April 02, 2011
Groove
So I'm starting, (finally) to get my knitting groove back. Once I find my blogging mojo again, we'll be in business! I have a few finished items to show - but today lets talk about a sample I made for the shop*.
Our little headless model is about a size 2, and the Debbie Bliss pattern I chose to knit for her goes up to a 2, so I knit the biggest size. My gauge was perfect as I was knitting it, and it looked pretty good, but I broke a cardinal rule. One I should know by heart by now.
I didn't wash and block my swatch.
Damn thing grew. A lot.
It's too big for Sarah's gorgeous 4 year old. Stupid cashmerino! Aside from that, it's a lovely pattern. And if I'd got the gauge/size right, I'd be over the moon with the finished item.
Specs:
Pattern: Lace Edge Cardigan by Debbie Bliss from her "Simply Baby" book
Yarn: Baby Cashmerino in Shade #10, Lilac - 5.5 balls.
Needles: Addi Turbo circ, 3mm.
Mods: As it was a sample for the shop, I didn't make any mods. Actually, I fib. I did a 3 needle bind off on the shoulders, but thats all.
However, if it weren't for the shop, I'd have made a few changes. The lace edge is knit last and seamed on - I'd do it as part of the body, knitting it as you go. I'd probably also knit the sleeves in the round.
And I would definitely block my swatch!
It's not a difficult knit, and it looks great when it's done.
But it would look better if it fit!
*Speaking of the shop, we're having our first workshop next Sunday, Easter Crafts with Kelly Doust - and High Tea! More details here. There were still a couple of spots left when I was a t work last week, if you're interested, give us a call to book!
Posted by Donna at April 2, 2011 01:54 PMComments
Wait --
have you checked Debbie Bliss' schematics and intended finished measurements? I've always noticed that her patterns provide a HUGE amount of ease. I'm guessing that your sweater came out exactly as she intended!
(and it IS cute)
Posted by: Helen at April 3, 2011 02:37 PMah yes. you'd think we'd learn wouldn't you? i just started a new garment and i did about half a swatch, checked i had roughly the right amount of stitches, frogged the swatch and started knitting. i suspect i am going to have the same experience as you. (liz gemmell workshop anyone? sigh). but really, this is just too gorgeous and it will fit someone right?
Posted by: drk at April 4, 2011 08:55 AMHey Donna - it looks lovely! And nobody needs to know that it came out way too large, do they? I think that shop samples are great for inspiration and motivating customers. IT sure looks effective and really lovely! Do you need to knit up lots of samples for the shop? Nat xx
Posted by: nat at April 4, 2011 10:50 AMI think the cardigan still look great & will provide a lot of inspirations for customers at the shop.
Posted by: Ann at April 4, 2011 12:23 PMShame about the fit because it looks very pretty :)
Do I need need to mention the importance of tension squares ....aahhaha
Posted by: 1funkyknitwit at April 9, 2011 07:07 PM
Very cute!
Posted by: Suzanne at April 3, 2011 10:09 AM