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May 27, 2005
Little stitches, big ideas
I told you yesterday there was more to show. First of all, inspired by Michelle, I decided I needed nothing more that a knitted belt. So with two skeins of Rowan handknit cotton, I set off. I even used the same stitch I think, only in my stitch bible it's called 'Tweed stitch' instead of 'Linen stitch'. Look at the fabric it makes though.
Isn't it lovely? The fabric, especially in a cotton on slightly smaller needles is really firm and flat, just perfect for a belt. And the other side looks like lovely moss/seed stitch.
For the last third of the length I think I may swap to two new colours, just for the hey of it. I think lilac and pale yellow. Then I'll make another one for some lucky person who I think needs a belt. I'm going to wear this tied around my new white linen kaftan, and with jeans, and any other time I can.
I bought some beautiful Debbie Bliss cotton/angora, in a delightful pale grey. Here's the swatch.
No, I'm not on Debbie's payroll (yet), but the machine-washability you see, swings it. Beautifully soft luxurious feeling yarns, which make garments I will actually wear, rather than ones which will spend 90% of their life languishing in the laundry basket.
It's taken me over a week to figure it out: but this is going to be a grown-up version of those gorgeous Debbie Bliss jackets she does for little girls. You know the ones, with the moss stitch border and little rosebuds on? Infantalised? Moi?
That is, until I change my mind again.
Posted by Amelia at May 27, 2005 01:57 PM
Comments
I love that belt! What a great idea, and a great color combo. Now, will you choose to attach a clasp, or just tie it oh-so-nonchalantly?
Posted by: Jen M at May 27, 2005 04:33 PM
What a great stitch on the belt - I really like both sides of that one. Very hip! I'm working with cotton angora right now and I've got to say, it's lovely. So soft...I can't wait to wear it.
Posted by: Vicki at May 27, 2005 05:55 PM
Oh ... love the belt. My wife requested a belt at one point. Can you tell me how to do that stitch? Thanks!!
Posted by: The Feminist Mafia at May 27, 2005 07:03 PM
I love your version of the belt! I also love the Rowan handknit cotton. I may have to make one myself...I wondered why I was having such a hard time finding any reference anywhere to the 'linen stitch'...Yours is great! I finished mine today, I just need to attach the d-rings. I just started another one for a gift too, but in another colorway...Take care :)
Posted by: michele at May 27, 2005 09:54 PM
Great belt! But I would expect nothing less from the talented Amelia Raitte.
Posted by: Jacqueline at May 27, 2005 11:26 PM
That stitch is really lovely. I really like the idea of switching up the colours, can't wait to see it finished.
Posted by: jodi at May 28, 2005 01:31 AM
I love that belt and it sounds like it will look fab with a linen kaftan and jeans - mmmmm - wish I could wear something like that - oh so trendy ! I love that colour combination.
I'm dying to knit with the Cotton Angora - just need to get enough money together. Can't wait to see your Debbie Blissish jacket - I'm sure it will be divine.
Posted by: Becky at May 28, 2005 09:04 AM
Smashing--but of course. And I'm glad of the close-up--I've seen a couple mentions of linen stitch lately and wondered what it looked like (too lazy to swatch some up of course).
Oh the rosebuds--can't wait to see.
Posted by: Ashley at May 28, 2005 05:56 PM
I absolutely love the belt (and have had my eye on some buckles in VV). Can you reveal how you did it? I knitted a little toy bunny in cotton angora - I think it's a yummy yarn.
Posted by: Noo at May 28, 2005 06:03 PM
Too funny. I wrote an entry this week about how much I love Debbie Bliss patterns and how I want to convert them into adult sizes. I look forward to seeing how yours progresses.
Posted by: Leanne at May 29, 2005 12:20 AM
Hi, me again...I was wondering what colors you used for the belt...I noticed www.handworksgallery.com is having a sale on rowan yarn and kits and I want to make the belt in the rowan too! Thanks so much!
Posted by: michele at May 30, 2005 02:07 PM
Beautiful belt!
Posted by: uglyagnes at May 30, 2005 02:20 PM
I made a Rowan bolero in the Cotton angora instead of Calmer (I don't get on with calmer) and it looks lovely and is so soft to wear. Good luck with the resizing - I look forward to seeing it, rosebuds sound great.
Posted by: Amelia at May 30, 2005 04:56 PM
I love that stitch, it looks fantastic with stripes. I have stroked cotton angora in the shops, I'd really like to hear what you think of it knitted up....because I have heard it doesn't wear well, but then people said that debbie bliss cashmerino pills like a thing that pills a lot, and I didn't find that so I'm wondering who to believe!
Posted by: jen at May 30, 2005 09:01 PM
Great belt! A knitted belt that doesn't look like it will turn into something half an inch wide and 5 miles long when you use it! Hooray!
Posted by: Lynne S of Oz at June 2, 2005 07:59 AM