So I did the most painful thing a knitter can do. I dove into a great sweater project. I started knitting collar of this sweater and then I went up a needle size thinking, better to be safe I told myself confidently. Knitting away on this thing (I admit I put it down several times and a year later it is finished).
I also tried it on several times. It is hard to try it on while on needles I said to myself. I better re-knit sleeve one in next needle size up (as it is in the round after all).
Okay, the sleeves is what took the whole year (am not a fan of knitting sleeves).
Finished sleeves.
Now I get to actually try it on.
Hmmm, a little snug in the shoulders. I don't like the way the back fits. UGH!
I have been reading a lot from Amy Herzog's book and blog about fit and about swatching and how important it is to achieve the results you want. Now, don't get me wrong. I measured while I was knitting. I thought I was on gauge.
Actually - this is what I measured after I finished the sweater.
- 20 st per 4 inches and 28 rows per 4 inches. (unblocked)
What was the gauge I needed?
- 18 st and 26 rows
Now it is possible that I could block the hell out of it. But here's my thought. No.
Why? Because I used a substitute yarn and I am not thrilled with the resulting fabric either. This sweater weights like 5 pounds, or it certainly seems to. The collar is too floppy and moving to Florida in the near future, well, I'll never wear it.
So, I will frog and I will make this instead. It is from the manufacturer and calls for this exact yarn.
It is short sleeved and I will have left overs to make my BFF this. This sweater can certainly be worn in Florida with the short sleeves and good for being in the a/c.
I have learned a hard lesson but a valuable one.
I also ripped out my daughters socks for xmas (as I was 1cm off gauge and that would make them 2cm too small).
It's all good. I want to knit things that fit. I want to feel good in them. I want other people to fit into the gifts I give them. So, I don't mind froggin.
THANK YOU AMY HERZOG FOR YOUR GREAT ADVICE AND HELP. She is a super nice person and answers any questions you have.
Cniotail--mo phaisean é!
(Knitting--(it's) my passion!)
