The much anticipated Tatami Kimono

Here it is!

Pattern: Tatami Kimono by Melissa Wehrle

Yarn: Louet Gems Opal in Eggplant; exactly 4 skeins

Needles: US #3 circulars

Notes: I am actually pleasantly surprised with this one! I had hoped and dreamed it would be beautiful but hadn't seen any finished ones out there so I was a little apprehensive. I'm happy with my yarn choice, although it's not as drapey as I had hoped, I think it will hold up well. I love the construction of this piece but it does get quite boring towards the end. I do like how it turned out though. It's very light and nice feeling.

WARNING: Rant ahead!!!

What I don't like is the fact that the pattern cost $14, including shipping!!! that's for the pattern ONLY. I'm sorry but I really think that is ridiculous. Yes, it's printed on lovely card stock. Yes, there are a few lovely pictures included. Yes, I bought it anyway. I hate to complain and be negative but I think the price is one of the reasons so few of these have been knitted up. I think charging $12 for the pattern and then $2 for the shipping is just plain greedy. Ironically, I think they could've made a lot more money if they had offered it as an electronic download and charged less.

Okay, rant over. Sorry, I must be a little cranky. This is totally just my opinion and I don't want to discourage anyone from buying this pattern...in fact, if you like, then it's worth it. It's quite a flattering pattern I think and I don't regret buying it for myself.

Tatami is blocking...

I'm pretty nervous about this right now. You see, I think I may have made a mistake. I gave it a good soak to wet block it but after wrestling with a seriously misshapen blob, I really wish I had pinned it out and then spritzed it with water. Why do I always forget there are other ways to block besides wet blocking!!! Let's just hope everything turns out okay.

Another new project

Okay, I hate to admit it, but it took me a little while to figure out what some of your comments meant regarding the "What Not to Wear" cardigan in my previous post. You'll be glad to know that this cardigan was featured as what to wear in the shopping spree portion of the show. Whew! I couldn't have y'all thinking that that gorgeous, cashmere sweater was dumped into the trash or featured in the infamous "360 mirror"! hehe! I wish I had a better picture of it but I am determined to actually make this.

In the mean time though.....
I am a shameles copycat!! I just loved Lara's Flair so much that I had to make one for myself! yes, yes, I know! I told you I wanted to make the Phildar Swing Jacket next....but this will be a really quick knit, I just know it! and you know I can't resist a quick knit. I am still going to make the Phildar Swing Jacket (PSJ) because even though Wendy calls Flair a "swing cardigan" I think it really has a different look. I actually already have the yarn for the PSJ and will probably try and swatch for it this weekend. I just have to make this before summer gets here so I can actually wear it!
And just to show you that casting-on isn't all I ever do (though lately it feels like it is..heheh), here is a little progress shot of the Tatami Kimono.

I zipped though the back portion pretty quickly but have slowed down quite a bit on the sleeves. Those are size US 3s that I'm using! It's hard to tell much from this picture but it's knit all in one piece and you don't drop the stitches until the very end.