In Pieces
I started knitting in my late twenties and hadn’t been at it long when I was introduced to seamless knitting. There was that Twinkle book and Stefanie Japel, and I became a believer. I went seamless as much as possible on a knit. I’d modify things to be knit in the round, try to do afterthought sleeves rather than set- in sleeves, or just eschew designs that required seams altogether. Only recently have I been hearing all the “seams give a knit structure” talk. I’m sure that’s been an issue of debate for a long time, but I do knit under a rock, so…
I think Nachtfalter was the first time I realized that, yes, the seams did add structure. It didn’t hurt that they were minimal and easy to sew. I can definitely see myself employing seams from now on where a top might stretch out of shape without them holding it together. When using hemp for my Hawt Sands coverup I was glad for those side seams. I fear the hemp would’ve stretched and twisted into a deformed mess if left alone. As it is, it just lengthened a bit, which was fine with me. (I will post photos of it in a few days. I have to take them at the beach, after all.)
Maybe I didn’t see a need for seams before because I knit very fitted sweaters in the beginning and now it’s all about ease. I’ve even added a false purl stitch seam to loose sweaters to try and prevent stretching.
(ravelry, kollabora, and flickr)
My point here is that my latest project, the Oud Tank, has been knit in lots of pieces: front, back, side panels, and collar, and I found it fun to break it down that way. It was a nice change of pace and let me stow it in my purse more easily. It may even sharpen my seaming skills, which are so very dull.
Okay, and now can I just say I’ve been waiting all season for the moment when Helena meets her sisters, so Saturday was kind of awesome. (Go here if your device won’t let you see it.)
Also, how do they do it? Two full seasons and I have yet to cringe at dumb lines, dippy relationships, or get bored by the plot line?
I'm with you! Even though I was first a seamstress, and seams are inevitable, I have avoided seamed knits at all costs. But I agree, they must lend the garment some structure and help to avoid the torsion twist that can occur in garments knit in the round. I wonder if faux seams do make a difference? I'm knitting Caramel at the moment and it has faux seams. Hmmm.
can't wait to see (and hear) how it goes! i have been knitting for so long, and only had the option to seam for many years, so am pretty grateful for less pieces these days. but then i want to do everything you do (bear sweater!!)
I'm knitting in pieces right now, too! After knitting two of Allyson's seamless designs (girl hates seaming!) in a row, it's a nice change! Good luck with the finishing on your's.
Ha! You'd be adorable in a bear sweater, Lori! I still prefer seamless, because I'm lazy like that. But it is nice to try something different once in a while.
Ooh is that your Cafe Au Lait? I love that sweater. I have some Knit Picks Palette set aside for it some time soon. Can't wait to see how yours comes out.
I'm enjoying the pieces too. There are times when I want something done quickly and seamlessly, but other times I like following directions and seeing how it will all fit together. And, yeah, I can always count on one of Allyson's designs for seamless ease.