The Fiber Factor Review - Challenge 4

Due to lack of time I’ve decided to just show the winners from the previous challenges. Trying to go through all of them was very time consuming, not just because of these boys running around me but also because of this swollen pinky finger that refuses to return to its normal size. This is my fourth day without knitting or crochet and I’m itching to back to work.

So here they are, the designs from Challenge 4 – Express Yourself. The contestants were given the addi Express Knitting Machine to make their designs, though they could also use hand knitting. I'm writing these comments before watching the judging video as I don’t want to be influenced by the judges. I will add additional comment after watching the video.

 

Tracy Purtsher – Claudette



What first got my attention about this was the colour, I really love this green. The belt and the colours used are a really nice touch. The ribbing effect on the sleeves and aroud the shoulders and collar also adds to its appeal. I’m little concerned by the shaping below the belt, it doesn’t seem to sit evenly, but this may look completely diffent when sitting on an actual moving body.

Terri Rosenthal – Queen Ann Bomber

 

 

Though not something I would wear, I do like this design. The colours work well, though I would have prefered a different combination. I prefer the jacket in the second picture where its opened. Its hard to tell how the sleeve is supposed to look without someone wearing it, hopefully in the judging video I’ll get to see this.

 

Talitha Kuomi – Buzzz

Overall I can’t say I like this, again it would be easier to judge if I were to see it on a person. I do like the colour and the detailing on the sleeve. It’s just the shaping of the neckline that im not sure about.

Steve MaY – Trans express Europe

 



I was looking forward to seeing this after watching Steve’s progress video. He talked about using the machine to an i-cord and then using this to make his garment. I have to say that I am vey impressed. The roping is really interesting  and the pop of colour at the back makes it stand out. I would love something like this and may even make something similar myself for next summer.

Rachel Henry – Prinsecc Ozmas Twirling Skirt



 

 







 This is my least favourite of all the designs, not only for the colour combination but the general look of the skirt. I’m not a fan of pointy hemline, but even with a straight one I probably still wouldn’t have liked it. The skirt is something that I think would appeal to a young girl.

Natalie Larson – Shades of Grey

 

 

This is another that I’m not fond of, the main colour is fine but the contrasting colour and the motif its worked in, arent working for me. I do I like the back and think that a smaller motif at the fron would have been better.

 

Meghan Navoy – Emma Oversized Sweater T

 

 

 

In terms of the colour combinations, I like this. In terms of the shape and style, I’m not so sure. What bugs me are the sleeves, and as with Terri and Talitha’s designs, I can’t really judge it without see someone wearing it.

Lauren Riker – Fall Frolic





 

 

When I saw this I thought, “Another girlie design from Lauren”. Overall I like it though I wouldn’t wear it (mayber the top on it’s own).  I don’t thin the bag is necessary, and makes everything look too matching. The frilled detailing along the top also makes it look geared more towards a little girl. If it was bigger, say like a weekend bag, I would have liked it.

Katie Rempe – Lazy Sundays



 

Another one I’m not sure of. From the back it looks fine, but the front (to me) makes it hard to imagine what it would look like when worn. Hopefully it will be worn in the judging video.

 

John Ravet – Bainbridge

 



 

I do like this. The colours are perfect and the plaid like detailing at the front gives it that little bit extra. This is the type of thing that I’d like to make for my husband, I'd even wear it myself. I can see this in mens clothes stores and being worn on the catwalk. I can see many men and women wearing this.

 
Jody Gordon Lucas – Tout de Suite

 

 

I like the general concept, but not the colours. If the main colour had been darker maybe, like a terracotta. The style of the sleeves are not my cup of tea, but they do work with the overall concept. I would have liked more deatailing on the front, as when I look at this I think I’m looking at the back, just something maybe along the waistline or collar to make it standout.

 

Jennette Cross – Haunt and Fade

I’m not sure. I like the coloursand the general look but theres something about this swaeter that’s causing me to stay on the fence. I may feel differently after watching the video.

My top three, starting with my favourite are:  John Ravet, Steve May, and Terry Rosenthal

Now that Iv’e seen the Judging video, here are my additional comments. Plus the winner.

Jody Gordon Lucas – Tout de Suite

It does look very good on, but I would like to see something on the front. She also made a sleeveless version, but Iike the sleeved one more.

Katie Rempe – Lazy Sundays

After watching the video, I’m still not fond of this. I like that it can be worn by any one of any size and then tied and folded in order to fit. But on a smaller person this means that the leg looks very baggy, even though the bottom of the trouser can be folded and buttoned to make it tighter.

Rachel Henry – Prinsecc Ozmas Twirling Skirt

The skirt IS for girl, so I don’t mind it so much. If it had been for an adult I don’t think it would have worked at all.

 

The Winner Is

 

 

Lauren Riker- Fall Frolic

 

Though not one of my top three, I can see why she wone in terms of the use of the addi Express.