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My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe

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Wendy's original Tomato

I’m having a bit of a surreal life at the moment. I mean, I know I work for Interweave, and thus I’m supposed to be all nonchalant and cool about things like Norah Gaughan leaving a comment on my blog….but I’m so not cool when it comes to my knitting idols. Norah Gaughan left a comment on my blog. I was so un-cool when I saw her comment that my poor husband had to listen to me squeal with glee for a full twenty minutes. I emailed my friends and told them I could die a happy knitter now. (I may also have danced with the cat for a few moments. It’s all a bit of a blur.)

Even without Norah’s comments (she wrote about how she handled the stranding for the Intricate Stag Bag), Wednesday still would have been surreal. I’ve had to keep it to myself for a bit, but now I can tell everyone: I’ve been PODCASTED! The oh-so-funny-and-kind Kathy and Steve Elkins, owners of WEBS Yarn Store, interviewed me for this Saturday’s Ready, Set, Knit! podcast. It was really fun-but-nervewracking to know that every word I said was being recorded for both posterity and any knitter with an iTunes account. Still, I am fairly proud of myself, since I remembered to mention the name of the website, I remembered not to cuss, and I remembered my name. What else did I say? I have no idea. Go have a listen to the podcast Saturday, June 30 when it is posted and I guess we'll
Me and my Tomato-in-progress all find out together.

All right. Enough of the surreal knitting life. Everyone's been writing in begging to know what I did with That Stripe on my Tomato, so now, I present to you: a waist stripe!

As I knitted away on my Tomato, I realized that once I got to the neckline I was facing a bit of a pickle. As some of you noted in the comments, That Stripe isn’t necessarily going to be flattering on everyone—for example, me. You’ve seen my photo. I certainly do not need any bright teal signage highlighting the scenery in that particular area.

In fact, when I first saw a photo of the Tomato in No Sheep For You, I did not even consider making it for myself, purely because of the stripe. The second time I saw a photo of it, on the No Sheep For You Knitalong, I thought, gosh. That shaping is adorable. Plus, look at that neckline! But I can’t wear a stripe across that part of my landscape. No way. The third time I saw a photo of the Tomato, I thought, wow. That is sooo cute. But I wish the stripe were not Right There.

That’s when I realized: Duh. I am a knitter. I can—gasp—MOVE THE STRIPE.

I could have just taken the stripe off completely…but let’s face it: My main color is bright orange. This is clearly not the time for timidity and plain-Jane knitting. It's time for some spice in my life!

So, in the name of spicy hotness, the stripe stays in—but I
Bust darts! didn't put it across my bust. My stripe is below the bust at my waist, so that it accents the narrowest part of me, and gives me a bit more of an hourglass shape. To balance out the bright teal stripe, and frame my figure, I am going to add a bit of teal detailing to the neckline, sleeve cuffs, and (maybe) the hem.

Oh, and I added...ta DA! Every big girl's best friend: Bust Darts. (I can't believe I am posting this photo, but it is in the name of Beautiful Knitting For Everyone. See the bust darts? I am so proud of those...)

Now THAT’s a Hot Tomato, folks.

Next week, join the Knitting Daily KnitBlog Tour! Every day next week, I’ll be dropping by a different knitblog to answer questions and chat about all things knitting and Knitting Daily. Come on by and join the fun!

Monday, July 2: Ready, Set, Knit! Podcast, hosted by Kathy and Steve Elkins of WEBS Yarn Shop. Read about Kathy's life amongst the yarn and her podcast on Kathy's blog. UPDATE: Please read this post on Kathy's blog, or visit this page to see how you can help one of our most beloved knitting designers, Annie Modesitt, in her time of need.

Tuesday, July 3: Crazy Aunt Purl, hosted by Aunt Purl herself, a.k.a. Laurie Perry.

Wednesday, July 4: Lolly Knitting Around, hosted by Lolly, a.k.a. Lauren Weinhold.

Thursday, July 5: Dogged, hosted by DoggedKnits.

Friday, July 6: CRAFT Blog, hosted by Natalie Zee Drieu.

See you in the blogosphere!

