June 11, 2006
Oh, Bea...
Yes siree, it's done! The bea arthur cocoon monstrosity is finally done. And come to find out, it's not such a monstrosity after all. I knit it on US11s, using 1000 yards of handdyed kid mohair, 80 yards of 2 wacky handspuns from a while back that just happened to match (for the vertical stripes), and 150 yards of 2-ply even handspun (for the seedstich band and cuffs. The pattern was made up as I went along. It's knit from side to side, well...kind of, that was the original plan but how it worked was something like this -- a provisional CO down the middle of the back, knit over just past the neck, a provisional CO from there down the front and then the front and back knit on the same needle until the reached the shoulder. 
A short rowed sleeve cap right in the middle, then the sleeves knit straight down to the cuff (which is in seed stitch). The same thing was done on the other side, picking up from the PCO. Then the front stitches were put on the needles all the way from one bottom, up around the neck and down the other side (these were not PUs, it was knit this way so they are just put back on the needle). Lots of short rows to build the front middle out without getting too much at the neck or bottom (because bea would have liked a nice curve). Finally, I picked up the stitches along the bottom and knit the seed stich band (all 100000 stitches scrunched up on a 24" circ).
I have to tell you, it was dicey up until the very end. I really did this sweater to learn the provisional CO and to cement my short row skills, so I was only slightly grumbly as I knit it, thinking all the while that it was crap. Tacky, terrible crap. I felt that way up until I put the band all the way around it, it really tied it together and now I love it! Look at those sleeves! Wowsa! Forget tissue, I could hide scads of snacks, tampons, and tiny toy unicorns in there! Blanche, eat your heart out!
If you listened to my last podcast, you heard a little ditty about what's on my knitting sticks, the above, of course, was talked about and so was this slip stich sweater I started last week for Little Bit, though it may not fit him until he's a medium bit. The front and the back are done and the arms should be joining in a matter of days. As always, you can click to enjoy a larger version. Yeah!
In other news, I've been spinning.
and while I do that, Little Bit's been using my idea white board that hangs in my studio for his own...click on that to really appreciate the full scope of his talent/madness.
Oh, sweater, how I love thee! Gorgeous. Jacey, you're such a rockstar.
Posted by: Kat at June 11, 2006 10:05 PMWhat a fabulous sweater!
Posted by: Lauren at June 12, 2006 09:02 AMLOVE the Bea Arthur sweater! The colors and the sleeves (!) are fabulous!
Posted by: Nonnahs at June 12, 2006 10:49 AMI was looing forward to a so-ugly-it's-pretty, but that's just plain gorgeous. :)
Posted by: Mandy at June 12, 2006 10:54 AMBaby, I'll admit it, I was wrong about that sweater, and you don't look anything like Bea Arthur. It's hot hott hottt!
Also, I finally found some time to listen to your podcasts (hey, vacation sucks up a lot of your time what with all the sunshine to sit in and tea that needs drinking!). Fantastic job! You sound really poised and professional, not at all like you're nervously peeing yourself. Awesome, I can't wait for more.
Posted by: jodi at June 12, 2006 02:24 PMOh Jacey, I can't believe how amazing that came out!!! I missed the "dicey" blog before, I just laughed so hard. I swear I fight with my knitting like that sometimes!
I can't believe you bullshat your way through that! Madness!!!
Can't wait for the next podcast!! I'm a total addict now, and it's completely your fault!! (Brenda's on vacation...pant pant pant twitch)
Posted by: pam at June 12, 2006 11:35 PMI like it!
Posted by: carolyn at June 13, 2006 07:13 AMLove the sweater! Sometimes you work on something and then when it's finished it's like...will I wear it? But your sweater is beautiful and looks very wearable. I just learned the provisional cast on for toe up socks and felt like I was doing a magic trick! Voila! Look what I made.
Love the artwork!
Posted by: Kathy at June 14, 2006 07:31 AMWhat a fabulous sweater, those big bell sleeves must make you feel so luxurious!! Now you just need some bog old bangle bracelets to show off.
Posted by: Terra at June 16, 2006 06:52 PMabsolutely smashing doll!
Posted by: che l at June 20, 2006 11:36 PMI just heard your podcast and I think your happy secret is that you might be pregnant. Am I right? Napping, growing tummy?
Posted by: Lara Neel at June 23, 2006 11:30 PMI have listened to your shows and have truly enjoyed them--being a new knitter and a punk rock/industrial goth wierdo myself, I have to say big ups for rockin' the yarn.
You mentioned ideas for spinning:
now, I don't know anything about spinning and can't afford to find out (I've got a friend invested in the sport), but I can't help but point out an obvious one:
Feminist Yarn.
What color would it be? Would it be delicate? Would it be tough? Maybe mohair? Would it have three colors symbolizing maidenhood, matron-hood, spinsterhood? Would it be dull and blemished after years of being subjugated? Would it be vibrant and diaphanous like a Victorian lady?
Would it be akin to the witches of Macbeth, or the Fates, or Muses (as Brenda Dayne of Cast On might suggest)? Would it be scratchy with grit and blood or soft with flesh and milk? Would it nurture or punish?
Okay, I'm done with my stream of consciousness. Love the podcast--keep it up.
Posted by: Fritz at June 24, 2006 11:12 AMfantastic...just listened to your podcast for the first time , job well done. I also love how your orangina turned out..its on my to do list.
i live in a small town in new zealand...where i have yet to meet any other knitters, so listening to your podcast is like having a knitting friend to chat to. keep up the good work!
Posted by: Drea at June 26, 2006 02:32 AMWow, the cocoon looks amazing, esp. on you: you look like a rockstar !!!
Posted by: sylvie at June 29, 2006 02:45 AMNow that's a sweater I'd wear!
Posted by: PuppyMomma at July 3, 2006 08:01 PM