It's August 1st, so time for the Clapotis knitalong!

You'll find the pattern here (http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html), if you haven't already downloaded it.

The Rules
Well, actually, there aren't any really :) . I reckon we should aim to get the Clapotis finished by August 31st. No problem if you don't, but it's something to aim for and makes August 'Clapotis Month'. Oh, of course this applies to everyone except turra21, who with her amazing productivity will have Clapotis finished by the end of the week ;) .

I think we should try to post an update, with pics if possible, every day; or at least when you think you have some progress to show. I'll make a start with some photos of my lovely, lovely LL Lion and Lamb 'Irving Park' (which I've still got to wind into balls!).

If anyone wants to join after August 1st, you'll be more than welcome! Jump in whenever to say hello and get knitting :) .

Here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis1.jpg) is the Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb in colourway 'Irving Park'. It's lovely and soft and has a beautiful sheen. It has a very loose twist to it though, so I'm going to have to be careful not to stick a needle through it. I'll have to keep the cats well away too...

Hi

I'm still intending to start, just going to post on my blog a pic of what i'm using. I'm hoping to do some every night, and I'll try and post every other.

Started mine at lunchtime. In between engraving and painting the outside of the shop!!

I'll try to post a photo in the morning.

I've posted my pic on me blog. I'm going to start in a minute, if I can tear myself away from the lappy!:hihi:

I've posted my pic on me blog. I'm going to start in a minute, if I can tear myself away from the lappy!:hihi:
That colour is lovely. It has the sheen of pure silk in the photo too.

I'm going to be winding my Clapotis yarn into balls this evening; well, maybe I'll do the first skein and then make a start on casting on :) .

Thanks, well, I've done the first 12 rows of section 2 so far. It would have been more but we;ve had visitors and i've got a really bad headache. Hopefully, more tomorrow!

The first skein has been wound and I'm ready to cast on. I have the mother of all headaches at the moment though, so I'm going to have another coffee and a couple of ibuprofen and then think about picking up the needles.

Photos will follow this afternoon - hopefully.

Here is my Clapotis (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i217/turra21/clapotis1stAug.jpg) as it is. We had a phone engineer out yesterday to fix the phone line that turned out to be fine but it was the modem on my daughters lap top causing the fault on the land line. He left his mobile number if we had any more problems and we did immediately after BT told us the line was fixed so we called him back and he stayed till 10 o'clock!! my tea must have been very good is all I can say because being a friendly chap he just chatted and as a consequence I got no knitting done:rant:
Sorry guys, I didn't mean to shout Hecate, I know you have a headache so I'll just quietly post my pic and leave:rolleyes:
Hope the ibuprofen do the trick.

I don't have 18 stitch markers so I followed a tip from the Knitty coffee shop and purled the k1 stitch between the two k1tbl's.

Nice start Turra. For stitch markers could you use paper clips?

I suppose you could, but my brain doesn't seem to be that logic! "doh"

Lovely colours. It looks a little like one of the flags from a string of bunting :D .

You should get yourself to Accessorise or Boots and have a look for those packets of tiny elastic bands that are used for hair braiding. You get loads in a packet and they're excellent for stitch markers. An added bonus is that they don't have any joins to get caught up in the yarn.

I think if I raid the youngest teenage car boot (sorry - bedroom) I might find some of those, there is always some hair things lying around the place, she's training to be a hairdresser. Lucky me!!:rolleyes:

A note about the number of skeins of Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb needed to complete Clapotis.

I've just been perusing the Knitty Coffeeshop message board and found the following:
Well, the pattern states three skeins is enough for the pattern, minus one repeat of Section 3. Do you want it to the length that the designer made it? It's the difference of 12 rows between being fine with the 3 skeins, or needing a fourth.
and:
This note was just added to the pattern:
Note: Just a little over 3 skeins are required to complete the pattern as written. To make Clapotis with only 3 skeins, remove one repeat from section 3.
The general consensus appears to be that you'll need four skeins if you want to knit Clapotis with the complete number of pattern repeats in Section3. However, one poster said that she completed the full number and still had some of the third skein left over.

When I asked at Get Knitted how many was needed she reccomended 4. I got 3 Hipknits silk ones and only just had enough so I went for 4 of the L&L ones

3rd August update (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i217/turra21/clapotis030806.jpg). I could become a bit unstuck if I need 4 skeins because I looked at the site I bought the wool from and it's "out of stock" now. I reached the straight section yesterday so if I make sure I have 3/4's of a ball left after the straight bit I will have enough to finish it in 3. It might just not have the same number of repeats as the pattern that's all:)

Come on guys I'm really looking forward to seeing some of your Clapot...(whatever plural is):hihi:

You are very quick Turra - it is looking lovely:D

Good grief, Turra21, you're fast! I do like those colours.

Well I've cast on the two stitches and knitted the first few rows. I shall endeavour to have something worthy of a photo opportunity by the end of the day :) .

This (http://the-lone-knitter.blogspot.com/) is mine so far. I started on Tuesday but have had a bad headache since then as well so I haven't been concentrating as much as I should. Yesterday it was our Wedding anniversary so I didn't get much done again :rolleyes:
But, its my day off tomorrow so hopefully I'll get some more done then!

