My Little Secret Tank by Jessie Maed Designs
Pattern: My Little Secret Tank
Yarn: Hedgehog Fibers, superwash merino DK, Colorway Genie
Am I the only one who thoroughly enjoys knitting ribbing? 1x1, 2x2, 3x3, it’s all good. It’s just so relaxing and meditative. Overall I’m pleased that I selected the My Secret Tank pattern.
Unlike most of my projects, I started with the yarn and not a pattern. Usually I have a backlog of projects, but I didn’t have anything fitting for one skein of superwash DK. I had a few additional requirements for this project,
It must be simple, good for traveling.
No hats, I already knitted all the winter hats I need for this year.
Absolutely no sleeves.
The My Little Secret top met all my requirements and I was excited to create a colorful top.
My overall vibe while knitting this tank was tired. I started it late one night, worked on it on an early morning flight, and then had a sinus infection that left me exhausted for a week. My first tired mistake was at the cast on. My intent was to go up two needle sizes to 5US, but I immediately realized that I wasn’t paying any attention and might have only used 4US. The top is very stretchy, but it does look like it will be impossible to get over the shoulders. My preferred cast on is German twist and it did not disappoint for this project.
For the 1x1 ribbing, I decided to do twisted rib for a little bit more stretch. I only slightly regretted this decision when I realized the front panel ribbing wouldn’t match, but oh well. Once I got going on the 3x3 the project went super quickly and without issue. I finished the body in three sessions; two flights and one coffee break.
When it was time finish the top panel, I still had a terrible sinus infection and made my final mistake. I was under the impression that sl1 (slip one stitch) was always done purlwise by default. However when I noticed the sl1pwyif (slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in front), I started to question why purlwise was specified if that was the default. When I read the abbreviation definitions I realized my error. I guess I will be more careful next time! I could see how it would have looked better slipped knitwise, but I was just too tired to frog the entire front panel.
I continued slipping stitches the wrong way for one additional pattern repeat so that the neckline would be a little higher. This decision was almost my fourth mistake… When I began the i-cord straps I realized that I was playing yarn chicken. I decided to size up to the main body needles, US5 and to cross the straps. I also really enjoy the look of i-cord, so my final few sessions were enjoyable. I only need to knit 13.5 inches for my straps before I connected them to the body with the three needle bind technique.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, 10 out of 10. The top is super comfortable and cute. The fit is tight, but the yarn is very soft against the skin. The yarn also has splashes of color that look like fresh paint and it almost has that birthday cake look. My only complaint is that I had to deal with yarn twist constantly, but maybe that’s my fault for the sloppy winding job?
My final, final thought, or more accurately feeling, is a sense of gratitude towards the designer. Her pattern is very well written and easy to follow, which makes it accessible. I really appreciate it as someone with Long Covid brain fog and fatigue.