July 6, 2005
Orangina, Orangina
I finally got motivated and did the last 2 inches of ribbing on Orangina. So silly to take so long to do something so easy.
Here she is!
And the verdict? well, part of the reason I procrastinated on finishing this sweater is that I wasn't sure if I'd like it. Now that its done, the jury is still out.
This might be one of those knits that grows on me, and turns into a favorite. Or it might be one that I end up giving away. Linda says it looks stellar. We shall see. I'll try it out.
The Specs:
Pattern: Orangina by Stefanie Japel
Yarn: Elann Endless Summer Lara; about 5 balls.
Needles: Size 3 US, 24 inch Addi Natura circular
Pattern Size: Small, 36"
Actual Finished Size: Chest: 33" unstretched; Length: 20" (15" lace, 5" ribbing)
I followed the pattern pretty much word-for word. One thing though: its necessary to decrease 2 stitches when the front and back are joined for the ribbing, which the pattern does not mention. I did this at the side seams, which worked out.
The neckband is supposed to be joined for 2 inches, but I seamed mine for about 3.5 inches. With only a 2" seam, the neck and back flared out too much for my taste. I ironed the sleeve tops so they wouldn't wave along with the lace pattern.
I also steam-blocked the whole top, using an iron on hot and a t-shirt between the iron and Orangina.
Overall, a successful knit! I don't think I'll ever use the splitty Lara yarn again, but its shiny and soft in a finished garment. And, if I end up giving Orangina away, I'd consider making another one in a smaller size. Maybe in white like the lovely one over at Domesticat...
Comments (27)
It's lovely! I think this is my fav color so far of all the Oranginas I've seen.
Posted by Steph | July 6, 2005 11:40 PM
Posted on July 6, 2005 23:40
Came out quite nice! I love the color and the extra care to press the seams :).
Posted by grumperina | July 7, 2005 12:40 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 00:40
WOW! I love the colour and it looks great on you.
Posted by Nichola | July 7, 2005 12:57 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 00:57
Your orangina looks lovely in this colour. But I know what you mean about size, I usually discover what size I should knit after I have finished it.
Posted by erin | July 7, 2005 1:00 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 01:00
what a lovely color! i think it looks great on you! nice seam job, too. did you use grafting technique for the shoulder seams?
Posted by blossom | July 7, 2005 1:11 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 01:11
The color looks great! I do hope that you end up liking it and wearing it often because I think it looks really nice.
Posted by marichan | July 7, 2005 1:27 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 01:27
Nice job...aren't you glad you finished now? Like everyone else, I will say the color is lovely...wear it and see how you feel about it. You may fall in love, you may have a great gift for someone!
Posted by Christie | July 7, 2005 2:15 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 02:15
great colors! it looks fantastic. hope it grows on you.
Posted by froggy | July 7, 2005 2:54 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 02:54
Oh! Oh! I think it's gorgeous! And I just love that colour. Great job! (And now I just have to start mine. :-))
Posted by terhi | July 7, 2005 4:28 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 04:28
It looks fantastic. Love the colour. It looks like a great outfit with your pants.
If you're not happy with the size, could you maybe shrink it in the dryer?
Posted by Adele | July 7, 2005 6:31 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 06:31
I hope it grows on you too... everyone else likes it so much--it is quite pretty!
Way to go rocking those tiny needles :)
Posted by Lolly | July 7, 2005 6:51 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 06:51
It looks INCREDIBLE!! I think that the size looks great in the picture, but you're the one who has to wear it.
What is too large about it? The length or the width?
Posted by Colleen | July 7, 2005 7:10 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 07:10
I think it's lovely. In fact, it's the first orangina that makes me think about making one for myself. v nice!
jacey
Posted by jacey | July 7, 2005 7:43 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 07:43
It is beautiful! I am plugging away at mine...wondering all the same things. I think that I want the lace pattern shorter and the ribbing section longer. So I may try this out...I think it will be more flattering on me that way.
Posted by carolyn | July 7, 2005 8:34 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 08:34
congrats on finishing it! I'm still procrastinating on mine for some reason. Maybe because I'm not sure hwo much ease it has. I love the fit and color of yours and I really like how your neck line isn't floppy (like Ive seen some other oranginas). I bet you are going to grow to love it.
Posted by yahaira | July 7, 2005 8:40 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 08:40
I think it's cute! I love the neckline on that top. I hope you end up in the "love it" camp.
Posted by Ann | July 7, 2005 9:08 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 09:08
I think it looks great! The color is awesome. Hopefully it'll grow on you; if not, you could whip up another one in no time ;)
Posted by li | July 7, 2005 9:28 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 09:28
Love it! It really looks great with those brownish pants you are wearing too :)
Posted by Dani | July 7, 2005 10:47 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 10:47
It's beautiful and I think it looks great on you. You'll have to wear it and see what kind of response you get. And if you decide you don't like it, someone's gonna be very lucky.
Posted by Stephanie | July 7, 2005 11:30 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 11:30
I love it, now if only I can be inspired to finish mine. I think I am going to start over with a smaller size, after seeing a few other finished ones. But I think you look great in yours! Favorite or not you did a great job.
Posted by Joelene | July 7, 2005 11:36 AM
Posted on July 7, 2005 11:36
I think it looks fabulous! Congratulations on finishing it. I'm still trying to decide if I want to knit this or not. I'm concerned about the slight bulge of fabric right above the ribbing. Your's looks fine, but that isn't an area I like to accentuate with bulgy fabric. I fear knitting something without shaping.
Posted by Purly Whites | July 7, 2005 1:33 PM
Posted on July 7, 2005 13:33
amazing. amazing. Just pull out your sensational Chanels, an Hermes scarf, and your niftiest bottoms and head out on the town. I swear, you will love it.
Posted by Wendy | July 7, 2005 10:46 PM
Posted on July 7, 2005 22:46
It's beautiful! I think it will definitely grow on you ~ it looks fantastic on!
Posted by atouria | July 10, 2005 10:23 AM
Posted on July 10, 2005 10:23
Very pretty. The color is so gorgeous. Maybe it will grow on you?
Posted by Jenny | July 12, 2005 6:00 PM
Posted on July 12, 2005 18:00
Sorry I'm late to comment, but it looks FAB!
Posted by Tara | July 14, 2005 2:56 PM
Posted on July 14, 2005 14:56
i'm late in the game as well, but i adore your choice of yarn and colorway for this. it really gives it that expensive-boutique-y-there's-no-way-this-is-from-the-gap look :)
Posted by jess | July 15, 2005 8:56 PM
Posted on July 15, 2005 20:56
Gorgeous Oragina. Your seam looks absolutely perfect, too! I want to make this soon.
Posted by Erica | August 5, 2005 10:02 PM
Posted on August 5, 2005 22:02