Sunday, November 30, 2008
And would get a second glance when worn as a laid back flare of style.Pattern: So I went on a Ravelry hunt for arm warmers that would meet my desires. And the Ondine: Sleeves for a Mermaid were perfect!
It is always interesting to discover the background on why some of the designers name their patterns.
As the pattern indicates Ondine is a land bound water nymph, and was the source of the Little Mermaid folk tales and is also the inspiration for these fish tailed sleeves used as arm warmers.
I luv this pattern! It was well written and easy to follow.
Size/Needles/Time: The pattern gave several sizes and great notes on how to measure your arms for the appropriate size. I started out making the small, but stopped my increases at the x-small size.
As usually I knitted these two at a time and used my Harmonies in US7 and US6 on a 40" cord. The pattern recommends a US8, but I went down a size since I know my stitches can be loose, but now looking back it wouldn't have hurt to use US6 for the body.It took me about a week from start to finish, and that was even with me having realized I messed up the flow of one of the cuffs.
Yarn/Cost: I am sure you all figured out that I used NORO! :o) This is the Silk Garden line in colorway 213
The yarn was gifted to me almost a year ago by A Knitter in Queens! Who actually gave me 7 balls in total from a 'give thanks' contest that she did last year. Interesting how things come back full circle :o) Thanks again Veronica for the great Noro yarn!!
This time I actually tried to tame the stripping that Noro is known for, but as you all may also already know Noro is unpredictable. Afterwhile I just let it flow and stopped focusing on it.
About 2.5 balls of yarn was actually used, and as always I go into this silent panic along the way thinking I will not have enough to finish but always do!
What I learned: That I love these cuffs!! :o) 
I liked that they were not the "glove" type arm warmers, as one of my criteria was to have my hands "free". The cuffs are just so flirty and I just love that!!
You know I already mentioned how well written this pattern was so there really wasn't any knitting pains or discoveries this time around.
I will say since I have never knitted a full-blown sweater with sleeves before, that this project was a great prelude to how they should flow in terms of increases, again pretty simple.
Modifications: Not much as stated earlier I started out doing the small size, but stopped after 6 repeats of increases which ended up being the x-small size so I am not really sure if that is considered a true mod ;o) Other than that I knitted according to pattern.
I did re-adjust where my increases/seam would be placed as I wanted them to line up where I originally joined the yarn for the cuffs (underneath the arm).
I will say that after only wearing them for a short time they started to sag. Can you see?
So I will need to add some elastic to the upper arm to keep them from inching down. And as far as the yarn relaxing not sure what to do about that, as I would fear to put them in the dryer for a spin and then end up with finger warmers LOL
Verdict: I've always wanted my own knitted “tattoo” arm warmers, and now I made them! Yay!
I actually think of them as my arm "stockings" Haha! And like that they offer variety in my wardrobe, at the same time showing off my knitting (kinda like a walking billboard). These are great arm enhancements!! :o)
But, hmmm, do you now need a garter belt for your sleeves? ;-)
Another good knitting job. You're working it out and making it look good.
Keep up the good work!
Darling and flirty indeed!
A belated and very public Happy Thanksgiving to you, darlin' girl.
Happy belated thanksgiving to you!
BTW, I posted the Noro sock pattern you asked about.
As for knitting 'sagging', I am afraid it all does after a wear or too whether it be a hat, gloves, socks or arm warmers we stretch it by moving our bodies. No answer to that, other than re-washing and drying or using knitting elastic which I use on most of my arm warmers at the cuffs. I don't recommend knitting it tighter, it just digs in and then still stretches.
Increases should go on the underside of arm, doesn't matter where you join yarn as you can hide it invisibly but tailoring looks best if not on show.