Blumin' hell, I'm falling behind (again!). Those colours are lovely, Jules13. The yarn looks lovely knitted up. I'm starting to prefer everyone else's yarn to my own :hihi: .

I adore the colours! I'm so jealous!

This (http://the-lone-knitter.blogspot.com/) is mine so far. I started on Tuesday but have had a bad headache since then as well so I haven't been concentrating as much as I should. Yesterday it was our Wedding anniversary so I didn't get much done again :rolleyes:
But, its my day off tomorrow so hopefully I'll get some more done then!

That ones coming on nicely too - I really like the watercolour colourway:D

Jules, those are beautiful colours. Hope your head gets better soon.

Thanks everybody. I like the colours too. My head isn't feeling too bad at the mo, its actually behind my eye but I'm waiting to get it checked out at the hospital next month

Well, I've done 15 rows now. Woohoo! I woke early this morning, for someone who intends to spend the day lounging around the house (:D), so I'll be able to get a few more rows done before taking a photo or two.

Another update before noon - promise!

And with three minutes to spare before noon, here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis2.jpg) is the Clapotis WIP. I've just finished the first repeat of the increase section.

I'm rather pleased with it, I think. I do prefer the non-stitch marker method too. Purling the yarn overs between the Ktbl makes it easier to keep track of.

Looking good! So far I've managed....nothing! Spent most of the morning on the PC, had a quick tidy up so now I'm gonna put the kettle on and have an hour knitting i think

And with three minutes to spare before noon, here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis2.jpg) is the Clapotis WIP. I've just finished the first repeat of the increase section.

I'm rather pleased with it, I think. I do prefer the non-stitch marker method too. Purling the yarn overs between the Ktbl makes it easier to keep track of.

That is looking lovely and neat:)

Oooooh well done Hecate. Loving the colours! Is the colour as bright as it looks|

Thank you :) .The colours are bright, but not quite as bright as in the photo. I took the picture without the flash, so I had to play around in Photoshop to get the lighting better. I think I overdid it a bit!

OK, late starter here :) I did start knitting one on Monday out of some lovely pink varigated mohair, and it was lovely and pink and delicate.

Realising it was far too girly for me to actually wear I frogged it and started again this morning with some recycled sari yarn from Hipknits. I did check on Google to see if this was a disaster-bound idea but then found someone's flickr pictures of a sari yarn knit clappy which looked Fab. So I'm giving it a go.

So here's my yarn -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neverbelilith/206494198/ - and here's how I'm doing so far - http://www.flickr.com/photos/neverbelilith/206494202/ . I've just finished the second set of increases. I hope I'm not too behind.

I think I'm going to make it a bit smaller than the pattern, otherwise I will never be able to lift the thing. This is not going to be a lightweight summery garment! :D

Wow, what amazing colours! It's going to look stunning. The heavier yarn should emphasise the dropped stitches too, which might have otherwise got a bit lost in the texture. I'm intrigued by how much it'll weigh once completed; better start get the shoulder muscles in training now :D .

You're not behind either; well, not behind me anyway. That's just about the place I've got to as well.

And with three minutes to spare before noon, here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis2.jpg) is the Clapotis WIP. I've just finished the first repeat of the increase section.

I'm rather pleased with it, I think. I do prefer the non-stitch marker method too. Purling the yarn overs between the Ktbl makes it easier to keep track of.

Thats absolutely wonderful Lady H, you are a marvel ;)

Thats absolutely wonderful Lady H, you are a marvel ;)
Now I know that sounded like he didn't really mean it, but I'm sure he did really. Deep down :D .

Does anyone else think that the fledgling Clapotes (that's my version of whatever the plural is!) look like they could turn out to be knitted knickers or bikini bottoms? :suspect: .

Compare (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis2.jpg) and contrast (http://www.dramaqueenstyle.com/ProductImages/product/HARA_yellowpolkadotbikinibo.jpg).

Before you know it, it'll be a worldwide trend....whatever next...a Clapotis G-String? Ouch!

...a Clapotis G-String? Ouch!
Well, as long as you missed the bit about dropping the stitches. Probably be a little too holey :wow: :hihi: .

Now G-String Clapotis really does sound medical! :lol:

I had a look at the directions for making this, but again I chickened out, it looks too complicated for me yet (says she who hasn't followed a pattern yet lol)

The WIP looks really nice i'm so envious :suspect:

:)

Now G-String Clapotis really does sound medical! :lol:

I had a look at the directions for making this, but again I chickened out, it looks too complicated for me yet (says she who hasn't followed a pattern yet lol)

The WIP looks really nice i'm so envious :suspect:

:)
It honestly isn't as complicated as it looks, but if you've yet to follow a pattern you probably would be better waiting a little while before attempting it. Not that I think you'd find the pattern itself difficult to knit, it's just a very dense-looking pattern in terms of the instructions. If you're not used to dealing with patterns it is possible to get a bit lost.

I always use a large post-it note to cover up the bits I haven't got to yet, make notes in a pad, and tick off the bits I've done with a pencil. It helps me to keep on track.

Just been looking at the Clapotis pattern...when I get paid next month I'm buying the yarn and making it! So there! Does it turn out the same size as in the 2nd photo on knitty, or is that a larger version where you have to follow the added instructions?