Posted Jun 29 2007, 12:00 AM by KD Sandi
Filed under: , , , , ,

Comments

DebJ wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 5:00 PM
Bust darts?! Love them! For those of us who share your shape, where do we find out more about including them in other sweaters???
And love the new placement of the stripe!
NoraP wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 5:23 PM
I love the idea of using bust darts, but when I have actually tried to put them in I have had some unfortunate results. I've tried following the pattern instructions, but somehow I just don't get the same results. I must be missing something. I love your stripe solution and the colors do look great! -NP
KD Sandi wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 5:45 PM
Sandi here...If enough folks are interested, I can talk about bust darts next week. Hint: I don't use short rows. Anyone else up for bust darts? Is that a silly question? :)
KatieM wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 5:59 PM
I'd be interested!! It looks like there are two closely spaced darts? It that the case? I've only done bust darts a few times, and I've never added them to a written pattern. I'd love some pointers.
RebeccaW wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:02 PM
Since I'm a small person with a not small chest, I'd really love a discussion about bust darts! And the placement of the stripe? Brill. I'll have to steal that idea.
HeatherM wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:06 PM
oh, that is soooooo clever! and I love the darts (from a 36DD, I feel your pain :) I haven't done darts before and I am thinking that it is time I do!
CatBookMomB wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:08 PM
I really like the modifications you're making to Tomato, some of which will help me, too. But I'm having trouble figuring out the back waist length. I think it ranges between 22 and 26 inches. Is that right?
Karen wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:09 PM
Awesome! It looks fabulous on you, and I love the placement. You know you have to give us more details now. There are plenty of us shapely knitters who will want to replicate what you've done. :-)
CindyK wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:13 PM
OK, tips for doing bust darts please :) Knitting with a bit of shaping is good for most people but it is something that I haven't quite figured out. Any tips would be helpful. Your Tomato top is looking great!
Ruth666 wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:14 PM
Yes, PLEASE do talk about bust darts! It's a make-or-break detail for a lot of us, and I've never really found anywhere that tells how to do it well. I love the way yours turned out!

And I love the move of the stripe. I too downloaded the pattern (I'm an old hand at stranded knitting) but didn't start on it because I don't need banner advertising on my boobs.
Janel wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:17 PM
Oh the bust darts are a great addition. There are so many cute sweaters I never consider because of the um... bustyness problem.

-- Janel
http://beebonnet.typepad.com
AudreyD wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:22 PM
PLEEZ talk about bust darts! For years I made the mistake of knitting 'potato sacks' by going by my bust measurements to pick out pattern sizes, and I love the way yours make a shape that's organic looking!
SandyZ wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:23 PM
Yes, please share! I may need some hand holding on this one!
Teri wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:24 PM
please talk about the bust darts. you did a great job - it looks great fits so nicely
Kathi wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:33 PM
I'm just about to start my bust darts on Bombshell (almost Tomato), and as good as it explains in the book, seeing you... um.... darts ;) really gave me the confidence to charge ahead with mine. Thank you!!
SaraJ wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:36 PM
Please share on the bust darts! I'm a fairly new knitter (www.inkandscrap.blogspot.com, don't let the name fool you), but I aspire to making sweaters and tops and things.

Being plus size, though, with am ample chest even when my belly isn't so, does present problems. (more plus sizes in patterns, please, too!). There is a top I'm DYING to make (by another magazine) that is basically like a chevron scarf pattern, but the whole shirt. Horizontally. I figured that'd break up the horizontal strips of a variegated yarn enough (horizontal strips and plus size, not always so good . . .). I've got some ideas on sizing up (gauge swatch, some math, add in a pattern repeat or three depending on gauge swatch and math), but the bust problem eludes me . . . . . how would one do bust darts in a pattern stitch? Obviously it depends on the pattern, but perhaps there might be some tips on doing this sort of thing, like having it decrease one of the pattern columns down until it disappears at the bottom of the bust, or bust dart . . .

This topic has been much on my mind, lately!!!!

