Monday, May 07, 2007

FO: Josephine - C'est Fini!

It is not often that I am able to tout a project I'm working on as finished, slow knitter that I am. But here we have a lucky one! My latest FO- Josephine (AKA French Girl's Fifi). Knit using Rowan Calmer in Refresh and US7 needles. Photos below courtesy of two gifted photographers (thanks, Lori and Julia!) and one rather popular photo shoot spot.

I previously posted about how much I was enjoying knitting this little sweater at the WIP stage, and I'm happy to say that the love affair continued 'til the end. I am officially a member of the Calmer fan club. I am in love with this yarn, and I can see why Marnie uses it so often. It's a dream to work with- it's soft to the touch, and provides great stitch definition. As evidenced by this super cool detail shot via Lori and her kickass camera. (I'm laughing right now, remembering how this photo was achieved.)

I must have mentioned before that I am largely incapable of knitting lots of plain stockinette. As such, I am deeply envious of anyone who revels in this kind of knitting. I've abandoned more projects than I'd like to admit because I couldn't get through the stockinette. Why bring this up? Well, until I bite the bullet and invest in a knitting machine (and it is really just a matter of time), I choose to focus on designs that I know will hold my interest. This top down design met my self-imposed requirements: it provided enough cables & things to hold my interest, yet it was simple enough that I could still zone out and get into a groove while knitting.

The cable details at the top add visual interest and given that my body is in dire need of a series of yoga and/or pilates classes at this particular point and time, I really appreciate the elongating, dare I say "flattering"effect of the vertical ribbing along the sides. To further elongate (literally), I decided to add several inches to the bottom.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a cute, short-sleeved top to knit. I would say that I love this top so much I would knit it again, but come on; you and I both know I won't. But it's not for lack of love. I know this will be one of my favorite handknits. I love the style, as it echoes the style of one of my favorite cap-sleeved t-shirts, the color makes me happy, and I am quite happy with the fit (even though it requires some tugging at the bottom while being photographed). I also foresee wearing this top a lot. It will go with my wardrobe standard a-line skirts, and should also look good with jeans and slacks. All in all, j'adore!

33 comments:

margene said...

LOVE IT!! You look fabulous!!
I just bought Refresh for a sweater, too.

Marnie said...

Wow, she's tres magnifique! You look vavavavoom. I agree that everything about it is flattering and your choice of color is wonderful. Viva la Calmer!

Anonymous said...

So, so pretty and really flattering too! Yeah!

Mouse said...

Wow.. its gorgeous! It looks very beautiful and complicated.. and I have a feeling that "interesting shot" ended up with a camera in your cleavage.. lol.

Disentangled said...

Lovely! It came out wonderfully. And wow - that first photo! I may have to move Fifi higher up on my list if it will make me look like that! woo woo!

mle said...

It's gorgeous! your slow, hard work has definitely paid off!!

f. pea said...

wow, great work! a flattering fit and a beeee-yooo-tee-ful project.

Julia (MindofWinter) said...

It's wonderful! But where are all those cute pictures we took of you laughing and smiling and waving your hands?!

Madge said...

Tu es tres belle en Josephine!

Fantastic job on such a pretty, flattering sweater. Yay for knits you love to make AND wear.

Anonymous said...

It looks fantastic on you, all those cables just pop out in Calmer. Yay for slow and patient knitting!

- MJ

Deb said...

Oh my - that is just stunning! Nicely done.

knitzalot said...

That looks great! I am SO going to make that sweater this summer. I have enough Calmer in my stash!

jillian said...

When the top picture came up in the bloglines feed, I said "WOW"! You look gorgeous! The style, fit and color are all stunning. You should be very proud.

knitties said...

That's a gorgeous sweater and looks absolutely fab on you!

Jennifer said...

It's gorgeous and fits you so well!

Kara said...

Tres magnifique! You and that sweater are so cute together.

The Stitchin' Sheep said...

It's beautiful. You did a wonderful job, and it looks great on you. Very figure flattering.

Nasus said...

Beautiful! I love it! (especially your longer version)

Anonymous said...

Oh, it's gorgeous!! Very lovely fit!

Ruinwen Dagorielle said...

Absolutely stunning...you are made for one another. :)

margaux said...

found you through ravelry!! i love this sweater! It looks great on you :-)

Liz K. said...

Your sweater caught my eye on Ravelry -- it is gorgeous! The color is beautiful on you, and the fit is amazing.

Anonymous said...

Seriously gorgeous sweater!!!

Anonymous said...

Lovely job on sweater, however, be warned that the pattern is incorrect for size 37 and 40. The center cable does not fall in center of garment!

Octopus Knits said...

Just beautiful! Honestly, I didn't quite realize the potential of this pattern until I saw your version (I think it looks a little too short and not fitted enough for the pattern model), and your color is stellar. Now I definitely want to make it!

Octopus Knits said...

I also like your name better. For better or for worse, I've always associated the name "Fifi" with spoiled miniature poodles (I apologize to anyone named Fifi, but I can't get that image out of my head). Josephine, on the other hand, is a strong, lovely name (in my mind). Very fitting.

kat coyle said...

I love love love this sweater!

Anonymous said...

beautiful work there! wow, just gorgeous stuff, and what a great color.

go you! ;)

Ashley said...

Oooh! That is a terifically flattering sweater, and it looks beautiful on you. And what a great project for the Calmer--curve-hugging but not clingy.

Anonymous said...

Lovely, lovely sweater! I love the color and the texture, great photo's too

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stellar work!!!
...beautiful pix and pattern...also FYI just checked the designer's website (www.frenchgirlknits.com) and pattern corrections are now listed for Fifi.

Unknown said...

sooo cute.... and knit with Calmer?? It must be so nice to wear!!

Sarah Ditum said...

The more I look at Fifi, the more I want my own. You've made a beautiful sweater, and the colour makes me think of clear seas and sunny skies - perfect for summer!