Just been looking at the Clapotis pattern...when I get paid next month I'm buying the yarn and making it! So there! Does it turn out the same size as in the 2nd photo on knitty, or is that a larger version where you have to follow the added instructions?
Yay! Another Clapotis convert :) .

I think the second picture shows the full size Clapotis. Have a look at this (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showpost.php?p=1386166&postcount=14) post. It seems that most people have to use four skeins of LL Lion and Lamb in order to make Clapotis the size specified.

4 skeins it is then!

4 skeins it is then!
What colour do you reckon you'll go for? Are you definitely going to make it in the Lion and Lamb? If so, I think the only place to buy it is Get Knitted (http://www.getknitted.com/acatalog/Lion___Lamb.html), though I'm not entirely sure. It's where I bought mine from anyway.

I was going to say Black Purl or Mixed Berries, but then I saw the price!! *Nearly choked on wine*

I will substitute...will have to research what to substitute with though. Probably the same kind of colours though. If I'm going to make the large stole version then I would probably wear it with work clothes and I just tend to suit darker colours.

LOL I know, it is expensive isn't it? It's absolutely gorgeous yarn though, and really worthwhile if you're making Clapotis to be worn on perhaps special occasions.

My next Clapotis will probably use substitute yarn though too.

Wow, look what happens when you stay offline for 24 hours:o
Two new converts and clapotes every where. They are all fantastic, I love the colours of Shine's yarn, and Hecate yours too. Having substituted Silkwood Lush for LL Lion and Lamb, I'm beginning to regret it as both Hecate's and Jules' are a much denser texture than mine:( I'm about 4 repeats into the straight section and have dropped stitches as per the pattern, but it's curling around itself when I hold it up. Should it do this? It is a very soft yarn (still 50% wool/silk split like LLLL). It wont be heavy to wear though. Maybe the "curl" will come out with blocking. We DO block our Clap's don't we? I like this knitalong thing - sort of companionable eh?

Yes, it's meant to curl. If you don't block it, it'll look like the picture on the pattern; you know the one with it sort of coiled round her neck?

You can leave it to curl, or block it into a rectangle. I intend to block mine, as I prefer the non-curly look.

I do like the knitalong. It shames me into trying to keep up with everyone too :hihi: .

EDIT: Here (http://dogsstealyarn.com/archives/000291.html) are some lovely pics of Clapotis, including the blocked version. I love this girl's hair too.

The first one I did used Hipknits silk, thats half the price (i think) of the L&L

here's mine (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i217/turra21/clapotis5thaug.jpg) so far. I'm a bit more settled that it's "right" when it curls now Hecate's put me straight. Thanks H:thumbsup:

It seems to grow so quickly, but I'm away to see Dad at the end next week for a spot of decorating so no Clapotis for a few days:(

I'll want to see some serious progres from you by the time I get back girls:rolleyes:

Turra, I think yours must knit itself in the wee small hours; it's growing at an alarming rate! Mine is about two inches longer than the last photo, so I doubt anyone would tell the difference if I posted one now.

Updates at the end of the day though :) .

I'm halfway through the 4th repeat increase row. I've been to work this morning and we went for some retail therapy last night so i'll be catching up now!

I begged and begged and pleaded for boyfriend to buy the yarn....or to put half to. He just doesn't understand my need for a clapotis! I promised all manner of things (some I won't go into!) but to no avail.

Turra, yours is increasing in size so quickly, I'm sure it'll look mighty fine when it's done.

*Is now in a sulk*

Well you need to stop promising stuff and start threatening!!

Haha I like your way of thinking jules.....I'll give it a try :evil:

Ok, so you mustnt tell hubby but I've gone and ordered form hipknits!
I cant post the link, but I ordered arun silk form hipknits and told them to choose between Bumble, and Chocolate cherries, because I really couldnt decide.
If my hubby finds out, he'll go nuts cos I was supposed to be keeping the cash to pay for my broken down car! OOOOOpppppppsssss!

...Updates at the end of the day though :) .
Or tomorrow... :hihi:

I had a very late night last night, then up early this morning. Consequently I fell sound asleep for a few hours this afternoon and am still feeling drowsy despite several cups of filter coffee. I'm off to watch a DVD and get the needles clicking....

I begged and begged and pleaded for boyfriend to buy the yarn....or to put half to. He just doesn't understand my need for a clapotis! I promised all manner of things (some I won't go into!) but to no avail.

Turra, yours is increasing in size so quickly, I'm sure it'll look mighty fine when it's done.

*Is now in a sulk*
No, no, no! :nono: Begging, pleading and promising is not the way to go about it. I'll PM you some really effective tips for getting your own way, some of which don't even involve too much physical pain :twisted: ;) . Men are simple creatures really... :hihi:

Ok, so you mustnt tell hubby but I've gone and ordered form hipknits!
I cant post the link, but I ordered arun silk form hipknits and told them to choose between Bumble, and Chocolate cherries, because I really couldnt decide.
If my hubby finds out, he'll go nuts cos I was supposed to be keeping the cash to pay for my broken down car! OOOOOpppppppsssss!
Those colours are gorgeous! I think I prefer Chocolate Cherries, but that could just be me being swayed by the name! If you could take some photos of the skeins when they arrive, I'd love to see what they look like in the flesh.

