Have you seen the Summer 2007 interweave Knits, which contains my Lutea Lace Shoulder Shell pattern? I haven't! My subscription goes to our U.S. address and my copy hasn't been forwarded. But a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that the roses on the arbor in our yard are a light gold-yellow--just like the Lutea rose! I posted this photo partly because they are gorgeous, and partly because in my haste to send the completed sample in to meet deadine, I neglected to take any photos.
I did save the swatch, however, which shows the nice stitch definition and the warm, buttery color of the yarn. (It also shows how much the lace spreads compared to the stockinette).
When I originally sketched the idea for this shell, I thought it would be cool to use short rows to shape a triangular area at the chest, and then have angled shoulder sections coming from the upper sides of the triangle, forming a V-neck AND slight cap sleeves. Well, the reason that I note in the pattern that larger sizes may require a crossback or strapless bra (unless you don't mind having the straps exposed), is that when I started working on the mechanics of how to accomplish this, I realized that (A) the larger sizes increase much more in bust circumference than in shoulder width, and (B) the "cap sleeve" really had to end at the point of the shoulder, because it didn't curve to follow the top of the arm, but rather stuck out straight, due to the garment contruction, and would otherwise look like something from Star Trek, or maybe "Dallas" (the TV show, not the city).
And this meant that the shoulder section in the larger sizes had to start farther away from the side seam, meaning a more deeply cut armhole. I've just realized that this is a case where a picture would be worth 1000 words, so in my next post I'll sketch what I'm talking about.
I saw it and it looks lovely. It is really clever how you shaped the top so the lace just flows.
Posted by: Suzann | May 19, 2007 at 10:31 PM
You should definitely have a copy of your own IK debut. Let me know if you want me to send you one - I'm happy to do it. The top came out really nicely in the mag.
xox, J
Posted by: Julia | May 20, 2007 at 02:58 AM
Hi Angela,
Julia's right. You should have a copy of your IK debut. Do you want me to bring you a copy when I come to Italy next week? It would be no problem at all.
Love your photo from above of the gazebo with the lovely roses. Looking forward to reading more about your thoughts on your pattern and looking forward to seeing you next week! :)
Posted by: Connie | May 20, 2007 at 03:51 PM
I did see the magazine, and your top was one of my favorites! As a larger-busted person, I'm interested to see your sketches to learn more about the construction. At any rate, your pattern is so pretty I'd have no problem buying a cross-back bra to wear with it :-)
Posted by: Hannah | May 21, 2007 at 08:21 PM
Lutea looks wonderful. Definitely on my list. Love your fitting issues. Just bought Wisteria dress to make for my 3yo, and we're both jealous of your location over there. Ciao.
Posted by: Brigid | May 23, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Hi!
I receive Interweave knits here in France, and I saw Lutea : It's one of my favorites!
Posted by: Jocelyne | May 29, 2007 at 04:35 PM