Monday, July 30, 2007

Mostly Sunny

The Tour de France concluded yesterday during a drizzle in Paris (and a thunderous downpour roundabout Exit 151). But the sun is almost ready to come out – and my Soleil for the TdF KAL is mostly complete. I'd model it, but I need to re-knit the right shoulder so that it matches the left, then finish the neckline and armholes.

Soleil pieced

I'm basically happy with the shell. I love its pretty lace and curvaceous shaping. It was a quick knit, even with several mods: lengthening the body, reducing the number of bust increases, raising the V-neck, deepening the armseye, and using short rows to create a sloping shoulder rather than a straight one. Were I to make another, I'd add backwaist darts to reduce fullness in back as well. I hasten to note the pattern is well-written, just sized for someone quite short-waisted and rather bosomy. Ce n'est pas grave, especially not after reading Lynne Vogel's magnificent Fit Central, a master class on fitting knits (I can't wait for the book!).

The TdF Knit-along was a lot of fun, thanks to diligent organizers Meg and Debby, who posted excellent, frequent Tour updates, KAL updates, and fun links to recipes and resources for vocabulaire français. This year I was less than enchanted by the Tour itself (hélas), but a companionable KAL makes up for a lot. A big merci beaucoup to the hosts!

14 comments:

Donna Lee said...

Soleil looks beautiful. I love the details at the bottom and the subtle shaping. You did a fantastique job! I enjoyed the kal as well. Meg and Debby did a great job.

Unknown said...

pretty pretty ;)

Anonymous said...

Your Soleil is very pretty, I'd love to have the pattern,

Show handling class is finished so I should be at the SnB this week!

knitseashore said...

Your top is beautiful!! The shaping looks great and I'll need to look into that pattern. :)

We're so glad you enjoyed the KAL, even if some of the Tour was disappointing. I hope you enjoyed the time trial!

--Deb said...

It looks fabulous . . . pity about that pesky "Shoulders should match" rule!

dragon knitter said...

pssst. hey pal. i've seen the book. i know someone who got an advance copy to review, and it's great! that's all i'm sayin', lol.

i ended up missing one day spinning for the tour de fleece. sounds like the real tour was craptastic this year. i hope this doesn't make it die.

Meg said...

A gorgeous top! You're getting me into the mood for summer...

Glad you enjoyed the KAL!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! It turned out so well and its such a beautiful color.

Anonymous said...

C'est tres jolie!

Zarzuela said...

Very pretty! Can't wait to see it modeled. :)

Jessica

Kristen said...

You did it! C'est magnifique!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!! Congrats on your maillot jaune & hope to see you next year.

MissyJoon said...

C'est tres, tres fantastique!

Have you seen the movie Je Vien Rose? We saw it Saturday---independent film, about EdithPiaf's life--tres bien: go to see it, in your Soleil, n'est-pas?

Sheila said...

Now I learn about the KAL! I watched the Tour daily. It was a little bit of a let down but I was rooting for Tom Boonen for the Green Jersey so I was happy with that result. I love your sunny yellow shell.