Broken down car? Pah! Clapotis silk is far more important... :D .

Oh I will do, I must remember to get batteries though!
Decided to use some hair tie thingies instead of stitch markers though, cos I don't have that many.
All I have to do is hope hubby is off work, than I can sneak it in my stash and pretend I've had it ages!

Oh I will do, I must remember to get batteries though!
Decided to use some hair tie thingies instead of stitch markers though, cos I don't have that many.
All I have to do is hope hubby is off work, than I can sneak it in my stash and pretend I've had it ages!
There's a really cunning way to avoid using any stitch markers at all while knitting Clapotis. I don't know about you, but I find that they tend to get in the way.

Basically, it involves purling the stitches that will ultimately be dropped; the YOs between the two ktbl. It takes a tiny bit of getting used to at first, but it's really easy once you get into it. You end up with Clapotis looking a little like a 5x1 rib from the front, but this is only temporary until you drop the stitches.

Well, Clapotis is definitely growing. A bit (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis-3.jpg).

Didn't get as much done last night as I wanted to. I watched 'Batman Begins'; a good film, though it did lose the plot (literally and metaphorically) towards the end.

Can I just say, Christian Bale: :love: . Cillian Murphy :love: :love: ... Can't get too much knitting done when you're busy drooling :hihi: .

Thats looking lovely. I see from your picture what you mean by purling the drop stitch, I'll see how I get on with that method, becasue I had enough trouble keeping the stitch marker on the needle for my sock! Thats another story though!
I do love the colour you have chosen.

Thanks :) .

If you have a look at the Knitty Coffeeshop board (you'll need to sign up to it, but it's well worth it), there's a FAQ section about Clapotis. One of the links in there is about how to knit it without the stitch markers, which is where I found the information. Actually, I think it was turra21 who suggested it to me now I come to think of it.

No, no, no! :nono: Begging, pleading and promising is not the way to go about it. I'll PM you some really effective tips for getting your own way, some of which don't even involve too much physical pain :twisted: ;) . Men are simple creatures really... :hihi:


I've now tried everything Hecate, it has become a matter of principle! I've been told I can have the yarn for my birthday. It's in March. *scowl* Although my half birthday is in September hehe. I've also tried guilt trips on my mother, step dad, dad and step mum. I usually get my own way, I must be out of practice.
Well the other half has gone off fishing so I won't expect him back before 10pm, and I'm all my own feeling depressed about going back to work tomorrow...I've just had a full week off on hol. Is it really bad to be wishing for retirement when your only 23!? :D

Nope, its not really bad! I found it hard the other week when we went back. I keep trying to give reasons to hubby why i should pack in work and he should keep going instead, but they don't work. Especially when he points out if i did pack in, I wouldn't be able to get any more stash!

Nope, its not really bad! I found it hard the other week when we went back. I keep trying to give reasons to hubby why i should pack in work and he should keep going instead, but they don't work. Especially when he points out if i did pack in, I wouldn't be able to get any more stash!

Hubby's can be a pain at times. . . .Thats's the sort of thing mine would say to keep me working!!

I've now tried everything Hecate, it has become a matter of principle! I've been told I can have the yarn for my birthday. It's in March. ...
Well that's no good; winter will be over by then and you'll certainly need to be wearing Clapotis by mid-autumn. More persuasive methods needed, I think :D .
...Is it really bad to be wishing for retirement when your only 23!? :D
Definitely not. I've just switched from science to starting college as an art/textiles student in September due to very similar reasons. I'm 35, and I wish I'd made the decision to do what I really want to do a loooong time ago.

I'm the same age as you Hecate and after 17 years in the Dental trade I've been wanting to change job for ages just not sure what to

I'm the same age as you Hecate and after 17 years in the Dental trade I've been wanting to change job for ages just not sure what to
I really would suggest having a serious think about it. Weigh up the practical implications of re-training, obviously, but if you're really not fulfilled in what you're doing it can only get worse.

It's taken a while for me to have the courage, the motivation, the financial resources and the big kick up the bum from others to make a decision to do something drastic. It's scary, but very exciting :) .

Well done for you Hecate for doing something you want to.

I've done the whole uni thing but am quite disheartened with the whole thing. After 3 years of studying, £12k student loan, and an average(ish) degree I am now stuck in a job that has nothing to do with my degree, that doesn't pay enough for me to even begin to pay my student loan off and that I could have got had I just left school at age 16 and done no further study.

I think studying as a 'mature' student is a helluva lot more worthwhile. What type of course are you doing Hecate?

I'm going to be doing City and Guilds qualifications. This year is going to be about expanding my portfolio and getting a broad range of experience. I hope to do an art foundation course next year and then hopefully get a place at uni to do art. At least this time around I won't be getting used to the joys of drinking too many pints at the SU bars :hihi: . Perhaps :D .

It's going to be a long haul, but I'm really looking forward to it.

Good on you Liz for having the guts to go for it! Good luck with it all :)

Well Done Liz. To find the courage to follow your dreams is amazing. I wish you all the luck in the world in your new venture.

Thanks! :) . Expect photos of dodgy artwork, wobbly pots and wonkily soldered silver jewellery :hihi: .

