A good omen indeed*

Well, I never again want to come this close to running out of yarn; as it was, I unraveled my gauge swatch, fished one foot-long strand out of the trash, re-sewed both side seams using different yarn so I could salvage those pieces-- and here is what remained (at left).  But it was worth it:  this golden yarn, Karabella Empire Silk, has been burning a hole in the pocket of my stash for months.  I must have bought it in late 2005 or early 2006, because I went looking for it after seeing Gabrielle Hamill's short sleeved top, worked in the same color, in the Spring/Summer 2005 issue of Vogue Knitting.  I could only find 5 skeins in this colorway--not quite enough for Ms. Hamill's pattern (of which photos can be found on Ravelry, but none in the color originally shown in the magazine).

I thought the combination of textures in the swatches I made for this top would be wonderful with this yarn; texture, sheen and color together reminded me of ancient gold jewelry, especially Etruscan pieces made with gold granulation, a technique in which tiny gold beads are fused to a gold surface.  Still, I was a little torn once I started, because the smooth surface of lots of stockinette really would have played up the sheen of the silk.  Plus, the garter stitch just seemed to gobble yardage; after getting halfway up the front, I gave up on the idea of a boat neck:  this top wanted to have a scooped neckline, front and back!  And sleeves?  Even tiny cap sleeves?  Forget it.

I persevered-- I just really liked the slip stitch columns against the garter, and I thought the slipped stitches would tie in perfectly with a simple narrow I-cord edge around the armholes and neck.  I picture wearing this top on a sultry summer evening, with a flowing skirt, or with white jeans...and gold jewelry, of course.  I think I'll name it "Etrusca," after the pre-Roman civilization that inspired it.

*My song didn't let me down.

Comments

[Michele]

That is absolutely beautiful. I can definitely see wearing it this summer. I look forward to the pattern!

[Maud]

Lovely glow in the yarn! And so beautiful, and lovely name too. Oh how you make me long for warm days in Italy! It's so cold and windy here right now.

[Judi]

Oh my! Can't wait to see this one finished.

[Julie]

Lovely, Angela. Can't wait to see the pattern details. It's always a thrill to make such good use of stash yarn... I've been going through quite a lot of it myself lately and get a rush of satisfaction as I see gaps here and there among the shelves full of yarn. Will you recommend substitute yarns when you make the pattern available?

[Karen]

Love it. The colour is fantastic and the details are amazing. You've made garter stitch look elegant!