After use of a fan, a couple days of drying and a try-on, it's finished!
Pattern: Bonsai Tunic, by Norah Gaughan. Published in Interweave Knits Spring 2007
Yarn: Berroco Bonsai in Satsuki Green (#4149). I used 9 hanks plus some of another, leaving almost three left over.
Needles: Addi Turbos, US7s and US5s. I had to decrease my needle size due to gauge.
Alterations: Instead of the bind-off sequence for the neck shaping, I decided to give short row shaping a go. I really liked the resulting final bind off at the edge - nice and smooth, no stair-stepping effect. This made the seaming of the back extensions from the front portion a breeze.
Impressions: Considering this tunic only took two weeks to fall into the FO list, I guess you could say I really liked knitting it! The resulting fabric of the yarn after blocking was impressive. The garment has a very good drape with a silk-like hand. I'm curious to see how it will hold up during wear as it seems heavy while holding up the garment by the shoulders, but not heavy while wearing. It actually feels really lightweight, something that I can definitely wear during the warmer months. Also, there does not seem to be any stretching in length due to this heaviness during wear, something that I've seen in knit silk garments.
I'm not sure how I feel about the I-cord tie. I could do with or do without it really. I guess it will depend on my mood when I wear the garment. I really liked how the pattern was written and the resulting piece. This tunic definitely falls into the must wear category at the moment :)
Ooohhooooo fastest knit evar! Hmmm have you got a really wide brown belt? I think that might work too. But I agree the icord is probably optional. Makes me want to try that yarn though!
Posted by: mimsie | March 12, 2007 at 02:29 AM
Lovely! You did a wonderful work!
Posted by: Tany | March 12, 2007 at 02:55 AM
You totally put me to shame with SW knitting! :) Great job!
Posted by: Kris | March 12, 2007 at 07:23 AM
beautiful! it really does look like something that will get worn a lot - it looks like a great SD top!
Posted by: Disentangled | March 12, 2007 at 08:35 AM
that is so cute! I was just looking at this pattern last night, thinking I should make it...
Posted by: melissa | March 12, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Pretty! You're so fast!
Posted by: Cristina (CrissyPo) | March 12, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Wow! The tunic looks great. I'm thinking of using SWTC Bamboo as a substitute. What do you think? After seeing your FO, I want to cast on NOW!
Posted by: deb | March 12, 2007 at 03:54 PM
I think that you're pic might convince me to add this to my ever growing list of future projects. Really great job!
Posted by: Susan | March 15, 2007 at 02:18 PM
Looks great - can't wait to see it in person. And it's a perfect SD knit - goes with everything in every weather.
Posted by: Theresa | March 15, 2007 at 02:52 PM
Just beautiful!! I'm surprised you had so much yarn left over. What size did you make? It is perfect on you. I'll have to look at the short rows and see how to do that. I've done short rows on socks and felted clogs but not necklines. Time to research that!
Posted by: Michelle | March 16, 2007 at 08:08 PM
very cool!
Posted by: bonsai guide | June 19, 2008 at 11:43 AM
http://www.beijingbonsai.com/my/bonsai.html
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Posted by: 石義祥 | July 08, 2009 at 08:15 AM