I'm up to the fifth repeat in the increase section of Clapotis. I worked on it last night, but the weather was incredibly humid so it didn't progress as quickly as I'd hoped. Photos at the end of the day. I hope to have finished section 2 by then.

I'm almost finished my second skein of yarn:o I've done nearly 10 of the straight row repeats. I think it would be wise to start using lifelines now incase I don't have enough left for the decrease and last section. I can see I'm going to need to rip some of it out:( But this (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i217/turra21/clapotisaug7th.jpg) is what it looks like after the weekend.

Wow! It's looking great. I'm going to go for lifelines too, I think. It'd be incredibly disheartening to have to rip too much out.

I clearly need to move back up north where the weather suits me and my knitting more. We had a massive downpour in the night, but it's still humid. Grrrr.

This (http://the-lone-knitter.blogspot.com/) Is my quick update for today.

I'm still trying to untangle some of the yarn which is a bit of a pain and slowing things down, but I'll get there eventually!

:thumbsup: Coming along nicely

Looking good, Jules13 :) . I hate it when the yarn gets tangled. It happens to me without fail every time I take apart a skein and wind it into balls. I really want one of those automatic ball winders and a swiffer - not that I need to put anything else on my credit card; the poor thing is feeling the strain as it is :hihi: .

Thanks!
I want one of those gadgets but have only seen them on websites abroad not here....

Thanks!
I want one of those gadgets but have only seen them on websites abroad not here....
Feast your eyes on this (http://www.woollyworkshop.co.uk/acatalog/Gadgets_and_.html). I really want an electric one though, and I think that one is manual.

Oooh there are some nice gadgets there! Is that all I'd need then?

Oooh there are some nice gadgets there! Is that all I'd need then?
Well, you could use a swiffer for when you're winding yarn from skeins into balls too, but the ball winder can be used without.

I really want one, but I'd so much rather spend the money on more yarn :D .

EDIT: Or is it called a swift? :suspect: I've always referred to it as a swiffer.

Oh, me too, but how much time have i wasted winding when i could be knitting! thanks for the link, i'll look at it later. Better go and get ready for work! I start in under an hour and i'm still sat in my pj's!

I've got a Nostepinne - http://www.hatchtown.com/nostdir.html - which makes ball winding a whole lot easier (with a lil practice), plus you get centrepull balls which are a lot less unruly.

I made mine myself from a staircase spindle!

Here's today's progress: http://www.flickr.com/photos/neverbelilith/209920522/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/neverbelilith/209921900/.

I've just finished my first straight repeat. I only ended up doing 5 increase repeats, because otherwise this thing was going to be the size of a blanket! I'm nearly at the end of my second skein too, so I've ordered some more :/ Oh dear!

A Clapotis blanket. Now there's an idea... A bit bigger and it'd make a good throw-type thing to wrap yourself up in while you're sat watching tele. I dread to think of the amount of LL I'd need for that. I'm already eyeing up the Black Purl for the next one, and Get Knitted have got Aslan back in too. And Georgetown is very pretty... :help:

What's that yarn like to knit with, Shine? It looks absolutely gorgeous in the fabric, but it looks like it could be a bit of a bugger to handle. You'll have huge biceps by the time you've finished!

So, here's (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/blondgirl1978/Knitting/P8090001.jpg) my first pic, and I'm not loving it. I love the colour and the silk, I'm not loving the knitting and I feel like its not going to be worth my efforts. You can read more here http://pinkandsparklyworldofbecky.blogspot.com/ (http://pinkandsparklyworldofbecky.blogspot.com/)

Bex, don't worry. There are ways around the difficulties. You can knit it without the stitch markers, there are ways to make the row ends neater (and there will be holes at the end of the rows; it's for where the dropped stitch columns end) and the YO problems are easy to sort out.

If you can wait til tomorrow evening, I can meet you on here and talk you through it, if you like. Let me know a time when you'll be free and we'll get it sorted :) .

I promise that you will get into it :) .

My update for the day: I've just finished section 2 and am about to start on the straight section. Pictures tomorrow once I've found some fully-charged batteries for the camera and the light's a little better.

Feeling much happier with it now, I've worked on it some more and its looking much better. 2nd update of the day (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/blondgirl1978/Knitting/P8090005.jpg)

Feeling much happier with it now, I've worked on it some more and its looking much better. 2nd update of the day (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/blondgirl1978/Knitting/P8090005.jpg)
Yay! It is looking good :) .

Did you find that you got into a rhythm knitting it after a while? I found it a bit clumsy at first, and I really couldn't get on with all the stitch markers, but after a little while it just seemed to flow.

Well, I don't want to tempt fate, but it is deffinately seeming easier. I am into my second repeat now, on section 2, so fingers crossed I'm ok!:cool:

My camera batteries are now officially dead and as I neglected to charge the others, no photos today.

I'm now a few rows into the straight section and have just dropped my first stitch! It's strangely satisfying to see the little column of stitches unravel and end up looking so neat (and not having a dropped stitch set off a panic attack :hihi: ).

Photos at last! I've just finished the first repeat of the straight section.

Here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis4.jpg) is what Claopotis looks like from a distance, and here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis5.jpg) is a close-up of the first column of dropped stitches.

