Yesterday was somewhat frustrating.... as in a great deal frustrating actually. I was so excited about starting my first handspun sweater.....so what went wrong?
These guys, (shown waiting for their shampoo), are now all done, patiently waiting for their knitter to return. All 12 skeins were weighed, measured, tagged, and put in line as to how they will be knit up. I hope to minimize any noticeable difference between the skeins. They are very close in grist, and perhaps I am being overly cautious.....but well, I am who I am!
I unashamedly admit that I am a swatch knitter. (Notice the coaster - they make great coasters). I get a lot of razzing about my swatch knitting activity from my TNKG, but I learned a long time ago - better to be safe than sorry. (I avoid all speed traps in life whenever possible.) So, I am grateful to my swatches, but they did cause my frustration. I would have suffered more than a little frustration had I just moved on with my plan, however.....
Gauge was not the issue, and I love the fabric that the yarn is giving me, but the cable pattern - not so much! Darn! I think it is a combination of the dark color (which I knew might be an issue) and the color variation within the yarn....anyway, I am just not loving the cables. So.... what to do??
This is the sweater I had originally thought would be my first handspun sweater, rather than
Fylingdales. But then DH made a comment about not liking it so much. Plus, I have a HUGE amount of this yarn, and probably should save this pattern for a time when a smaller quantity of yarn is available.
So, I decided to sleep on it. Well, try to sleep anyway. That is getting harder these days anyway, and this dilemma didn't help any. But this morning, I remembered
Kerrar, a pattern that
Pat (who, btw, is nearing completion on her first handspun sweater) had brought to my attention. Ahhh.... could be just the ticket!
So - that's the new plan. The pattern has been purchased, downloaded, and printed. Gauge swatches have already been knit, washed, dried and inspected. So....hopefully this will be a go! I'll be back with updates. Oh, and that Fylingdales sweater - some other time, but with a lighter and more solid color. It really is a gorgeous sweater, I just don't want my yarn to fight with the pattern. So again.....Swatching paid off! I'll be back soon with updates.....
10 comments:
Good choice! I have to admit to not being a swatcher, and it's come back to bite me on the butt on occasion. However, I know that with handspun I will have to change my ways. Should have my fiber for my first sweater arriving today!
Love the kerrar
Think thatd be a great choice!
Hm, you really make me think, swatching is a good idea. I like how serious you take your sweater knitting, and try to come up with the best for your handspun and sweater. Will be interesting to follow you along that road....
Your yarn is so pretty. I can't wait to see your ultimate choice!
Ahh, too bad but I do see what you mean about the cables not "popping". Your new choice will be very nice but maybe "Flyingdale" can be your 2d handspun sweater.
Looks like a good alternative!
Kerrar is excellent. I think you'll be happy with it.
I'm a swatcher too. I didn't used to be but learned the hard way. My mother can pick up any pattern and knit a sweater that fits without a swatch. It's depressing to witness.
Great choice!! I have to agree with you - the beautiful cables/stitch patterns wouldn't have shown up well - Kerrar is the answer! I will really enjoy following your progress.
By the way - I ended up using all my yarn (even the duds)and there was huge discrepancies in weight/grist - 60 yards in 100 grams from thickest to thinnest skeins...and you can't really see it at all in the finished sweater - It's done - wahoooooo :-)
Oooh! The new sweater will be lovely with your handspun. Totally understand about the cabling. You are a better knitter than I for your faithful swatching. You get the sticktoitiveness badge!
I admire your patience to swatch. I just jump in then darn! I have to frog and swatch to find out what I did wrong or to adjust.
You know? if you make the swatches about the same size, you could sew them together and make a small lap blanket. Well.. since you swatch EVERYTHING maybe a queen or king size coverlet?
I LOVE the handspun. Excellent job grasshopper!
Spent a little time cleaning up my blog today.
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