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11.19.2005 :: Some thoughts on gauge...
Two more swatches done. One in Blackwater Abbey two-ply worsted weight wool. One in Colorado Yarns Vail - a sportweight superwash wool.
My gut instinct was that the fabric for this sweater should be very crisp and stiff and so, as I started swatching, I used smaller needles. What I've learned based on these first three swatches is that I really want a crisp yarn that will create a fabric with crisp, sharp stitches. Knitting at a smaller gauge actually contributes to the mashing down of the stitch patterning - so knitting at a slightly larger gauge is what I should be doing to allow the stitches some breathing room.
Note the picture of the dark pink swatch - fabric knit with Blackwater Abbey yarn on US 4 needles will stand up on it's own!
Posted by Mary on 11.19.2005 AT 03:59 PM
Comments
The Blackwater yarn is such a rich color. The cables stand out quite nicely as well.
Posted by: Jennifer on 11.19.2005 AT 07:37 PM
Did I mention that I think BWA is at it's best on 8's, or 7's max? It does exactly what you say - the looseness opens up the stitches and makes a lovely drapey fabric. So, BWA in sportweight should work - off to check if there is such a thing...
Posted by: Mary Beth on 11.19.2005 AT 09:57 PM
Not on the website...the search continues....
Posted by: Mary Beth on 11.19.2005 AT 10:02 PM
May I suggest you try Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool. I am making an all-over cable cardigan using #4 needles and this yarn is wonderful in a tighter gauge than called for...lovely colors, reasonably priced and non-itchy. If the gauge would work, I think it's perfect.
Posted by: Sandy Nyberg on 11.20.2005 AT 09:47 AM
I fall in love with the japanese twisted cardigan.
Could you tell me, is this pattern translated in english ? if not, is there a graph, easy to follow ?
thanks !
Posted by: Françoise on 11.20.2005 AT 11:44 AM
i have visions of your swatch being like the sorcerer's apprentice, marching all over your house by itself when you are asleep. clearly i need help...
Posted by: vanessa on 11.20.2005 AT 12:22 PM
Beautiful--I come visiting Knitting Notes and meditate on all your pretty swatches.
Posted by: Leigh on 11.21.2005 AT 06:34 PM
I just sent off for the Japanese book for Crossed in Translation. Is this seriously the name of the sweater or is it a pun? Are you doing a knit along and how do I join? I have Black Water Abbey yarn, tons of it, and I am knitting Marilyn by Beth Brown-Reinsel and I don't like it. The sleeves are funky. I like the raglan on Crossed better. Will rip it.
Bonnie McCartney
Denver, CO
Posted by: Bonnie McCartney on 11.30.2005 AT 11:40 AM
You are so wonderful to do all this work! I'll be linking to these posts once the KAL is underway. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Cara on 11.19.2005 AT 04:58 PM