See my Sweater-Along Swatch!

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Finito!  I finished my Sweater-Along Swatch-Hat! You may recall, that because my sweater will be knit in the round, I had to make my swatch in the round too to get an accurate gauge. This is because people's tension while knitting flat is not always the same as when knitting in the round, either because their purl stitches are a different tension, of just because of the way they hold the needles. I know that my tension while knitting on smaller circular needles is a bit tighter than on larger ones, so I'll factor that into my math. For example, my measured tension after blocking was 22 sts & 27 rows = 4"/10cm, so I figure that the actual tension when I make the sweater will be closer to 21 sts = 4"/10cm. Also, the sweater will be heavier than the hat, and that extra weight pulls and stretches the garment in ways that the swatch/hat won't experience. If I was feeling ambitious I could hang the hat up for a few days with some weights attached to the bottom to pull it down, but I don't know how accurate a measurement that will give me, and I'd kinda like the hat to be wearable in the end. 

Anyway, I washed the hat in Eucalan, and lay it flat to dry on it's side, smoothing it out a bit. Then I measured the tension in several places on the hat to make sure that my numbers were accurate. Once I got the numbers I was after, i washed the hat again and blocked it flat with a dinner-plate, to get it's final, proper shape. I double blocked it because the beret shaping distorts the tension, especially right at the middle which is the easiest place to measure. 

As for swatch aesthetics, the yarn has worked up really nicely, it is definitely a sweater I'll want to wear! The only thing is that I'm not sure the needles are too small for a sweater. The yarn is worsted weight, but it knitted up pretty densely on a 4.5mm, and i don't know if it's too tight for a comfortable sweater. I've cast on for a little cowl/neck-warmer on 5mm-24" circular needles to get a better idea about density. If it's too loose, I'll just rip and go with the 4.5mm for the sweater, and if I like it I'll keep knitting to get a swatch. But I'll try to go fast so I can get to the sweater and won't keep you waiting!

One more suggestion, when washing add vinegar to the water and wash alone, the colour is concentrated. 

See why it's good to make a swatch before starting? You get all kinds of useful information from it, and a hat!  This might actually be a really good way to get holiday and gift knitting done. 

Oh, and as for the actual hat (poor, neglected, back-of-the-bus hat!), I'm not in love with the style, but it's not awful either. I'm not crazy about the rolled brim, wouldn't do that again, but it fits and is comfortable, and the general shape is very good. I ended up switching over to another pattern by the same designer, the free Rollin' Beret pattern, for the decrease instructions.  Basically, this is what I did:

• Cast on 88 sts. Work Rollin' Beret pattern as written for largest size.
• After increases I had 132 sts. Continue to follow pattern until decrease instructions.
• 1st decrease round: *K20, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round.
• The next round will be (*K19, K2tog), the following round will be (*K18, K2tog), the fourth will be (*K17, K2tog) .... and so on, until 6 sts are left. 
• Follow pattern for I-cord nubby on top. 

One caveat about the pattern - the size knitted up accurately, but the sizes offered are SMALL!  I'd say the largest size fits about a medium head, so if you are using Berroco Ultra Alpaca and 4mm & 4.5mm needles, and have a 21(22, 23, 24)" head, I suggest the following:

• Cast on 84(88, 92, 96) sts
• After increases, you'll have 126(132, 138,144) sts
• Work 4.25 (4.5, 5, 5.5)" from increase round
• Start decreases as [K19, K2tog] ([K20, K2tog], [K21, K2tog], [K22, K2tog])

I think the size I made is a Medium/22". It is a bit big on me, but I don't look like Mushmouth in it. 

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com! 

Baby Blanket Finito!

Many of the links posted here are from Ravelry.com, a free website for knitters and crocheters. If you don't have your own account you can use ours: login: knitomatic2, password: knitomatic. But you should get your own account fast, 'cause you're going to LOVE it!

This one was a very satisfying finished object - the Log Cabin Baby Stoller Blanket for my new niece. I used approximately 3 balls of Mission Falls 1824 Wool in each of 6 colours, but if you want to make one I recommend you get an extra ball in each colour - just in case.  The blanket is very dense, since it is knit in garter stitch, and I expect it'll be very warm.  

I'll take a picture of her with it as soon as the three of us (me, baby, and the blanket) get together along with some good lighting.  

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!

Sweater-Along Swatching

Many of the links posted here are from Ravelry.com, a free website for knitters and crocheters. If you don't have your own account you can use ours: login: knitomatic2, password: knitomatic. But you should get your own account fast, 'cause you're going to LOVE it!

