May 27, 2005
The Plymouth Napa Question
Way back when I was a new knitter, I bought an issue of Interweave Knits Summer 2004. With a lace scarf and a couple pairs of fingerless gloves under my belt, I was ready for the next project. And there it was. Teva Durham's Ballet Sweater.
It looked cute and basic, and I had yarn that got gauge. Unfortunately, it was exceptionally bad yarn, but being a new knitter, I had no idea. The yarn was a silvery grey color, acrylic. I bought it on ebay for like $8, along with another quite awful cone of magenta mohair. Somehow I thought it work out.
This yarn in person is actually shiny and quasi-metallic. I don't think it is trying to be metallic. I think its just the acrylic talking.
As you might have guessed, the sweater was less than fabulous. I undid the whole thing months later and blamed it on the yarn.
Then, in a moment of weakness during this long winter, I bought the required yarn - 10 balls of Plymouth Napa. I don't like giving up.
So now I have Plymouth Napa. Its a rayon/acrylic blend, which is not really fabulous, but the color is perfect for summer. and I'd like to do something with it.
Projects I am contemplating for this yarn include:
1. A sweater in the style of the Ballet Sweater, but less bulky. The pattern calls for the yarn to be held doubled, but I was thinking about altering it for a single strand.
2. Debbie Bliss' assymmetric ribbed sweater from her Cathay collection. (should really save this for the Cathay I am trying not to buy.)
3. A plain hooded cardigan(or pullover)with long sleeves and a long body.
4. A simple sweater with a roll neck, long sleeves, and roll bottom.
5. Knit the Ballet Sweater, again. I feel like this is the easy way out.
Any suggestions or pattern ideas, please let me know!
Comments (13)
Hi Diana, Knit Pixie has a very similar Teva Durham pattern, only it has short instead of long sleeves, and it is worsted weight. Check it out at www.knitpixie.com. Cheers-
Posted by Dana | May 27, 2005 2:45 PM
Posted on May 27, 2005 14:45
The Cathay is divine, don't deprive yourself.
I vote for using this for a hooded cardigan or pullover. Of course, I'm only thinking of me here. I'd love to see you knit something hooded.
Posted by Purly Whites | May 27, 2005 2:46 PM
Posted on May 27, 2005 14:46
I agree that you need to change the gauge of that sweater to something smaller. I like the style, but it's too darn bulky.
Posted by Colleen | May 27, 2005 2:53 PM
Posted on May 27, 2005 14:53
I vote for Grumperina's Tivoli T-shirt. It's the same style as the ballet sweater with short cap sleeves and much cuter shaping.
Posted by Stephanie | May 27, 2005 3:53 PM
Posted on May 27, 2005 15:53
I would advise against knitting the original ballet sweater. Do a Google search for Teva Durham and the sweater's name, and you will see that folks weren't too happy with the results, especially the stitches right at the bust. By the way, this is exactly the same Teva Durham pattern I reworked a little bit ago, just with long sleeves, knit from a different yarn. Good luck no matter what you decide!
Posted by grumperina | May 27, 2005 3:54 PM
Posted on May 27, 2005 15:54
I think the asymmetrical rib sweater is gorgeous and you should definitely consider making it... either with this yarn or with the Cathay later.
Posted by Karma | May 27, 2005 4:40 PM
Posted on May 27, 2005 16:40
I was just going to suggest going to grumperina's site!
Posted by beth | May 27, 2005 5:07 PM
Posted on May 27, 2005 17:07
You know I have been lusting after that ballet sweater for ages....and after reading all of the comments above - I am off to do some googling. Sorry - originally I was going to vote for the ballet sweater but now....hmmm no idea!
Posted by jacqueline | May 27, 2005 6:34 PM
Posted on May 27, 2005 18:34
I love that debbie bliss sweater...splurge for the cathay...it will be worth it! Not sure what to do with the other yarn...I have the same problem trying to stash bust over here!
Posted by carolyn | May 27, 2005 8:41 PM
Posted on May 27, 2005 20:41
Hi- so pleased I found your blog (via your comment at Froggy Knits... I had to check out your blog being as you have the same name as me- although I blog under my nickname)
I love your work- particularly such great photos and your colour coordinated bookshelves.
I was also going to vote for ballet, but after reading grumperina's commment.... Would the napa suit the Phildar zippered cardigan?
Posted by Clementine/Diana | May 28, 2005 3:02 AM
Posted on May 28, 2005 03:02
I really love the ballet sweater, but hearing all the concerns makes me think that you should pick a different sweater. I vote for a cardigan, always good to have a lightweight one for summer. I think you should wait to make the Cathay sweater - I keep hearing great things about the yarn.
Posted by marichan | May 28, 2005 9:12 AM
Posted on May 28, 2005 09:12
Hi D,
I don't know what you should knit, but thought I might enable you to buy some cathay-- my lys (www.newyorkknits.com) has all their debbie bliss yarns at 30% off. It's not up on their site, but I'm fairly sure I saw the cathay there yesterday, and I'd be more than willing to go shopping again for you! :)
n
ps- I'm knitting a super cute argyle baby sweater from "special knits".. the book has lots of super cute patterns.
Posted by nanc | May 28, 2005 6:48 PM
Posted on May 28, 2005 18:48
Ditto what everyone's said about the Cathay - it rocks! Hope you find something to do with the Plymouth!
Posted by Tara | May 31, 2005 3:28 PM
Posted on May 31, 2005 15:28