Oud Tank

This is the Oud Tank by Sarah Hurwitz of Knit York City.  Can you see why I love it?  It’s so cute- all vintagey with that lace pointed collar.  It was cute enough for me to brave the seaming.

I should have ironed it again after knitting the edging for the armholes and hem.  That’s why they look a little rolled here; but this was the only time this week I’d get pictures taken, so I grabbed my camera and ran to the backyard.  These little photo sessions are getting more and more hurried these days.

I liked that there was a balance of interest, with the lace, and ease, with the stockinette.  I could take the pieces with me to visit my grandparents and, except for the lace, easily knit through a conversation.  It was while knitting this that I learned one of the residents of the retirement home refers to me as “The Knitter”  since he can’t remember my name.

I knit this with Valley Yarns Goshen in navy (7 skeins) and natural (2 skeins).  It’s the same yarn I used for the Just Campy top that I wore constantly last summer.  I used size 0 circular needles, one being long enough to magic loop the sleeve edgings.

I love the side panels and collar.  The color combo makes me think of old family photographs.

I knit this as directed, but I do think my lace panels came out a bit shorter than the body.  It doesn’t make a big difference, just deeper armholes, so I went ahead and seamed it.  If you make this top, though, I’d suggested comparing the final length of your side panels with the body before binding the panels off.  You can always adjust things.

Speaking of finishing:  It sounded daunting at first- five pieces to sew together!  But it wasn’t bad at all.  I don’t see any other way to do this look without seams.  They were completely worth it.  The most important thing was to steam block the pieces with the iron.  It took care of all the crazy curling.  As I seamed the side panels, things lined up easily.  Starting at the bottom of the panels insured they’d finish up at the same place on each side.

Because there’s so much positive ease, I didn’t worry about weaving my ends in very far.  I did just a bit, then tied knots and clipped them.  No one’s going to see the reverse side, right?

I’m satisfied with the length, but wouldn’t this look great a little cropped?  And ironed?
Here we see my sad little garden.  I have very little growing this year.  It’s mostly herbs, chives, and a couple of tomato plants.  I think I’m going to make a move toward semi- permanent native plants I enjoy looking at instead of trying for food, at least during this busy time in my life.  I need to be able to sit on my patio in the evenings and relax in as much plant life as possible.  I also would love the view of the tank farm blocked by that trellis.

Sarah has another pattern out right now in the Summer issue of Pom Pom that I love.  I still want to make a Crash Sweater like the sample knit in Unplanned Peacock Studios yarn.

Other posts about the Oud tank if you’re interested:planning, beginning, and all the pieces.
You can also see  more on Ravelry, Kollabora, and Flickr.