November 14, 2005
Edging Hourglass
Cash Iroha is a tricky yarn. Its thick, then its thin, then thick again. Maybe its supposed to resemble handspun. Whatever the reason, it does not make a great edging. I know, because I tried a number of them..
I looked for an edge treatment that could be applied uniformly to all edges of this nearly-finished sweater: sleeves, neckline, and bottom hems. Since I started with the provisional cast on, there are live stitches to work with.
My original thought was to let the edges roll. However, I wasn't thrilled with how this looked at the neckline, and what with the marathon over and all, I had time to take on the find-an-edge challenge.
Applied 2-stitch i-cord.
I thought this might be most similar to a rolled edge, but cleaner. It did look really nice on the sleeve edges, but along the neckline, it looked strange. Not the one.
Kitchener 1x1 rib bind off.
This had strong potential to look very clean and even, but the thick/thin nature of the yarn yeilded a messy edge. I tried a couple different versions, binding off after 1, 2, or 3 rows.
Nope. The normally very clean Kitchener bind off looks ragged in Cash Iroha. Hourglass v2.0 should be more refined...
Kitchener 1x1 rib bind off in Cotton Glace.
Faced with 2 failed methods, inspiration struck in the form of Cotton Glace. What about using a different, smoother yarn for the kitchener bind off?
It turned out too loose-looking. Maybe a smaller needle size, or maybe...
Mini-hemmed edges in Cotton Glace.
Inspired by both Lori's contrast-trimmed hourglass and the mini-edges on the Union Square Market Pullover from the Fall 05 IK. I worked six rows in cotton glace, then folded it over and sewed down the live stitches. This could totally work.
Compared to the kitchener rib bind off, its no contest.
In an extreme stroke of yarn luck, the LYS had a shade of cotton glace that matches the green much more closely than the one pictured, which was just scraps leftover from my summer crochet bag. It is still a different shade, but in a subtle and intentional way.
Hourglass the second is getting there... Today I am on the search for some elastic to thread through the hems. Cross your fingers that it works!
Comments (24)
The hemmed edge looks great and I love the idea of a contrasting (or slight color variation as the case may be) edge. It will look great.
Posted by Stephanie | November 14, 2005 10:15 AM
Posted on November 14, 2005 10:15
The mini-hem rocks. Good work Diana! I cannot wait to see the completed sweater!
Posted by lori z | November 14, 2005 10:37 AM
Posted on November 14, 2005 10:37
You've got a lot of patience.. after the first two tries I would have gotten too frustrated to look at it. It ended up looking really nice, I like the idea of the different color for edging. Very cute.
Posted by Nancy | November 14, 2005 10:56 AM
Posted on November 14, 2005 10:56
Hi,
I had been stalking your blog for a while now. All your knit projects are beautiful. Finishing off the hem in a different color makes your sweater looks more unique. Great idea and can't wait to see the completed sweater.
Posted by Jade | November 14, 2005 10:59 AM
Posted on November 14, 2005 10:59
*Beautiful*. I love the hemmed edge...very "finished" without being obtrusive or attention drawing.
Posted by eunny | November 14, 2005 11:28 AM
Posted on November 14, 2005 11:28
AHA! You found a great solution! Go with it - it looks fabulous :).
Posted by grumperina | November 14, 2005 11:45 AM
Posted on November 14, 2005 11:45
i love the contrast edge. i'm guessing the cotton glace even gives it a subtle sheen. very nice solution!
Posted by jody | November 14, 2005 11:53 AM
Posted on November 14, 2005 11:53
Awesome solution! I like the cotton glace edge, so clean looking. How smart!
Posted by yarn abuse | November 14, 2005 12:14 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 12:14
i like contrast colors, too. can't wait to see the finished sweater!!
Posted by blossom | November 14, 2005 12:42 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 12:42
wow! good thinking & looks great. been reading here for awhile. everything you knit is so pretty.
Posted by Punkie | November 14, 2005 12:46 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 12:46
Very great idea! But I like the contrasting colours ... make the sweater more fun!
Posted by Agnes | November 14, 2005 12:56 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 12:56
Wow, the hem looks amazing! And you were certainly patient with trying out all the possible options! I can't wait to see the finished sweater.
Posted by caitlyn | November 14, 2005 1:09 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 13:09
damn, why didn't I think of that!? maybe it's time to unravel the sleeve and start over....good luck finding the elastic! The mini-hem looks great
Posted by yahaira | November 14, 2005 1:44 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 13:44
That hemmed edge looks great! I kind of like it in the contrast green too.
Posted by Angela | November 14, 2005 1:58 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 13:58
I think it's fantastic that you've gone to this effort to find and edging that you're happy with- the finishing touches make so much difference. Looking forward to seeing the finished work!
Posted by Di | November 14, 2005 4:32 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 16:32
The contrast edging was a brilliant idea. It looks perfect.
Posted by Cari | November 14, 2005 8:16 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 20:16
Oh, it looks excellent. I'm so glad you shared your edge odyssey, I haven't started my Hourglass yet, so I think I will try your method.
Posted by Julia | November 14, 2005 8:49 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 20:49
LOVE the low-contrast look. Go with it, it's fabulous!
Posted by Colleen | November 14, 2005 9:10 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 21:10
hey! i like that! i will have to bookmark this entry for when i start my hourglass. which shade of cash iroha are you using? mine green as well ... and if i knew which bin it was hidden in, i could tell you the number. all i know is it's sort of med. avocado, and so i hear, a now discontinued color.
Posted by graylagran | November 14, 2005 11:14 PM
Posted on November 14, 2005 23:14
That last edging looks fantastic and prettier than the original!
Posted by joy | November 15, 2005 9:36 AM
Posted on November 15, 2005 09:36
Brilliant! I just finished a cardi with a knitted on i-cord with a yarn that had a slight slubbiness to it so I totally know how you feel about using the Cash Iroha for finishing the edge. This is way more clean looking!
Posted by Annie | November 15, 2005 4:20 PM
Posted on November 15, 2005 16:20
I love the idea of a contrasting color. I am a big fan of various shades of any color together... so you get my vote with that last picture. I also salute to the fact that you had patience to try out all the different edgings!
Posted by Dani | November 16, 2005 5:37 PM
Posted on November 16, 2005 17:37
Wow! Love the hemmed edge and love the contrasting colors idea.
Posted by jessica~ | November 18, 2005 9:18 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 09:18
Holy cow, that is a perfect fit (not at all cow-like!). :) Congratulations on a job well done.
Helen
Posted by Helen | January 30, 2006 6:21 PM
Posted on January 30, 2006 18:21