Even though I rarely exhibit a perspicacious nature, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that most of us don't like to knit sleeves.
There.
I've said it. Put it out there for the whole world to see.
Of the last four garments I've finished, only one had 'em.
I love wearing them but the last few months just ended up knit sleeveless.
Enter Nicole -
I started wearing TeeShirts under my tank tops after I saw Madame Fluffa holding forth in France and never looked back. The shirt extends the season - a little light cami underneath can privatize the areas modest folk might want to lightly cover.
The design sprung from the purchase of a blouse. From July 9, 2006: 
While the new Mrs. Urban (OH, how I love that last name) is off somewhere honeymooning (and apparently beforehand, moonlighting), I've been working away on the Nicole camisole.
I use the term *camisole* lightly - this is probably going to be worn more as a vest over another sheer shirt - or any variety of other shirts. I also plan on wearing it solo - so I've made its lacey-ness more suggestive than revealing.
I love the way this is turning out - it is not a Victorian romp - more like a modern feminine stroll that might work for the night out or for the street. Which is exactly how I have been directing my wardrobe - I want it to have a dual nature - depending on what you pair it with, it can go day to night quite easily. Which is what a Working Girl without a battalion of stylists needs - wearable, usable, knitted clothes.
But if I could, I would certianly want to have Ms. Kidman's wardrobe - almost everytime I see her, she's wearing something I would absolutely love to have.
The first Nicole I knit (the creme coloured one) is made using a yarn from Sirdar called "Breeze". It is a cotton-microfiber blend. I would characterize it as the little cousin to yarns like Rowan's "All Seasons Cotton" (Aran) or ggh "Bali" (Worsted), both in different weights but similar fiber content and twist. They make a nice, lighter weight fabric than 100% cotton, but IMHO, give a finish that is more casual than a beautful mercerized 100% cotton, like Elann "Sonata". The James Brett "Kool Kotton" is also a nice blend. But of course, there is always the perennial favorite: "Calmer". I am always ready to take up the needle and swatch - the ball bands on yarns never fully explore the range of gauges that might work on a yarn - you never really know until you knit and measure. I'm eyeing several "suspects" I will add to the list as knitting unfolds... Please email me info*chicknits*com with any suggestions for favorite DK weight yarns you love. I am especially in thrall to this gauge right now - it allows a really versatile range of texture and drape not possible with larger yarns... |