Sorry to go on so much. Love the move of the stripe, and the teal w/the orange, and that you are going to add more teal accents. It's looking great!
SaraJ wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:38 PM
er, vertically. The vertical look of the chevrons also helping the look, for me.
JM wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:39 PM
A response to your comment about Norah Gaughan writing on your blog. I once ordered a kit for a Sasha Kagan jacket and the designer herself called me about the order. I was dumbstruck that such a celebrity would actually call me.
LeslieS wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:41 PM
Congrats on those lovely shaping darts - the folks on What Not to Wear would be proud of you for moving the stripe and emphasising your good areas. Now, you have shown me how I could wear that too :) Thanks and looking forward to you and CAP together.
HaleyL wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:44 PM
I am probably one of the least busty people ever, but I still love your bust darts. Very impressive. I love how your tomato is turning out and I love your blog. Thanks for sharing with us! Everyone in the blog world is talking about Knitting Daily. The stag bag is the must do project right now and I'm sure the tomato is growing in popularity too. Great job!
VeronicaW wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:44 PM
Love the stripe placement and the darts! Please share how you did them :)
PamelaP wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:49 PM
I hope you're going to share how you did those lovely bust darts. They look smashing!
KathyH wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:52 PM
OK. I'm impressed! Move the stripe underneath the bust and add darts! As an intermediate knitter (with a similar figure to , I love watching the creation of this sweater. I think I'll wait to make mine until I see the finished product! Too much fun...
PatC wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:56 PM
Wonderful stripe placement for you and the darts are terrific. Yup, I'm up for a dart chat. Ihaven't knit this sweater because I have serveral other projects going, but if I were to, I'd raise the neckline and place the stripe just abouve the bust to be best for me. That got me thinking...pictures of all the different ways to place that stripe to falter the figure the sweater is being made for would be a great education on how to use balance, shape, color for different figures. It would be a fun line up. I may have to knit this sweater.
Sarah wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:57 PM
When I first got No Sheep for You back in March I looked at Tomato and thought "Oh if only that stripe wasn't there." You have given my inspiration to someday (I'm a fairly new knitter) make Tomato and *gasp* move the stripe. I love your colour combo. That teal is my favourite colour, so I would do it in reverse of yours. :) Love those darts! I didn't even know that such a thing could be done in knitting. Being a plus size with ample chest I know all about having to adjust clothing patterns with sewing darts. Please share your knowledge with us! Keep up the great work!
KathleenR wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 6:59 PM
Yes, let's hear about the bust darts. I rarely knit sweaters for myself because of the shaping issues.

Kathleen
TinaB wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:03 PM
I would LOVE to know how to incorporate those bust darts; I knit in the round 99% of the time, which complicated adding short rows. This could be a godsend!
AmyJ wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:04 PM
As much as you didn't want to share your bust darts, I have to say that's the *first* thing I noticed about the photo, not the stripe -- because I thought they looked *great* and I was trying to figure out how you did that (and pretty sure the Tomato pattern didn't have any). Fabulous job on the shaping!
BeateM wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:05 PM
Until now I've only used short rows for the extra room. But the darts look so interesting. Please tell us, how you did them
Ann TracyT wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:12 PM
I thought"hmm, the tomato sweater is nice, not spectacular, but nice" until I saw the bust darts and the new placement of the stripe! You're a knittin' genius. Very creative choices and inspirational , too! I think the bust darts are as important a technique to learn as say turning the heels for socks. So teach away, please.
JuliaS wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:15 PM
Yes, I have been wondering how to make an ample bust look nicer in many a sweater. Most just look boxy or stretched too much. I would LOVE a tutorial on the darts and/or short rows in the bust area... how to figure out where they go, especially. Thanks!
NathalieN wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:15 PM
That shaping looks fantastic on you! Very flattering. Now I want to make one. Great job! Can't wait to see the finished product.
Stitch-ayWoman wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:16 PM
Please, please, please blog about the bust darts. I too would like to knit me up a Tomato (and I was just going to omit the stripe, but I like how it looks here). Question one: did you still knit the "size" that most closely corresponded to the bust, and then take it in, and at what point did you start the darts? And will you dart back "out" as you get to the bottom?
I suppose there would also be a way to do the opposite, i.e., knit a size that represents where you want the measurements to be for everything else, but just add "darts" with short rows?
Carole Burkhardt wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:16 PM
i LOVE the bust darts and the re-placement of the stripe... you ARE a genius. So please do tell the how tos of the darts. I share your ample size! Actually, I prefer your design over the original and the colors together are GREAT!!!
WillaJ wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:21 PM
The Harlot wrote to me once, and I was on cloud nine! You can be very proud of what you're doing. Both the sweater and the site. Both are coming along just beautifully!
MelissaS wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:22 PM
I too noticed the bust darts first. Please, share how you did this! All chesty women will rise up and call you blessed!
JaniceL wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:23 PM
I love the tomato that you are knitting...what courage to knit in such a vibrant color. I loved the idea of moving the stripe...even some of us "smaller landscaped" people can use that idea if we don't want to draw attention to our bustline.....thanks for encouraging us to step out of our boxes and try a fabulous color like you have chosen. J
Robin wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:29 PM
Awesome bustdarts. Worthy of a one word entry in Webster's.
Please share the genius.
Love your art, talent, technique...work!
Thank you.
LindaA wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:38 PM
Please do give us the word on the bust darts! Good patterns
DeniseT wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:39 PM
i LOVE the darts. i wish there was more of them out there in patterns. i love your sweater and the orange. (are you using Denise needles?)
LindaA wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:40 PM
My comment above was cut off. Good patterns and shaping for larger-busted women are hard to find. More tips for this body shape would be awesome too!
theyarnqueen wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:42 PM
I love those tada moments. And the stripe and shaping you made are great. That inspired me to put the Tomato on the list of to do projects. Will you post your changes to the pattern?
RitaW wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:44 PM
The sweater look fabulous! Love the colors and the stripe around the waist. But those bust darts are what really make it a "hot tomato". Is this a technique you can share or is it in a book? Love the way this looks.
Rita
CarlaW wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 7:51 PM
More info on the bust darts, please! All I've ever done is short-row shaping.
Michelle wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:18 PM
HMM I like where you placed the stripe...something for a busty gal to think about! And defintly more on bust darts!!!!! Sounds easier than short row shaping!
AngelikaC wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:19 PM
Be proud of those dart. Not everybody can show them off like that or has the ability to alter a sweater like you did to make it fit perfect.
MarianneB wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:29 PM
Sandi,
You are great! Thanks for sharing the process with us all. You are going to look HOT!
Brittanytam wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:32 PM
I love your bust darts! <3 Another 36DD here who would love a tutorial!
AndreaMurley wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:38 PM
That looks AMAZING! I've always wanted to make something to skim over me like that, so it looks like I'm heading off to buy a new book (excellent!)...
JillC wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:41 PM
I'm yet another 36DD wants to know how to plan, place and create bust darts. Thanks for offering to give us thorough instructions!
Cassie wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:44 PM
Haha! I felt the same way when a designer commented on my blog. You forget that the designers are part of the knitting community too! I love the darts and stripe on your Tomato. It looks great ....
Julie wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:45 PM
OK, now I love it and can see how I might be able to wear it.

