Tivoli Knit-Along

Tivoli Knit-Along Closed

2007-01-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

Activity on this blog has slowed down significantly, most likely because the Tivoli pattern has been out for awhile and because the weather is cold now in the northern hemisphere. Thus, I am officially closing the knit-along and will not be allowing new posts or members. I will leave this blog up as a reference for others.

Thank you to all of you who participated and posted!

Off and on the needles

2006-12-22T00:49:00.000-08:00

Here's my Picovoli I knitted to wear at my friends' wedding in August. I also sew a matching skirt. I've been wearing Picovoli on several occasions now and definitely love it!

And here's me knitting a pink Tivoli which I started immediately after completing the Picovoli:

However, although I used exactly the same yarn (only of different colour), same needles and same number of stitches, it turned out to be quite a bit smaller than the black one! I was sooo disappointed that I just tossed it aside and decided to return to it later... maybe in spring or early summer... Right now it's winter here and warmer projects are definitely to be preferred!

Merry Christmas to you all!

2nd Tivoli: Done!

2006-10-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Just cast off and blocked today - Just thought I'd post a couple pics of this :)

Pic at the point that the main piece is almost done. Here is a really good shot of how this yarn shows any imperfection. There's one section where the row looks puckered/twisted. I swear to you that this was not caused by my knitting or genuinely twisted stitches, but rather the plying of the yarn. Most of this was corrected via blocking, but sure gave me a heart attack.

One sleeve done! One more to go!

Pre blocking!

Post blocking! (20 minutes later!)

Close-up of where the crochet meets the main piece at the collar.

Tivoli #2: Long sleeved!

2006-09-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

IMG_2204
Originally uploaded by brennx0r.

This is still a work in progress, but I'm very happy with the progress - now I'm in the home stretch! One more arm to do, and the crocheted edging, (and blocking) and voila! Stick a fork in it.

I decided, in the end, not to go with the K2P2 rib at the bottom. Turns out that the alpaca yarn is a little but too unstretchy for me to be able to pull it off without looking like a large blue sausage. So, I decided instead that for the last 20 rows that I would have it be knit, with every fifth row having M1 at the beginning and middle of the row such that there's a little flaring out. I then did a crocheted edging (3 rows) along the bottom. To make the sleeves, I just did this:

Take the live stitches off the stitch holders, using a US4 circular needle. Though I'm using a circular needle, the first couple rows are going to be knit flat. I then did:

Row 1: Pick up one stitch of raglan edging (main body), K till end of row.
Row 2: Pick up one stitch of raglan edging, P till end of row.

Repeat these two rows until the raglan edging is all done, and the only other stitches to pick up are the stitches for the underarms. The picking up stitches part should end on a knit row; instead of making a P row, pick up the underarm stitches (pick up one for every underarm stitch there is - this way there isn't bunching or pulling in this area). Once all the stitches are picked up, PM and continue knitting in the round (using the magic loop method, but you could also do DPNs).

For my case, there wasn't a need to add increase rows, but I ended up starting decrease rows after knitting about 6-8 inches of length:

Row 1: Once at beginning of row (slip marker to other needle), K1, K2Tog, K till last three sts, SSK, K1.
Rows 2 - 11: K one round.

You might want to adjust this depending on how slim or burly your arms are. Throughout this whole process I was trying on the sleeve in order to make sure the fit was right.

I ended this at 1/2 sleeves, and CO. At this point, I crocheted 3 rows of edging to stabilize the sockinette, but you could adjust this to your fancy - LACE! Ribbing! The possibilities are endless :)

Ahh well. Off to finish the other sleeve! Happy knitting!

Count me in!

2006-09-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies!

I'm making my Tivoli in a white worsted cotton that my sister gave me for Christmas last year. I'm using size 6's and getting 19 sts/4 in so I'm making the 32" size to fit my 36" chest...I think it should work out. I'll post pics as soon as I have some progress to show.

Here's my blog:
Sticks, Strings, & Things with Wings

Knit on.

New here ...

2006-09-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I'm new here & I'm hoping that all of you will be able to get me to finish my top - lol ... it's been on the needles for a while now ......

I made a button for my blog too!

Sewing down live stitches?

2006-08-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've started working on my sleeves, with one done - I've kept the live stitches on a stitch holder because I'm not exactly sure how I'm supposed to sew them down. Can anyone give me some instructions?

Almost done

2006-08-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here is my Picovoli right now...I just have the sleeves and blocking to be done. I added a few rows of ribbing at the bottom to stop it from rolling up at the bottom.

New Picovoli

2006-08-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hello

I am making size 40 Picovoli in patons double knitting (100%) cotton. My raglan yoke looks very different from all the completed picovoli. I checked with Kathy (Grumperina). I k-f/b on the wrong side. My knitting is very loose around the stickmarker. Hope you can see my odd raglan yoke form the picture. Comments and suggestions welcomed on how I can correct my raglan.
Arlene

Tivoli Knit-Along

Done!

2006-08-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

I still need to weave in the ends and block it, but it is done!

it's done!!

