FO: Deja

 

I’m very pleased with the bohemian look of the Deja pattern by French Girl, ordered from Jimmy Beans Wool.* (No, my left arm isn’t longer than my right; it’s just a weird perspective thing.) It worked up in three evenings, and even then I made some adjustments and backtracked in one part where I got confused by the pattern. If you ever do this one, read each part of the instruction through the end, not just the end of the sentence, or you might miss something important.

Used the new Lion Cotton-Ease instead of the recommended Rowan Cotton Tape (which I think might be discontinued?), with a 6.5mm hook. Cotton-Ease is a much cheaper and, I daresay, a good substitute. This cotton-acrylic blend has nice drape and elasticity. The loose plies mimic the effect of tape yarn rather well–the yarn doesn’t lay as bulky as a cotton yarn of its gauge normally would. Surprisingly light, it drapes gently on the body.

I added a few rows to account for the changed row gauge–a few too many, in fact, given how long it turned out, but I like the look. Readers should note that the one on the model seems to have been worked in a larger size–thus the neckline plunges a bit lower on the diagonal.

This was a surprisingly elegant (as in simple) garment construction. You start with a v-stitch panel, increase for the bust, then separate off with a chain sequence for the armhole opening. You continue to v-stitch across, then do rapid decreases for the neckline. Then you add the trim. I’m tempted to design a full-sleeve crochet cardigan based on this, kind of like a raglan sweater where you knit the body and sleeves from the bottom up and join at the armpit. Learning, learning, learning…