Feb 22 2007
Ahead of the Curve
Much like the Patons Street Smart Hoodie, the Cotton Tape Angie was another sweater that I admired from the moment I saw it. I was still a new knitter and was too intimidated to take on a sweater, but I bought the book anyway in early 2004. Since then, I have made the Virtue beret, and the Carla sweater from this book, holding off on the Angie for just the right moment in time.
Unfortunately, Rowan discontinued Cotton Tape last year - but I was able to stock up on a late-summer trip to Knit Happens with two fun girls. I chose the amazing azure blue “Lap” colorway.
Since I finished the Kristen hat, I was itching to cast on for something new (nevermind that I have three beautiful projects already on the needles…) and my gaze fell to the lovely Cotton Tape in the back corner of the stash. Why not get ahead of the curve - start on a spring/summer knit now?
So I did.
However, in the 3 year break between when I bought this pattern, and when I actually cast on, I find that the feature that drew me to it in the first place - the bell sleeves and hemline - is not really “doing it for me” anymore. Sure, it looks pretty in silhouette, but I can’t help but think that those bell sleeves will stretch out considerably, and cause problems while washing dishes, cooking dinner, or any other daily task… I am a practical kind of girl, and these thoughts came to my mind before anything else. I am thinking about eliminating them all together.
While I am at it, I may skip the flared hemline too. The drop stitches look cool, but I don’t know if I want to draw attention to the whole belly/hip area that I so desperately try to hide… however, it may be worth a try - it looks fun! - the dropped stitch is in the beginning of the pattern on row 8. It would be easy to rip back if I didn’t like it - especially since I got gauge on 10.5 needles…
More blue. I am completely smitten.
I am fighting the urge to start more projects, too, I have a lace shell pattern and some blue Shine Sport that is just BEGGING to be started, but I’m trying to be strong and finish what I’ve started because I am desperate to wear my Cardigan for Arwen before it gets warm.
You’ve been wanting to make that sweater for so long, good for you for getting it on its way. The color is gorgeous, too!
I hear you on the sleeves - a few of my knits have big sleeves like that and I’m always paranoid about dipping them in my food. Maybe it would work if you shortened them a bit? I wouldn’t totally give up on the hem - it could function like waist/hip shaping and actually be flattering. Plus, it’s such a cool element.
I love that color - like deep, tranquil seas! Don’t do the bell sleeves! I have a sweater with them and they are a PAIN in the neck!! Maybe you could keep the drop stitch detail and not flare them out so much…..
such a pretty blue.
Bell sleeves…ahhh it brings out the flower child in me…but kinda impractical. you could swatch the bottom part and see how much it stretches out.
I’m totally into dropped stitches these days….har.
I say the hem is what makes it kinda edgy and cool.
I love the colour too. So nice. And while I’d totally be into the dropped stiches (soooo fun!), I must say, a flared hemline does very little for most women. Unless you’re six feet tall and 105 lbs, it usually puts heft in places where you’d least want it. But even without the flare, I think a wide-rib sweater like this would be lovely!
I am pretty sure I already said this on flickr, but I totally love this color. Bell sleeves are kinda my thing…then again I’ve exceedingly thin wrists. You could always use them as an excuse to not do things like wash dishes. Something like “Oh, I can’t tonight, my sleeves will get in the way. It’d just be silly to change my shirt to wash dishes!” haha I amuse myself.
The hemline however, I am not loving. Dropped stitches look kinda cool usually, but somehow it just looks out of place on the hemline.
i kinda like the sleeves and waist…maybe just use this sweater as an excuse to make your hubby do the dishes that day, or wear a little t underneath and take it off whe kitchen duties call. but i think overall it is a lovely and versatile sweater that will last all spring into cool summer nights and even early fall…
I have the same practical reservations about bell sleeves and have wondered if making them just-past-elbow-length would keep things pretty but also useful.
If you aren’t big on your hips and tummy, skip the dropped stitches. They’ll give the illusion that it is stretched to the max to accommodate things. Not a good illusion.
