Weekend Plans!

I am so excited that two knitalongs are starting this weekend (on Sunday, July 1st): Knitting Lingerie Style, and the Sexy Knitters Club dual knitalong for Fifi by French Girl Patterns

and Annie Modesitt's Red Carpet Convertible.

I got my yarn for Fifi - Rowan Calmer in Tangerine

but was trying to come up with a yarn substitute for the RCC. The recommended yarn is Classic Elite Playful Weekend, a ribbon yarn, so I thought maybe I could use my Tess Designer Ribbon for this.

According to Yarndex, Playful Weekend is a super bulky ribbon, and the Tess is more of a heavy worsted weight ribbon, but the pattern's gauge is 4.25 stitches per inch. I think it may work! I've been waiting for the right project for this yarn, so maybe this is it. I am only making the corset length, not the full dress, so I should have enough yarn.

So that's the SKC KAL. I usually try to make both of their pattern selections but don't always do so. I did for Wicked and Eiffel, but not on the last one - only made Rusted Root, not Sahara as (to me) that one was too similar to the Simple Knitted Bodice that I made last year. The only thing I thought was really different about it was if you used the Tilli Tomas yarn, which I think would have made it $160 for the sleeveless one. Yeah, not really the best use of my yarn "budget".

So, back to my knitalong, Knitting Lingerie Style. I have yarn for two patterns, and am not sure which I want to start first. You guys tell me what you think:

Krista Lace Shaped Tee in Cascade Pima Tencel

or

Surplice Bodice Camisole in Elann Callista?

I have a bunch more patterns from this book that I want to make now, but I'll save that for another post as this is getting long.

Back to the title of my post - my weekend plans are to finish some of my unfinished projects so that I can feel better about adding two, potentially three (not sure if I'll cast on the RCC right away or not) new projects to it. Jim and I are also going to dinner at Roy's with my friend Stefanie and her boyfriend, downtown - we haven't seen her new place yet, which I'm sure is great as it's on the 46th floor, two blocks from the lakefront. We're taking the train down, as the Taste of Chicago is starting now, and traffic would be insane. Saturday - no plans!! Although I want to play nine holes of golf as I had a breakthrough lesson last night - a slight change in my grip and a focus on what my wrists were doing during my swing made a HUGE difference and I was hitting the ball 150 yards. Seriously. I've been golfing since last summer, very intermittently at that. Sunday - KAL start day and seeing a movie (Knocked Up - I have to form my own opinion on this one as I've heard so many varying things) with my friend Patti at 1 pm.

Oh, and one more thing - I received my "teaser" mailing for my Rowan International membership and it said that the look for their Autumn/Winter magazine is oversized and slouchy. Yuck. Now I feel old as I remember when that was in the last time in the 80s. I'm so not up for that. Usually that magazine is about a year ahead on fashion trends so it should be a year or so before we see it across the board in stores, but I'm seeing signs of it already. Some of the patterns in the last Interweave Knits fit that description. It's so NOT a good look for me. The only thing I feel nostalgic about from the 80s is the music - hence the music today on my blog.

Have a great weekend!!

Comments

[Heather R]

I vote for the lace tee. Great job on the swing improvement! Have a great weekend. :)

[Tammy]

Both of those sweaters from Lingerie Style are my favorites. I've seen a version of the Krista sweater from "A Mingled Yarn." She did the original Krista Tee on the White Lies site. It came out great. So, my selfish side would love to see the Surplice Bodice Camisole knitted. Either way, I'm sure it will look great. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

[Bobbi]

I'm with you on the oversized slouchy clothes. I love the color of that Rowan Calmer, I can't wait to see it knit up. I like the Lace Shaped T

[Cheryl]

Hi Robin,

Your calmer color is gorgeous! Fifi is going to be stunning!
Both patterns are beautiful, but I'd vote for Krista first! Is there a difference in the original krista from her website and the one in the book? I had bought the single pattern a while back, and am trying not to cast on until I finish a few more projects! but I'm getting weak! Either one will be beautiful though! sounds like a great weekend!

[Kamika]

I'm partial to the Surplice myself. It's such a pretty well done design with great bust shaping. The Krista looks like it could benefit from some shaping to me. Maybe even a little negative ease.

The Tessa Ribbon is pretty.