2006-08-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

I finally finished! Here she is:

The first photo was taken last night, fresh off the needles; the second, today, just after I applied a crocheted edging:

I used Plymouth Wildflower DK for this, just for the record. I haven't washed or blocked it yet (as if you couldn't tell). I'm so excited! This is the first garment I ever knit for myself, and only the second sweater-type thing (the first being a cardigan I knit for my nephew last year). I think it came out pretty nicely all things considered.

Washable Yarn Suggestions?

2006-08-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone! I've been lurking here as I finished my first Tivoli in SWTC Bamboo. (My camera is having issues, so I can't yet share my finished photos. Arghh.) It was such a fun knit that I'd like to make a second, this time for a friend who refuses to hand-wash anything. I've been reading previous posts to check for Picovoli made with washable yarns. Have any of you found washable yarns that work well and look good even after the dreaded initial washing? Thanks for your help!

2006-08-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings fellow Pivo-tico-tivo-pico-voli-ers!

I'm working on getting started on one of my own. I have this supply of black Shine Worsted that I bought for another project and didn't wind up using it for (Tubey...changed to Karabella Aurora 8).

I'm trying to use the Shine Worsted....and I'm getting 24 stitches to 4" on size 6 needles with my flat knitted gauge swatch.

This seems impossible, considering the original yarn (regular Shine sport)/needles (US #4) called for. My plan was to find a reasonable gauge and then choose a smaller size based on the gauge I get, rather than having to futz with the pattern excessively. I don't want to use an overly tight needle size, so I can preserve the hang of the garment.

I'd love to know if
a) I'm crazy
b) I'm the world's tightest
knitter
c) other people got similar gauge and subbed Shine Worsted in this pattern

TIA for any help you can offer!

New to KAL

2006-07-31T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, my name is Becky and I'm new to this KAL. I've been working on my Picovoli for a couple of weeks now. I'm using the yarn called for in the pattern in a lovely purple (see photo). I have decided to make a few changes though, so I guess you could say I'm going to do a mix of Tivoli/Picovoli. I'm going to do the picots on the sleeves, but not on the neckline or waistline. I'm also going to do some loose ribbing at the bottom to keep it from rolling. I messed up on that a little bit so I had to rip back some of it. At the moment I haven't got the time to concentrate on it so I'm going to work on a more time sensitive project for this week and come back to it soon. Here are some photos of mine:

Just the beginnings.

Past the armholes.

I've found this to be a quick knit actually. If I hadn't stopped to work on something else I definitely think I would have been done by now. Fingers crossed it will be done in another couple of weeks.

a little more progress

2006-07-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

I knit for a little while at the bookstore today, seeing as how it is TOO HOT AND HUMID to do anything else except eat garden-fresh tomatoes ☺

Here is the current status, about 1/2way through the waist decreases:

Closeups of the decreases:

I feel like the Worlds. Slowest. Knitter. AND I feel like my K2togs are leaving weird holey areas. Oh well. They only show up when a little stretch is applied so it’s not really visible in the pics what I am talking about.

Yaaaay! Finished!

2006-07-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I was three days over my birthday goal date but I finished.

I used Eden bamboo yarn. It's very, very soft but it split like crazy and I find that even after blocking the stitches look a bit uneven. I had to add sixteen rows and stretch it out to block it but I've had to do that with every sweater I've made. I'm not pleased with how the neck line doesn't lay flat but oh well. I will definitely wear it!

2006-07-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm Merle aka miramis and I'm so glad I found this knit-along!

I've been invited to a wedding in August and so I planned to make a new outfit for that occasion, that is to knit a top and sew a skirt. When I plunged into the internet in search for patterns, I found the Picovoli pattern, Grumperina and this KAL and got really excited. I must say that all the Tivolis/Picovolis look so pretty on you! I casted on mine last week and did all the short row stuff for the first time in my life - I had not even heard of short rows until a couple of months ago but now I'm totally in love with the technique! How clever! Right now I'm at the waist increases (sorry, no pictures yet).
But wait.. as I tried it on some minutes ago with half of the increases done, I found that it looked too tight on me, uncomfortably tight. I'm afraid I've done something wrong, maybe chosen the wrong size from the very beginning although it seemed perfect before... Well, I guess I must have a second look in the daylight (it's past midnight here in Estonia) and then decide what to do... No ripping tonight, although I'd so much like to do that in order to start knitting again as soon as possible!
By the way, the yarn I use is TopTex Edita Glamour (55% cotton, 45% viscose) from Czech Republic, you can see the colours etc on this website. I've chosen black but I also have Edita in pink so I'm almost sure that there will also be a pink Tivoli or Picovoli in my wardrobe :)

P.S. Here's my English knitting & crocheting blog and here's the one in the Estonian language (with more pictures)

introductory post

2006-07-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm webhill and I have a knitting blog at http://knitworth.blogspot.com
I have been working on a Tivoli (Picovoli without the Picot edging) for a while now and just tried it on for the first time today. I have been going through the archives to look for help with all kinds of things so I am really glad to finally join. I just realized I didn't have my marker in place under the right underarm and I am only about an inch away from really NEEDING it there so I was happy to notice a discussion of where it goes back in the first month of archives :)

Here is a picture of my WIP (if this works :)):

I'm using Plymouth Wildflower DK yarn for this, and making the 36" size, if anyone cares.

