The thing about knitting a huge project that turns out to be a marathon is, you tend to want to do something quick and dirty next. Like, right away. You don't want to dive into another big project, or worse, pick up a project that has been on the needles and requires some thought. Like my Wannabe Corset Top.
You all gave me some great ideas for my short snort in a dirty glass next project. One commenter suggested I use the leftover Katia Jamaica and make girlfriend something cool. What a great idea!
Thing is, this Short Snort in a Dirty Glass Tank top for Girlfriend has turned into one huge bender. An overnighter. A Long Tall Sally. (Actually, I don't know what a Long Tall Sally is, but it sounds like something you think is gonna be great and turns out to be a little hard to handle. Kind of like that song, Lola, by the Kinks. Or maybe that huge piece of cake at the local restaurant that also happens to feature Weight Watcher's menu items, or that slick Greek guy with a nice smile and gelled up hair.)
Anyway. The tank top. I thought it'd be cute to get some bamboo rings and do something nifty with them. Problem is, it would be a heck of a lot easier if Girlfriend would allow me to try it on her, but no. I knit the body portion in no time flat, but the top part has been a real mess. I hate this designing stuff. Can't seem to make it work. I'm having trouble with the back. It's just plain awful.
I think I'll leave the designing up to Annie, Stefanie, Bonne Marie and the team at Rowan or at Leisure Arts. Heck, even the people at Michael's who gave us the Poncho Dickie could do a better job than me.
I swear, I will most definitely finish this thing. Hopefully by the time Girlfriend is nine. And it will fit, dang it.
I think the bamboo is a fantastic idea! But I also think you're being pretty hard on yourself! I'm not a designer-type myself, so I'm awed that you're taking it on. A project for a little one is a great idea to start with, because really, if it doesn't fit exactly, it's not a huge deal.
Keep at it, it looks like it's gonna be great! Then you can sell the pattern and use the proceeds to fund your yarn habit.....
Posted by: Michelle | July 31, 2005 at 03:02 PM
That is way too cute...much cute than the halter I knit my daughter. Keep on and let us know what turns out!
Posted by: michele | July 31, 2005 at 03:24 PM
Love it! I want to see pictures when it's all done... if girlfriend obliges of coarse!
Posted by: Rachel | July 31, 2005 at 04:26 PM
I think the halter is really cute! How exactly is the top part a mess? It looks fine to me.
And could Girlfriend be tempted to try it on with the promise of ice cream or candy or some other treat?
Posted by: marion | July 31, 2005 at 04:59 PM
It's looking awesome, Wendy! Benedryl works wonders for a child that won't sit still long enough to let you try it on her... I'm just sayin'...
Posted by: Melissa | July 31, 2005 at 07:40 PM
It's super cute! Don't give up, it has a lot of promise!
Posted by: mary | July 31, 2005 at 08:32 PM
oooh dig the bamboo touch. You can do it! As far as getting the little one to hold still for fitting, always found bribery works (more often than not).
Posted by: zib | July 31, 2005 at 09:09 PM
It is so cute and you're doing a good job with the designing. Just hang in there, you're this close to finishing!
Posted by: erin | July 31, 2005 at 10:21 PM
How cute is that top! Great job on the choice of project and even better on your design. You go girl (and girlfriend)!
Posted by: KatieLiz | July 31, 2005 at 10:53 PM
Before I read your post, based on the photo alone, I thought it was a bag. Hey, it looks good as a bag, if Girlfriend doesn't like it, make it into a bag for yourself.
Posted by: Siow Chin | August 01, 2005 at 01:24 AM
I just finished a top I "designed" (okay I didn't look at a pattern, I just measured and knitted) for my 4 year old daughter. She tried it on a bazillion times while I was knitting it, but it took me all day yesterday to bribe her to put it on so I could take a picture (happily there's one on my blg now). Hang in there girlfriend will eventually see the light and try it on for you!!
Posted by: Cheri | August 01, 2005 at 07:01 AM
Wendy, that looks so cute so far! How adorable!!!
Posted by: Skylar | August 01, 2005 at 11:26 AM
Wendy, the book I mention is "Knitting from the Top" by Barbara G. Walker. It's more of a formula for knitting sweaters, capes, skirts etc, than a pattern book. Nice thing is you can make any size sweater using this book and because everything is knitted from the top down you avoid seams. Thanks for the comment on the Princess's sweater!
Posted by: Cheri | August 01, 2005 at 02:07 PM
Maybe when you publish this pattern it will be known as the raspy hangover halter. Are you going to tie with an I-cord? The only way I can cut my two year old's hair BTW is Sesame street and a cookie. That katia is so pretty, will you wear your matching tops together? (another fashion dilemma..;)
Posted by: amanda | August 01, 2005 at 06:28 PM
Amanda, NO! No mother-daughter outfits in this place!
Posted by: wendy | August 01, 2005 at 07:22 PM
I remember the tooth saga and really remember the Super Beatle. Do you remember how got to be painted, I think 2 times?
Posted by: Gary, also known as Dad | August 10, 2005 at 11:21 AM