Indigo Ripples Skirt Knit-Along

The End

2008-01-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone that participated and contributed to this KAL. I hope you all have enjoyed making this skirt.

As the year 2007 ends, so does this KAL.

This site will stay up until the end of January 2008.

Good luck and happy knitting in the new year!

Blob No Longer!

2007-09-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

YAY! NO MORE STOCKINETTE! I can now start with the lace portion.

I know it isn't an end result but excited to move on, ya know??

laura

In Progress

2007-09-04T17:16:00.001-07:00

I am finally posting. Started my skirt some time ago but set it down to knit a baby sweater for a co-worker's shower - now I'm back at it. I think I'll probably be the last person to finish in the KAL . . . . .
I chose Lily Chin Chelsea yarn in a heathery gray. I like the feel of it and it was a decent price. I'm using the recommended needle size and my gauge is right on. Still on the increases and this is quite a boring knit, but seeing all those finished skirts is keeping me motivated. I know I'll love it when it's done. I am on vacation this week and even though my main plan is to do some serious deep cleaning and re-organizing of my craft studio I am hoping to get some quality knitting time too. I'd love to be able to wear this soon.

Finished!!

2007-08-19T14:12:00.001-07:00

I really like this skirt!! I started it August 9 and finished August 16. I wanted to get it done quickly so I could wear it to a book signing that I was helping with. Cat Bordhi came to town! Anyways, I did, and I got a lot of compliments from it.

I used KnitPick's CotLin which I like very much. I knit very loose so I used a US 3, woodens, then switched to Addi Lace Needles for the lace section. They helped a lot with the K3tog. I decided to go ahead and do those even though I know there were other options. I started the second size, got about 2-3 inches into it, tried it on and it was too big, so I went to the smallest size. I think it's because cotton expands on you.

Geeta, it's almost a Royal Blue. The only thing about the CotLin is that it kind of sheds, not bad, but you will have fibers all over you when you put your knitting down.

I'm not sure when I will get to the next one, but it will be soon.

Finally Getting to My Skirt

2007-08-13T19:30:00.001-07:00

I love this pattern!! I started it Thursday morning and am about half way through the lace section now. I am really motivated to get it done by Friday, and start a second one before then as well.

I am doing this one in Knit Picks Cot-Lin, and have used 4 or 5 balls so far. This is the Nightshade colorway and I just received the Royal Plum color in today's mail.

A close up of lace ....

2007-07-27T16:43:00.001-07:00

and definition of sssk.

Sssk = slip 3 stitches knit wise from left needle to right needle and then knit all three sitches together through the back loops (this can be a bit tight). Click on this link to see a video illustration of ssk (you'll just add another stitch to this) http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/videos//decrease/ssk-english-rds.mpg

Finally, thanks for the comments - I truly appreciate them.

Happy stitching : )

Mother Nature is so sweet ...

2007-07-25T17:48:00.001-07:00

she patiently waited until I finished Indigo Ripples before sending along the perfect weather to wear it in.

Yarn: Reynolds Soft Linen

50 gr = 94 yds (86m) - not quite 7 skeins

53% flax, 47% acylic (easy to care for)

Color: 0404 (a golden color with just a hint of Chartreuse)

Needles: Addi Turbo Size 5, 24" circular

This was a pleasure to knit, thanks in part to all who contribute to this blog. Your input urged me to knit this and your sugessted changes guided me down my own path of perfection. So, without further adieu, the following are the modifications I made - I think you'll recognize most of them ; )

Needle size - suggested needle (size 6) gave me stitches that were not quite tight enough, so I took it down a size. The guage wasn't perfect, but it was close enough. The Stockinette Portion of this skirt is about 15". The length the pattern suggested was too racey for the polished Boston IP firm that greatly contributes to the support of my fiber addiction. The Lace Section is worked using only the first 40 rows, which perfectly complimented the length of stockinette and allows the hem to just flirt with bottom of my knee. Also in the lace section, as so many have suggested, I used the sssk instead of sl 1, k2tog, psso. In the Ruffle Section ... I substituted knit rounds (rows 1 and 11) instead of purl rounds. Finally, I elected to do a traditional bind off, as the release date of Harry Potter loomed close by.