2006-07-18T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

This is so late and there are no pics but I had to share the labour of love that is the knitting of Picovoli with those who will actually appreciate it.

I bought some bamboo yarn to make the Lotus Blossom Tank from the cover of Interweave Knits only to find that I suck at and hate lace knitting and therefore the project was a disaster. I ripped it all out many times and decided it was the perfect time to start Picovoli.

I finished all the raglan increases only to find that I had way too many stitches. I ripped a few rows out and tried again. Still too many stitches. I slipped it over my head just to make sure it was too big and I looked like I was wearing a Elizabethan ruff or like I was one of those lizards with the fanned gills around thier head. I had been a moron and I had increased at the beginning of the round marker as well as at the raglan markers. So, I had to frog it back to the cast on.

Now I was starting to panic that by the time I finished it it would be fall and too cold to wear it. So I busted ass on the weekend and now I'm at the waist decrease section. I would have taken pictures but seeing as it just barely covers my chest I thought it would be more appropriate on a different kind of website, if you catch my drift.

I hope that I can finish it by my birthday (this Thursday) so I can wear it proudly then. Pictures to come very soon, I hope.

Starting is so sweet

2006-07-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks for letting me join in on the knit along fun! I just got some yarn at my LYS that screamed "Picovoli" to me. I'm excited to get started. It's Takhi Stacey Charles Siena yarn. It was 1/2 off adn I couldn't resist the colorway. It's a flat tape type yarn. I took it home and started a swatch and am very excited to knit with this yarn. Hopefully I'll get to cast on this week!

Tivoli - will Elann Sonata work?

2006-07-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

I purchased some of the Elann Cotton Sonata yarn and wonder if it would be suitable for a Tivoli or a Picovoli. It's the yarn used in the Knitty Soleil top. Has anyone used this yarn for a Tivoli?

A "BUSY" Tivoli / Bizoli!!

2006-07-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else drawn to multi color yarn but actually like the look of solid color clothing best? That would be me. I purchased the coolest yarn back in the Spring - Classic Elite Fame - in a lovely varigated purple colorway. The yarn is a nubby silk / rayon blend that is oh-so-soft! Had trouble finding a project that I could get gauge until Tivoli. I started this top right before vacation and finished it on the way home. I love the fit and I'm "ok" with the color. I decided I'm making another one in a solid color!!! With the picot trim, if I can ever figure it out.

(Please ignore the fact that the top doesn't match my denim capris. I will wear the top with khakis.)

C'est finit!

2006-06-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

I did manage to finish this Tee before I went on holiday (even though in the end I didn't get to wear it after all...!!).

Click here for a few more modelled shots for anyone who's interested.

Really quick and fun knit :)

Me too

2006-06-18T00:28:00.000-07:00

Well, it was started on 6/5 or something like that. And casting on at midnight is really not a good idea. Not even with two cups of coffee in your stomach. I had to frog the )#*$)#*($ thing 4 times. It was almost as if it was not meant to be! But the 100 % silk from Artfibers (Hana) is LOVELY to knit with. Using sz 3 needles. Did the swatch and quite a bit of math to make sure I would do the right size. And also did the short rows so now the boobage FITS FITS FITS. (It's so lovely to be able to knit something that won't stretch tightly over the boobage but be dumpy everywhere else.) And I personally like the purple, however the hubby's comment was "wow, that's a Barney color!", "WHAT, you're saying I'M FAT LIKE BARNEY??" was the natural reply. Tried it on a gazillion times to make sure the increases and decreases were in the right areas as well. It's great to be able to make it top down and just fit it as you go along! Also got the Knitpicks shine in grass green, and may make it again! Will post picture when it's completely done. Right now, I'm at the picot sewing. It's a pain, but it looks so pretty! Also noticed that my gauge in the round is so way different from back n forth. I must knit differently when I purl..

I finally started!

2006-06-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

It has been on my list forever, and now I have finally started:

Lu

Hello there!

2006-06-11T03:28:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Caitlyn for letting me join this KAL :)

This is my Picovoli wip which I hope to have finished in time for my holiday on Wed... talk about cutting it close! I started it on 4th June and have been knitting frantically to have this done in just over a week or so...

The first picture was taken yesterday morning before I went out and I took the second one last night after a few more rows... please do excuse the crappy photo (oh my, my mirror is disgustingly dirty!!!)... and my not-so-sexy PJ bottoms ;)

Specs: am using 3.75mm needles as I'm a very tight knitter, and even so, I think my fabric is somewhat firmer than the designer intended, but I'm loving it! I'm knitting this in Debbie Bliss Cathay in black. What else? Oh yes, I shortened the straight section before the bust decreases by approx 1cm and added a few more increases for the hips.

Back to knitting - have all a good weekend xx

PS: More info on my site: www.annarella.co.uk and here

Done!

2006-05-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hooray! It's complete! I have to say that this was a fun fast knit. If there's anything I didn't enjoy about it, it would have to be the picot edging, which took seeminglt forever to do. I think when I knit this again, I'll leave out the edging - it's pretty, but not worth the work, IMHO. I think I'll make the cast on arm hole part a little tighter too - the holes are almost too big for me. But overall, I'm very happy with the final product.