There's something so wrong yet so right about the dropped stitches! It looks great so far Hecate!

There's something so wrong yet so right about the dropped stitches! It looks great so far Hecate!
Thanks :) . It's strangely cathartic to deliberately drop a stitch and watch it unravel. Very liberating! I reckon that's part of the reason that the pattern's been so succesful.

Well, mine is coming along slowly, cos I keep making mistakes.
I'm on section 2 repeat 5.
Hope to get on section 3 this evening.
Pics soon, when I can find my camera!

I've just dropped my second stitch! I'm really looking forward to blocking it. I think it's going to look fantastic with the dropped stitch columns fully extended; the silk really catches the light.

I'll post a pic tomorrw now but i've just dropped my second stitch too. I've also started by 2nd skien as well. I noticed last time it was better to start a new skien at the end of a row rather than in the middle of one cos when you start dropping stitches and if you've started the new skien in the middle, you end up with a hole rather than a ladder!

http://pinkandsparklyworldofbecky.blogspot.com/ Heres the lastest update on blogger.
I miscounted repeats so I've got a few more rows to go before I get to section 3.

http://pinkandsparklyworldofbecky.blogspot.com/ Heres the lastest update on blogger.
I miscounted repeats so I've got a few more rows to go before I get to section 3.
It's coming along really well, and the colours are stunning. Very delicate and pearlesent.

I've just started to wind my second skein of LL as I only have a little of the first one left. One skein has taken me to the third repeat of section 3 so far.

Here (http://the-lone-knitter.blogspot.com/) Is my update. I've just started my skien as well

Here (http://the-lone-knitter.blogspot.com/) Is my update. I've just started my skien as well
It's very pretty. The colour reminds me of irises.

Here's (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis6.jpg) a close up of mine showing the second dropped stitch column.

The second skein is now wound in a ball. Not a single tangle either, despite the best efforts of Merlin's paws.

Ooh yours is nice too. Looks like we're at the same sort of stage. I haven't done any yet today, i ought to put the laptop away and start really!

Ooh yours is nice too. Looks like we're at the same sort of stage. I haven't done any yet today, i ought to put the laptop away and start really!
LOL me neither, apart from winding the second skein.

My excuse is that I've spent the afternoon in front of the computer investigating buying a new sewing machine. The different options are sooooo confusing, so it's taking ages. I think I've narrowed it down to the Bernina range (though Brother look very enticing too).

I've been trying to sort my blog out cos it wouldn't let me post stuff then I lost all the links, oh and I've been chatting to Becky on msn! Although we're usually knitting and chatting at the same time!

I go away for a week and you have all done so much. They are all looking very nice. I DO like the Bumble colourway:D

I love both those colours, and I've nearly caought up as well.
I'm coming up to my second dropped stitch, got a few more rows though. I hope to manage at least 12 rows today but I've got a lot on.

Hubby is getting bored cos we've spent a week laying on the bed, him reading, me knitting, and he's fed up.
I'm goignt o head to tesco and get some nibbly bits and we can watch DVD's tonight instead. So, I want to get as much knitting in as I can before then LOL

I've just finished the thired repeat of section 3 while veging out in front of 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'. The first skein of LL got me up to row 8 of section 3, though I made the mistake of risking just one more row. Consequently I had to start the new skein in the middle of a row. D'oh! I knit with the old strand and the new strand for 3 stitches, and it's virtually unnoticible though. Phew!

well, I had a slight mishap. dropped the second stitch, and got to the following purl row.
I was coming to the end of the first skein, annd I measured to make sure I had enough, they say allow 3 times the lenth of the knitting on the needle. well, I had six times the length, and I only just scraped it.

Managed to tie in the end of the old and new, and then a few stitches in, my new yarn broke!

I twisted the lengths together and re-knit, it seems ok, but I think I might just go back a row, for my own piece of mind.
These clapotis aren't cheap to knit, and I want mine to look good when its done.

Edited to say I've pulled out hte last row and reknit it, and here are the pics
Up close (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/blondgirl1978/P8150002.jpg)

Full clapotis (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/blondgirl1978/P8150003.jpg)

Coming on Becky, well done!

It looks lovely! I really like the colours up close.

You did what I would have done too if I wasn't completely happy with a row or two. If you'd have left it, your eyes would have gone straight to it every time you looked at the finished Clapotis - even if no one else could spot it.

Thats looking really good Bex. I really like that colour and Im not normally a pink person:)

Here's the latest (slightly blurry) photo (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis7.jpg) of Clapotis. I've just finished the sixth repeat in section 3. Please ignore the glaring error where I managed to purl a stitch instead of ktbl :roll: .

Here's the latest (slightly blurry) photo (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis7.jpg) of Clapotis. I've just finished the sixth repeat in section 3. Please ignore the glaring error where I managed to purl a stitch instead of ktbl :roll: .

Looking really good. I can't see where the "glaring" mistake is. It really is true that only you notice where the mistakes are because you know where they are.

My eyes have gone blurry I have been looking so hard to find this supposed mistake. Put me out of my misery! It's like a knitting 'Where's Wally'.

Well thank God for that! My eyes go straight to it and I cringe every time. I did contemplate ripping it back to the mistake, but I simply couldn't face ripping out quite so much.

