pushing the fiber boundaries

Yes, I’m still knitting, and I have a finished object to prove it! It’s wrappy top #36 from the latest Rebecca (doesn’t that sound like a Westminster Dog Show announcement? “Wrappy top #36”):

wrappy top.JPG

I made some changes, which completely altered the essence of the sweater. Instead of mohair, I used TLC Cotton Plus, a 50/50 cotton/acrylic blend (it took 4 balls, so the sweater cost about $10 to make!). I wanted something more practical, and the Cotton Plus can be thrown in the wash. As you can see, though, I lose that super flowy, drapey, ethereal quality that the mohair version provides. I guess it came out kind of small, too, didn’t it? Well, whatever, I think I will probably get some use out of it. I can wear it with t-shirts and tanks in the summer, and I won’t have to worry about getting sand or mustard all over it!

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33 Responses to pushing the fiber boundaries

  1. Amy in AZ says:

    Tres chic! I love it! GREAT JOB:) and that necklace rocks too, looks like candy!

  2. Johanna says:

    I think it looks great. Definitly a different beast from the original, but you will get a lot of use out of it. As for too small, definitely not! Short maybe, but that’s how it was designed, but the right size around.
    I’ll be sending out bunny goodness tomorrow or Wednesday! Keep an eye out!

  3. Silvia says:

    It’s not too small and looks great! Different from the original pattern, but absolutely wonderful. Plus it’s under $10 so what more could you want!

  4. Kay says:

    Ethereal is overrated anyhow. Looks cute on you. xox Kay

  5. cari says:

    I think it looks really sweet.

  6. Christie says:

    very cool…gotta love an items that’s washable!!!

  7. J Strizzy says:

    I think it fits just perfectly, and I like the cotton version much better. The ethereal one in the mag didn’t appeal to me, but now that I’ve seen yours, I might be adding to the list of projects I want to make.

  8. Wendy says:

    What are you talking about…too small? Not too small! I made the same item in the right gauge and in the yarn directed (and size) and I swear, the sweater buckles under my armpits. Much better in cotton…good for you! Who needs mohair?!

  9. Jessica says:

    It looks great. I agree with Amy–you’re necklace looks like it’s made from jelly beans in the photo. Not that I wouldn’t put it past you.

  10. monica says:

    toooooooo cute!!!!!

  11. stinkerbell says:

    doesn’t look too small at all.
    I am seriously thinking of making that wrappy top, but I can’t really bring myself to the mohair concept…

  12. Shelby says:

    It looks great! The cotton is a fab. choice, much more wearable.

  13. Nyxxie says:

    Looks great I have been thinking about making that too. What a wonderful choice of yarn. I don’ think that we have that here though!

  14. Ann says:

    Mariko, it’s cute! I love the color. (and the necklace, as others have mentioned). Interesting choice of yarn sub – I wouldn’t have thought to try it in a cotton blend.

  15. nanc says:

    It looks great and what a fab yarn exchange. It takes this sweater from something I’d just admire to something I may knit and wear myself! Thanks for the brilliant idea.

  16. duff says:

    dude. looks great. yeah – it’s small – JUST LIKE YOU!!! 🙂

  17. Sarah says:

    Oooh! Nice nice! I’m allergic to wool and mohair myself, so I am a huge fan of subbing yarn! Nice job – I think it looks super cute! 🙂

  18. mia says:

    Nice. And a girl does have to be practical. Wash and wear is much more pratcial than mohair.

  19. monica says:

    I’ve been looking for a substitute for that project because I just don’t find mohair to be a practical summer item to wear. Good idea! I don’t think that it looks small either, it’s perfect!

  20. Carol says:

    Cute! Green! Yay!
    I am so impressed with your productivity. And creativity. Very inspring 🙂

  21. charlita says:

    The sweater is adorable! Very cute. You did a great job. I think it would be perfect for the beach. 😉

  22. melissa says:

    That’s a great $10 sweater! It looks fabulous and you’ll probably get more use out of it since it’s cotton.

  23. Debbie says:

    IT LOOKS FAB! I don’t think it looks too small at all, and I rather like the look w/ the 50/50 yarn. (I actually find mohair to be annoying sometimes… it can shed, and sometimes is tickly, and can just get difficult in general.) And it’s totally awesome that it’s only $10. Great job Mariko!

  24. claudia says:

    Yup, I can hear the dog show announcer too. Would you be in the Toy group?
    😉
    That is cute on you. Mohair for a summer sweater doesn’t appeal to me either.

  25. Shetha says:

    Very cute! I like the cotton, the lacy bits are much more defined that way. I sort of like my ethereal one though (I’m wearing mine today). Mine cost $11 for the closeout mohair (from the yarn shop owner’s basement) but I tell you what, folks. Kid mohair is not your run of the mill itchy mohair. It’s very comfy. And when I get mustard and sand on it (And I will) I will just shower with it on and shampoo that puppy up like I do my head. That’s the plan, anyway… heh.

  26. alison says:

    I think it’s cute! It will look great with your Peeps earrings. (But what wouldn’t?)

  27. Alexa says:

    Beautiful! I really want to make this sweater, but seeing as though I live in a warm climate, Mohair would be only useful for a couple months out of the year. But now that I’ve seen what it looks like in non-Mohair yarn, I’m inspired.

  28. Jenn says:

    Very cute! If I hadn’t already bought the mohair, I’d give that a whirl!

  29. froggy says:

    it looks great and i’m lovin’ the wash factor too. smart thinking.

  30. Becky says:

    Sooooooooo cute! This wrappy top look is totally for you, Mariko. And I love how you always style your knits with your own personal flair that’s inimitable. You RAWK 🙂

  31. MJ says:

    I think it’s great! You’ll get a lot more mileage out of it because it’s not mohair, you can throw it in the wash, and it won’t shed. It’s also the perfect size. Nice job, Mariko!

  32. Amy says:

    It looks really great and I don’t think it looks a bit too small. It will be interesting to see how the cotton holds up.

  33. Gina says:

    The close proximity of the words “sand” and “mustard” disturbed me. Cute wrappy top!

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