Now, to pick out the yarn for the next one... :)

Working on Picot Edging

2006-05-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

I am *almost* there! Working on the picot edges for the hem. Next are the arms and neckline, and then I can stick a fork in it, cause it'll be done!

Cart Before the Horse

2006-05-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am! And here's my finished Tivoli! What's that you say? You mean I was supposed to join the KAL in order to actually knit along with everyone? Oh! I guess I'm going to have to make another one!

I made mine in the suggested Cathay, and would love to try something different this time. Perhaps something that (and this is my ONLY complaint) doesn't crease up around your waistline when you sit down. Keeping that in mind, what are your substitution suggestions? I was thinking Classic Elite Provence (on sale at Webs--whoo-hoo!) or the Cashsoft DK I see below--but that's mostly because of that rockin' color.

More commentary on this knit are over on ye olde blog in the Knits '06 album and in this post.

(PS- A non-knitting friend reading my blog pulled me aside and said, "Hey, I think you should realize that that photograph really calls attention to your boobs. I mean, those needles are pointing straight at them." Um, yeah. I know. But thanks.)

Finished the bust decreases

2006-05-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

Eeee! Looks like I'm in the home stretch. With the yoke, bust, and bust decreases done, all I have to focus upon now are the couple rounds of straight knitting, and the increases.

I have encountered one mistake that I've made for this - I completely overlooked the need to do a provisional cast-on. Since this helps out muchly for the picot edging, it's going to make work in this area a little harder later on. I have figured that I should be okay with picking up the stitches on the cast-on row for the neckline and doing the picot edging from there. Any ideas on an easier way to do this would be greatly appreciated though :)

I simply LOVE this yarn and the color. Many many thanks to my coworkers for acting as my support group / color decision makers at the LYS. I imagine that if I keep up at this rate, that I should be done with this at the end of the week. After it's done, I plan to make another one of these - the pattern is simple, glamourous, and fun. Many thanks to Grumperina for this awesome pattern.

Fascinated by the increases

2006-05-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

I'm almost done with the increases, and got so intrigued by the raglan edges that I thought I would take a picture (this is the first time I've done a raglan top... Can you tell?).

First Post!

2006-05-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

I just joined up a few days ago, after getting my yarn for this wonderful project. For my knit, I'll be using RYC Cashsoft DK:

As you can see, I'm not too far along, but I plan to change that today ;)

If you are interested in buying it, I've found that the cheapest price is at Yarn Market.

Newbie question

2006-04-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, I need some input. I finally finished my Sunrise Circle Jacket, and I am ready to commit fully to picovoli. However I realized my guage is off and need to use a size 9 needle. My question is, will this be too large a gauge for this project? (Does that even make sense?) I don't want you to be able to see throught the t-shirt. What do you think?
Thanks,
Kerry

I'm new here

2006-04-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Just want to introduce myself. I just got my yarn for tivoli. It is Rowan Calmer, and my first time knitting with it. I am presently swatching and think I will need size 8 needles, which I just realized are being used for my sunrise circle jacket. So hopefully I will finish that this week and can get started. This is such a great spring project. I look forward to checking in with everyone.
Kerry aka hootsister

Finished my Picovoli!

2006-04-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

I finished it yesterday! This photo was taken after washing and laying flat to dry. It went so quickly--I want to make more!

More details can be found here if y'all are interested.

Picovoli progress report

2006-03-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night I tried it on for fit in the bust, and it fit perfectly (insert huge sigh of relief here). The only thing that was off was that after knitting down 4 inches, it only came about mid-bust, so I knit an additional 1.5 inches before starting the decreases. Pictures of it on me are on my blog.

So I've been happily decreasing away and got to the end of those last night. I tried it on for size again, and it still fits perfectly. Yay!

I'm on the home stretch now. I can't believe how fast this project has gone! I think it's because there's parts that are mindless enough for me to knit it anywhere, but there are also parts that I get excited to reach because they seem new and interesting.

The Shine has been lovely to work with-very soft. The only downside is its good stitch definition. On the one hand, it makes it easy for me to see what I'm doing, but on the other hand it shows every little flaw. I haven't made any stitch mistakes, but I am a new knitter, so my tension probably isn't the best. Also, you can see exactly where I've joined new yarn despite the type of join (I used both the traditional one that they show on knittinghelp.com and the Russian join that Beth used). I've kept the joins from happening in the front, but next time I will keep them exclusively on the sides and not let them fall in the back, as the back of my Picovoli is less than ideal looking. Good thing I'm growing my hair out!

2-voli

2006-03-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

Hello.....long time, no post! Well, I finished my first Tivoli (for me) back in November and I wasn't overly pleased with the results. I knew I could have done better and so I got more Shine and made another Tivoli...I call it a 2-voli because I'm a nerd:P Here's how it looks:

I like this one a lot more than the blue one I made. I consider the blue one to be a really big swatch. I think I'll probably rip it out and re-knit it at some point. I finished this Tivoli in just over 2 weeks! Just a little note to you ladies making this sweater with Shine, when you knit a swatch, make sure you BLOCK IT! It really does stretch a lot so save yourself some time!! It helps when you know what the gauge should be;). If you want more info, check out my blog

Beth

Ready to try it on

2006-03-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

I did a lot of knitting on my Picovoli this weekend, and now I'm at the point where I need to take it off the needles and try it on. I'm planning on doing that tonight. (crossing my fingers that it fits...)