My Sweater-Along Swatch has started, and actually should be all done in a few days. I'm making Propello (available in store), a beret, as a swatch, since the sweater is knit in the round.  I don't really know how the hat will turn out or if I will even like it, but that doesn't really matter. I'm making the largest size, since the sizing for the pattern is a bit small. I'll let you know if it ends up small or large, i guess it'll depend on the drape after washing/blocking. 

Regardless, the yarn is knitting up beautifully and easily, the colour is stunning, and I think the slight fuzz factor will be agreeable. Won't really know until the sweater is finished and I'm wearing it, so I forge forward, no looking back or second guessing. 

Oh, by the way, I'm leaving off the 'propellers' from the pattern because the 'swatch' needs to have the same consistency as the finished sweater for the gauge to be accurate. 

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!

Before & After

Many of the links posted here are from Ravelry.com, a free website for knitters and crocheters. If you don't have your own account you can use ours: login: knitomatic2, password: knitomatic. But you should get your own account fast, 'cause you're going to LOVE it!

After

Before

I did it (hum the theme from Rocky to yourself)! It took me until 4am last night, but I got it done in time for the baby shower - a full fledged sweater gender reassignment surgery! Note, in the Before photo, it's a Tulips cardigan, and in the After, a Rocketry. The patient is presently recovering with his new family. 

The new ribbing is a K2 P1 - a nice alternative to 1x1 or 2x2. I still don't like the yellow in the colour mix, the balance is off, it is too pale, but otherwise I'm satisfied.

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!

Blast from the Past

Many of the links posted here are from Ravelry.com, a free website for knitters and crocheters. If you don't have your own account you can use ours: login: knitomatic2, password: knitomatic. But you should get your own account fast, 'cause you're going to LOVE it!

Remember this little number? It is a Tulips in Dream in Color Classy that I was never particularly satisfied with, it just didn't look right (sometimes my mojo is off, it happens once in a while). But Lisa liked it, and I always intended to give it to her when she had a baby. Bu after washing it in preparation for gifting, it just didn't sit right with me. It started nagging and taunting. You know what came next ..... RIP!  This is the beauty of a top-down knit: you can edit. I've pulled out all of the yellow trim and am replacing it with a plain 2x2 rib in dark blue.  Will I get it done in time for the shower tomorrow? Anything can happen .....  ;-)

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!

Log Cabin Baby Blanket - in the home stretch!

Many of the links posted here are from Ravelry.com, a free website for knitters and crocheters. If you don't have your own account you can use ours: login: knitomatic2, password: knitomatic. But you should get your own account fast, 'cause you're going to LOVE it!

I'm in the home stretch baby!  My Log Cabin Baby Blanket is almost done, I only have some ends to weave in and FINITO! Which is a good thing, 'case the baby arrived 2 days ago. I'll take a better picture when the thing is all done. 

Post Script

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, I'm an autie now!  A great big baby girl arrived on Tuesday, 8lbs & 11oz. She's pretty big, chubby and long, and pretty. 

Addenda: 40 minutes later

Weaving in ends while listening to classical music is SO BORING!  I am determined to get this done today and will persevere, but OMG!  Working from the centre out is getting tedious, so I've resorted to an old childhood cleanup-game, where you put everything away that is red, then blue, then orange, etc. I'm starting by weaving in all the dark grey ends, and then see if it's a little more stimulating.

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!

The Ultimate Mobius Cowl

Many of the links posted here are from Ravelry.com, a free website for knitters and crocheters. If you don't have your own account you can use ours: login: knitomatic2, password: knitomatic. But you should get your own account fast, 'cause you're going to LOVE it!

Amid all the stuff I have to get done, I've snuck in a new cowl, and it's for ME!  

Despite what you might think, I'm always so busy making things for other people or the store that I don't really have much of a collection of nice handmade hats, mitts and scarves to get me though the long Canadian winter. It's driving me crazy, none of my accessories match, or I'm just not in love with them. 

So I'm making a new hat/scarf set, just for me!  Part one, above is a Long Mobius Cowl in Malabrigo Chunky - and I LOVE it!  I used 3 skeins (all worth it!), and alternated K3 rounds, P3 rounds, until I had 16 ridges total.  I used 8mm-36" needles but a bit longer (40" or 47") would have been good also. 

Love the yarn, it is PERFECT!  No shedding issues, soft, and lots of body, so my cowl has bulk without weight, and stands up nicely so I can snuggle into it when the wind kicks in.   Me Likey!

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!

Sweater-Along ... Percolating

Many of the links posted here are from Ravelry.com, a free website for knitters and crocheters. If you don't have your own account you can use ours: login: knitomatic2, password: knitomatic. But you should get your own account fast, 'cause you're going to LOVE it!





