Ishbel’s knitting should be finished in the next few days, so I’m looking ahead to a new project (besides all the socks that will be happening for Sock Summit).
At our recent knit nite, Leigh Radford was wearing her Ruffle Tank (Rav link). This was featured in Interweave Knits Spring 2003, and also in The Best of Interweave Knits. I was smitten with the simplicity and elegance of her design.
Although the yarn specified is all linen (Louet Euroflax sport weight), I opted for Louet MerLin Sport, a blend of 60% wet-spun linen, and 40% merino wool. It was mostly a color decision; I liked this blue better than the Euroflax colors at Twisted. But I’m also hoping that the wool will make the linen a little easier to work with, too.
The MerLin has 20 yards less per skein than the Euroflax; I’ll see how close I am at the end and decide if I need all four ruffles, or only three. I have the advantage of being short, so I’ll use less yarn in the length, too, and that may save me right there.
I seem to have done a lot of dreaming about this tank already, but I’m not letting myself cast on, or even swatch, until I’m done knitting Ishbel. I know how diverting a new project can be, and I don’t want Ishbel to languish!
PDXKnitterati 
Have been eyeballing Merlin for the longest…
Yumm yumm yummmmmm!
Shelia January was telling me on Friday that the Euroflax Linen actually softens up as you knit it and even more after you wash it. It just feels so darn rough though! After working with the hemp I’m not eager to try it out.
You’re not going to try out Norah G’s Flower Child?
That blue should look gorgeous in that top.
Can’t wait to see your finished Ishbel!
i’d go with 4 ruffles – do it!
You really love your blues, don’t you? Can’t wait to see your finished Ishbel, I love the color you’re doing it in.
can’t wait to see your ishbel….. i am seriously considering one myself!! although i did time my move to portland during the late spring/early summer seasons, i am still excited to knit some warm yummies to wear when it starts to get a little colder. 🙂
I loved leigh’s tank. You are quite ambitious!
Do let us know how you like the linen/wool blend.
Hang in there with the shawl – you can do it!
The tank is really cute; it’ll make a great top!
You’re a better person than I am, I have four projects on the needles now. I love that tank, can’t wait to see it . And Ishbel, too.
That is really a cute top – and will be gorgeous in that blue!