The stockinette portion...

2007-07-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hey there Ladies and Gents!

I'm through with the increasing and now just workin' on the stockinette portion. I'm going to do that until it flirts with my knees (like most, I'd like the skirt to be a little bit longer). Any suggestions on making the stockinette part flyyyyyyyyyyyy by?? I'm taking a road trip from DC to SC with my old man so that'll be good but just wonderin' what ya'll did. My boyfriend and I have gotten hooked on Lost too so we spent a weekend in watching season one...since you really need to concentrate during that show, stockinette was preferable.

Thanks!
Laura

Just in time for Lake Placid!

2007-07-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

Here is my finished skirt:

And here's a closeup shot:

I love it and it'll look perfect on me while I am in Lake Placid this weekend! I'll have to save it and wear it on Monday so that even though I'll feel horrible after doing Ironman, at least I'll look super-cute.
More details on my blog.

SATURDAY JULY 14,2005

2007-07-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

I finished my skirt here r some pics

Almost there!

2007-07-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

I am row 10 of the ruffle - yippee! This dang ruffle has taken FOREVER. I especially didn't enjoy the (k2tog)6x, (yo, k1)6x rows. And I'm not looking forward to the bind off either, because I've read that it takes forever as well. What's the difference between a regular bind off and the bind off the pattern calls for? I think I read where someone used a regular bind off, and it worked fine. What is the advantage of doing the other one?

Another New Joiner

2007-07-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

I just found this group through Teri's blog. I saw this skirt in person a couple of weeks ago at the Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene, Oregon. Oh my goodness it was cute!! I have since then gotten to know the gal who was wearing it and got some ideas from her on what would work for me. I will be using CotLin from Knitpicks, once it is back in stock. My 13 yod now wants one as well, so I see two of these being knit up as quickly as possible this summer.

Thanks for letting me join in the fun.

cotton fleece

2007-07-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for responding to my post. I got some 29 inch size 6's and anticipate getting bigger ones.

Question--

Anyone using cotton fleece? I am. I'm using jungle green and am very excited about it but I know that their dyelots can vary A LOT. Does anyone know how I can get one of a specific dyelot or is that close to impossible?

WELCOME NEWCOMERS

Laura

Just started

2007-07-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I just started my Indigo Ripples Skirt and I am using Rowan Denim Nashville. I am really excited with the progress but my fingers are quite blue. I am about 20 or so rows in.

I love the different colors people have chosen. Keep up the great work!

Joining in

2007-07-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

Hi, I've been lurking and reading for a while. Thought i would join in. No pics right now. I am on the last purl round of the lace right before the BO. I am using Cotton Ease in the charcoal color and doing the smallest size on size 4's. I did my own mods also for the same reasons as all ya'll. Thanks for all the info. I have been doing mine on two circulars=got tired of threading waste yarn through to try it on. I THOUGHT I was okay on the size and did try it on as I went but it seems bigger around than what I would like but I can live with it. I spread my increases out too far I think. This cotton ease seems heavy now with all this length. I think I MIGHT do another in the real denim ecru and be more careful in my increases. Love how those have turned out. I will post a pic if I can get a decent one.

Finished!

2007-07-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, the only camera I have access to right now is the iSight on my work computer...which isn't a particularly good camera. I had a terrible time getting a decent pic (had to stand on my desk chair!).

Regardless, the skirt is finished, I love it, and you'll have to take my word for it that it looks far better in real life than in this picture.

As I mentioned in my last post, I had to buy another ball of yarn to complete the skirt -- I ran out during the bind-off round. The new ball (different dye lot) was darker, but not too noticeable on the bind-off...I could definitely see the difference in the drawstring, though. However, it came out of the washer and dryer matching the rest of the skirt! Yay! Even in full sunlight, I can't tell the difference.

I have the full list of my mods and other impressions on my blog.

