The dress

So here it is. Knitted in just one week, thank goodness for slim, short daughters. I used Elle Stretch found by happy accident in the local Warehouse. Cost $4 a ball and I used 6 balls. Elle is 90% acrylic and 10% stretch polyester. It knits beautifully, vewry smooth and fast adn lasts for 125m.

I did it

At the final hour I cast off and while I didn't get a chance to sew in the ends it was wearable. Unfortunately there wasn't time to photograph before she dashed off into the sunset and we haven't been in the house at the same time since. I plan on tying her down if necessary tomorrow. Whew I don't think I can face circulars needles for at least ..... a week maybe!

It must be love

Snippet of conversation with teenage daughter.
Daughter: mum I need a new dress
Mum: Why's that
Daughter: I want to look nice for my boyfriend's birthday
Mum: where are you going?
Daughter: For a meal
Mum: Can't you wear something in your warderobe?
Daughter: Mum!!!
Mum: how much do you need then?
Daughter: Will you knit me one?
Mum: errr, I guess so. When do you need it for
Daughter: Next sunday
No reply from mum. She's on the floor in shock. How fast does she think I knit. A halter neck dress by next Sunday. I'm not making any promises but I'll give it whirl.

Verdict

I worn the trousers to my knitting group on Monday just so they could see them in the flesh so to speak. The trousers are surprisingly heavy, much heavier than I thought they would be and I need to adjust the elastic in the waist band so there's less drag. They were very easy to wear and very warm and comfortable. The bottom didn't sag at all even after two hours of sitting knitting, but... the knees did. It was a most disappointing moment when I stood up and my knee continued to protrude. I'm not entirely sure how to solve the problem.
I guess I ought to give some facts and figures, being right brained I tend to forget the details. I used a bamboo and cotton blend from Spotlight $4.99 a ball. It's 50% of each. I used 11 balls each giving 82 metres on size four and a half circulars. The pattern was from Phoenix Bess although I adapted the original number of stitches and used a different waist band.
I will definitely make another pair but in black or navy and using a yarn with perhaps a little nylon or Lycra in.
Thanks for all the great comments, I really enjoyed knitting these. I will wear them a lot around the house and wearing them will continue the healing that knitting them started.
No matter what God is still good and I am still blessed

Finished

Whew, although these only took me two weeks to knit the last couple of inches really did seem to take forever.
I haven't blocked them yet and there are several places where the yarn was less than perfect so the overall effect is spoilt. I am going to reserve judgement until I've worn them.

I think they fit better than I thought they would.


But should they be worn outside or relegated to the confines of the house only.
Perhaps in a different yarn? Or in black?
Honest opinions sought please
Perhaps they need to be frogged and made into something more sensible.

Another clue

Colour isn't brilliant but of course the camera is in China with beloved eldest child.
Can you guess what it is now??
A pair of trousers. I know what you're thinking, honestly I've been there myself but for over six months now I have had this burning desire to knit a pair of trousers. I know it's utter madness and I am seriously in danger of looking like an inmate of the local home for lost souls and the deranged but I just think they will be the most comfortable things in the world to wear. I just adore wearing both my skirts and so surely the trousers will be the same with spades.
These are as I said a cotton and bamboo blend which has a beautiful silky sheen, so soft and hangs with just enough weight to add movement. Unlike socks which cause me double angst with second sock syndrome there is none of that with these, I have already cast on for leg number two and even have a second pair of trews on needles in a different blend.
There's a long long list, probably longer than Santa's good children list of other projects that are way more urgent but these are healing me in ways that only uncomplicated knitting can. I just need not to think about what I'm doing right now although I do worry that perhaps at the end of it I might not be able to think again.
OK back to the other leg. Watch this space for the first showing of the finished project. I promise I will share here before I wear them outside.

Guess what I'm knitting

Rhythmic, steady and uncomplicated, endless circles of stitches, knit. knit, knit. By the time these are done I will have reconnected to my bounce I'm sure. Knitting always heals my inner turmoil. But can you guess what I'm knitting? Go on look closely.



Can you guess what it is yet?


it's cotton and bamboo, my favourite on beautiful wooden circulars.
Inspiration from this designer


I'll reveal all later. Just need to do a few more rounds to still the trouble and soothe the soul. Thank you all for your kind words thoughts and prayers. Knitting my way back to my bounce.