I'll post another photo with the mistake circled. You can't miss it once it's been pointed out.

Here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/ClapotisMistake.jpg) you go :blush: . Have a look at this and then look back at the other photo where the mistake isn't circled here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis7.jpg). I bet your eyes go straight to it.

Here's the latest (slightly blurry) photo (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis7.jpg) of Clapotis. I've just finished the sixth repeat in section 3. Please ignore the glaring error where I managed to purl a stitch instead of ktbl :roll: .

Yes I did notice that, never mind it really is lovely:thumbsup:

Yes I did notice that, never mind it really is lovely:thumbsup:
Why, thank you :) . I don't believe you noticed my error though :suspect: .

I would never have known had you not circled it in the picture! I still had trouble finding it again though when I looked at the uncircled picture...don't worry about it, it looks beautiful.

Now you've pointed it out I can see it. If it bothers you that much why not drop the stitch down as far as you need and rework the stitch using a crochet hook? Much quicker than ripping it all out?

You would be the queen of obsession in my book then:wink: I might even relinquish my crown!

who's otis? and why are we clapping him?

who's otis? and why are we clapping him?
Here's Clapotis (http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html).

The word is French (pronounced clap-o-tee) and means 'lapping waves' :) .

Now you've pointed it out I can see it. If it bothers you that much why not drop the stitch down as far as you need and rework the stitch using a crochet hook? Much quicker than ripping it all out?

You would be the queen of obsession in my book then:wink: I might even relinquish my crown!
That is a very good idea. I'm not exactly sure how to go about it though given that the stitch would need to be turned into a ktbl and it's right next to the already-dropped stitch.

I would do it (yes, I really am that obsessive!) but it would scare me rigid! Any step-by-step tips for a succesful reworking would be much appreciated :) .

There's a post on the YarnHarlot.ca blog, where she shows how to fix a cable twisting the wrong way, using dpns that I used for the same mistake. You drop the offending stitches, keeping the correct ones on the needles, then using dpns knit the dropped stitches, not turning at the end of the row, until you're back to where you started. Hope this makes sense, she's posted great pictures on how to do this, and it's easier to do than to explain.

There's a post on the YarnHarlot.ca blog, where she shows how to fix a cable twisting the wrong way, using dpns that I used for the same mistake. You drop the offending stitches, keeping the correct ones on the needles, then using dpns knit the dropped stitches, not turning at the end of the row, until you're back to where you started. Hope this makes sense, she's posted great pictures on how to do this, and it's easier to do than to explain.
Welcome to the knitting group, and to the forum, knitbird :wave: . Thanks for the suggestion. I read the Yarnharlot's blog, though obviously not as thoroughly as I should because I missed that! I shall check it out tomorrow :) .

I've got a confession, I haven't done any for 2 days :o we were out on Wednesday and i got doing something else last night so haven't had chance. But, from tomorrow, I'll be a football widow again. Although its dinner time kick off they are going early to get parked. So, I'll have no interuptions when he's gone!

:clap: I've done it!!! Finished my clapotis last night. Pinned it out to block it this afternoon and hey presto it will be finished - ends sewn in and everything by the end of the weekend!! I'll post a picture tomorrow if I can!

Now what next? hmmm let me think:idea:

I don't wanna talk about it.
I'm sulking.
Oh, go on then.

I worked on it all afternoon and evening yesterday, I managed 2 repeats.

I am currently on repeat 5 of section 3, and somehow I've gained a stitch. my TBL's have all moved along one stitch, and its noticable.

More horrifyingly, I've already dropped the stitch in this row, and I don't know how to go about fixing it.

The obsesser in me knows I'll have to pick up the dropped stitch and then work my way back till I find what ever it is I;'ve done wring.
The only thing I can think is that I forgot to P2tog at the end of a row.

Oh Bex how frustrating. :gag: You are right you will need to re-work your dropped stitch and then tink back to see where you've gone wrong. You could use two dpns or a crochet hook for this - whatever you feel more comfy with.

I do feel for you :cry: I send my daughter "Mummy cuddles" when things go wrong for her. I've sent one to you too!

Clapotis is finished - Photo (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i217/turra21/Clapotis19thAug.jpg) as promised
I apologise for my photographic skills. I wish they were better. I see all these beautiful pictures taken by other people either on this forum or on blogs and mine just turn out Blurgh! sorry

How is everybody else getting on?

Well done Turra it looks brilliant:D I just knew you would be the first past the finishing post:wink:

All is ok!
it was only 3 rows back, I'd purled into a stitch twice somehow, and made up for the backwards knitting I had to do.

Turra, that looks fab!

All I need now is somewher to wear it!!!

Well done! It looks fab!

I'm on the 10th repeat row of section 3 now and nearly at the end of my 2nd skien

I think I'm on repeat 7 now, I've lost count.
I'm nearly at the end of my second skein and a bit worried the third one wont be enough, although it is a bigger skein than the other 2.

It looks fantastic, Turra!

I've just finished mine too, though I'm going to re-block it before taking a photo because somehow I've managed to end up with a corner which looks a bit longer than the other three :suspect: .

If I can keep the cats out of the study long enough, I'll block it overnight tomorrow :) .

