Time Out
January 7th, 2007 at 9:08 pm (Random babbling, Works in progress)
The Peace Fleece sweater finally got put in timeout. I’d gotten to the end of the bust shaping while watching Little Miss Sunshine (loved it!) and started on the body without thinking about decreasing for waist shaping. Of course I had to rip it back again, then set it aside while I thought about the rate of decrease needed. I let it rest for a couple days to give myself time to think over things, then picked it up again this morning to see if I could figure things out. I took it off the needle and tried it on to see when/where the waist shaping needed to go in, and noticed that the front of the sweater was *significantly* lower than the back. Hmm, that’s not supposed to be how it works out. I immediately realized I’d done my math wrong *again* and started frogging. Got it ripped back to the start of the bust shaping and set it aside to think about its behaviour.
I sat down with my copy of Big Girl Knits and redid my math (I’d used their section on short-row bust shaping for the first attempts, too). First of all, I had my row gauge wrong - it’s 5 rows/inch, not 6 like I’d originally figured. Then, I took the tape measure to my body - usually a rather discouraging thing to do. But I did it with all honesty in the interest of getting the perfect sweater out of it. Turns out my boobs aren’t quite as big as the numbers I’d originally come up with indicated… how that works is beyond me! I’m glad I double-checked my math this time, because I made another stupid mistake that would’ve caused yet another redo. But I’m happy with the numbers now and I’m starting on it again. Wish me luck!
While the sweater was in timeout, I started Kristi’s Gentleman Socks pattern in purple Trekking XXL, color 109 (I think). Since my gauge is slightly looser than what she calls for in the pattern, I had to do a little figuring to see what numbers to follow on the pattern. I asked Kristi for advice and she suggested I go up a size, since her socks knit from this pattern had come out quite snug. I took her advice and cast on following the numbers for the next size up. When I started in on the twisted stitch pattern, I was very careful to not make them too snug. Of course, the sock was coming out WAY too big. (My luck with knitting lately is not so great, it seems.) I ripped it out and cast on again using the numbers for the next smaller size, then got started on it at the Stitch & [You Know What] this morning. It seems like it’s coming out just perfect this time - goes on over my foot without a problem. I’m enjoying the pattern immensely and I love watching the gradual color changes in the Trekking - this is one of the ombre colorways that changes colors one ply at a time. Very fun to knit with!
Okay, I think I’m going to go back to the Peace Fleece sweater now - I’m cold and it was nice and warm when I tried it on. I really, *really* want a nice warm sweater ASAP. Plus, I’ve threatened it with competition - I’ve been drooling over the yarn at Beaverslide Dry Goods all week. I think I need ALL of the colors and yarns they sell. All of them.
jess said,
January 8, 2007 at 12:06 am
You know, I had the same measuring thing happen to me with the short-row bust shaping I added to my licorice whip — the numbers I came up initially were quite different than the ones I ended up with when I re-measured! I still wonder what happened and I am very thankful I re-measured. So good luck to you, I am sure you will be able to just chug along now!
I’m knitting with PF right now and love it — the beaverslide is similar in some ways, but a bit softer and less mohairy. It’s really nice! *twists your arm*
Kerry said,
January 8, 2007 at 8:07 am
You’ll deserve the purchase when you finish this sweater! I love it that you keep working to get it right rather than saying “good enough”. I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Kristi aka Fiber Fool said,
January 8, 2007 at 10:04 am
I’m sorry you had to frog and have another go at the sock. That one is a tad tricky since it doesn’t have the give of a standard rib or even stockinette. I’m glad it is working for you in the smaller size though.
All this hair pulling on the sweater will be worth it. What could be better than a sweater sized to fit all your own curves rather than some “standard” form a woman shoud have?
Holly Jo said,
January 8, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Way to be honest and continue to do the right thing with the sweater. It sucks, but it will be worth it don’t you think?
I just borrowed Big Girl Knits from my library. Gosh, it is awesome. Lots of great information.
Guinifer said,
January 9, 2007 at 11:34 am
I do think those Gentlemen’s Socks need to go on my list for this Winter. I’ve even got Little Miss Sunshine from the video store. Guess I know what I’m doing this afternoon.
Chris said,
January 9, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Hopefully once you get the sweater down you’ll be able to replicate it with less work! Looking forward to seeing a picture of your socks - I love Kristi’s patterns.
Tam said,
January 10, 2007 at 12:40 am
Wow, you’ve been busy! I too love theTrekking sock yarn. Of course, I love all sock yarn.
sunne said,
January 15, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Just watched Little Miss Sunshine last night - so great! And in parallel worlds - I am working on the peace fleece cardigan. I think it is a little less shaped, but I am just starting the front panels (I do the easy stuff first - sleeves, back). I will be looking for photos of your soon!
Have a great week!