Motif Top from CPR

[kad2mgd]

Hello Everyone!! I finished this top from Crochet Pattern Roundup a few weeks ago. I wore it to my mom's birthday party and it was a huge hit. The top was super easy to make, although weaving the ends was a lot of work!! I used Claudia Handpainted Sock Yarn in Red Wagon instead of the size 10 thread. The only thing is, I'd like it to be more fitted in the middle, anyone have any suggestions on how to shrink it? It's wool yarn....I'm nervous to try anything, yet!!

summertop (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/r.dickman@sbcglobal.net/album?.dir=/bf81scd&.src=ph)
Thanks for looking!
Rachel

[mimicat]

Its very pretty! :manyheart

[yarndiva]

Very Cute! Very Good Work!

Keep it up!

[wildthing1058]

oh that is so nice and the colors are great no wonder it was a big hit

[Yarn Duck]

I don't have any tips for shrinking the middle. But that is a great use of handpainted sock yarn! It is very pretty. :yes

[handbells]

Cute! Love the colors!

[nucki]

Very nice!

[Gaby]

It's beautiful and I love the colors!
I don't know anything about shrinking the wool ... sorry.
But... it looks great anyway!

[renegade]

I love the colors in the yarn! I don't wear wool, so can't advise you on the best way to clean it, but it looks fabulous on you!

[Carol]

I love it! Great colors, neat design, and good work.

[shella85222]

It is very pretty and looks great on you... Good job..:hook

[Roli]

I've been ogling that pattern! Not for me...for my skinny daughter. You really did a wonderful job on that and to me it looks like it fits perfectly, Rachel.:)

[RachelG]

Oooo, neat! (I contacted the designer so she can see your pics--I know she will love seeing how it turned out.)

[simonssez]

GREAT colors...what a cute top!

[christinascrochethaven]

Very, very pretty! Great job! It look great on you!:manyheart

[Yammy]

That looks like it fits great just the way it is. Really love that yarn and colors.

[laureni526]

Very pretty. About shrinking the waist, I have an idea... You could try pinning it down to a blocking board (this would mean you would actually have to have a blocking board) and then use a hair dryer on medium heat around the waist. It shouldn't felt because of there wouldn't be any friction (also it is probably a super wash wool, so this may not work anyway).

Really, if you have any of the yarn left you should swatch, pin it down and see if this works before you try it on the real deal.

Or, you could wrap around or weave a ribbon into the top a la the CrochetMe Ballet Sweater.

Good Luck

[xmaystarx]

Great job! I'm glad to hear it was easy, I bought this pattern a while ago and have the thread and everything just not the time to start it! :manyheart

[kad2mgd]

Oooo, neat! (I contacted the designer so she can see your pics--I know she will love seeing how it turned out.)

Maybe I should get some better pictures!!

[kad2mgd]

Very pretty. About shrinking the waist, I have an idea... You could try pinning it down to a blocking board (this would mean you would actually have to have a blocking board) and then use a hair dryer on medium heat around the waist. It shouldn't felt because of there wouldn't be any friction (also it is probably a super wash wool, so this may not work anyway).

Really, if you have any of the yarn left you should swatch, pin it down and see if this works before you try it on the real deal.

Or, you could wrap around or weave a ribbon into the top a la the CrochetMe Ballet Sweater.

Good Luck

Thank you, that's a great idea, and I have tons of yarn left to test it out.

[RachelG]

Maybe I should get some better pictures!!

Oh, they were fine! She was very pleased your version. :yes

[fayettesmom]

Rachel-
Instead of shrinking, you could try taking out some of the sides. Now, I'm only guessing here, but it kinda looks like the motifs are joined by ch stitches. Is that right? If that is you can always (even though its super scary since you are all done), to rip out some of the chs, then rejoin them with less chs. Say the joining method was ch-3, sc into motif... you could try ch 1 (at your waist and for about 2" long), sc into motif, then gradually change to ch 2, sc into motif.

Re-reading that makes it sound really complicated, but I don't think it will be.

Anyway- You did a beautiful job!

[laffingliz]

That is real pretty. Well done. Are you wearing a vest top underneath? :hook

[JesseCat]

If you want to shrink it in the middle, you can just take in a few stitches by sewing it...If there is a seam, just take in a few stitches by the waist, not too many or it will bunch up.
Beautiful yarn and great pattern......Love it..:clap

[Pyogazel]

You did a good job!
To answer your question, I think I would try to sew 2 (or 4) laces in the back to be tied together, like on old male vests...
like (http://www.csdm.qc.ca/stejarc/dictionnaire/imagesdicofg/gilet.jpg) those (http://duskdawn.free.fr/images/Boutique/Homme/Gilet/gilet-dos.gif)

[Cuddlefish]

It's very cute!