Matrix is a disappointment

20 years ago

I am making myself a shell top using Bernat Matrix "ribbon", and size four and six needles. And I have to say, so far, this is a disappointment and I don't think I'll be able to wear it.

The texture once knitted is coarse and scratchy. I don't know if it is the small needles (thus small stitches that stand instead of lie flat) or what. I have used Matrix (a different colour though) for a crocheted kerchief and a wrap and it wasn't this offensive feeling. I am almost tempted to take what I have done and iron it to flatten the ribbons and see if that makes a difference.

So now, decisions decisions! Do I continue on and finish the garment in the hopes that it will soften up as I go along (or after soaking and blocking)? Do I frog what I have done and try again with larger needles (adjusting for the different gauge, of course)? Do I frog what I have done and convert the pattern to crochet using the dimensions as guidelines? Do I abandon the shell pattern and use the Matrix for something else entirely?

DH is no help. When I asked him he said "FINISH THE OTHER SWEATER". He doesn't "get" having more than one craft project on the go at the same time.

Frog = "rip it". Get it? SNORK!

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Comments (4)

glassquilt
20 years ago
I'd probably rip it out and try with a larger size. Why finish if you know now you won't use it?
socks
20 years ago
When you made the other kerchif and wrap, were you using bigger needles? That could account for the difference in the feel of the knitted product.

Could you make the shell top using bigger needles and get more of a mesh look and wear a tank top under if it's too meshy?

Honestly, when I see something going bad, I pull it out and go to Plan B, or C or whatever!

Could you make kerchifs and wraps for next year's Christmas gifts since that seemed to work ok?

I've never used the yarn...this is just my 2 cents.

Susan
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sheilajoyce_gw
20 years ago
I would rip it out and make a purse. I have seen gorgeous knitted evening bags selling in our boutiques for $200 plus. And they are real simple. I plan to try one myself.

They are a small pouch style with a fold over flap in the ribbon. A fancy button is the closure and a ribbon loop goes around the button. The top third is double ribbon knitted on smaller needles. The bottom 2/3 is a mixture of an eye lash yarn, usually in a 2nd color or another tone of the ribbon's color, and a unique but luxurious formal fiber yarn to give the eyelash substance. This is usually in a 3rd color or a varigated that includes one of the other colors. It is a round poofy bottom to the clutch. The shoulder strap is made with crystals, beads and gorgeous cord in one of the colors.
dances_in_garden
Original Author
20 years ago
Socks, when I made the wrap and kerchief it was crochet. One was a double crochet "shell" pattern, and the other was a sort of meshy chained pattern (only triangles instead of squares).

I think the difference is when the knit stitch is done, the loop is standing on it's edge. Where with the crochet (I did a few stitches to test) the ribbon lays flatter so the flat edge is "up". Must be in the technique.

I think I will go ahead and set this aside for something else. Really, for knit it is hard for me to work with. I wouldn't mind if the finished stitches were killer, but I really don't like it. I feel like I should be bunching it up and using it to scrub potatoes, more than wear it. Not a good thing ROFL.