I'll definitely be making more skirts in the future (unless this does that saggy bum thing, and then all bets are off)!

Greetings from a new member

2007-07-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

...with some questions.

Hello!! My name is Laura and I just casted on the Indigo Ripples Skirt two nights ago and I'm thrilled to have joined this group. My blog is at this link.

I have a few questions for ya and hope you can help.

1-is anyone using cotton fleece? how's that coming?

2- I'm using size 6 needles and it's working fine but is it the end of the world if i dont have a 29 inch one?? I know eventually it might get to be a pain but is the skirt affected if you dont use 29 inch ones?

3- On Round 1, there's an increase round then you do seed stich for three rows THEN you do another increase round. I do not understand how you get four increased stitches from this round. I seem to only get two. Can someone help me out? Is it worked over two rounds??

Thanks!
laura

You have got to be kidding me!

2007-07-01T09:37:00.001-07:00

So, I haven't had this happen in years, but I....sigh...ran out of yarn.

On the bind-off round. Those of you who haven't gotten to it yet, make sure to allocate more than a full ball of yarn for that ruffle (if you're using Rowan Denim). That thing is a yarn-eating monster. I'm kicking myself for not knowing better -- I knew it would be close, but I thought I'd squeak by.

So, there are two LYS open today in my neck of the woods that carry Rowan (not sure if they stock Denim...much less my dye lot), so I'll be hitting those up before starting to search on the web (I initially bought the yarn from Webs, but they're out of stock).

Wish me luck. There's no way I'm ripping back and removing rows in order to avoid buying more yarn...like I said, that ruffle is a monster!

ETA: One of my LYS had Rowan Denim in stock...in my color...but not my dye lot. I brought a scrap with me to compare the two in natural light, and while it isn't an exact match, it's very close (it's just ever-so-slightly darker -- the tone is the same). Given that the yarn fades with washing and bleeds all over the place, I bought a ball and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that it won't be too obvious. I think I may improvise a little clutch out of the leftovers for a friend.

Hello!

2007-06-27T20:48:00.001-07:00

I'm new to this KAL, so I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. I just cast on for this skirt earlier this evening, tried it on after 4 rounds, and found it was too big. I've ripped everything out and am going with the smaller size. I am a bit scared of knitted skirts, but after seeing so many cute Indigo Ripples out there, I thought I'd take a shot at it. I'm using Rowan Denim in the Memphis color (medium blue). My goal is to have it done by July 17th - we've leaving for Lake Placid, NY on the 18th so I can do Ironman USA on the 22nd. Lake Placid seems like such a cute little town that I thought I needed a cute skirt to walk around in! Hopefully being a part of this KAL will help me meet that deadline.

Anyway, just wanted to say hi. I'll post my progress as time goes on.

Getting ready...

2007-06-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

I'm dying to knit this skirt but I have another project on my #6 circulars right now so it is going to have to wait. I do have the yarn ready though... Knit One Crochet Too 2nd Time Cotton in artichoke 534.

The yarn is a little more green than in the photos... exactly what I had in mind!

Blog posts here.

i finally finished!

2007-06-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

After putting the needles down for nearly 3 weeks, I got off my butt and finished the darn thing.

More details in my Nitting Ninja blog.

c'est fini

2007-06-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

It's done! Sorry that I don't have a modelled shot - my skinny friend and I are nowhere near the same size.
Here's a close up of the lace (colour is more accurate in the first picture):

And here are the stats...

Yarn: Lana Knits allhemp3 (fingering weight); 5 skeins in deep ocean (that's only $30 CDN for yarn!)
Needles: no-name 2.75mm circs for the stockinette portion and 3.0mm Addi Lace circs for lace section
Mods: sssk mirrored decrease; M1L increase in Rnd 25; modified the increase rate to accomodate the difference in row gauge but kept the number of sts increased identical to the pattern; knit the largest size in the pattern for a 28" waist finished size; stockinette portion is 13" long and overall length is 21"; crocheted chain (using 4 strands) instead of i-cord for the waist tie

Things I learned... You can't do i-cord using a non-stretchy yarn. You must wash and block hemp to get the right gauge. If you're using hemp for lace, use the pointy-est needles. If I make this again, I would use a longer circ.

