We're launching a new, ongoing feature on Inside Knits - project diaries that walk you through one real knitter's experience knitting a project from our magazine. Stay tuned for more project diaries - for now, Toni Rexroat starts us off with the Daisy Stitch Tunic from the Summer 2010 issue of Interweave Knits. --Eunny
Project: Daisy Stitch Tunic by Jean Suzuki, Interweave Knits Summer 2010
Knitter: Toni Rexroat
Yarn (Company,
Name, Color, Amount) Karabella Zodiac, #421 (rose), 8 balls
Why you were excited
about knitting this project: I tried the original sample on in the office
and loved the mandarin collar and daisy stitch accents. I had never knitted a
garment before. Part of my hesitation to knit something other than hats and
scarves was the fact that I am short backed and thick waisted and I didn't feel
confident enough to modify patterns. A little advice from me to you; never let
intimidation stop you. Determined to create a custom tunic, I jumped in, and I
am in love with the result. I've already started my next knit garment.
What size you made: 36"
Your measurements in
inches
- Bust: 34"
- Waist: 29"
- Hips: 37"
- Back length (from neck to waist): 13 ¾"
Schematic measurements for your size:
- Bust: 36"
- Waist: 32"
- Hips: 40.5"
- Overall back length (from neck to hem): 25"
Modifications made: When I tried the sample garment on,
the first thing I noticed was the beautiful mandarin collar. The next thing I
noticed was the 4" of extra fabric at my hips. In the listed gauge 19 sts
equals 4", so I cast on 19 fewer stitches for the hips. And because I am
short backed I began the waist shaping earlier than specified in the pattern.
Because I had cast on 19 fewer stitches for the hips and because I am a bit thicker
waisted than the pattern norm, I worked fewer decreases. When I had decreased
to the correct number of stitches for the listed bust size, I finished the
tunic as the pattern directed.
Surprisingly, modifying this pattern was easier than I had
anticipated and I adore the custom fit I achieved.
What did you love
about knitting this? This pattern constantly fascinated me, and I was never
bored. The stockinette portions worked quickly, while the daisy stitch broke up
the monotony. And because I made so many modifications, I would stop
occasionally to plan my next move or figure out the perfect stitch count for my
body.
What would you note
for other knitters about when knitting this pattern? As this was my first
knitted garment, I made sure I worked a gauge swatch before beginning. My gauge
swatch was perfect, but apparently I swatch looser than I knit a garment so the
gauge on the finished tunic was slightly smaller. Next time I would be sure to
measure both.
Any specific tips? Before
beginning the daisy stitch pattern, decide on a good method for keeping track
of which row you are on. The angle of the pattern is created by working
alternating rows of 1 and 3 with a knit row in between. If you accidently work
the same row the stitches form columns (which could be another interesting
modification).
How will you wear
this project? I plan to wear this tunic in the Fall with either a short
sleeve or long sleeve shirt underneath and jeans. I love tops that will dress
up a nice pair of jeans.
