Lotus Blossom Tank by Sharon Shoji. I substituted Plymouth Royal Bamboo and ended up using 8 skeins on size 4 needles. I did one extra pattern repeat and made the armhole slightly smaller (knit about 7 inches up the back instead of 7.5). I washed it to block and didn't pin it out. This yarn felt like cardboard when wet and took three days to dry. I was a little worried that the texture would change, but once it dried, it felt like it did before.
This was not the most fun thing to knit- trying to knit the plymouth at a tight gauge was a little hard on the fingers. I initially didn't have enough yarn, and bought three extra balls and had to start over on smaller needles after 2 reps of the lace pattern on size 5 needles. I didn't have much left over after 8 balls were knit up- I was a little nervous when I was knitting the edgings, but it was all fine. I also had anxiety that the variegation in the yarn would look bad with the lace pattern and the whole thing would look too busy and weird.
Despite all of my false starts, anxiety, and discomfort, I'm pretty happy with the finished result. It's a very wearable article of clothing- I love the neckline and the a-line tank shape. The variegation doesn't bother me, and I only wish that it was hot today so I wouldn't have to wear a sweater over it!
Ultra Cute. You are a knitting diva!
Posted by: Becky | June 26, 2007 at 08:04 PM
That looks fantastic on you!
Posted by: Scoutj | June 26, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Yay! You finished it. The tank really looks gorgeous. The lace looks amazing. I think this might be one of my favorite knitted tops you've made! Perfect!
Posted by: Alma | June 26, 2007 at 09:15 PM
I think it looks great-- I actually love the way the variegation seems to follow the waves of the lace. I wouldn't have thought that would work so well, but I really like it! I have also avoided doing lace with variegated yarns, but now I think I might try it with a sock pattern...
great job!
Posted by: JD | June 27, 2007 at 08:32 AM
I love it! Yours makes me want to knit one! Can't wait to hear where the stash yardage is now.
Posted by: Christy | June 27, 2007 at 08:38 AM
adorable. Also surprised that the verigated yarn works so well
Posted by: lomester | June 27, 2007 at 08:57 AM
It looks fantastic on you! Great job. Love the color!
Posted by: | June 27, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Looks awesome! I love it!
Posted by: elizabeth | June 27, 2007 at 03:36 PM
GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Leslie | June 27, 2007 at 04:59 PM
Well, all the hard work was worth it because it's a fantastic top! That is some amazing lacework.
Posted by: Maddie | June 27, 2007 at 10:23 PM