I love the hemp. It can be tricky to work with but the end result is breathtaking. The drape is incredible and the resulting fabric is incredibly soft. Plus it's machine wash & dry!

I look forward to seeing more finished skirts.

Off to a late start...

2007-06-09T23:10:00.001-07:00

I joined this KAL awhile ago, but had a couple other things ahead of it in the queue...

I finally managed to start knitting this today. I'm using Rowan Denim in Nashville (that dark, dark blue), and US 5 needles (like everyone else, I was wowed by Eunny's finished skirt). I decided to try my hand at modifying the fit of the skirt. I won't get into the exact way I'm going about it, but the end result (I hope) is that instead of hitting at my waist, the top of the skirt will sit a couple inches lower -- low waist or high hip (I really can't stand having anything tight around my stomach).

No pics yet, but I've got about 3.5-4 inches done (one ball of Denim). And tons of blue dye on my hands.

Finito!

2007-06-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

Finished just in time to greet our first wave of summer visitors, which starts Monday. I might be able to get some better pics, but this was it for now. The hubby is working long hours, so it's dark by the time he gets home. I did draft my 3.5 year old for a pic, it's surprisingly good (it'll be on my blog soon), but didn't really show the skirt.

The pre blocking picture scared me, but after a good washing and some pins, I am pleased with the shape. I can't wait to see how it "wears." So, final specs:
Yarn- Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece- color wolverine
Mods- used the sssk mirror decrease, worked 50 rows of the lace pattern rather than 60, made the stockinette stitch panel longer, and crocheted a tie rather than using the I-cord.

Good luck fellow ripplers, I can't wait to see all the finished skirts!

almost done

2007-06-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

I am on row 57!!!!!! And every row has 288 sts in it. Can you believe it? If I never knit another fingering weight skirt, it will be too soon. What was I thinking when I started this? I blame it on the hemp. I wanted to use it sooooo badly. But I am very pleased with the results.

And here's a close up of the lace. Can you see the M1L increase that I used? If you look closely you should be able to spot it.

I hope to finish the skirt this weekend and then I get to start the i-cord for the waist tie. I'm real excited about that - not!

2007-06-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

The Indigo Ripples Skirt has had to take a back seat. I tried on what I had done and it was way to big. I mean another sizing dimension altogether! I have decided to put it to one side until I get the exact yarn as I don't know if it was caused by the yarn or my bad maths. (most likely the maths combined with my lack of skill with circular needles!) Once I save up and get the yarn then I'll know for sure!

Hopefully I might get it this weekend (payday woohoo) if I can find a supplier!
Otherwise any substitute yarn ideas would be most welcome!

Do-Over

2007-06-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

I have started the lace, and in fact, stopped somewhere near round 31 and proceeded with the ruffle. I have since botched up part of the ruffle and I think I will frog it and try again. I have also decided that I like the skirt with more lace, so now I am going to try and figure out where I stopped and pick it up. This may mean frogging the whole thing, but I hope not. Of course, I didn't write anything down- that would be too easy!

FYI: Pattern Correction

2007-06-01T19:27:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to remind everyone and also inform those that are new to this KAL, there is a correction for this pattern. It can be found here:

http://katcoyle.blogspot.com/2007/04/indigo-ripples-skirt-errata.html

I know a lot of you are just starting into the lace part of this skirt and that is the part of the skirt that this correction is for.

For those of you that just joined, don't be shy, jump right in and tell us about yourself and your skirt!

