Ok. NOW it's done

The ends are sewn in, all the edging is done, and Isabella is ready to wear. And it's beautiful. The finished fabric is very soft, not at all itchy, and drapes very nicely.

Some details, for those who are interested. I used Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in a very pale grey-blue-green that I think is called "woodsmoke". The yarn is 65% wool, 35% silk, and comes in a hank of 192 yards. It's intended gauge is 5.5 sts/in on a US 6 needle, but that's a far cry from what I got it to do. I knit the whole top on Bryspun rubbery needles in a US 2/2.75 mm at a gauge of 6.75 sts/in and 12 rows/in.

Want some scary math? That means that one inch of progress around the torso was, on average 3300 stitches. With my pattern modifications, that means that from hemline to armpit there are about (and I'm rounding) 46494 stitches. That doesn't count the part from armpit to shoulder. I told you it was scary.

I made lots of pattern modifications, none of them too severe. I knit a cross between the large size and the extra-large size, so I had to change some numbers to make the top fit me. I knit it with zero ease in the bust, waist, and hips, which meant some creative increases and decreases to make the numbers work out. I knit the pieces flat, but see no reason not to knit this in the round. I added 1.5 inches of length in the torso, for a total of 14 inches from turning row (for the picot edge) to the armpit. I also added an inch for the arm hole, taking it to 10.25 inches.

There are some changes I wish I'd made. I'm not thrilled with the neckline design, and am worried that it's going to be a little floppy. Someone on Ravelry knit this with a V-neck, and I think I'd like that a little better. We'll see how it looks on. Also, the Silky wool, while it's amazing to knit, is awful for seaming. It's a very light yarn, and it breaks with just a little tug. However, the yarn is wonderful for lace, and the little flecks of silk make it heathery and lovely.



I would have finished this yesterday, but I am leaving town and wanted to make a skirt to match. I can knit at my destination, but may not be able to sew. Now, both are done, and I'm very, very pleased.