So, my new best friend the Glamour Cape is finished and I'm so pleased with it I almost wish the winter was here already. This was a really quick knit, even knitting with the Yarn of the Evil One. Started last Friday and finished today (Wednesday). Well, actually finished last night, but then it had to be washed, blocked and dried, and the button and loop sewn on. Honestly I couldn't be more pleased with this garment and will certainly wear it. There were moments when I wondered if it would be okay, from the Evil Yarn point of view - the fit wasn't really an issue as I put the stitches onto scrap yarn and tried it on several times, then made adjustments to the increases along the way. The only question in my mind was whether the yarn would soften up enough once washed and whether it would survive being hand-washed by ME. It was easy, after all. Just dunked it in washing powder a bit, rinsed it a few times, the last with softener and then squeezed the water out carefully and laid it on a towel in the garden to dry (with much fussing over the shape and dimensions every thirty seconds or so).
I made my own fastening with an old button and loop. The loop was simply two strands of yarn twisted round and then folded so they twisted round each other again, then sewn into place. I added a six-row garter edge along the bottom to try and curtail any curling. The yarn used was not the weight the pattern recommended so I had to adjust the number of stitches to take that into account. Also, I'll be adding a popper about six inches under the button so that it stays together at the top (it doesn't in the pattern's photo - it's supposed to peep open but I'd prefer not). All in all I'm pleased with myself. It cost £4.80 (I only used two and a half cones of yarn). I could really see Joanna in this cape.
Of course, I nearly did myself some damage taking the photos outside in thirty six degrees heat and wearing a bikini, a vest top, a polo neck jumper, a pair of jeans, a hat of sorts, and the cape. That's why the photos aren't fantastic.
You know what? I might make another one in the cream version of the yarn, well, for a fiver.............
Pattern: Glamour Cape from Stitch Diva
Yarn: Storm in Jade from Texere
Needles: Circular 5mm x 80cm (instead of 5.5mm)
Wow! It looks fantastic doesn't it. And it fits you perfectly.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what you mean about the putting the stitches onto scrap yarn and trying it on - how does that work?
Thanks Frankie!
ReplyDeleteScrap yarn thing: you thread a needle (the type used to sew in ends) with some contrasting scrap yarn and slip it through each live stitch on your knitting needle, letting each stitch off the knitting needle and onto the sewing needle and yarn. Eventually all sticthes will be on the scrap yarn and not the knitting needle. You try the thing on for size and then thread the knitting needle back through all the stitches. When they're all on, pull the scrap yarn through and out.
The photos are fantastic tho'... you really have style.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised you're pleased with yourself. If only everything one really wanted could be had for £4.80 and made in less than a week!
Stunning and so fashionable! I was worried when you posted earlier about the yarn, I'm so glad it all turned out so well.
ReplyDeleteOo la how very posh! Looks great!
ReplyDeletepositively Emma Peel! dashing and daring, yet almost elegant. you'll get a lot of use out of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely pattern, the yarn is exceptional, and you look so glamorous in it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, and you can't beat the cost! Very glamourous indeed, the photos turned out well, hope you are OK after subjecting yourself to knitted items on the hottest day of the year :-)
ReplyDeleteIt looks lovely. I might have to look that pattern up. I wonder if it would look good with this beautiful Tahki yarn I bought last year and haven't found the right project for....hmm....I can't believe in this heat you actually put it on to be photographed! It is definitely NOT clothes weather, let alone sweater!
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow, wow, wow! That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteNow get back inside and take some clothes off before you melt!
You are mad. I hope you went and got a cold shower and a good sip of water after that photo shoot! You're also a damned speedy knitter! Well done, it's gorrrgeous! I bet you will get loads of use out of it. What's next on the agenda?
ReplyDeleteThat is fabulous, I really love it and now I want one... The colour is gorgeous and it just looks so darn chic, it definitely looks like it cost an awful lot more.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed that you are managing to keep knitting with such speed in this heat, I have been pathetic lately. Well done.
Wow, 'cape' is my second name! ^^ (right next to the 'lace shawl', I believe... ^v^)
ReplyDeleteI really like the shape of your cape, although I would probably choose different colour, maybe something more earthy or moss green? I'm glad that the yarn got soft after washing, it would be a disaster if such a beautiful piece of clothing had to stay in the wardrobe unworn. Great job! ^^
And what's next?
That's stunning, and I love the colour!
ReplyDeleteThat is so very chic! And such glamerous photos - I always seem to end up in such odd poses in my WIP shots. What a lovely pattern - glad the bargain yarn worked!
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing that you're making things I like, so I came to have a look. I don't know if I will make this one as you look so much nicer than I would in it - waaaahh!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad you like the cape, but how do you know it won't suit you? It's a quick knit. Try it, you might like it!
ReplyDelete