Askew
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!
28 comments
I think your pattern is beautiful. I’ve seen some of the negative comments and I must say, some people don’t know a good thing when they see it. I totally agree with you - knit from stash in summer! Who says summer always = cotton? Your lovely pattern will be flying on and off my needles very soon. I just have to do some stash-digging!
Once again, beautiful job and congratulations!
I love the pattern and I am looking forward to casting it on, I think the silk garden is a lovely choice for it and I came by your blog simply because of askew.
I love the pattern, and also the choice of Silk Garden, which is one of my favorite yarns.
Congratulations, CK!
And wow, you’re SO BEAUTIFUL! What’s it like to have it all?
OH, also I meant to say that I like Coachella, too, but someone pointed out that it looks difficult to get on and off and it got me to wondering.
omg!! Congrats, if that’s the right thing to say…how cool! I think it’s fabulous, it looks great on you, and I’m so happy for you Cheryl!!
I think it’s adorable and sexy, and I’ll probably be trying it out this summer. You did an excellent job.
I was wondering about wool for a summer tank and have actually been wanting to do that for awhile, now. While wool is insulating it also breathes well. I have seen many acrylic tank patterns and always laugh at that yarn suggestion as it doesn’t breath, at all!
I am in California and probably won’t wear it when it is 100+ outside, but I bet I will wear it in the fall, winter, and spring and also times I vacation by the ocean.
Probably the hardest part (besides the sizing) to being a designer is putting yourself out there for criticism. I like your attitude of not taking it personally.
I love Askew! I actually thought it to be much more “wearable” than Coachella…
I think it is lovely - congrats on having a pattern in Knitty! I suspect that if anyone says uncomplimentary things about the pattern, it is most likely due to their inability to pull off wearing such a garment (hah!)
This is my favorite pattern in this issue of knitty. Congratulations on getting published. I was hoping to finesse some Rowan Summer Tweed into it. Btw - it’s great to see designers model their own designs and you *are* beautiful.
Hi there! I’m stopping by to say that I LOVE Askew! It’s my favorite pattern from the current issue, and I love the yarn choice as well. Although I wouldn’t wear it in the summertime much (too self-conscious about my upper arms/back), I’d definitely wear it in the fall/winter/spring over a t-shirt or a button-up shirt. I’m thinking I’ve got to make this next. Kudos to you on a great (and original!) pattern.
I love your top and will probably knit it for Fall wear as I prefer the look as a vest. Just wondering, could we see a picture of the back as a tank?
I just wanted to say that I love the pattern, and am currently sitting in my office looking at the Rowan Classic silk/wool blend (in purple) that I’m planning on using instead of the Noro.
I’ve been looking for something that isn’t a sock to knit, and think that this pattern is going to be great for my first ‘big thing’. Thank you so much for designing it! I’m in London (UK) and think that the tank is going to be perfect for our always-changing weather. ^_^
Just dropped by to say that your design is my favorite summer knitty knit! Can’t wait to pick out the yarn and cast one on!
I really like the pattern and am nearly done with it–that is, I still need to seam up the left side to the back and seam the fronts together (I’m doing that last because I’d actually like to lace them together closer to the top).
My only issue is that it’s probably too small for me and I’ll have to give it away or reknit the whole thing. Which I’ll probably do anyway–I want to see if it’s possible to do it in the round so as to minimize seaming. Do you think it’s possible with the bias?
I think it’s a great pattern–very original. Congratulations!
Yeah, I was already entertaining ideas about how to move the straps….
Congratulations on the published pattern. I think it is lovely and flattering design.
I love this pattern! 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?
I love the pattern and I think you look gorgeous in this top. I’ve already cast on for Askew and this is the first top I’ve ever attempted. Thank you.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1244/558134749_44c98c29d1_o.jpg
I love this pattern, and (I hope you don’t take offense to this) but I was even more excited to see a sweater that someone with actual boobs was wearing, and wearing well! Most patterns I look at and think “yeah.. that will NEVER work on me!”
Anyhow, I substituted, only because I couldn’t quite afford the Silk Garden and found a great cotton that had a nice hand to it. The yarn I switched to is Mondial Soft Fresco, color 436 to be exact. I had to increase the needles, and go a size or two up from what I had intended, but so far I love the look of it! http://www.knittingfever.com/images/Mondial/ccard/fresco.jpg
Thanks for adding the pictures - that looks about right, then
I am using regular Silk Garden, not the Lite. I decided just to go with a size 9 needle, and try to knit very loosely. Still getting the 18 stitches but I’m happy with the fabric, and I think it should work out fine. I was also considering working the back from side to side in garter stitch to add a little extra stretch just in case. 
Thanks again!
Your pattern “Askew” is one of the very few good and interesting designs on this month’s Knitty. I’d actually knit Askew, and plan to! Maybe with sleeves though as I can’t show my left arm. Or I could continue the “askew” theme and knit only a left sleeve in the same modular style!
Anyway, love the pattern!
And I love your Coachella on Ravelry! I think I might knit it too based on your FO photos. My “twins” aren’t as perky as yours but they’re quite big so I was worried about the practical side of Coachella, but I think it looks super sexy on you. I have to make one now!
Love the blog, I’m going to add you to my bloglines!
I just started making Askew in Twist from Knitpicks. I had started a shawl out of the Twist and didn’t like the drape so I frogged it and started Askew. I will keep you posted on the progress. Only have left front done so far.
Jeannette
Jeannette…the yarn is pretty but I’m a little worried about the fiber content of the yarn for the substitution. Part of the sizing for Askew is a wet blocking in which the fabric stretches 30-40% in width. Since the fiber is cotton/acrylic/viscose/nylon I’m not sure you’ll get that amount of stretch. Did you happen to block a swatch before you started?
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