Yes, I know Ravleympics was over quite some time ago, but you know me, I’m a day late a dollar short. However, this still doesn’t mean I didn’t get the gold. When I saw there was a WIP Wrestling event in Ravelympics 2008, I knew this event would be my cure for all my UFO’s. There always seems to be so many of them.
Although I started with DROPS Design 95-25, (Ravelry) a fitted tank top, about halfway through I tried it on and disliked the overall look of it. At each point where the rib-like pattern changes, it looked like small “rolls” going around my body, kind of like the Michelin Man. I knew that if I finished it, I would never wear it and that would be a waste of yarn and my knitting time. Since this was to be Ravelympics project, I was unsure what to do. I decided to start over and used the same yarn for this:
Pattern: Picovili (Ravelry), by Grumperina
Yarn: Valley Yarns Longmeadow in Periwinkle; 500 yards
Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm; Knit Picks Circular Options
Finished Size: 32″
Raveled Here
This is the first top down sweater I’ve knit and honestly, it was so simple that I’ll definitely knit more in the future. It was wonderful to be able to try it on as I knit it and this was especially true since I was tempting fate by not knitting a gauge swatch and knitting a size smaller than I thought might fit.
I followed the straight neck edge of the instructions, but honestly it should be called rolled edge since that’s exactly what it does on the neckline and armhole openings. When I got to the bottom of the sweater where I was to cast off, I added a purl ridge and then knit a few more rows of stockinette and cast off loosely. I turned the edge under at the purl row and seamed it with one of the yarn plies.
I debated about what to do regarding the rolled edges and they were okay, but I felt like the sweater looked unfinished. With crochet hook in hand I worked a single crochet along the armhole and neckline edges.
The yarn was purchased in February in the WEBS booth at Stitches West. I believe it was $3.49 per skein, but I purchased so much yarn that day, that I also got a 25% discount. With tax and everything, this cost under $12.00 to make. I have socks that cost more. In fact, I have socks that cost double! Overall I’m pleased with the yarn and would probably purchase it again. For the price, it really can’t be beat!
It was a quick simple knit and if you haven’t made it, it’s a pretty great item to add to your wardrobe.
Absolutely Gorgeous Kristie! You do such beautiful work
I think this might be a great knit for my daughters – if I can ever find a few minutes to knit again. 
It looks fantastic! You are a hot babe!
It looks great – Picovoli has been in my queue for so long. I like what you did with the crochet around the neck and arms. I think I’ve hesitated to start it because of the rolling issue, but it looks like you’ve solved it! Now I just need to learn how to crochet.
Great job! It’s beautiful and fits you perfectly!
oh, I love it, so pretty!
You did a great job with that! I have wanted to make that top for the longest time! You have inspired me to cast on…
That’s a great color on you, and a fantastic fit!
I did the same crochet edging to mine, but mine has never fit that well.
Loverly job!! Great fitting clothes make one feel wonderful don’t they and you just keep winning when you made it yourself!!!
Wow, great fit! And that color looks smashing on you.
Oh la la! It’s very sexy on you! Looks great!
Oh Awesome! Good Job! As I am made of fail I didn’t meet my ravelympics goal but I’m still chugging away on my first BIG lace piece.
Cheers and Congrats it looks great!
Looks great!
um, excuse me?! How are you allowed to be so hot?!
Very pretty! You look great!
Wow, that came out terrific!!!! Definitely the right pattern for the yarn, and it looks fabulous on you. You are such a hottie!!
I love it! The fit is great. I can’t believe this is your first top down – I love them because you are sure to get a great fit. You look fabulous!
Wow…it is great! I surely wish I could wear such a fitted sweater….you wear it well!
It turned out great!
This looks so much better on you than on me! I gave mine to the Good Will!
How did I miss this post?? It didn’t come through on bloglines! Boy oh boy, does Picovili look great on you! Beautiful workmanship too – those close-ups are so clear!