Day Seven? Eight? I've Lost Track
I'm still on schedule, but I've definitely lost my pep.
That's the back--almost finished, and the two fronts, one blocked, one not. (The toys are there to hold down the curling edges.)
True confession: on day five I cracked. I cast on a new project. Just a cast on, just a minor indiscretion. Here it is, cloaked in mystery:
That's 375 stitches crammed on that needle, to give you a big hint. I haven't touched it since, and it is taunting me from the sidelines.
Now to distract us, let's talk about buttons.
I am lucky to have a wide range of button sources near me. Only one of which I want to drag three kids to, that would be Em's Button Emporium:
(Keep in mind, I have been collecting for 20 years.)
If I have no luck there, I also have 2 yarn shops and a Joann's Superstore within 10 minutes.
Yesterday I found an exact match for this smokey aqua color:
They had 6, and the pattern calls for 7, but they were so perfect I bought them anyway. I will either do 6 or run around to one of the other 3 Joann's within an hour of me to find another card.
Here are a few tips for choosing buttons that I learned in the garment industry:
-An odd number is more pleasing to the eye.
-If you can't find an exact match, bigger is usually better than smaller, darker better than lighter, duller better than brighter.
-Sometimes a slightly off shade of button will make the garment look expensive.
-Always look at the back side of the buttons, sometimes they will be a slightly different color, or nicer texture.
I use that last tip most often. I probably use the "wrong" side of buttons more often that the "right" side. They often look a little fresher or more ususual. Above you can see the 2 top buttons are the right side and the two flat buttons on the bottom are the wrong side. I think I'll use the wrong side on this sweater, but I'll make a final decision after I knit the button band.
How is everyone else's Olympic knitting coming along?
.jpg)
That's the back--almost finished, and the two fronts, one blocked, one not. (The toys are there to hold down the curling edges.)
True confession: on day five I cracked. I cast on a new project. Just a cast on, just a minor indiscretion. Here it is, cloaked in mystery:
.jpg)
That's 375 stitches crammed on that needle, to give you a big hint. I haven't touched it since, and it is taunting me from the sidelines.
Now to distract us, let's talk about buttons.
I am lucky to have a wide range of button sources near me. Only one of which I want to drag three kids to, that would be Em's Button Emporium:
.jpg)
.jpg)
(Keep in mind, I have been collecting for 20 years.)
If I have no luck there, I also have 2 yarn shops and a Joann's Superstore within 10 minutes.
Yesterday I found an exact match for this smokey aqua color:
.jpg)
They had 6, and the pattern calls for 7, but they were so perfect I bought them anyway. I will either do 6 or run around to one of the other 3 Joann's within an hour of me to find another card.
Here are a few tips for choosing buttons that I learned in the garment industry:
-An odd number is more pleasing to the eye.
-If you can't find an exact match, bigger is usually better than smaller, darker better than lighter, duller better than brighter.
-Sometimes a slightly off shade of button will make the garment look expensive.
-Always look at the back side of the buttons, sometimes they will be a slightly different color, or nicer texture.
.jpg)
I use that last tip most often. I probably use the "wrong" side of buttons more often that the "right" side. They often look a little fresher or more ususual. Above you can see the 2 top buttons are the right side and the two flat buttons on the bottom are the wrong side. I think I'll use the wrong side on this sweater, but I'll make a final decision after I knit the button band.
How is everyone else's Olympic knitting coming along?
posted by Emily at 11:48 AM
6 Comments:
I love buttons, too -- have quite a fetish, in fact, and it's a good thing I'm far from button shops. except the Internet ones... great tips about using buttons; I'm currently stumped on buttons for a B/W knit cardigan for my 3+ year old son, but I'll go back to my stash with your tips in mind. My olypic progress (my chosen olympian feat: finish ALL UFOs): two UFOs done, one (said cardigan) almost done, another one 90% done. your cardigan is looking great, BTW!
I am in awe of your progress. Unless I successfully manage to warp the time/space continuum, I will never be able to knit that quickly! And it looks great to boot!
I am absolutely floored at how much you have finished. And it's gorgeous! Keep going, keep going! I'm done making the medal and I promise it will look very pretty on your blog.
I love the sweater and can't wait to see it finished. I agree about the buttons too. I often use the back. Keep up the sweater work, you're so close!
Emily, your sweater looks great! Thanks for the button tips. I'm trying to maintain speed on my Sitcom Chic. I think I'll make it.
That secret thing isn't a Clapotis is it? My second guess: Charlotte #2
Post a Comment
<< Home