Here's the progress:

I've noticed a line across the top in one row, just about where the armpits end, and I can't figure out what it's from. I've never done stockingnette stitch before, so I don't know if it's normal or what. I'm hoping it'll smooth out in the wash. It's not terrible, it's just mildly annoying to me and puzzling.

Update

2006-03-17T21:23:00.000-08:00

I would post the specs but it's 12:30 am and my brain doesn't work right now :)

So I guess I am close to done, gotta find my yarn though cause this ball has run out and I can't remember where I put the rest! hah!

Started my Picovoli

2006-03-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

I seem to be in the minority doing the picots, but I thought this color warranted a dressier top. Here it is about halfway through the raglan increases. I've never done kfb before-it's so cool!

I thought that those of us who are in progress should post our "stats" for reference purposes.

Here are mine:

Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Worsted "Bachelor Button"
Gauge: 4.5 sts/inch (I'm slow, so I picked a thicker yarn)
Needles: Clover bamboo, size 7, 16" & 24"
Finished garment size: About 34"
Size following (pattern size): 28" though I'm making some modifications so the neck hole isn't huge.

-Melissa

Another update!

2006-03-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Looks like I am the only one in this KAL anymore lol... here she is, I'm tring to get through those 4 inches of the bust before I try it on! I'm not going to enjoy taking it off the needles lol.

Hello! Started Yesterday...

2006-02-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

Well here is my Tivoli... I am not doing it with the new Picot's... I have no idea if it will fit but it seems to be on Gauge... I am about 1 row from binding off the sleeves. I can't wait, it's going pretty fast. I hope it fits.

I am using Debbie Bliss Cathay in white. It's kind of splity, but feels great and has a slight sheen to it.

picture!

2006-02-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

I am slogging along, and am about 10 rows into the waist decrease section. If you look closely, you can see some wonky stitches near the top - there was an extra yarn over, and when I got rid of it on the next row, there were 2 giant stitches. I am hoping they will normalize once I block/wash it.

Help!

2006-02-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

Argh! I just finished the yoke, and didn't have the foresight to count my stitiches intermittently. I should have 284 sts, and I have 299 - I think I did one too many repeats of the "knit 1 round even, work 2 inc rounds",because that would explain 16 extra stitches (and dropping one stitch somewhere would make for 15 extra stitches).

When I get home from work I will try it on to get some sense of if it's too big - I am about to castoff for the armholes, so it will be a very rought guess, I suspect. As I see it, my 2 options are - rip it back 3 rounds ( almost 600 stitches - sigh!), or cast on a few less stitches for each armhole and throw in a few k2togs and ssk to get rid of the excess.

At this point I am not sure what the best option is - my bust measurement is 37 inches, so I'm kind of nervous that the 36 inch size will be too big, however, since I am tall (5'11") and have broad shoulders and a long back-waist length, I might be able to accomodate the extra room at the top of the garment. Plus I am a 36A, which means that relatively speaking, my torso is probably bigger than someone who has a larger bust (my under bust measurement is 31 inches, where someone with a 36C bra size would measure more like 28-30 inches).

And of course, the fact that this is my Olympic project makes me biased towards just plowing ahead rather than ripping out the work I have already done ;)

Anyone have any input?

Update

2006-02-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

Here is the progress so far. Actually,this is from tuesday and I have knit another 6 rows or so. Trying to get it finished by friday 5 PMish.

Kelowna Olympic Knitting Team

2006-02-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

I almost joined the Canadian team, but I wimped out when I realized that I would be on call for a week during the Olympics. However, since my DH will be out of town during 6 of those 7 days, I can give it my best shot (and let the dishes pile up in the sink!). Tivoli is the project I will attempt to finish before the end of the closing ceremonies.

I started my first tension swatch on Friday apres opening ceremonies:

And in the spirit of pushing my performance to the limits, I actually washed the swatch, and plan to block the sweater once I am done (I have been kind of lazy, and had previously planned to avoid blocking if at all possible). I am also using the most high-tech equipment: my new Denise interchangeable needle set. I'm using Berocco Lang Zeta yarn (lucky shade 13), which is a cotton /linen mix, and size 5 circulars.

This morning I cast on. How far I get today depends on whether or not we make it to the ski hill. (Hmmm, it's an hour driving each way, I wonder how mush I would get done if I knit in the car...)

My Tivoli times 2

2006-02-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is the Tivoli I am making for myself. It is Patons Grace in color "Azure" knit double stranded on size 6 needles.

And this is the tivoli variation I am making for my daughter. It is Moda Dea Ticker Tape in "Pink Passion" knit on size 10 needles.

Momvoli

2005-12-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

After a good six weeks at the bottom of my blocking pile, I finally got around to blocking Momvoli:

That's done in KnitPicks Shine in orchid. I also gave it a hem, since the rolled hem wasn't very flattering on my mom, and I started it before Picovoli was published, so I hadn't done the picots at the neck edge.

My mom lives 450 miles away, so I can't include a try-on pic, but I should be able to take one at xmas. Here's an old one from the half-way try-on point (mid-September):
http://web.mit.edu/ruadh/www/pics/Knitting/MomvoliPosed.jpg

I also gave my own Tivoli a crocheted neck edge, which stabilized it nicely (which it needed because I made it too big). I also haven't gotten around to taking pictures of that.

