Drum roll, please!

J'ai fini de tricoter Plissé, or words to that effect.

I am enormously happy to have finished, and quite happy that it actually fits!

Specs: Plissé by Hanne Falkenberg - purchased from Kangaroo . Color is apricot, and I used the instructions for the largest size. The only deviation from pattern was to make the sleeves a shorter length. Despite saving a wee bit of yarn on the sleeves, I ran out of yarn while half way through the final binding off. Fortunately, I have the same shade in another kit (Tivoli) in stash, so robbing Peter to pay Paul, I managed to finish. I'll worry about running out of yarn with Tivoli another day. (I'm guessing I won't be starting Tivoli any time soon.)

I wasn't willing to 'borrow' any more yarn from Tivoli, so I won't be adding the I-cord button loop at the present time. Instead, I'll use a nice little shawl pin I got from here . I've enjoyed using it with shawls, and it will work nicely for this too.

Now the big question is - what next?

Another fine Mesh...

...Mesh Peplum, that is. A Lily Chin design from the current issue of Interweave Crochet. Made using Filatura di Crosa Zara yarn. Changes: Made sleeves longer, left out front/side decrease darts, but kept them in the back. After making the bottom mesh section according to pattern directions, I thought there was not enough flare -- so, I increased the hook size (as per directions) but also increased the size of the mesh, as was done in the mesh bodice section.

As for the yarn -- I absolutely LOVE this stuff, and wish I had much, much more. Given the prices I have seen for it at various sites online, that probably isn't going to happen. I certainly will be keeping my eyes open for any closeouts (which is how I bought it originally, at Elann). In any event, I highly recommend it -- I think it would do very nicely for textured knits, too.

Are you all sick of hearing about Plissé? Yup, me too. I think I will wait to show another progress shot -- perhaps when it's done? Please, no breath holding.

Back Street WIP

Still in progress, but this is the little hussy that has been stealing time from Plissé. The specs are, Pattern: Sera Lace Top from current issue of Interweave Crochet. Designed by Doris Chan. Yarn: ONline linie 199 - metallic. Since I'm using a slightly heavier yarn I'll probably be doing fewer repeats on the body. I'll be attempting to make the sleeves three-quarter length instead of the full length of the pattern.

Not to worry, I'm still working on Plissé every day, but when it's just a couple of rows -- well, it's difficult to even notice any progress. Still, every stitch completed is just that much closer to the finish line.

Crawling Along...

...and heading towards my second long, dark night of the soul (talking 'bout sleevage, my friends).

Of course, if I actually devoted myself to Plissé it just might go a bit faster. I must confess though -- I've been unfaithful. To Plissé that is -- rest assured if I'm ever tempted spousal-ly you absolutely won't read about it here! Salacious details to follow --