A Time to Cut, part two

So after much review and reading up on the different types of steek reinforcement, I decided to go with the crochet reinforcement.  The deciding factor was that I am using 100% feltable wool with no superwashing or chemicals added in.  According to literature, I shouldn't even need reinforcement (yeah, right - that was never happening).  In any event, here's my crochet reinforcements:

I had some trouble finding the right stitch to crochet through on the stranded bits, but the orange was easy.  I am now supposed to cut through these "purl bumps":

Note: if you are following along and using a method other than crochet, where you cut is very different.  Please check your instructions.

Okay.  Did that with some issues:

again, problems in the colored bits.  The purl bumps were hard to find and I know I cut more than what I should have.  This might have been avoided if when weaving the ends in I would have had the foresight to not weave over the steek stitches.  Yep - let's just say that foresight was not in the cards for me this go round.  The steek stitches were filthy with weaved-in ends.

Onward.... and to more issues.  While picking up the stitches for the "button bands" (I'm doing a zipper - Lord help me) it started unraveling in the trouble colored parts.  I stopped at this point to clutch my chest and utter some obscenities...

see how it's all coming apart?

Okay - the only recourse I could think of was to whip out the sewing machine.  Why wasn't it felting?  Why is this happening to me?  Felt Felt Felt... then.....  a lightbulb.  I can make it felt, can't I?  I can felt those edges somehow, right?  Into the sewing/fiber room I go looking for something.....  oh ... YES - I do have something!

and the front side looks nice too.  Not bad after whacking it to within an inch of its life with this little handy tool (new in the package - what was my plan for it???)  The only fuzzy bits are on the back side:

and it's looking like I can pick up stitches now without it unraveling... very much.

Stay tuned, we're going for the button bands next!!

Comments

[Toni]

Oh no! Steeking is hard enough when there aren't problems--I think I would have had heart failure if I saw unraveling after cutting. Nice save!!!!!

[TravelingAnn]

Oh my! I feel a little lightheaded on your behalf.
Good thing you have a well stocked craft room!