The bust is done.

2005-11-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

I was nervous my Tivoli wouldn't fit. So I finished the bust and put it on scrap yarn and tried it on. And it's alright. Phew. There's a tad bit of room, so i think I could even have gone with the smallest size, and I think I might do that with the next one (yes, I want to knit another one!)
This one is fine though, I think. We'll see after the waist decreases. This pattern is so quick and simple, I'm enjoying it.

Getting there

2005-11-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

I was debating between the Picovoli version, and the Tivoli version. I've decided to do the Tivoli version so I can have this top done by the time I go to Mexico in December! It'll be perfect for slightly cool, south of the border nights. These pictures aren't so exciting, over the weekend I got through the first set of raglan increases, and the first ball of Knitpicks Shine.

This is my first knitted top, and so my first raglan seaming. I love the way it looks, and it's fun to do! It's so mathematical and neat. I highly recommend the Knitpicks Shine, by the way. Not only is it cheap, but it's very soft and has a nice sheen the camera doesn't pick up. It feels great to knit with it. Happy Tivoli-ing!

Raging purple tivoli

2005-11-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

I started a purple tivoli for my daughter. But as it is starting to get colder, I'm losing interest. I am still working on it, but also have a billion other projects as well. I've just gotten to the bustline, and need to get it off the needles so she can try it on.

Past the Half Point

2005-10-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

I'm over half done with my Tivoli, yea!!! I can't wait to finish so I can proudly wear it like those of you who have finished:) Julia, I love the color you chose for your Tivoli and I look forward to see what it looks like completed!

ATivoli (or Picovoli?) in Knitpicks Shine

2005-10-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow Tivo-Pico-voli knitters! This is my first knitted garment, I'm so excited! I've made things like hats, bags, toys, and scarves before, but this is a first. Yay. I ordered 5 skeins of Knitpicks Shine in "Sky".
And I knit my little gauge swatch (this is new too, of course I never gauge for things like hats and bags!) I tossed it in the washing machine, and the cotton fibres did "bloom" a bit, but not too much. I'm impressed with this yarn. It's got a lovely feel and sheen, and it held up well through the washing, no pilling or stretching. My gauge was right on the dot, so I ordered my size 4 circ's in the 24" and 16", and I'll get going as soon as they arrive! (I knit the swatch on straights). I haven't decided yet whether I'll do the Tivoli or Picovoli version, right now I'm leaning towards the Picovoli.
I have a question: I've been reading about the need for negative ease with this pattern and the cotton, but the pattern Gumperina recommends for a size 34 already takes this into account, right? I don't need to knit the size 32, because that would actually come out to a size 30. It's a tad confusing, thanks for any help!

tips on blocking?

2005-10-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

my tivolio is coming along. just a few more inches to go. any good tips for blocking this? i want to flatten the rolled edges as much as possible.

Another one?!

2005-10-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I have recently joined the KAL to create a Tivoli for myself. I made one for my daughter back in August as you can see here.

I really liked the pattern a lot and I'm looking foward to making this one for me:) Looks like I've got some catching up to do!
Beth

hello

2005-10-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

i have been planning on knitting tivoli since summer, and finally started last week, and i found this site. i had printed out the old pattern and started on that before i found the Picovoli pattern at magknits. i love the picots edging, so if this turns out well i may have to knit another with the new pattern. i think that it is a really versatile pattern that can be worn a lot. i am up to the decreases, and so far it is a really great to knit. you can't beat the top down all in one piece construction.

I am using brown sheep company cotton fleece. the yarn store didn't have three skins the same in any of the colors that i liked so i got two skins of a dark teal, and one of bright green. i plan on knitting the top with the teal and then the bottom green. we well see how that works out. .

i also used yarn-overs in place of the knit to front and back increases so that there is a lacy bit at the shoulders.

here is a picture of my progress. sorry for the b ad night photography. hopefully i will have better pictures next time.

2005-10-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

FINISHED! I actually finished the sweater over a week ago, minutes before I had to meet my parents at the airport before we embarked on a trip through New Mexico into Arizona to Phoenix. In this shot, I am proudly wearing Tivoli for the first time. As I mentioned earlier, this yarn had no name or other information because I bought it in a yarn shop in Portugal (and I don't speak Portuguese). My guage was fairly far off, so I knit the smallest size and it came out with the measurements of the next size up. This was definitely a fun, quick knit and I'd love to make another one some time. There are more images on my blog-- click the "Emily" link on the right to visit.

Finished too!

2005-10-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

I finished my Tivoli yesterday, except for the weaving of ends and blocking. (Any suggestions on blocking cotton?) It took almost 5 balls of Endless Summer Lara from Elann on 3s. It isn't obvious in the picture (luckily) and probably won't be noticed by the general public (no close up pictures here!) but with all my stitch marker problems I ended up making the decreases at the wrong place (not front left and right, more off center). Oops! I just wanted to finish so I did, but in finishing the armholes I decided I really enjoy this pattern and will probably make another. I saw on Heidi's blog her Tivoli with tiny ribs on the neck, armholes and waist to keep from rolling, so I decided to do the same and I like it. Without further ado, here is the very overexposed photo:

Done!

