Corset Sample

Last Sunday, I got to take a workshop taught by Annie Modesitt. I chose the Corset Sampler class partially on whim and partially because it included techniques. I used Zitron Evita for my sample (40% cotton, 20% rayon, 40% synthetic blend of yarns, 50 grams, 120 yards). I think the sample used about half of the ball of yarn.

The top is to the left in the picture and the bottom which would sit at the top of the hip is towards the right. I went for extra credit and tried the cable chart which wasn't part of the class. It is in the middle just above the hip shaping.

Before I took the class I was thinking, 'I won't knit a corset'. But it isn't really a corset, it is a sweater that is fit like a corset. So now, I am tempted.

The question would be which yarn to use. The pattern recommends silk but I perspire. The other recommendation is cotton but I honestly don't care for the cotton top I have knit. It is heavy and the ends worm out. I am thinking synthetic so it can be washed. Oh, did I mention I got the pattern as part of the class.

So when would I knit this with all the other projects I have yarn for?

I did learn a couple of neat things. One of them was the picot edge bind off. I hadn't ever done it before. The other neat idea was for picking up stitches for an afterthought sleeve or pocket. If you do it from the back it is easier to see the stitches for the top and bottom.

I haven't used the yarn before and a want to make a couple of comments. I think the Evita worked really well for the sample. I doubt if I would use the yarn for a sweater because the rayon strand snagged slight when I was knitting. I had a slightly rough nail that caught it a couple of times. I didn't have trouble snagging anything else on Sunday.