Thanks!
Teri
(Your hostess)

Hello fellow Ripplers

2007-06-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

I swear I am not taking pics of the skirt with my beverages on purpose- coffee this time. It's just that's where I have been working lately and I only have so much time before the wee ones are up, so I take what I can get as far as photo ops go. I am about 24ish rows into the lace at this point. I haven't used many stitch markers in lace knitting before, but I swear by them now- especially with frequent interruptions. I wasn't going to go the full length on the lace, but I haven't decided where to end, so I'll just keep knitting. Ciao!

another mod

2007-05-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

I just finished knitting Rnd 25 of the lace section and I made a mod that I thought I'd share with everyone else. In that rnd, the instructions use a M1R increase. In the location of the increase, the stitches lean to the left so if you do a M1L the increase leans in the same direction. There's nothing wrong with the M1R but I think the M1L is a little more esthetically pleasing. Let me know what you think.

lace time!

2007-05-30T08:57:00.001-07:00

I finished the stockinette section and I've got 16 rnds (approx 2") of the lace done. I switched to Addi Lace turbos before I started the lace and boy, am I glad I did that. I don't think I could execute k3tog or sssk with the other needles. I also noticed that the M1R was also much easier to do.

Ciao!

2007-05-29T13:32:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am impressed with this technology...I'll say it for you, it doesn't take much. This picture is how I spent my Friday night. I am going through a spate of ill-tempered swatch gauges- and, I discovered that my skirt was, actually going to be a parachute had I continued as planned. So, back to the drawing board I went. I am happy to say that I just finished the first round of the lace tonight, but stopped myself from going further. I think Cosmos and lace don't mix in this case. I will snap a pic at some point tomorrow. It's wonderful seeing all the finished skirts. Truth be told, I have a couple hesitations about knitting a skirt- especially one out of cotton fleece. I fear the "bum" rumple after sitting for a while. Maybe I just won't sit when I wear it......
I am making it out of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, color Wolverine. Cheers!

Sinéad's Project Begins...

2007-05-28T00:31:00.001-07:00

Hello eveyone, this is my first knit along and I'm really excited about it!

I'm a newbie knitter; only going since January so this is my most challenging project so far. It's my first circular knitted project. I'm having some maths issues as I need to increase the size of the pattern, but Kat Coyle has given me some great tips.

I'm trying it out first on some stash wool I have rather than go and buy the proper yarn to see if it works out. If it does then I'll grab the Rowan Denim.

I'll post a pic as soon as I have enough done - I'm about 8 rounds into it so far.
It's very inspiring to see others finished works and works in progress, so thanks for letting me join up!

Sinéad

Teri's Indigo Ripples Skirt in Progress

2007-05-26T19:55:00.001-07:00

Well here is my progress so far on the skirt. I don't have nearly as much done as I would like to have done. I have a few more rows of increases and a ton of straight stockenette....ugh....before I start in on the lace part of the pattern. It really is going rather quickly, I have just been busy with other things lately such as learning to play golf. You can read more about this on my personal blog.

Ta Da!

2007-05-24T07:17:00.001-07:00

It's done! I love this skirt! We'll see how it does when the real heat and humidity hit south Florida, but for the unseasonably cool(ish) and dry weather we're having now, it's perfect.

Without a flash, kinda blurry:

Better view of stitch detail with a flash:

Closeup of washed and blocked lace:

Specifications and modifications (the ones I can remember):

Materials: 8 balls of Rowan Denim in Ecru on size 5 needle for a slightly tighter gauge than usual with that yarn.

Longer stockinette section (about 13" after washing), shorter lace section (40 rounds instead of 60), twill tape drawstring instead of i-cord. I don't think I have enough yarn left for an i-cord, but I may do a double-strand crochet chain if I have enough for that. And I used sssk instead of sl1, k2tog, pssso opposite the k3tog on the mirrored decreases.

This skirt was really enjoyable to knit and I learned a lot from it. I'd been afraid of trying lacy patterns before, but once I figured out how the pattern worked (after, oh, 4 or 5 attempts) it was fun. I'd hardly ever used stitch markers before but now I understand why I should. And I'd never used a row counter before (is that what they call that thing?), but now I know why my mom gave me one so many years ago! I may even use it again...

Thanks for all the tips and photos the rest of you have posted here and on your blogs! I look forward to seeing more finished skirts!

