Adios and Ogee...
We are leaving on our trip tomorrow. I'm feeling the slight on set of panic about last minute packing. It's hard to pack for a month, trying to figure out what I'm going to need versus what I really want to bring versus what I should bring. Normal questions like - kid's bikes vs. my sewing machine. 5 knitting projects vs. books and crafts. Food for the dog vs. more yarn. Very tough questions indeed.
In the meantime let me present to you -
Ogee Tunic from Knitting Nature
Needles and Yarn - Filtura di Crosa Zara on size 5 needles
Modifications - I changed the shaping from a not so flattering on me a-line to more traditional "girly shaping." I cast on based on the pattern schematics - size small to begin with which gave me 41 inches at the hemline, did waist shaping and then increased to the medium size to fit my bust line. I should have probably cast on for the medium size but I didn't want it to flare out too much at the bottom, I could probably block another inch or 2 out of it. I added 2 inches of length so it didn't look like a crop top. I was going for 3/4 inch sleeves which ended up being a bit longer, I kind of like them though. All in all I like the pattern, I think the neckline is flattering for my body type. The set in sleeves were in a pain in the ass to seam but it wasn't too bad after it was all done.
Adios for now and I'll check back in later this week.
Wow, fit is great and color is perfect. It seems like Knitting Nature is one of those books for me where I page through and go "meh," but once I see them on real people, then they look "wow!" Which is a rare reversal.
Posted by: Wendy | June 07, 2008 at 02:12 PM
That is really lovely on you - VERY flattering! And I love the color!
Posted by: trillian42 | June 07, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Very cute!!! And the fit is really, really good.
Posted by: Nell | June 07, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Ooooh!!!! It's gorgeous! I already love this pattern and you make it look fabulous. This is already in my queue and I have to move it higher. The fit is amazing.
I'm thinking about knitting the body in the round and doing top-down set in sleeves. I loathe seaming set in sleeves.
Well done! You look terrific.
Posted by: Becca | June 07, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Definately very flattering!! Hard to decide packing for you vs. the kids..hehe..been there too! ;) Have a great trip!
Posted by: Zonda | June 07, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Very nice.
Have fun.
Posted by: Micky | June 07, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Heather! I just saw your post about this sweater in the Norah G forums at Ravelry and I realize that you have fallen off my Bloglines somehow... I love you and I love this sweater and I think it's serendipity that I found you again the way I did.
This sweater has been in my queue for ages. You know I love purple. We're virtually the same size. Do you see what I'm leading up to, here? heh heh heh. It's beautiful and you wear it well.
Posted by: Karma | June 07, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Beautiful! Don't forget to pack toys for the kids but pack more yarn instead of dog food and buy the dog some food when you get to where you're going. ;~)
Posted by: Trish | June 07, 2008 at 09:40 PM
It's beautiful.
And I love what you did wiyh the front.
Posted by: Hege | June 07, 2008 at 09:42 PM
That is so beautiful, and the colour is gorgeous, especially combined with the turquoise top. Beautiful work!
Posted by: terhi | June 07, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Very nicely done!
Posted by: the Lady | June 08, 2008 at 01:41 PM
it's absolutely stunning!
Posted by: heidi | June 08, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Georgous! That fits you divinely! I think all the mods you made are just perfect! Have a super, safe and wonderful trip! :)
Posted by: Ruinwen | June 09, 2008 at 07:12 AM
such a lovely tunic. the color is fabulous and it looks like it fits you like a dream. good for you to change the shaping. i'm not that advanced a knitter, i'd have no idea where to start with modifications like that!
Posted by: rebecca | June 09, 2008 at 07:30 AM
I forgot to ask...how much Zara did this take?
Posted by: Becca | June 11, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Stunning sweater Heather! Love the color and the shaping is just perfect on you. I'm still hoping we can connect for a girls-gone-shopping expedition while you're back up this way. Call me when you can!
Posted by: Sarah | June 21, 2008 at 08:24 PM
The sweater turned out beautiful!
Posted by: Mary-- The Yellow Door Paperie | June 27, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Very nice!!! I've been away from blogging for awhile and haven't checked in to very many blogs either but I see that you've been continuing to knit away in my absence. Beautiful work, as always.
Posted by: peggy | July 01, 2008 at 11:06 AM
That's fantastic! I agree with a previous commenter -- seeing yours makes me much more interested in the pattern which I'd leafed by before. Lovely color too.
Posted by: Nancy | July 18, 2008 at 07:21 PM