I've settled on my sweater-along project! I'm going with Hourglass from Last Minute Knitted Gifts in Berroco Ultra Alpaca, but upon consideration, colour 62172 (Cobalt Mix) may not be the best idea for me.



62172 Cobalt Mix


It is a beautiful ultramarine/cobalt blue, and I'm down with bright colours, but it occurred to me that a slightly fuzzy, bright blue sweater may make me look more comical/muppet-esque than  elegant.  Muppet-esque is perfect for Lady Gaga, and I could have pulled it off when I was eighteen, but I'm too old to wear Jean-Charles de Castlebac (Gaga's Kermit Coat and Animal dress both come from his Fall 2009 collection.  Sorry Cobalt Mix, I'll have to revisit you in a smaller project if you're still around. 

6285 Ocean Mix

So I'm shifting to the colour Ocean Mix, It's a peacock blue.  I didn't have any left in the store so I had to special order it, and in the interim I'm going to be good, do what I'm always telling others to do, and check my gauge/tension before embarking on the sweater.   The sweater is knit in the round, so I am going to make my 'swatch' in the round. Actually, I'll probably just make a hat as a tension swatch, just a basic beret, maybe something like Woolly Wormhead's Propello (we have the pattern for sale at the store). 

The 411 on Swatching

• You have to swatch, even if you are using the yarn recommended by the pattern. Tension varies from person to person, and if you want your project to turn out, and more importantly fit, you need to confirm that you are on the same page as the pattern.
• Cast on enough stitches for at least 5", but 6" is preferable. 
• To figure out the number of stitches to cast on for your swatch, check the tension suggested on the ball-band. If it measures over 4 inches, take the number of stitches and multiply it by 1.5. If the ball-band offers a tension over 1 inch, multiply that number by 6.  
• Work in the stitch you need to use to ascertain your tension until the piece is square, bind off.
• If you are knitting in the round, then you need to swatch in the round. Fortunately, you can make your test swatch into a hat.
• Hand wash your swatch in Eucalan or Soak, both available in store, or clean it in whatever way you intend to clean the finished  garment.
• Block and lay flat to dry. 
• If you have time, pin your swatch to a laundry line or bulletin board and leave for a week or two. If you expect your garment to be heavy, weight the swatch with a clothespin or two. This will give you an idea of how the garment will stretch when worn, and is especially helpful with yarns that have a lot of drape, like silk, cotton, alpaca, or linen.
• Measure your tension, preferably with a ruler (measuring tapes can stretch over time), in the centre of the swatch, do not include edge stitches, they tend not to be representative of the true tension. Measure over a minimum of 4 inches, but if you have more to work with (5") that is good too. If it is hard to read your stitches because of the yarn's colour and/or texture, thread a darning needle with a contrasting colour of fine yarn or thread and weave it horizontally through the stitches, going over the first, under the second, over the third, under the fourth, etc, to the other side. 
• Do not rip out your tension swatch, but keep it. Keep your swatch on a board in your laundry room, with the washing instructions pinned to it. Also, every time you wash your sweater, wash it too, and then in the future if you need any yarn for repairs you'll have it on hand, and in a similar close condition. 

By the way, the reason I`m substituting a new yarn for this project is because, A. I like the Ultra Alpaca and want to use it, and B. several years ago I made this pattern in the recommended yarn, Noro Cash Iroha, and it did not wear well at all! Because of the silk content in the yarn, it never stopped growing, so I had to go back and perform sweater surgery (silk tends to grow unremorselesly  in EVERY direction). Also, the yarn wore very poorly, it looked really mungy, and it ended up in the charity pile.  

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com!

Log Cabin Baby Blanket Update

Many of the links posted here are from Ravelry.com, a free website for knitters and crocheters. If you don't have your own account you can use ours: login: knitomatic2, password: knitomatic. But you should get your own account fast, 'cause you're going to LOVE it!

Update you on the Log Cabin Baby Blanket I've been making for my soon to be niece/nephew.  It`s almost done, just a few more logs and I`m done!  The deadline is looming, baby Wax-Barron (I like to call it the Wax-Bairn) is coming soon!  My spidey sense suggests that it`ll be one more week, but it is best not to rely too much on one`s spidieness.  

It`s a yarn sucker, but will be very warm, which is exactly what it needs to be - I made it to go with their stroller (uppababy in carlin), which is exactly the same colour as the lighter green in the blanket. Mission Falls, your musty colours are finally useful! It`s going to look so good! Squeeeeeeeee!  Hey, don`t roll your eyes at me. I see so many beautiful hand made garments and blankets with babies, but they`re all kinds of different, incongruous colours. It`s like having a living room with a victorian sofa across from a barcelona chair. Anyway, my sister-in-law loves the colours, so all the better.

as for the construction, I thought I was doing just fine until I saw Chelle`s Moderne Log Cabin Baby Blanket (I don`t think she`s raveled it yet). Her seams were so beautiful, so flawless!  I had no idea a log cabin could be so tidy!  After that, I started paying closer attention to the details. 

