches directly off the needles the stretch of the knitted fabric wouldn’t be lost.”
Any tips on how you did this, or must we wait for the pattern?
I don’t know that I’ve commented before, but thanks for your lovely blog. I’m a big fan of your inspiring designs!
Comment from Ewa
Time: October 8, 2008, 7:14 am
I love everything about this knit! can’t wait for the pattern…
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