last fall, inspired by a classic movie still of faye dunaway in bonnie & clyde, i improv'd the sweater on the right. that's the same sweater on the left...just longer.
it was a lot of fun to make; i'd never done smocking before.
i love the way it creates the interesting waist detail--almost like a wide belt. the only problem was, i never wore the dang thing. it was just too short. so, i held my breath and snipped the hem and recast to make this elongated version. i added a couple of rows of smocking to cover up where i recast the hem, so now the smocking is a smidge wider, which i think i'm diggin'. (btw, please disregard the heinous burgundy carpet in the background...just repainted our b'room and haven't gotten around to installing new carpet. just seeing how fug it looks in this shot is quite possibly the kick in the ass i needed.)
i also increased one stitch inside each vertical rib to widen it along the bottom a bit. if you click on the pic, you can see where i increased...DAMN. (does anyone know how to do invisible increases in rev ST st??) also, i originally intended to make it more dress-like, but chickened out and ended up with this tunic-y length.
this shot with the pencil skirt came out relatively clearly. i also tried it on with long khaki shorts and heels which looked kinda cool and summery. this time around, i think i might actually wear this piece!
the idea that you can elongate and change knit pieces after the fact is so cool and one of the major things i love about knitting: if you hate something, it's no big whoop to change it. now if only i could figure out a way to elongate my legs...
this just in
if you're headed to TNNA this weekend, be sure to check out my friends lucinda and rachel of modalura. as the featured designers for a new blue sky alpacas collection, they'll be hanging at blue sky booths #136, 138,140 & 142. btw, don't be surprised if you see yours truly there as well! stay tuned for more on modalura and their super-cool new designs, like the one shown above.
36 comments:
your bonnie is stunning!! can't believe you made up the pattern, wow! it looks *just* like the faye dunaway version [just longer and being modelled off *with* a bra on. ;) ]
Wow, that is just amazing. I've loved that sweater for a long time (her look is so great in that film) and I can't believe you just up and made one! You should consider sharing the pattern sometime, or getting it published.
looks great! will you be finding a tam as well?
The fit is great - I really like the smocking!
Ooh, didn't notice the extra smocking on your Flickr photo. Love love.
I *love* this sweater with the pencil skirt. They just go together. The smocking and ribbing are marvelous and I love the color.
Very chic!
Love it! And way to save a great sweater from FO purgatory! I hope it gets lots of use -- it deserves it. :)
Fabulous! You definitely did the right thing in elongating it, and I'm so impressed with your ability to snip that thread and go for it. Congrats.
Oh, I definitely approve of the longer version!
Wow, I love it! I want one for myself now. The longer length is definitely better!
it turned out fantabulous! I was so scared when you cut it up, i think I gasped, but man o man woman! This is just beautiful.
See ya at TNNA! (love the sweater)
Oh yes, I remember it well.
The extra length works well, esp. with the pencil skirt.
I didn't know you could 'snip n recast'!
Oh, I LOVE it! Love the longer length......fabulous!
Guess where I am going this weekend!? Shall I look for you????
Oh, i am almost crying, i so jealous, of all you fabulous chicas going to be at Tnna! Sigh, put a sign "Olga was here", because I will be working those days and my owner will be at tnna.
As I said before, the tunic looks fabulous, absolutely fantastic fit on you and hopefully more wearable!
I love the Thumb sweater of Modalura a lot! I am so happy for Lucinda and Rachel on theit new collaboration and collection!
Hugs!
It looks great in its new tunic version! Nice job!
Hi!!!That looks very good.I love it!!
Fantastic job Kate, the longer version is so much more flattering on you! We shall call you the Goddess of Recast! Impressive skill to have; not sure I am ready to attempt that, but you give me hope!
Great job!
It is hot! Lengthening it is the perfect update. You should publish this pattern, for sure. What woman doesn't want to be Faye Dunaway? Well, at least the Bonnie and Clyde-Faye. The Joan Crawford-Faye, not so much...
I LOVE it! Did you mention somewhere that it was a STC pattern? If so, can you tell us which? I couldn't find it.
I found your blog looking for pics of the Best Friend Cardi...that sweater is so adorable and perfect - the color, the sleeve length, and the (improved?) length. it looks great on you and I want to knit that now too!
Hi, Kate! Looked for you at TNNA, but Lucinda and Rachel told me you'd opted not to go. Love Lucinda and Rachel -- they're wonderful! Rachel spent a long time helping me place my first Blue Sky order (and it's a whopper, due to their high opening minimum). Missed getting a chance to meet you, though! : ))
This looks fantastic!
I REALLY like the longer version. A much more modernized version, for sure. Fabulous!
Your Bonnie looks amazing! Great job with the smocking.
Have fun w/ the blue sky alpaca shibang. :) Feel some skeins for all us that can't make it. . .
Love the way this turned out - the tunic length looks awesome! I want one...
honey girl it looks great!! i kinda believe that all shirts should be tunic length. especially given the ubiquity of low-rise jeans. something has to give. you know i did some smocking once, it's like the quilted smocking patt from knitting on the edge. no sewing. but you probly know abt that. you are deeply fabulous, as always.
I love this converted sweater! The original was cute but the new version is really beautiful.
I absolutely love this sweater! You are very talented to be able to look at a pattern and design one yourself. Great job!
shima
shimacremaATaol.com
WOW! That Bonnie is something! And, I like the tunic length - perfect.
wow, love how you made this longer and the smocking too --- really improved the styling! janet
what was the pattern? or did you do this yourself?
gorrrgeous! you are an inspiration. i'd love to see a pattern!
Hi! I'm really late in commenting on this (reeeeeeally late!) but I thought that I'd try anyway. I just love this sweater (and the mods that you've made to it, too). Did you make this pattern up yourself? It's so beautiful! Do you sell this pattern? I might be interested if you are... thanks!
Just love this sweater. The longer version is very nice and flattering. I've been looking for a pattern like this for awhile. I would love to have this pattern. Where and how can I get it?
Thanks,
What pattern book is that yellow sweater from i love it and want to make one too!!!
Simply gorgeous!!!
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