Yesterday, I shared the link to the free pattern I’ll knit using UNIVERSAL YARN Constellation, a lacy Cygnus Top, perfect for layering. I also finished my swatches and considered some changes to the way the top is sewn.
After measuring the washed swatches, I chose the medium size (M) for my project and decided on the LANTERN MOON Destiny Circular Needle, 32 (80cm) – Size 4 (3.5mm), which provides the stitch gauge recommended in the pattern.
It’s time to cast on, but…
If I cast on, I won’t be able to avoid sewing the overlap of the two panels in the center back and center front. To avoid sewing, I’ll need live stitches, and that means I need to use a provisional cast on for my front and back panels.
Using some scrap yarn, I cast on the required number of stitches for size M (66), and I decided on the fly to work both panels at the same time. So, I cast on another 66 stitches! Why? Because if I make a mistake, I can make it on both panels at the same time, and they will still mirror each other, at least this is my reasoning.
Two pieces of knitted lace fabric on the same circular needle.
It’s not a fast knit. I must follow the lace pattern on both the right side and the wrong side of the work, and I don’t hesitate to place lifelines every few repeats of the lace pattern. I did not have to take it back to the lifelines, but having them in place gave me some peace of mind.
Two lace panels are worked at the same time on the needles.
Working on both panels at the same time may take a bit longer, but it doesn’t bother me, as I’m looking forward to the moment when I reach the end of the panels and the top will be almost complete.
I go on knitting to reach the recommended length of the panels. When the length of my panels reaches 31”, I use scrap yarn to bind off both panels. I need to use the provisional bind off as the pattern instructs, to wash and block the lace panels before finishing the project. The lace panels will look better, and it will be easier to finish the garment.
And here are my two panels ready to be washed and blocked!
My two lace knitted panels of the Cygnus Top pattern
The panels knitted up nicely in UNIVERSAL YARN Constellation in the Orion colorway. Join me again tomorrow when I pick up stitches for the garter band.
