Monday, September 17, 2007

FO: Fifi pour Maman

Apologies for the artificial light; it was nighttime when we celebrated Mom's birthday, and believe me, no one else I know could model this. She's wery leetle, my mozzehr. See how the lightswitch is at shoulder height?


She's also in ridiculously good shape. Seriously, she's about 63.2% of my size and could probably kick my ass, if she ever took the notion into her head. She doesn't really like showing off the guns though, so she doesn't wear tank tops or cap sleeves much. I assumed she'd wear Fifi under a jacket or shrug or something, but she opted to wear it over a long sleeve shirt instead.


I think it actually works pretty well.

The dirt:

Pattern: Fifi, by French Girl Designs
Yarn: Rowan Calmer, in "Chiffon", ~3.5 balls. I have no idea how I used so much less than everyone else who made this size, but I'm not complaining. Extra Calmer = Shedir!
Size: Followed directions for 33.5" bust, but at tighter gauge -- I got 6 spi in stockinette.
Needles: US7
Modifications: I added several inches to the length, but other than that it's pretty much by the book. I did lose the pattern a couple repeats into the bias rib section of the torso, so I had to make that one up from what I could remember -- I can see where the change is, but I don't think anyone else can, and both methods look fine.


This shot is 100% candid and I love it. Props to The Lady.

My thoughts on this pattern? Well, since I'm a strong believer in the Good-Bad-Good method of criticism, here goes: As far as the Big Picture, I love everything about this top. The shape of the sleeves, the staggering of the cables, the clear contrast between the yoke and the rest of the torso, yet with the continuity of that one central cable. It's great.

When we get down to the details, however, it just doesn't all come together as cleanly as I'd like. Sure, there were the errata, but since I sort of only kept one eye on the pattern anyway, I didn't even notice and just did what made sense, which was, of course, what the pattern should have said to begin with. But also, where the cables are staggered, the spacing isn't consistent or symmetrical. To correct this would have required changing the spacing of the cable twists throughout the whole garment (which coincidentally would have made the cable repeat and the bias rib repeat line up MUCH better, but that's another issue entirely), so I left it alone. No harm done really. Just my spatial, mathy side grumbling a little.

All that said, besides being cute in general, this thing is so precisely my mom's style that I can't be unhappy about it. I'm chalking this one up as a win.

16 comments:

Kristy said...

It looks great! I really like it over a long-sleeved t-shirt, too!

I think it's good to report honestly about the patterns. It's useful for those who are possibly knit it in the future.

Ashley said...

That was actually the first thing I thought when I saw this on flickr: "Gosh, your mom is teeny! And in awesome shape!"

It looks great on her. Hooray for successful b-day presents, particularly ones that make for leftover Shedirs!

Unknown said...

You've hit the nail on the head there. If the recipient likes it, it's a success!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a perfectly tailored top! Way to go!

Anonymous said...

Wow -- I don't think I could knit a sweater for anyone else that successfully. It looks great (and you're right -- you're mom *is* in fantastic shape. Wish my arms looked like that...)

You should be proud!

DAWN said...

She is so cute and lovely in the top you made for her. And those arms! holy cow! Show those babies off, mama, show them off.

JulieFrick said...

Oh, wow. I get to be the first to say oooh, lala!

Stacey said...

that looks great! you mom is so buff!!! :) I like how she wore it over the long sleeve tee.

pamela wynne said...

Wow, Fifi's a win, all right!

Your mom looks totally fantastic in it, and I do like it over the darker purple tee.

Courtney said...

Cuteness!

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh - that is so cute!! I've never seen that pattern before and now I totally want it. I also want your mom's guns. WOWZA.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! And how cute is your mum?

Anonymous said...

I'm caught up on your blog now and really liking all your home remodeling and knitting and life stories. I remember being in Ashland, OR when the decision to not let everyone be married really bummed me out - especially since it was Oregon! Anyways, your mom should totally show off her guns! They're amazing. She is in fantastic shape and the top looks great on her.

Anonymous said...

Your mom is definitely rocking Fifi! The sweater looks fantastic, and she looks great in it :)

Macoco said...

It looks beautiful on your mom! I like it over the long sleeved shirt.

Elizabeth said...

It's beautiful! Thanks for reminding me that I want to knit this top in the spring. *Adds to Ravelry queue*.

And yeah, your mom looks fab. I wish I looked that good!