Susan’s First Basalt Tank – Finished!

I'm envious of T's beautiful blog photos. Love how pretty her Basalt Tank looks just tossed onto the wicker chair on her porch. While I don't have a wicker chair I had visions of modeling this tank in the sunshine, but it was not to be. I had to work late last night and did not get home until after 8:30 p.m. At least these pics are better than my usual fare - because Dave took them.










Here are the details:

Pattern: Basalt Tank, in Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan
Yarn: Elann.com Sonata, Colorway: Capri Blue, Skeins: 6
Pattern Size: Smallest
Needles: Size 4*
*Note: I always have to reduce my needle size to get gauge. This time I used a smaller pattern size to get a top that would fit.

Modifications: (See Kelp Knits)

1. A half hexagon was added at the bottom of each side.
2. I decreased at the waist by starting with 4 less stitches in the section(s) of the side ½ hexagons and 5/6 hexagons that make the waist, and did not decrease in those sections on rows 10 and 14.
3. A hem and extra rows were added to the neckline so it could be worn in public.

I found this pattern endlessly entertaining to knit. If you decide to knit this, be sure to download the errata.

OTHER RANDOM THOUGHTS:

1. In T’s entry on May 16 she included a link to Susan Lawrence’s new smoke ring pattern. T knows I knit smoke rings the way other people knit socks. Unfortunately, the pattern is only available as a kit. I hate it when vendors do that. The 3 available colorways are too muted for me, but I REALLY LOVE the smoke ring pattern. This may be the birth of another obsession. I am merely in the rumination stage. I have yet to reach the I. MUST. HAVE. IT. stage (otherwise known as Critical Mass). Stay tuned to see if this remains on the back burner, evolves into a full-blown obsession, or turns into a passing fancy. Anything could happen.
2. Pondering continues on the destiny of the Moroccan Blue Callista. Over the weekend I “swatched” a hexagon using size 2 circs and dpns. The hex was too small for a Basalt Tank, but the hand of the stockinette stitch was really nice. (Normal knitters could probably achieve the same result using size 3 needles. My gauge is always way off.) Callista would make a wonderful shawl, but somehow I think this yarn is begging to be a sleeveless top. The question is: Should it be something to wear to work or something a bit “lacier” (but not necessarily “racier”) for play? Do you have any suggestions?
3. You’ve got to admire T for having the fortitude to knit two PINK Basalt Tanks (one for herself, and one for her granddaughter) in a row. I needed a change of color to hold my interest. (It’s that attention span thing again.)

Hey, T, we need a Finished Objects link/webpage. Do you happen to know how to set that up?