Stitches to See Thru

2007-05-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

I casted on the 168 stitches on a size 6 needle using Rowan Denim. I found that it was a little see thru (i got 5.2 stitches to the inch).. I want to make it tighter , when I go ona 4 needle i get 5.5 stitches to the inch.. Ilike that gauge, how do i figure out how many stitches to cast on for that needle.. Please help

back on track

2007-05-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

The skirt was on hiatus for a few weeks while I searched for some very elusive Addi Lace Turbo needles (finally got them Fri at a local fibrefest - probably the last ones on the entire continent). And yesterday night, I was at my bf's for supper and I snooped through her closet a little (with the help of her boyfriend) to figure out what length I should knit the skirt. Now that I know what length the stockinette/lace should be, I am ready to start knitting again. Woo hoo!

Ecru Ripples?

2007-05-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to find this blog! I've never joined a knit-along before, but the timing was perfect for this one. I started my off-white version of indigo ripples a few weeks ago and I'm almost done. I'm using some of Eunny Jang's modifications, using Rowan Denim in ecru and a tighter gauge, with an even longer stockinette panel and less lace. I'm getting a little nervous about the shrinkage factor though. If the skirt shrinks 5-10% in width I'll be fine, but more than 10% in length may be too much. I'm trying to decide tonight whether to undo the beginning of the ruffle and add another lace section. I think I have exactly enough yarn for that (but not enough yarn -- or patience -- to knit and wash a big swatch!).

KAL Button

2007-05-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

I'd like to add it to my blog but I don't know how. Could some very kind soul explain to me how I go about doing that? I will be eternally grateful!

Hi!

2007-05-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

I'm Elizabeth and how exciting! I love this skirt so much, I really need to start wearing it but unfortunately I never go anywhere that requires dressing up. The skirt took me roughly one week to finish. I used Silk City Cotton Perle 3/2 on Addi Turbo size 6's(US). The skirt is slightly longer than the pattern calls for. If I knit another one I'll probably make it so that it sits lower on my hips and maybe go down one needle size. BTW, I really enjoyed knitting with the SC cotton, I wasn't sure if i'd like it because the yarn is spun so tightly but it ends up draping very nicely and it's soft.

Hi & introduction

2007-05-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm new to the KAL. I am knitting the skirt for my BF and I can't talk about it on my own blog so this is a great place for me to write about it. I am using a fingering weight yarn called allhemp3 - 100% hemp in the colour deep sea. I cast on the largest size with 2.75mm needles (one size smaller than the recommended needle size because I want a non-see-through fabric) so the finished size is actually the same as the smallest size in the pattern. I am still working on the stockinette part of the skirt and I've got about 9.5" done. There are a few other mods that I'll be making - instead of increasing stitches in the lace section, I am going to go up in needle size for each increase. This will increase the drape of the skirt. Here is a pic of the stockinette:

The hemp is a pain to work with - it has no stretch so doing the M1L and M1R increases are pretty tricky even with pointy needles. There are also little bits of vm that I'm picking out the yarn. But after it's been washed and dried - it feels like butter so it's worth the grief.

Progress and my cat

2007-05-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture showing my progress so far. My cat was being a dork last night and insisted in getting some attention. I got a few more rounds completed last night after these pictures were taken.

my progress so far...

2007-05-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

i'm using brown sheep cotton fleece in Slate Gray.

Indigo Ripples Skirt KAL is Here!

2007-05-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is the official blog for the Knit-Along of the Indigo Ripples Skirt by Kat Coyle. Unfortunately this is not a free pattern on the Interweave Knits website, so you will have to pick up a copy of the Spring 2007 issue.

The pattern calls for size 6 (4 mm): 24" and 29" circular needles and 2 double pointed needles. The yarn suggested/used in the pattern is Garnstudio Den-M-Nit (100% cotton). Unfortunately, Garnstudio has discontinued this yarn.

Click here to see an up close picture of the skirt.

There is one correction for the pattern and it can be found here.

I am going to be using Lion Brand Cotton Ease in the Violet colorway. You will need anywhere from 800 to 1200 yards of yarn depending on the size you make.