On My Shapely Tank/t-shirt Progress and Finishing Techniques in Projects (quilts mentioned)
Free pattern from Joan McGowan-Michael at White Lies Designs reference here for the pattern and what I am attempting to do 
So, a couple of years ago I got wrangled into wanting to make a Shapely Tank. For those knitters out there that are a little more ample, there is a great list to be on. They help you to want to knit allllll sorts of things you never knew you wanted to Anyway, this is where I discovered the Shapely Tank.
Forward to today. It has been two years in the making. I set it down after having to rip and redo, working to about the midsection of the front. After finishing my socks, I decided to get back to the tank. All I had to work on were a few increases, short rows, then the top. All in all, I finished it in about a week. I am now working on the back.
My problem… my short rows for the bottom of the tank (to give it slightly rounded shaping) turned out well two years ago. But in trying to do them again at the bust, was a disaster. I think I finally figured out where to pick up the wrapped stitches, but when I am picking up while knitting, I can’t seem to create a smooth stitch, ending up with what looks like an extra row of loops.
Picking up in purl doesn’t seem to be a problem. I still pick up the front of the wrapped stitch (like I do in knit), and purl as usual. But it seems like when I knit as usual, that is when I get the extra stitch thing.
At this point I am finished with my short rows for this project, and I know that when I get to my next project that has them, it will be the same trial and error. I haven’t found yet if this is the same way to do sock short rows–though, you pick up all the wrapped stitches across the row, and with socks you’d be going back and forth, picking up one with each pass.
perfect short rows 
crappy short rows 
I don’t know. I am confused. And even though I am not an expert, my problem is that I feel like I have to get the technique perfect each time when I do my projects. That’s what seems to hold me back I have found. I am slowly learning to enjoy the process (I do anyway), rather then dwell in the skill… but in reality, I want the skill to show.
Which leads to another topic that had been going on at the Quilt Art list… backs of quilts. I refuse to name names, but my own critique is that if the back doesn’t look good, I think at least covering it to not have the hornet’s nest of threads showing is a good thing. I purchased a quilt a while back, and was shocked to see the back of it. Granted, it is an art quilt. But I seriously expected more in the finishing techniques–especially at the price I had paid. The front was nice, found it doesn’t lie flat and I will have to have it professionally mounted if I ever desire to show it. And the back was something else. Just a pet peeve of mine.
Continuing on… I have four more days left in January. I have to start on my February socks at the first for February to keep with my goal of a-pair-a-month, so I am hoping that I get the majority of the back completed of my tank. Then I can work on the sleeves after finishing my Feburary socks. I am sort of dreading that one, but I won’t discuss that until February.
Welcome to my blog--it is mainly craft related, but it is a mixture of miscellaneous happenings as well. I live in the great Pacific Northwest, happily, rain and all! I am a multi-tasker by trade, enjoy quilting along with some beading, knitting, and general fiber art when I get a wild hair. I am also a homeschooling parent, but will likely not write much on that here. Enjoy! 
