Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Fair Isle Progress!


I've been working steadily on my Mirepoix Bodice, and I finally have something to post about it! I have a little more than seven inches of the fair isle completed. I've established the neck and armhole steeks; they are about three inches long, and my shaping is almost done.

I'm still really happy with the color substitutions I made on this project. I had a difficult time getting an accurate picture of the colors (for one thing, the orange looks much more garish here than it does in person). I'm also really pleased with how the fair isle looks. I haven't done this technique before, and I was nervous about how it might look. I started off a little loose, but I've gotten a little better at regulating my tension, and now it looks really good.

The alpaca is also behaving better then I had thought it would. It's not sticking together like shetland or anything, but it is felting a little. I'm still going to sew my steeks before I cut, of course, but it gives me a little piece of mind knowing it will hold a bit on its own. I think it's at least as nice for fair isle as superwash wool.

I have to say, this is one of the most satisfying sweaters I've worked on in a while. I'm surprised at how much I like doing fair isle; I guess I can quit avoiding it now! It looks very pretty. I can't wait to get finished and wear it!

6 comments:

Jenny said...

It looks great! Love the colors. I'm still in ribbing hell; I can't wait to get to the fun part!

Robin said...

I really like your color scheme - looks great!

Jennifer said...

Oooh, I agree, the color substitutions are wonderful! I can't wait to see the finished product. I also want to add that your stitches look great! I know what you mean, this was my first fair isle too, and I found it much more enjoyable than I thought I would. :)

Knittymuggins said...

Fantastic!! I *love* your color combo and I'm glad to hear you're having so much fun with it! Thanks for sharing :)

knittymuggins

Anonymous said...

Love your color choices!

Anonymous said...

I really like the colors!!! What a difference some color changes make, no? Can't wait to see the finished object :)