2005-10-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

Details on my blog!

On Hold

2005-10-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

I've officially put my picovoli on hold. Here's what I have done so far and the fit seems to be nice. The colors are a little washed out from the flash. I didn't have enough of the lime green to make a whole shirt so I'm supplementing with random stripes with a purple/yellow/green mix.

I really like how it is turning out so far but I have some sweaters that I'm making for my brothers that need to be done ASAP. They needed the needles from my picovoli. I guess it's okay since I won't be wearing this much until next year anyway. It's going to start getting cold here in Nebraska soon.

Finally some progress!

2005-09-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

I'm excited because I finally made some progress on my Tivoli!!!

I had huge gaps at the armholes, though.

I picked up an extra stitch as directed, but that didn't seem to do anything for me. I'm not sure what I missed...any clues? More photos on
my blog.

Silly question ...

2005-09-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

Anyone have any idea where the beginning of the round marker should be before you do the waist decreases? When I was trying my Tivoli on again I pulled out some of the stitches and the marker. I have a vague idea where it was (a bit towards the back on the right side) but I wasn't too sure I had it in the right place before. Any suggestions appreciated!

2005-09-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

Well here is my Tivoli T so far. It ends just below the bottom of the picture-- I tried it on right after I finished the decreases. I am extremely pleased with how it is turning out, especially because my guage was pretty far off, so I decided to knit the very smallest size, which I would normally never be able to squeeze into! But, with this yarn it is coming out to just the right size! The yarn is a cotton blend that I purchased in Portugal this past march. There was no ball band with it, and I bought it in a typical Portuguese yarn shop where they sell yarn by the kilogram! Visit my blog for more pictures: http://mknitter.blogspot.com/

Halfway done?!

2005-09-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of my Tivoli, in Endless Summer Lara from Elann.com:

When I tried it on yesterday I was about mid-bust ...

When to stop knitting ...

2005-09-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

So I'm just past the increases, to the point in the pattern where you "Knit even for 4 (4.5, 4.75, 5.25, 6.25, 7)" / 10 (11.5, 12, 13.5, 16, 18) cm, approx. 30 (34, 36, 39, 47, 52) rounds, or length required to nearly cover bust while stretching lightly." I tried to take a picture but failed. Anyway, how far should I keep knitting? I am just at the mid-breast area, so should I keep knitting until if I were wearing it alone it would be a crop top (just covering the bra) or less?

So far it's looking great! I wish my mirror were cleaner, I think that was what was foiling my attempt at a picture. I'm making it in Endless Summer Lara in Black.

To Clarify: Shine

2005-09-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Based on a comment on my last post, I realize that it sounds like I was displeased with Shine for Tivoli. That is very much not the case; I think it's a great yarn and a good match for this project. I just didn't fully take its drapiness into account when I resized, and also didn't use as much negative ease as Grumperina suggested.

I did take all that into account for Momvoli, and Shine is working out just fine. In fact, I have tentatively finished it (pending a fitting this weekend), and it looks great on me, at least!

Finally, Progress

2005-09-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

So this is where I am with the Tivoli. I have posted more information about it on my blog. While the Softwist is a snaggy yarn which makes it somewhat of a pain to knit, I like that it is just stretchy enough to accentuate my shape. I am concerned that the torso will still be a tad large but, um, I wasn't paying attention when I cast stitches back on for the armholes and now I'm 6 stitches less than what the 32" size called for. Oh well, I'm just going to wing it! Now that I look at it, though, the armholes seem big. I'm already planning to finish them in single crochet so hopefully that will tighten them up a little.

Momvoli

2005-09-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody. I'm about half-way through my second Tivoli, this time for my mom. I'm nearly done with the decrease section. The latest pictures I have were from Sunday, when I hit the crop-top phase. Here it is:

There are more pictures on my blog.

I'm using KnitPicks Shine in Orchid. I started this before the Picovoli version was published, so I based it on the old 31" version of the pattern, and resized it for my mom. Essentially, I used the 31" necline, and then just added another two repeats of the raglan increase until I got the bust size I wanted. I'm pleased with the fit so far, but since Shine drapes so much, the fit changes significantly as the weight of more yarn is added.

I learned that the hard way with my own Tivoli:

I fell between sizes and had to reengineer the old pattern. Grumperina gave me some good advice about ease, but I didn't make it quite as negative as she suggested. (She said to do at least 2" less than the body measurement, but I rounded up when doing my recalcs, and ended up with closer to 1".) When I do another for myself (why don't you try and stop me), I'll follow Grumpy's suggestions more closely.

That said, I do like it as it is. The looser fit and resulting drapey back are ladylike and graceful.

It's perfectly wearable, but the shoulders, being stretched across the stitches instead of up and down them, have been sagging with wear, which further contributes to the looseness. I have to reblock after each wearing, or it starts to look sloppy. I may give it a crocheted edging aroung the neckline to stabilize it.

Got gauge.

