This is the Thea top by PaulaM. I’m knitting it with Sandnes Line, which is a cotton/viskose/linen blend.
This was supposed to be a quick knit to be worn this summer, but it took me ages to go through swatching - I just couldn’t get gauge.
Anyway, there’s still one and a half months of summer left and this baby is only half a strap away from top topology.
BTW, have you seen the VeryPink video on weaving in cotton ends? These ends are cut soo short! I don’t know if I can bring myself to trust the process…
This is so relatable. My jumper made especially for Winter 2022 is still waiting for another sleeve and a half, and the cross stitch project I confidently planned to finish “by Spring” is just about winding up now.
You can do it though! I believe! And remember if you finish it in time to wear it once before the weather turns, you technically won 😄
p.s. how are you finding that yarn? I made a top from cotton/linen blend a few years back and it’s lovely to wear, really softened up in the wash. But the linen made it absolute murder on my hands during the knitting process. I’m wondering if the addition of viscose makes it a bit less horrific to work with.
To be completely honest, I have zero ambition to chase a deadline with that, or any, project. It’s done, when it’s done.
The yarn only has a small percentage of linen, and I found it fairly pleasant to hold - but obvs nothing like a nice soft merino. However, it splits somewhat easily.
All in all, I think it’s worth giving it a chance, if you like summer knits.Ah I think the yarn I used was basically 50/50 so that makes sense. Maybe it’s time to get over the trauma and start experimenting with less linen/heavy blends!
If anyone asks tell them you didn’t say which summer, haha. Looks like that will be a really nice classic top.
My thoughts watching the video you linked: “Okay, split the plies, interesting, less bulky … knots? okay, I guess … SCISSORS??” I can see why that knot method could be more secure than weaving, since cotton doesn’t stick to itself like wool does, but woe to you if your knot comes undone!
I’m thinking about doing the knot thing and weave in the ends. Which means four times weaving per ball change. Fortunately is it a small project…
I have yet take on a ‘big’ project like this, it seems daunting and I’m such a slow knitter I’d probably end up wearing the thing when I retire lol.
You can do it! And if you can’t get it done in time you can always come to my side of the hemisphere, summer starts in December for me 😆
Re weaving in ends: I just learned a new technique colloquially called Weavin Steven, where you twist and carry the yarn behind the stitches so it gets twisted and woven into the stitches automatically. It’s a bit fiddly, but I loathe weaving in ends, so this looks a pretty good solution. This is obviously only a solution when you have a right/wrong side piece.
I know what you mean (seen the video, not actually tried it). Unfortunately, this method isn’t suitable for plant fibres, because they are too slippery and don’t felt…
I was under the impression that the technique is to twist the tail into the stitch, and then weaves it into the stitches. I didn’t see anything that says it’s only for animal fiber. I’m using it on a tencel yarn right now. Seems pretty secure.
Perhaps I’m mistaken. I thought I’d read something like that somewhere…