If you really like the flared look but don’t want the pain in the behindness of it, change the ribbing to a light lace-type ribbing and add a round of pretty little buttons at the cuffs. When you are doing something you can just button your cuffs at your elbows with the little holes from the lace to keep them out of your way and still have the look you like.
Does that sweater have any shaping in it at all? I wonder if it will look a bit sack-like once it is done.
That’s such a pretty blue. I’m sure it’ll turn out great! I like that pattern, but I could see how the bells could be a problem.
I loved cotton tape. My friend stocked up on it here, too. That’s going to be a great sweater. I think I like it without the bell sleeves and dropped stitches, too. It will be more practical, as you say. But it will also be a classic kind of a sweater..
That is a gorgeous color! I really like working with Cotton Tape. I’m not sure why they discontinued it.
That is a beautiful blue! The alterations to the pattern that you are considering don’t sound too difficult. I agree with the other posters that the bell sleeves might irritate you after a while. They seem to catch on everything.
Have a good weekend!
Great colour - and gauge with 10.5?! That sweater is going to be done in a flash.
I’m with you with bell sleeves… love the look, but hate actually wearing them. I’m not a medieval princess, able to float around with swathes of fabric hanging off me, much as I’d like to imagine myself as one
That hem is lovely though - maybe you could make it longer? I’m sure it wouldn’t draw too much attention to the hips anyway.
agreeing with you on sleeves + hem… i tend to drag sleeves in everything and bells are a mess for me. but… you could definitely keep the dropped stitches without the flaring. it’s a cute detail!
I really like the sleeves and the hem. I have bell sleeves on a couple of tops and it hasn’t been a problem, as long as they’re not too long.
You are a blue-aholic!
I can’t wait to see how this sweater is going to morph. Keep us posted.
What a gorgeous color! It’ll look totally fabulous on you.
I think you should skip the flared hem — the model’s pose is disguising how weird it probably looks when she’s upright. But I love the idea, as suggested by others, of shortening the sleeves to 3/4-length — then, a slight flair would be really cute, and could show off some fun bracelets!
Such a pretty blue…I see what you mean about those bell sleeves tho - absolutely gorgeous but a potential hazard when reaching for things or trying to get stuff done around the house…hmmm. Tough call.
Usually, a flared hem is flattering and serves to draw attention toward the waist and away from the hips, due to the more hourglass shape of the garment. I hear you about the bell sleeves. I designed a sweater with bell sleeves and a curve outward at the hem and I love the hem (link to picture http://temptingyarns.blogspot.com/2007/02/project-pictures.html). I’ve been thinking of cutting the sleeves, ripping out the bottom and redoing them shorter and with less bell. They do get in the way.
Did my Virtue get you thinking about your Cotton Tape stash. It is a fantastic yarn to work with. I wish they wouldn’t have discontinued it.
Amy
Love the color of your new knit, and I have to agree with the bell sleeves. Maybe the flared hemline would be quite nice, just have to have it at the right length to be able to make it look like what you want it to. It seems that yarn companies tend to discontinue yarns, even if they make a lot of patterns out of them. Do they do this because it is not viable for them money wise, or do yarn companies make certain yarns only to be in the market for a short period of time to see how they work out. Very frustrating sometimes when they do that, and more frustrating when you want to knit something and then find the yarn is no longer available anymore. I am sure that your sweater will turn out wonderful, and I love the hat too, very nice.
yes, a bit impractical. but very cool. maybe for evenings out? definitely a great top for a casual cocktail party!!
Hiya,
my name’s Parisa and I just joined the Project Spectrum group. I’m really excited for it and just wanted to say thanks for such a great, creatively-inspiring idea. Please feel free to come over to my blog for a peek if you like. Lovely to meet you,
Parisa
this is sort of off subject, but i think rowan’s “audrey” would look great on you!
Good luck Lolly Girl - my PC problem has been rectified — I’ll see you at peertrainer.