the blue blog archives: <i>I like bread and butter; I like toast and jam....</i>

I couldn't wait any longer and cast on for my white bread sweater! Since the yarn isn't the fanciest (far from it!) and the colors are only pretty in the sort of so-ugly-that-they're-fabulous kinda way, I decided to at least go upscale with my techniques and am doing a tubular cast on for the ribbed edges.

People, tubular cast on is a good thing. It looks lovely and makes the stretchiest edge, which is very good in this case because this top is going to be snug! There wasn't that much yarn in the bread bag (it all fit into a bread bag - how much can it be?!), so I know I can't risk lengthening the original or widening that ribbed edge, which I would normally do with a slightly cropped design like this one. I'm already going to have to do the back in the solid green yarn that I bought to coordinate with the retro yarn and I may have to make the sleeves solid green as well. But that's okay, because I love these two colors together.

posted by alison at 9:45 am | in giant white bread

Comments

Very nicce! I love the green and pink together!

Posted by: Jennifer at March 31, 2005 9:52 AM

You're absolutely right about the tubular cast-on! I just learned how to do it (after 40+ years of knitting, mind you) and I'm a true believer. I've also been using the tubular bind-off which I truly love as well - especially since I do a lot of top-down knitting, and have always hated the look of the regular bind-off on ribbing. (I'm half tempted to pull out all those finished sweaters that have offended me with their yucky edges all these years, and re-bind-off. Luckily, I'm only HALF tempted...)
Love your colors! Looking forward to seeing the finished sweater!
Vermonty Gayle

Posted by: Gayle at March 31, 2005 10:46 AM

the tubular cast-on is so beautiful! the only problem is that it looks even better with a matching kitchener cast-off ... when i get to that part i just want to finish already, not spend ages on grafting!

i love that stripy vintage knits top, and it will look great with a solid-coloured back and sleeves.

Posted by: kris at March 31, 2005 10:47 AM

I already love it! You're right about the colors. I don't think I would have put them together, but sakes they look good!! I don't think the green sleeves or back will distract at all :)

Posted by: Vicki at March 31, 2005 11:08 AM

Your enthusiasm is infectious! I'm going to have to try that tubular cast on!

Posted by: Christie at March 31, 2005 11:25 AM

YEAH it is going to be so cool!! I can't wait to see the next color knit up.

Posted by: christina b. at March 31, 2005 1:26 PM

Your sweater looks great. I've been thinking of that very cast on since getting hooked on Fluffa! Must try it...

And Alison- I'm so excited- I'm going to knit your Nothin' But a T-Shirt as a store model at Knit Cafe (the LYS I work at)! I'm picking out colors today... love, love, LOVE the design.

Posted by: Mary-Heather at March 31, 2005 2:35 PM

I always wondered about tubular cast on thanks for the closeup - that's the effect I am looking for on my ribbed sweaters.

There seems to be a bunch of Alisons (Alli/Aly/Ally) round here. How about an Alison knit along?

Posted by: allyson at March 31, 2005 2:42 PM

You are so fast! I don't know how you do it. The sweater looks great so far and now I'm intrigued to learn about the tubular cast on. I'm a HUGE fan of the temporary cast on; I use it whenever possible!

Posted by: beth at March 31, 2005 2:51 PM

I just learned the tubular cast-on, from Lucy Neatby's "Cool Socks, Warm Feet" book, and I love it as well! Much stretchier and more professional looking. I'll have to investigate the tubular bind-off that Gayle mentions. Nice work, Alison! The stripes are going to look really great.

Posted by: Jen Hurley at March 31, 2005 5:10 PM

I am so looking forward to watching this sweater unfold! I recently tried to teach myself the tubular cast on using Montse Stanley's book and gave up in disgust. I must try again, it looks so nice.

Posted by: jo at March 31, 2005 5:59 PM

Yay for tubular cast ons! I just took a class with Beth Brown-Reinsel and I was amazed at this technique. I have yet to use it in a "real" project but you have inspired me!
I love the pink and green together, very spring-y :)

Posted by: Esther at March 31, 2005 9:45 PM

Totally tubular. Both the cast on, AND the color combo! :)

Posted by: Kim at April 1, 2005 8:19 AM