Here are a few tips for a better Log Cabin:

1. Knit the last stitch of your cast-off row with the next colour of yarn.
2. Do not weave in the ends as you go. Do it at the end.
3. Pick up your stitch with a crochet hook in a size 1mm smaller that your needles
4. When picking up stitches, do not pick up in the same space as the knitted stitch, pick up one for areas where 2 colours meet (unless there is a big gap, then pick up 2 stitches), and at the end of the row do pick up in the space on the very outer edge. 
5. After you cast off an edge, if it is ruffling then you have picked up a stitch or two too many. If it is pulling in then you have not picked up enough stitches. 

That`s about the size of where you put your eyes.   xox :-)

As always, you can find us at www.knitomatic.com.

More Sweater-Along Deliberations

OK, I have a few more things for my sweater-along cooking.  In general, I'm looking to make a boat-neck made in the round from the top down, ideally with set-in sleeves.  Not that that exists, it might have to be slapped together from a few models. 

Option 3

Wulfenite, from Norah Gaughan Vol. 7, in  Berroco Ultra Alpaca and Ultra Alpaca Light (colour Oceanic Mix)

I really like this sweater, but I don't know if I'm feeling collared right now. Also, I'll have to order the yarn (although, currently it's leaning towards that anyway). 

Oceanic Mix 6285 & 4285

Option 4

Coney Sweater, from Modern Top-Down Knitting, in  Berroco Ultra Alpaca  (colour Oceanic).

I'm not in the mood for a v-neck, but otherwise this pattern is great. It's a top-down knit knit the round, and has really cool sleeves that puff at the bottom.  Maybe I'll use it as a skeleton and adjust the neckline. Although, if the neckline goes, the cuffs will need to be adjusted too.

Inspiration

Delphine, from  Verena Fall 2010, in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine (colour Oceanic)

I just really like the collar on this one, but I think the middle will be too bulky on me. 

Under Consideration ....

Elemental Pullover, from Knitting 24/7, in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light (colour Peat Mix)

I can also use a turtle neck to go with jeans for the long, cold winter. This one is knitted in the round, but from the bottom up. To make sure my sweaters are long enough, I use a provisional cast on, so I can go back at the end and lengthen it if needed. 

 

Peat Mix 4277

For Later ....

Ephemera Cardigan, FREE from Berroco.com, in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine

This is more of a spring sweater for me, I'm considering making it in either pea soup or turquoise. 

 

Pea Soup Mix 1275 and Turquoise Mix 1294

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com.

2011 Knit-O-Matic Sweater Knit-along

Welcome to the launch of the Knit-O-Matic Sweater Along! Before Christmas I decided that 2011 is going to be the year of the sweater - or at least the year of one good, serious sweater.  It's time.  

The way most knit-alongs work is that everyone works on the same project, but that isn't really how we roll at Knit-O-Matic. I like what I like and you like what you like, and we like doing our things together, inspiring each other and sharing. Please join us (especially me, I need moral support, I've been making small projects for AGES) as we knit a sweater together. It doesn't matter which sweater you choose or which yarn you use, we're just in it together. If you want to share your project you can send us an e-mail and post it to the blog, drop a line in our Ravelry group, or join our Flickr photo pool.

So here is what I'm considering  ....

Option 1

Hourglass from Last Minute Knitted Gifts in Berroco Ultra Alpaca (colour 62172 Cobalt Mix)

I want something not too thick, that will slide easily under my coat. It also needs to be a bright colour because dark, utilitarian colours are starting to get me down. The ultra Alpaca has a lot of drape, so I'm thinking of adding 3 inches of negative ease, which means a size small. I'll probably also knit it from the top down to better control size and shaping.  Notes on Ravelry suggest that the alpaca stretches down quite a bit, so a good sized tension swatch is in order.

Option 2

Cardigan with Ruffle, #10, from Vogue Knitting Winter 2010-2011, in Berroco Ultra Alpaca (colour 6277 Peat mix or 6221Deep Purple). 

I like the slightly military quality of the dark green Peat Mix, but the purple is also stunning. The ruffle will have to go, because, a) I don't wear ruffles, b) I think the lines will be really nice and clean without, and c) the ruffle requires another yarn I don't presently have in stock and can't really be bothered to get just for this project. 

As always, you can find us at knitomatic.com.