Thanks for sharing. Now I just have to figure out how to do those bust darts. I'm sure they're in "Big Girl Knits", right?
MelissaM wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:52 PM
The darts are perfection.

I remember the first time a famous person (Stephanie Pearl McPhee) posted a comment on my blog. I was over the moon!! I did not believe it until a techie friend traced the comment back to a Canadian IP.
I am after you on Ready, Set, Knit, and can't wait for tomorrow to hear it. I get to hear the radio broadcast. Tough act to follow - you have a fantastic radio voice!!
SusanI wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:53 PM
It's comforting to know that you can totally lose your cool when faced with one of your knit idols... and how nice that Norah is a REAL person not a diva
ShelleyB wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 8:57 PM
Your sweater looks beautiful :)
JenniferH wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 9:16 PM
Your tomato looks absolutely fantastic on you!!! Love what you did with the stripe and those darts are perfect. Congrats on an amazing hot tomato so far!!!!
LindaK wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 9:27 PM
Oh what a marvelous way to keep the stripe and make it work for you!!! amazing I love it and looks great on you! and yes the bust darts are impressive!! I hope to learn that someday!! hugs Linda
CherieM wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 9:39 PM
Wendy: Love the bust darts! How did you do them? Please give us the info---as many of us are more rounded than the patterns allow!
Thanks. Cherie
KellyN wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 9:44 PM
Here, here for the bust darts. Can't wait to read how you are doing it.
SharonR wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 9:50 PM
*chanting* BUST, DARTS, BUST, DARTS, BUST, DARTS!!

Us big hourglassy girls have spoken! :)
VeronicaH wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 9:51 PM
I love the progress on your sweater, beautiful. I also see you use the Denise needles, I love those.
SandraB wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 10:03 PM
I like the Tomato - for my daughters - but with your placement of the stripe and those magical bust darts, this is something I could wear myself. Please please teach us how to do this and maybe us more 'ample' women can wear cool stuff too!
CharlotteB wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 10:04 PM
Moving the stripe down was a great idea! Before I even read further, I was thinking that the swaeater would look great with teal detailing around the sleeves,etc. So great minds think alike,lol.
KimA wrote re: My Surreal Knitting Life And That Stripe
on Fri, Jun 29 2007 10:11 PM
I love the strip placement and am in for the "bust dart lesson."