When I started plotting Etrusca, I thought that I would hide the waist shaping decreases in the sections between two of the slip stitch columns, the ones closest to the sides, so that the adjacent slip stitch lines would curve in and then out at the waist. But I didn't like the way this looked, with some lines curving in and others staying straight, so what I ended up doing was staggering the decreases, one in each garter stitch section (between the slip stitch lines), starting at the sides and moving toward the center, and then staggering the increases in the opposite direction, from the center out.
The resulting curves in the slip stitch lines are very subtle (but nice, I think), but I find it slightly problematic that the decreases and increases are not invisible-- not completely. They show up in the photo as slight aberrations in the garter ridges. To a bothersome degree? Is it better to have the decreases (as in stockinette stitch) be plainly visible, rather than trying and failing to hide them completely? I can't answer that question for all knitters...which is why I'm also including directions in the pattern for doing all decreases and increases in the side garter sections only.
That's a good question about the decreases and increases. I saw a similar shell in a magazine, and the shaping was accomplished by using a smaller needle at the waist, and I didn't like that at all! The shaping on Etrusca are very subtle, and probably not noticeable when worn, but I think it would depend on the yarn, and how much it shows, before I could make a choice. Lovely, lovely work!
Posted by: Michele | March 20, 2008 at 09:16 PM
I like the shaping distributed rather than just on the side for your shell. At any rate, it's beautiful. And the yarn color and choice is perfect for the design. As usual, lovely lovely work!
Posted by: connie | March 20, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Honestly, the decreases and increases are so subtle that I doubt anyone would notice them. I like them staggered, I tried to do something similar in the purl sections of a twisted rib design (abandoned for other reasons) and I think staggered shaping mimics our body shapes really well. When/where is this pattern going to be released? It's gorgeous!!
Posted by: Joanna | March 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Rather than keeping them at the sides, as an extreme measure I would have tred to keep tem at the center-front and center-back. If they ahve to be visible, makes them as visible as they can be. besides, laterla vertical lines already get a bit curved by the very fact that women are shaped like women: they don't need MORE irregeularity ^_^ If you keep the decreases in the center, this enhances the optical effect of a slim(mer) waist, tough!
Posted by: Typesetter | March 21, 2008 at 03:57 PM