I recently knitted Laura Bryant’s pattern, Ciao Bella, using Prism Tencel Tape yarn. This is a very clever pattern, which uses 3 solid colors and one variegated color containing elements of the other 3 to produce a stunning color effect. Apart from this harmonious blend of colors, I think the real genius of the pattern is its slimming effect.
V
As I have mentioned in the past, vertical lines are slimming on the body, as the eye is drawn up and down instead of from side to side. This is why V necks, for example, seem to lengthen and slim the figure. Take a chevron pattern, which consists of many tiny Vs all over the garment, and the slimming effect is enhanced. I am very pleased by this optical illusion effect and do not think the waist shaping I added to the pattern is even necessary.
Next time I would knit this straight up and allow the drape of the tencel tape and the chevrons do all of the work for me!
It has been several months since I have written anything due to some sad circumstances at home.
My dear beloved lynx point Siamese, Bodhi, was diagnosed with terminal heart disease last December, and most of my time and efforts since were devoted to his care. As a latch key child with no siblings I was practically raised by my Siamese cats and their presence has always been the calming, loving element in a chaotic world. Bodhi was a dear friend for seventeen years and was with me to the end, breathing his last breath in my arms as my husband drove us to the hospital. He will be sorely missed.
After a time of grieving, my husband and I realized the only way we could pull ourselves out of our sense of loss was to contemplate a new addition to the family. Or should I say, additions?
Here is Manju and his brother Miroku; lilac point Siamese brothers who have just come to live with us. In case anyone wonders what their names mean, here is a picture of a Manju:
And here is my Manju, just a little fluffier, as you see:
The brothers are very affectionate and cuddle each other for hours. I am so obsessed with them that I realized I have inadvertently chosen a knitting project because it looks just like them:
The design is Alcina, a free pattern currently available on the Rowan website written by Julia Frank. When finished, it will look like this:
Miroku literally is the name for the Buddha of the future, symbolizing hope. And he is having exactly that effect. The sweet, cuddly presence of the kittens has cheered me up enormously, and so my mind has turned back to happy thoughts of knitting and upcoming patterns for fall. You will be hearing more from me soon about inspirations and fashion trends!