Inflexible
Slinky Ribs is done! Well, it just needs to be blocked.
And I had 4 grams of yarn left. *Phew*
After continuing to fiddle with the neckband, I decided to just keep it simple. I picked up stitches around the neckline and then immediately cast them off in purl. That’s it. Clearly, I was overthinking it.
I vowed that I wouldn’t become equally obsessed with the bind off for the sleeves. But one of the main reasons I dislike top-down sweaters like Slinky Ribs is that the bottom edge of the sleeves and the body is bound off, instead of cast on. And bound-off edges tend to be inflexible and less attractive than cast-on edges. This is especially true for ribbing. It’s difficult to get a flexible edge and no flare.
My first attempt at binding off the sleeve was a miserable failure. It flared and basically looked like crap. I needed a bind off that was flexible, but firm.
I settled on a tubular bind off for 2×2 rib. I first tried following the instructions in Principles of Knitting but, between you and me, I got completely lost. So I turned to the instructions in the Fall 2008 issue of Interweave Knits. Excellent instructions! It worked like a dream.
I went back over the stitches and pulled them fairly tight after the bind off was completed and the sleeves don’t flare at all.
Now I’m just hoping this Felted Tweed yarn softens up in the wash.
And, look. I celebrated by casting on a new sweater.
*Apparently, I have a reputation for being somewhat inflexible. Who knew.
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24 comments Susan | knitalongs, knitting, sweaters
Supremely jealous of all this sweater knitting at your house. It’s wonderful. Nice job!
oh, very nice! how’s the fit? i have a bunch of this yarn sitting in my stash – looking for something to do with it.
Only one of your kids would call you inflexible. SR looks great!
Looks great. Love the tubular bind off. It’s a fav!
Both options look great! Lol makes me want to take the leap and finally knit a sweater myself…then I look into my empty wallet and realize there are more reasons for that being delayed than I seem to have remembered
I love this new sweater. The neckline is perfect!
I love that Leaf sweater, but if I didn’t see those needles I’d think you had a knitting machine hidden away somewhere! You are FAST!
There are some situations where inflexibility is good. Lovely sweaters. ~ksp
Yep – that neck treatment was just the ticket. It looks great. As do the sleeves – nice!!
I love it! I hope you bring it Tuesday!!
The neckline looks great! That was a good decision. And I’m sure the felted tweed is going to be totally luscious after a bath.
I like the neck. It looks perfect. I tend to over analyze things too.
I love it!! I’d love to see it being worn.
; )
Look at you go! They both look great…
Nice neckline edging. Wouldn’t have guessed a simple purl castoff would have done that.
It looks terrific! I hope the yarn softens for you, too.
Great neck edge. Love the new sweater.
It’s stunning! What great structure. And your leftover yarn… talk about a nail-biting finale! Will it last, will it run out… just thinking about it gets my adrenaline going.
Love that sweater! I really wish I could wear a sweater like that, but it always ends up making me look pregnant. Are you going to show us modeled shots?
The neckline is perfect.
Love the tubular bind-off (and cast-on, as well, for that matter) – a big favorite of mine.
Did you try it for the neckline before settling on the purl bind-off?
And “Whew!” is right… I’d have been turning blue from holding my breath.
Love the Slinky Ribs, how is the fit? It is in my queue as well.
Wow, I don’t know anybody else who slides into home, consistently, with so little yarn left! I don’t think of you as inflexible…
Way to go on the Slinky Ribs! It really looks great. I am happy you were able to make the neckline work.
Inflexible? You?
Bwahahaha!