Ever since I got the Alter Knits book back when I first started knitting, this necklace jumped out at me as the perfect gift for a dear friend of mine. But I kept putting it off--perhaps because I was scared to try something new and perhaps in part because I didn't have the time or resources to get the beads and wire and necklace materials (La Grande is a very small town indeed!).
Pattern: Silver Squares Necklace from Alter Knits
Materials: 28 gauge artistic wire, 4 beads, leather cord and fasteners
Needles: US 6 (dpns)
Project Duration: Knitting of the squares took about 45 minutes. Longer to put it all together due to some difficulties.
Modifications: The original pattern has 4 small squares and 1 large square. I knit it as such and was about to put it together when I started wondering if it was just 'too much'. In the end I decided that I liked the 3 square version much better than the original 5 square version. I think it's still classy, but also maybe a little more understated so it would work very well with just a wide-neck T-shirt. But seriously, what do I know when it comes to fashion? :) I just went with my gut reaction.
Raveled: Here
Verdict: I really like this necklace and am pretty sure I'll be making at least one more. I think that even using wire, the squares really displayed the beauty of the knit stitch and I think it makes for an attractive, unique piece. My only major problem was just my inexperience in doing this sort of thing. I've never bought beads before and paid no attention to the hole size. The ones I chose weren't going to work. So I decided to drill them myself to make the hole larger. It did work, but I broke about 4 of the beads in half trying along with 2 drill bits. Oops. Next time, I know to pay attention to that sort of thing.
My next wire related project? I'll admit that I've been eying Romi's book Elements of Style for several months now resisting the urge to buy it. I'm very intrigued with her projects and many look gorgeous. As they say, resistance is futile...I'll probably be breaking down and getting this book soon.
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Now playing: The Stride Set by Solas (this is my favorite song of the album 'Solas'...Seamus Egan on mandolin does battle with Bela Fleck on banjo -- pretty impressive dueling!)
14 comments:
Looks good! And you want to do more, which is amazing to me!
I gave up knitting with wire after one votive...way to hard on my delicate fingers! I do love how it looks, and your decision to reduce the squares to 3 was a good one!
I got that book for Christmas. Once I get some UFOs finished I want to cast on something from her book. The necklace is very nice.
I *love* that necklace!! That is really gorgeous. I've attempted knitting with wire and I found it too difficult, so I admire anyone who can make it work. Great job!
That is very pretty. I like the balance of the three squares.
What a gorgeous piece of jewellery, I didn't even notice this in the book but love what you've done with it.
How pretty - it's only when you really look at it that you can see that it's knitted - from a distance you just get the squares; I'm sure your friend will love it.
Are you tempted by the earings on the front cover of the winter knitty?
Oh, how pretty. I have reels of colored wire that I use to use for my stained glass. Back them I would just crochet bits to solder onto my boxes.
Very nice! I love the architectural look of it...
Beautiful! I love Romi's stuff too. I have purchased the materials for Bijouterie (knitty, earrings.) That will be my first go at knitting with wire too!
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter08/PATTbijouterie.php
I really like that. The necklace has a modern minimalist feel to it and that is the type of bling I like - I wear a lot black and modern pieces just look better with black. Nice work...now you got me curious to try something like this.
Give in and buy the book. That necklace is really amazing.
I love my necklace! Thank you thank you thank you! I got it Tuesday last week and we lost power that night from the ice storm. We were out 6 days and had 8 people living in my basement huddled around gas logs. The other family just got power last night so as of tonight my house will be mine again after 8 days. Needless to say I am worn. Your package was the best and I love you! I'll drop you a mail this weekend when life gets back to normal.
that is SO cool!!! and i love it with three beads/squares. you did a fabulous job.
i have always wanted to try knitting with wire, but have never given it a try.
I've got some really thin wire upstairs, so I might give that a try. :-) Or I might go sit on the back porch and knit. It's a beautiful day.
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