[Jenn]

Good luck with Fifi. That pattern is soooooooo messed up!

[LizKnits]

You won't go wrong with either the surplice or lace tee. Having seen them both, they are both fab. The only insight I'd add is that the lace on the bottom of the surplice is very open so it's not "at the office" wear whereas the tee would be. So if you're looking for something for a night on the town, the surplice would fit the bill. I think I'll do both, but am going to start with the tee myself. Good luck with all those projects!

[Jenny]

I agree with Tammy & Kamika on the bodice vote. And, um, is that a shadow in the picture or her nipple? Gross!

I, too, will not be following the big 'n slouchy trend. Maybe on a Sunday while watching football, but not something I'm going to spend 60 hours making.

[Kirsten]

My husband and I love Roy's! We first discovered it on our honeymoon in Hawaii - that molten chocolate lava cake is to die for. We don't have a Roy's in Boston so whenever we are traveling we check every city and make sure to go if there is one. We were at the Chicago one about 2 years ago. Enjoy!!

[Suz]

I'm voting for the Surplice Bodice Camisole.

Do you ever golf at Cog Hill? My brother Steve golfs there often. He's a golf nut!

[Phyl]

Great job on the lesson! I changed my grip and I've messed myself up completely. I just don't "get" the whole turning my wrist thing. Oh well.

Sounds like a fabulous weekend. Enjoy!

I might need to rip and do Fifi with my Tangerine Calmer. Must go see if the pattern is available online.

[adrienne]

I can't wait to see your progress!!!!! Im still trying to find a yarn for the skirt!!! lol

[Maryanne]

I'm so excited for the KAL's to start too! No yarn for me yet though - still waiting for it to arrive, so I'll be starting late. Your Tess looks *gorgeous* and I think the RCC will look great in that. Hope your weekend is fantastic! Sounds like you've got tons of fun things planned. Yay!!

[Carol]

Krista! Isn't it just beautiful? Thay all are. I'm so happy you're doing this KAL! I still want to do all of them, time is so sparse for the fun stuff. Hope yours is great weekend!

[Michelle]

Wow you will be a busy girl this weekend! Love your color of Calmer! Did you download the pattern from French Girls? I bought mine online somewhere a couple weeks ago and was wondering if yours had any mods? LIke to make it longer...as they mentioned on their site.

I like the surpice top but both are very pretty!

Love the music...one of my faves from when I was in high school!!

[sandra]

This is gonna be huge fun (both for you and me)!

[Stacey_CrimsonPurl]

Love the color you are doing Fifi in!
And how exciting to already have the yarn for RCC in your stash! I hope the gauge works out well for you!

My vote for your Lingerie KAL is the surplice! But they are both darling!

I LOVE the Taste of Chicago! Will you get out there and enjoy it?

Have a great weekend! :o)

[Sarah]

Those are some seriously great patterns. You always do that. How did you wind up knitting the one you entered for the contest? (Don't worry, it will get posted soon.)

[Dee]

You're one busy lady! I like Fifi and Krista Lace Tee.

[Romi]

I like Fifi and the Surplice Bodice Camisole, myself. :)

Where is the KAL for Annie? I have the pattern. Maybe I'll actually knit it. :g:

[Penny]

I like both of those tops - I've got to pick up that book. I really like her style :)

The yarn for my RCC just came today - Art Yarns Regal Silk. Hopefully my Calmer will get here tomorrow or Monday. But I think I might get a current cardigan off the needles first...

LOVE the 80's music!

[Katinka]

Slouchy clothes = a big NO THANK YOU from me! I mean, my Alexandra is a bulky, "cozy" knit, but it's got shape and a flattering silhouette.

And my vote goes to Krista -- it's a darling design. :)

[Lara]

You have some great projects lined up! I love both the tops from Lingerie Style.

[Jeanine]

Gee Robin,

I'm feeling a little envious here about your weekend plans. It sounds completely action packed. I SO want to do Fifi but was hoping to get a decent sale price on the calmer. Also, I was thinking to use from my stash, but don't like anything. I'm going to pass on the Lingerie Style KAL for now. That is, until I finish something! I guess I will live vicariously thru you. On that note, I'm totally digging the Surplus Bodice Camisole. I'm looking forward to seeing it all knit up.

[Barb]

both those patterns are gorgeous, I really like the Surplice Bodice :)