9.05.2007

pattern: molly ringwald
source: knitscene fall 2006
size: 34" bust
for: me
timeline: started 08.12.2007; finished 08.25.2007 (about 2 weeks)
yarn: 5.2 skeins madil eden in lipstick
needles: US size 5 denise interchangeables

i've been looking at this pattern for a while and, after seeing a few versions, i decided to go ahead. however, i didn't want to use wool, so i nabbed some madil eden (100% bamboo) for 75% off and decided to go with that. obviously, not using a wool or wool blend meant that i had to be careful, since the bamboo yarn wouldn't hold its shape as well. add to that the fact that a lot of people said they wished they had made a smaller size and i was very, very paranoid about fit.

so, i made the 34" bust (i'm a 36".) and used smaller needles (size 5s). i also modified the pattern to be knit in the round. the fit is really good and i think i'll be able to wear this a lot. the pattern is well-written, and there weren't any errors as far as i could tell.

this was my first time using madil eden and i really liked it. it was pretty splitty, but manageable with the denises. i think that it would make a great substitute for silk, too, because the drape is excellent and the shine is nice.

i think that the most important part of the pattern is the crocheted edging along the neckline. the sleeves just fell right down my arms without it, but fit really well with it. full disclosure: i had nadine do the crocheting for me (and she complained about the splittiness of the yarn and the teeny, tiny crochet hook the entire time). thanks, nadine!

and...for the boring changes i made when knitting...
- Cast on with 7s. Modified to knit in the round. Knit the 34" bust due to bamboo / ribbing stretching issues. Removed 4 selvege stitches.
- Knit 10 rows before pointelle row. Knit 1" between Pointelle row and first decrease row.
- Knit to 12 3/4" before starting Front / Back stuff.