« Is that smoke that I smell? | Main | A little bit of Florida »
12.02.2003 :: More Scandinavian Inspiration
In the midst of holidays, housecleaning, web site making and sleeping, I have been knitting a little sweater. This is my first Dale of Norway sweater, though Dale sweaters were some of the first to motivate me to take up knitting and I've been coveting many of the patterns for years.
While Leigh and I were at Yarns Unlimited, it was hard not to be motivated by the samples that were on display. And for an 18 month old, this sweater is just not that big and not too intimidating. So, I figured, what the heck and here I am.
The only problem that I've run into is that I've had trouble getting the correct gauge. The recommended needle for the body is a US2 (8 stitches per inch). I'm working this on US0s and I'm still only getting 7.5 stitches per inch. I'm happy with the fabric and since it's for a kid who will be growing into it anyway the small variation in size is not a big deal for me right now. Next time, I may try bamboo or wood US1s or 0s and see if I can get a little bit tighter gauge.
I'm using my favorite metal needles from Aero. I get mine from Beehive Wools in Canada and L-O-V-E them. If you like needles that are nice and pointy, you would probably like these. Plus, the price is a no-brainer. No affiliation, here, just a satisfied customer!
Details: Dale Baby Pattern 8107, from an out of print book that is numbered somewhere in the 90s. Knit with Dale Baby Wool on US0 needles. Only one row has three colors! I'm ignoring the neck decrease instructions and using the tips and guidance from the norgeknits list. I'll sew down the sides of the steeks and sew around the neckline, then cut the excess and pick up for the collar and edging. It certainly makes things a bit easier!
Posted by Mary on 12.02.2003 AT 08:24 AM
Comments
Mary--you're zipping through that! It looks great!
Have you found those clasps you liked to go with it?
Posted by: Leigh on 12.02.2003 AT 12:17 PM
How do you like the cables on the Aero needles? I have a bunch of older ones (bought in the 80s) and find the cables very stiff. And very difficult to straighten out if they've been coiled. Are the newer needles very flexible?
Posted by: Sarah on 12.02.2003 AT 01:17 PM
I love the colors of the Dale baby sweater - I can't wait to see it finished.
I've been meaning to try those Bernat Aero circs - I've read that they are the needles Alice Starmore uses.
Posted by: Nanette on 12.02.2003 AT 09:36 PM
I have never heard of Aero needles. Will go check them out. I really like the the colors you are using on the Dale sweater.
Posted by: Melissa on 12.02.2003 AT 09:43 PM
Blue Blog Alison has had to go down to US 0s to get gauge, too, if I remember correctly. It's going to be a beauty, Mary. I'm curious about the needles. How did you find out about them? And inquiring minds want to know . . . who is "Sean?" :)
Posted by: Kerstin on 12.03.2003 AT 07:17 AM
Sean is my sweet friend that lives up near you all in Boston! He's a most impressive knitter and nice guy. Check out the aran afghan he made - it's beautiful! http://www.sprboston.com/html/my_projects.html
Posted by: Mary on 12.03.2003 AT 08:16 AM
Hey, I love Aero needles too--the yarn shop near me sells them and I picked up some to try a few months back.
Posted by: Leigh on 12.03.2003 AT 07:24 PM
The sweater looks great and your knitting is very nicely done. Are you knitting the slip stitch method or are you using the traditional method of carrying your yarn?
Posted by: Lisa on 12.05.2003 AT 07:41 AM
Hi Lisa - I'm carrying the yarn. The pattern is designed so that there are not any carries that are too long. The only time that I did any weaving was on the one row that had three colors. The white was the third color and there were about 12 stitches between the one white stitch.
I'm away at my parents, but when I get home, I'll take a picture of the back. The carried strands make a pretty neat pattern.
Posted by: Mary on 12.07.2003 AT 10:45 PM
Gorgeous work! Very inspiring! Dang, but you're making the ol' brain wheels turn here...
Posted by: Kim on 12.08.2003 AT 12:55 AM
That is an adorable sweater! You may be right about using bamboos to get a tighter gauge. Wow, I am always impressed when people can finish a sweater knit on tiny needles. :) I will have to look into those needles, I have never heard of them!
Posted by: Kateri on 12.02.2003 AT 09:20 AM