2005-09-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I just joined the knit-along the other day...yesterday? Not long ago, at any rate. I spent this morning working on getting gauge with the yarn I want to use. It's Cascade pima cotton (80% cotton 20% wool). I want to use two different colors. One is a solid lime green. The other is a lime green/lilac/cream combo. I'm thinking of doing the picot parts with the combo yarn and the main part of the body with the solid color. I'd add a few stripes near the bottom of the shirt after I past the bust.

For any of you that have finished this already, can you forsee any problems with me adding those stripes and doing the edgings in a different color? I've read through the pattern a couple of times and think it will work. But, I'm not a terribly experienced knitter. I've only done one other thing completely in the round (except for socks).

I've also never done a provisional cast-on before. I checked out some online tutorials and it looks pretty straight forward. But, I'm not going to do it until my husband comes home and he can watch the kids. I want this knitting to have my full attention.

finished!

2005-09-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

You can see more on my blog.

Love it! Wore it to work today, even.

Started Tivoli ...

2005-09-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

I was disappointed to see the old Tivoli patterns were gone (I think I have a printout, though) since I am making Tivoli and not Picovoli. Oh well. Has anyone else been confused by this part of the directions:

"Continue making increase rounds according to finished bust size:
28" / 71cm (32" / 81cm): work increase round every other round, 10 (12) more times, ending with an even round; 208 (240) sts – 60 (68) sts for front and back, 44 (52) sts for sleeves. 36" / 91cm (40" / 101.5cm, 44" / 112cm, 48" / 122cm): *work 1 round even, work 2 inc rounds; rep from * 8 (10, 11, 13) times. 36" / 91cm and 44" / 112cm sizes only: work 1 round even, then 1 additional increase round. All sizes: work 1 round even; 284 (308, 336, 364) sts on needle – 78 (84, 90, 98) sts for front and back, 64 (70, 78, 84) sts for sleeves."

I would be making the 36" size.

It may just be poor formatting, but I have been just winging it. I got gauge with Endless Summer Lara from Elann.com but I'm questionable that it will actually work out. Wish me good luck!

Just Getting Started

2005-09-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

I've only knit the first 20 rounds so there's nothing to look at yet, but yes I have been knitting! The yarn I picked out, Berroco Softwist, is lightly twisted so I'm having some issues with it snagging. Similar to the problem I had when I used Berroco Cotton Twist on a capelet. But it's pretty so I'm trying to be patient with the snags.

I'm debating about knitting longer sleeves with this, maybe 3/4 length. Is anyone else thinking about doing different sleeves?

Oops...

2005-09-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting the Tivoli in the smallest size. I finished the armholes and was working on the bust section. But I've been looking at it and thinking that it looks really small. I just tried it on, and lo and behold -- this thing is way too tiny. I know it's supposed to be stretch, but ummm...I don't think this size is going to work for me. I did knit a gauge swatch and I achieved gauge, but I knit a flat swatch so perhaps my gauge is different in the round? *sigh* Off I go to rip and start over...perhaps I'll have progress pictures in a week or so! I hope your Tivoli/Picovoli is going better! Happy knitting!

all that's left is blocking!

2005-09-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Oh, and sewing in the ends. (I did a fine job of hiding them away for the photo, didn't I? Almost had you all fooled.)

But I finished the knitting! So there's half the battle. I had a brief hiccup earlier this week, when I finished the knitting but it fell too short. So I frogged out the increases, added an inch of length (to 3 inches), and then went on with the pattern. I think it's benefited greatly from this alteration, and when I look in the mirror, the shaping really does match the shape of my body now.

So it was a great exercise in really looking at how a fitted garment can best fit to my body. Thanks, Kathy! I'll post again once it's really finished, with some real shots of it in use (that is, taken by someone other than me).

Does a Swatch Count as Progress?

2005-09-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

That's basically all I've done so far regarding Tivoli. I re-swatched over the weekend using 3 different needle sizes and blocked it to make sure I got gauge with this one. Does anyone else have concerns about size? The pattern recommends knitting the size that's 2 inches smaller than your actual bust size but mine is not listed (I'm a 32, need a 30). I measured a sweater that's a pretty close fit and decided to knit the 32-incher. However, I'm still concerned it will be a little big because, well, that would just be my luck.

Anyways. So I'll be using...

yarn - Berroco Softwist in Mushroom
needles - size 6 bamboo

Looking forward to knitting with ya'll.

first progress shots!

2005-09-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

I cast on my Tivoli (technically not Picovoli, as I'm not doing the picot edge) on Friday and knit quite a bit this weekend on the train to and from New York (I live in Philly).

I'm using KnitPicks Shine, and unlike someone on Knitty--who is using size 2s to hit gauge with the same yarn!--I'm on size 5s and I'm still not quite at gauge (should go up a needle size, but that would make the weave too open).

I just finished the waist decreases and am about to knit straight. I should try it on, I know. You can see more details as I go on my blog.

I made a button!

2005-09-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here it is:

Feel free to upload it to your server and put it on your blog.

I used the GRSites Button Maker.

Welcome!

2005-09-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Welcome to the Tivoli / Picovoli knit-along! Grumperina’s fabulous standardized pattern is in the August issue of Magknits, and we are ready to begin our knit-along! On the right you can find links to the pattern as well as additional notes on Grumperina’s website. If you would like to join, please send me an email at caitlynknits AT yahoo DOT com. Happy knitting!