Rosetta Skirt and Swatching

Half of the "Rosetta" skirt is done. It's the big piece on the bottom. I knit half of it on the flight to Texas a week ago, and the other half while I was there. I've accounted for shrinkage and gauge is spot on, but before washing, it looks alarmingly big. I'll think about that later.

There are several swatches lying on top of it. Every time I get new yarn, I have the urge to cast on for a new project, no matter how many WIPs I have. I think swatching will be a way to satisfy that urge. I've really needed swatches recently to account for gauge of course, but also to observe shrinkage; how the yarn survives washing and drying; and testing for color fastness. I know you all know that, but I've been hard headed about swatching, knitting one once after the project is completed. Why have I had to do that? Well, my Orangina, which I never photographed after completing, is stained with some blue substance. I made it with Rowan Linen Drape and have no idea how it will hold up to various stain treatments. Notice the little lacy holes in the top swatch: I learned from someone's blog to knit a number of holes to correspond to the needle size used to knit the swatch. Clever.

Be sure to read this interesting Tim Gunn interview about fashion, Tim's new book, and the new season of Project Runway. I can't wait for it to come back.