You’ve probably seen it by now…the new summer Knitty is up and yours truly happens to have a design in this issue:  Askew.  The consensus?  Well, there really isn’t one.  Some people like it and some don’t which I am totally fine with.  I don’t like every design out there either.  We all have different tastes and I respect that.  My favorite is Coachella.  I’ll be casting that one on as soon as I finish up my next submission (it’s for Knitty and the deadline is Friday).

 If you decide to make Askew, I invite you to use this post and comments as a resource.  I would love to hear about yarn substitutions that worked well, modifications, corrections, etc.  Speaking of yarn selection…there has been some chatter about the selection of Silk Garden for the pattern.  There is mohair and wool (“WHAT?  FOR SUMMER?” you cry) but it is also 45% silk.  Also…you have a stash.  I have a stash.  I like to knit from my stash and rarely use the suggested yarn for any pattern.  Feel free to do the same!  Another pattern note:  I originally designed this top to have very wide set straps (which is how it is pictured in the issue).  Mandy (the fabulous knitty technical editor and by the way, wow is that a tough job…I never realized all the work that goes into an issue of Knitty until now) in her infinite wisdom suggested that the back and straps be bound off and attached as the knitter likes.  So…when you make it is may look different (and maybe suit you and your bra straps better) if you choose to attach the straps closer together in the back.  Happy Knitting! 

Additional Notes:

6/13/2007  I have seen some discussion of not being able to wear a bra with Askew (and some of the other Knitty summer tops).  First, see note above about the straps.  Second, I am wearing a bra in the photos and it’s not strapless!  I can’t remember which one exactly, but it is from Victoria’s Secret and is a balconet/balconette (type that into their search to see what I mean) style that has wide set straps.   They also have racerback styles and multiple position strap styes up to 40DD for those interested in Coachella.  For larger sizes, check out BraSmyth…they have clear strap bras in larger sizes as well as racerbacks. 

6/14/2007  Debi pointed out that Lane Bryant also has racerback, balconette and clear strap bras up to 42DD.  They’re buy 2 get 2 free right now!  This one is really cute and can be worn 6 ways.

6/18/2007  Anna writes, “I’ve had three balls of Silk Garden sitting in my stash just looking for a pattern, and when this came it was like a sign from above. However, I’m having serious gauge issues! Serious as in I’ve gone up to US10.5 and still get 18 sts to 4 inches, instead of the 16 the pattern is asking for and when I get to that size needle, the fabric doesn’t feel sturdy at all – and if I’m supposed to block it out even more…? Any advice/reassurance?”  My answer: Don’t worry too much about the needle size you have to use…I am a pretty loose knitter so my sizes tend to be smaller than what others use.

Just to confirm, you are using Silk Garden and not Silk Garden Lite? The lite is thinner and would be causing you gauge problems. Are you doing your gauge swatch in st st? The st st for the back is naturally a little looser than the bias front with the same needle. After blocking the back will be about 2.5 spi.  The front, if you measure diagonally is about 3.5 spi after blocking.

I am enclosing a close up of the back and the front. Notice you can see my hand through the fabric…so it is pretty airy when you’re finished. Please let me know your thoughts and I’ll try to help more if you need it! 

7/2/2007  Wendy from Earthwhisper just finished Askew and it looks beautiful on her!  She did do a few modifications so you might want to read her blog post.  One of the most important mods included the finishing.  They way part of the finishing instructions are written in Knitty right now is a little confusing (I emailed them so it can be corrected).  Where it says “sew side seams matching garter st section at upper edge of back to garter st section at base of straps”…this might make you think you should attach the back where the first garter st section is ON the straps.  If you look closely at the picture (which smart Wendy did) you’ll see that the back is attached to the front at the last garter st section on the front panel.  You could actually even attach it a little further down if this made the fit more comforatble for you.  I often pin things together before finishing to check the fit before I do the final seaming.  It’s a bit of a pain but allows for the best fit to my body (which happens to be short wasited and in need of minor deviations from the pattern at times).  She also chose to move the straps in rather than have the wide set straps.  It was an easy mod so if that appeals to you just follow her lead!  I also thought that the straps could be modified by starting them out wider (just use more sts to start when continuing for the strap) and then decreasing along the armhole side.  This would also alow the straps to come in a bit.

7/7/07 Lilith just finished her Askew with some fabulous modifications.  Check it out!