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11.28.2005 :: Hoochie Mama
Yarn: Blackwater Abbey worsted weight wool
Color: Pink Heather
Needles: US6, bamboo
Notes: How gorgeous is this yarn? It holds cables beautifully, is crisp and has an amazing depth of color. I. love. this. yarn. I think this would be an awesome yarn for the Crossed in Translation sweater if you wanted to use the weight of the yarn to automatically make the sweater in a larger size. The needles that I used were too small and I may make another swatch with larger needles to get a feel for the overall size and whether I get a little bit less smooshing of the stitches.
I still don't have the book, so I'm not sure what the gauge is supposed to be, but I think the exact sweater could be made in this yarn at the appropriate gauge for this yarn and you would automatically get a larger sized sweater without having to do any re-designing.
Now, the only question is what size would it be?
(oh, and you may or may not notice that I crossed a few of the twisted stitches the wrong way on this swatch. So, if you make a swatch with the chart and it looks different from this particular swatch, it's probably because your swatch was knit correctly.)
A couple people have asked about the chart symbols. I promise that by the end of the week I will put together a key which will explain the symbols.
Posted by Mary on 11.28.2005 AT 10:50 PM
Comments
GORGEOUS.
Posted by: Christina on 11.29.2005 AT 12:23 AM
According to the pattern, the gauge is 28 Stitches x 24 Rows in pattern, using 4.5mm (body) and 4.2mm (rib) needles. Finished bust is 99.5cm. Hope that helps. :)
Posted by: Sally on 11.29.2005 AT 03:10 AM
Blackwater abbey is one of my top favorites. I wonder now how many are actually up on the top favorites! :)
Love the color!
Posted by: sandy on 11.29.2005 AT 06:17 AM
"... it's probably because your swatch was knit correctly."
Oh yes, I heard the exact inflection of your voice on that one, followed by a giggle. :)
Very pretty, M.
Posted by: Kerstin on 11.29.2005 AT 07:41 AM
I have the book. The gauge is 28 st to 4 inches and 26 rows to 4 inches. The back has 139 sts. So at 7 sts/ inch , the back is 20 inches, but if you used heavier yarn at 6 sts/inch, you would get 23 inches across the back. There is a seed st panel under the arms so that could be used to alter the size. According to the numbers it looks like DK or sport wt was used, but in the picture the sweater looks a lot heavier than that. I'm guessing worsted knit very tightly.
Thanks for all the swatches. I have something in my stash that I may use but it's not red and that red is calling me!
Posted by: Judy on 11.29.2005 AT 08:08 AM
Have I told you how invaluable you are? INVALUABLE! PRICELESS! I LOVE YOU!
The deal with the Backwater Abbey is that it's supposed to get much softer when you wash it right? Because I want my sweater to be nice and cozy - but not like I'm wearing it on the open sea or anything.
God I love you! ;-)
Posted by: Cara on 11.29.2005 AT 08:14 AM
My book was just ordered yesterday--they say I should have it by mid-December, we'll see. Cool, Judy has the measurements and stitch number! I was thinking of using Briggs and Little's Regal for this--to save the budget :o) I had a couple of colors picked out, but Judy is right, it does beg for something in the red family. Maybe a nice raspberry. I'll wait patiently for the key (thanks, btw!) for the chart. Mary, you are so good to do the swatches--they are just beautiful!
Posted by: JennyRaye on 11.29.2005 AT 08:18 AM
I used Blackwater Abbey at 5 sts/inch for a zip-front cardi, which I wear outside for sort of rough wear. I have had quite a problem with pilling. At 7 sts per inch (the gauge for this sweater), perhaps pilling will not be a problem. Is that correct? Emily
Posted by: Emily on 11.29.2005 AT 08:28 AM
Um, so is this yarn the winner?
I can really feel the love over here!
Posted by: Annie on 11.29.2005 AT 08:47 AM
The cable pop wonderfully with that yarn. Love it!
Posted by: Jennifer on 11.29.2005 AT 10:10 AM
Beauteous!!
Posted by: Leigh on 11.29.2005 AT 11:14 AM
I absolutely love the idea of using a bigger yarn to automatically upsize the pattern. Yay! No math! xox Kay
Posted by: Kay on 11.29.2005 AT 03:45 PM
Your swatch is gorgeous in the BWA yarn! I wonder if the gauge stated in the book (24 st) is over pattern or st.st. What is your gauge over ther pattern?
Thank you so much for all your hard work. I can't wait until I receive my book so I can start playing along with you.
Posted by: Kristy on 11.29.2005 AT 04:25 PM
I saw that some people gave you the gauge, but on the schematic layout of the sweater the section that you have swatched is supposed to be 6cm, the xo section is 3cm, the section closest to the buttonholes is 4.5cm and the next pat is also 4.5cm, the outside double cable thing is 2cm. I think that is easier than overall gauge to judge by, as each pat st has its own gauge. Also, the rib is a twisted rib with a three stitch twisted thingee with the two outside sts crossing over a center st, a purl I am guessing. Ugh, I have too many things ot finish right now to just drop it all and swatch. By the weekend?
Posted by: Teresa C on 11.29.2005 AT 05:37 PM
Yup. It's best on a bigger needle. My Celtic Dreams on 5's was way too stiff. Better on 7's, best on 8's in BWA! And there will never be a sport-weight - I asked just to be sure. Swatch sure does look pretty, though! I might want to order that color next!
Posted by: Mary Beth on 11.29.2005 AT 08:18 PM
A number of people have asked about how to interpret the gauge on this pattern. I've posted a few tips to help them prep up for the knitalong. Thanks for fanning the fever with all your great swatches.
http://bubblegumknits.blogspot.com/2005/12/crossed-in-translations-japanese.html
Enjoy.
BGK
Posted by: BGK on 12.14.2005 AT 01:42 PM
gorgeous swatches! thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your work with us! Re: the chart symbols - are they the same ones that Starmore uses? I'm gonna go on that assumption unless you post otherwise! thanks!
Posted by: Judith on 01.03.2006 AT 08:29 PM
I got my book today - I really wish I could read Japanese...
There are lots of pretty Japanese characters around the numbers 10 cm./28/24. The symbols are interspersed between them but I'm guessing the gauge might be in there somewhere.
How did the Cascade 220 swatch go? I really love that yarn. (so does my budget)
Posted by: Beth on 11.29.2005 AT 12:08 AM