I discovered that if I steal Turra's idea of hanging Clapotis from a coathanger, you don't notice that one corner is slightly mis-shapen. So, here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis8.jpg) is the finished Clapotis. I'm really rather pleased with it - despite the mistake that I never did correct, and the dodgy corner (which will hopefully disappear following a swift re-block).

I discovered that if I steal Turra's idea of hanging Clapotis from a coathanger, you don't notice that one corner is slightly mis-shapen. So, here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Clapotis8.jpg) is the finished Clapotis. I'm really rather pleased with it - despite the mistake that I never did correct, and the dodgy corner (which will hopefully disappear following a swift re-block).

That looks lovely Hecate (well for a Clapotis anyway:hihi:)

That looks better than mine *sulks*

No seriously it's beautiful. Regarding display of Clapotis.....Any ideas on how else to get an idea of it's beauty in a photograph without a super model to wear it for you?

Now, come on Jules and Bex you're letting the side down:hihi: Let's be seeing some more progress...

What's next on the needles Hecate? I've a yearning for an autumn knit but can't decide what, I rather like some of the things in the Rowan range and RYC. I'll ponder a wee whily longer:confused:

I know, i'm flagging a bit aren't i? My problem is I can only manage about 2 hours a day cos i'm at work from 7.30 till 5pm every day just about. I haven't managed any tonight yet cos we had to go out and to tell you the truth I'm shattered, hard to keep my eyes open!

We've got a Bank Holiday this weekend though so who knows, I might be able to finish it off over the weekend:hihi:

That looks better than mine *sulks*

No seriously it's beautiful. Regarding display of Clapotis.....Any ideas on how else to get an idea of it's beauty in a photograph without a super model to wear it for you?
Thank you :) . I've cunningly draped it so that you can't see the dodgy corner in the photo though :hihi: . As for displaying it to its best advantage, how about draping it artistically over something in the garden (when it stops raining, that is). I tend to try to get Merlin or Jesse in the picture too, the theory being that the presence of a cat or two enhances every photo.
What's next on the needles Hecate? I've a yearning for an autumn knit but can't decide what, I rather like some of the things in the Rowan range and RYC. I'll ponder a wee whily longer:confused:
I have the Baby Tart hat to finish, which I've been putting off slightly due to the humungous number of blumin' bobbles. I made a start on the lacy top too just before Clapotis, and that's now on a stitch holder waiting to be resumed. I'm also itching to use the Kidsilk Haze I bought from Ebay. I'm torn between wanting to do the Mrs Beetons and a scarf Lisa recommended though.

That looks better than mine *sulks*

No seriously it's beautiful. Regarding display of Clapotis.....Any ideas on how else to get an idea of it's beauty in a photograph without a super model to wear it for you?

Now, come on Jules and Bex you're letting the side down:hihi: Let's be seeing some more progress...


Thats a beautiful colour.

I've not been updating, becasue I had a serious rush of knitting which has taken my mind off a few personal problems I've been having.
Anyway, due to this serious surge, I have created This! (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/blondgirl1978/P8270019.jpg)

Its the first proper knitted object I've made for myself, with the exception of a Loopa scarf, and I'm so proud of it.
I love it and I love the way it drapes like a scarf yet you can cover your shoulders.
I'm not blocking mine becasue I love the curled effect.
I did have the problem of a mysterious dropped stitch on the end of a row, but I've sewn it in and it doesnt show.

I think next OTN is my coccoon wrap from the RYC landscape range. Had my first installment of yarn through yesterday. 4 balls down, 20 to go! I'm going to get 4 or 5 balls every 2 weeks.

I also have a cable cusion to make and a crochet bag to try, as well as my dolly bag from rowan, and a pair of socks!

My wips are blueberry bear, of popcorn fame, and a cardi for Devon, my eldest, for school. I really should get that bear done.

(excuse the quality of pic, my kids have been at my camera and the lense needs cleaning.

Edited for typos.

Bex, it looks fantastic! Lovely colour too :) .

What yarn did you end up going with for Cocoon? I like the idea of buying the yarn in installments too - as long as the LYS owner remembers to put aside enough of the same dye lot :o .

I went for the proper Alpaca in whitewash.
I used McA direct to order the yarn as the postage is free on purchases over £5 and if you put a comment in the comments box on your order they will put the yarn aside.
They add a note on the confirmation email to let you know they ahve done it.

I love all the finished photos of the Clapotis/Clapoti (plural??). Are they all the scarf versions or the longer stole version that can be made? If they are the scarf version I think they're quite big enough anyway.

When it comes to get my yarn for it for Christmas, at least I won't have a hard decision picking the colour as I think I've seen most of them on this thread!

Mine is the standard Clapotis, as described in the pattern, though I did one less repeat in the straight section (11 instead of the recommended 12).

One of the things I like about Clapotis is the drop stitch pattern gives it an airiness which a more 'solid' fabric wouldn't have, without resorting to a lace-type pattern. This also makes it possible to wear it more like a scarf than a wrap/stole, without it looking bulky.

I'm really slow aren't i?!

I didn't do any knitting for 3 days so yesterday tea time I picked it up again and am now on the 2nd repeat of section 4. So, if I pull my finger out, I might have it finished today....although there is a pile of ironing with name on it first:rolleyes: