Finished Friday usually doesn’t work for me because it just doesn’t work out. But today I am done. I completed my Staple Linen Top by Joji Locatelli and I am happy. As most of you know this is my first Joji pattern AND my first time knitting with linen. I am calling this the project of firsts.
The Yarn
So my first linen is experience is also finished. I was so apprehensive based on what I was hearing about using linen. I almost didn’t cast on this project. The negative thoughts of “you can’t do that Gaye” had to be pushed aside so I could get started. I had my Butter Depot whipped Shea butter sitting next to me because I heard it could be hard on your hands. Listen I was ready.
The linen was from Espace Tricot. It’s called Petit Lin+ and the color is Orange Julep. Because I was a virgin I went with the recommendation on the pattern. I am pleased to say I had no issues. It wasn’t harsh on my hands, I mean it’s linen so not soft like I am use to, but not horrible either. After a bath, it took longer than expected to dry, but I am pleased with the material I created.
I would definitely do another linen project. Cocoknits comes to mind instantly. Hmmmmmmm
The Pattern
I am so proud of my first finished Joji pattern. I know it will not be the last. Her technique challenged me in a good way. I have done one other tank top and that was bottom up. When I read that this was top down and seamless, I was confused at the how. Well I only had to bother Joji one time and that was how I was joining the back and front. Then it was smooth sailing from there.
The only hiccup was at the neckline. I am not sure what I did wrong, but I tried it one before I picked up the stitches without issue; however, after I finished I couldn’t get the sweater over my head. LOL I was so annoyed. Thankfully all I had to rip back was a few rows. I still don’t know what I did wrong but a stretchy bind off did the trick.
The name of this pattern is perfect because this is definitely as staple piece. It can be worn alone or layered as pictured above. Have you ever used linen?
Have a fabulous day…On Purpose
GG
When I worked at a yarn store I did a sample in a new yarn that was a linen blend. The pattern was stockinette so I was reading a book and knitting pretty fast. The yarn wore the skin off my finger where the yarn was going across. The sample turned out great, but I wouldn’t buy a stiff yarn like that. I hope yours was nicer.
It was! I didn’t have that problem at all. Sorry that happened
GG, that finished piece looks so much nicer that what you were showing in your podcast! I’m excited to see it that way! It does look very nice with a white shirt! Great job!! Knocked some things off your list either this! Beautiful !
Thank you!!
Beautiful! You’ve inspired me to pick up and finish my 1st try at linen…it’s been languishing for a couple years. You’re right, I got in my own way. Time to kick that habit. 👍
Yay!! Go get it
the sweater is beautiful and the fit is perfect. Fantastic job GG…
Gaye, it sounds like your linen yarn was “properly” harvested the old-fashioned way. There’s a very interesting article about linen as an endangered natural fiber at https://joybileefarm.com/linen-at-joybilee-farm/
Here’s are excerpts from the site, which actually pick up on some of the themes you write about:
“There’s intrinsic JOY in creating something substantial with your own hands. [We need] … to restore the JOY of the creative, handmade life to women, empowering them to reclaim their intuition and inner strength in … [bringing enthusiasm and inspiration to] their families, deeply rooted in their homes. It is through these creative efforts that women can fearlessly take back their power and begin the healing work of restoring wholeness and bringing integration to themselves, their family, and their [Beloved] Community…”
“If you didn’t make a mistake, fall down, make a mess, or wreck something, you didn’t learn anything. You can be joyful when you make a mistake or make a mess. Tomorrow’s a new day with no mistakes in it. Today your job is to learn all you can, make a mess, and have fun along the way. Today is where your best life is lived.”
Thanks for reading 👩🏾💻😊🧡
This came out great and it looks terrific on you. You are inspiring me to try linen myself; I have avoided it all these years because it seems so rough. Did the feel of the fabric change significantly when you washed it? It looks really soft in the photo.
It’s still stiffer than wool but I like it
Hey GG,
Love your tank top. Summer is coming up for me so will be casting this on soon.
I don’t normally gravitate to tops with high necklines as I feel like they make my boobs look like they’re sagging down to my stomach. I don’t know if it’s the way you have styled it or the vertical design feature down the front (or both) but you are rocking it!
I’m still in the midst of knitting a top using linen for the first time. I was going to do Joji’s SSSS but didn’t have enough yarn so I’m now doing the Ranunculus. Like you, I was hesitant because of the tales of woe I had heard but I had recently binged the Espace Tricot girls raving about linen so decided to give it a go. I’m using a cotton/linen blend and so far so good. No dramas on my hands whatsoever.
I want to try the Espace Tricot Petit Linen (+/- Plus) so I’m off now to check their website. Thanks for the inspiration!
Good luck and thank you