Green Gable FO and yarn for next project

#1

Here’s my pre-blocked Green Gable, or should I say Barn Red Gable?

Mods? I made the 36" size (4" of negative ease). First I added 6 pairs of Japanese short rows. Following the waist decreases, I put in 2 sets of waist increases at the hips. Next, after 5 rnds of rib, I did a tubular BO with 2 rnds of double knitting for the hem. Then, when doing the sleeves, I picked up an extra 7 sts at the underarm before joining. The BO on the sleeves was also tubular but w/o the double knitting.

I actually like the tubular BO on my sleeves better than the hem - it looks cleaner and more precise, even if it does feel flat like a regular BO. This was my first time using the tubular BO, and I liked it a lot! I tried the Italian method first, but it didn’t meet my satisfaction. (Although, that site did tell how to do double knitting ITR - very helpful :wink: .) So, I followed the easy instructions from The Knitting Answer Book which are the same as in Amy’s videos and Nancie Wiseman’s The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques, except for the pictures and a slight variation on stitch arrangement - or, should I say non-rearrangement. The Knitting Answer Book shows how to do it without having to separate the knit and purl sts onto two needles. It wasn’t confusing at all, sewing with all the sts on one needle. Another thing that helped me was someone’s post (I think on this forum :wink: ) that said: after sewing into the first knit st, slip it to the right needle instead of letting it drop off in order to connect it to the last st ITR. Thank you, whoever mentioned that! :inlove:

And now for my next project: Lotus Blossum Tank from IK Summer '06 in SWTC Bamboo - turqouise. I got my yarn, which I bought for $4.05 off per skein from http://www.fullthreadahead.com, in the mail today :happydance:. Wow that came fast because I ordered it June 3rd and was sure that the shipping said standard mail. From Ohio to North Carolina, it usually takes 4 days. From California, I expected a little longer wait. But, when I opened the mailbox, my priority mail envelope was inside after only 3 days. Yipee! Perfect timing: now I can cast on today.

Final note: pre-blocked, GG fits everywhere except between the shoulders. I wonder how the lace panel across the neck will fit after blocking? Though I did have to add short rows, waist increases @ the hips, and extra sts at the sleeves, I didn’t think about the shoulder-to-shoulder length… I must be narrower than the standard measurement for women’s sizes! I wonder if I’ll always have difficulty with sizing at the neck and shoulders. It’s a tricky business altering a pattern between the neck and bust when there’s shaping involved! But, I’ll keep trying! :lol:

#2

:inlove: :inlove:
I can’t believe how well you did with making your own modifications! How long have you been knitting? I don’t see myself as ever being able to do that!!

#3

Beautiful Barn Red Gable!

Great bamboo too!

#4

That looks just amazing, great job!

#5

Gorgeous…just gorgeous…now, about the swtc bamboo yarn…what a deal!!! We just bought some new Bose speakers (yeah, baby!) after I assured Lonnie that I didn’t want any more yarn this pay period (he’s so sweet, he wanted to make sure I was yarn happy 1st :inlove: )…so, I don’t think I’ll get any…but, it’s such a great deal :thumbsup:

#6

Beautiful Jackie!

#7

Thanks guys! :blush: :heart:

Andrea, I’ve been knitting almost two years. When I was little, I taught myself to knit and crochet from a book. But, for years I didn’t do either and forgot all but the actual knit and purl stitch. Two years ago I picked knitting back up while I was pregnant. After using this web site and knitting a few baby sweaters, I took the big plunge and tried making sweaters for myself. Since I have short arms and narrow shoulders, I’ve been forced to modify patterns. After a few sweaters, I learned what parts of the sweater might need modification on a regular basis. Changing the sleeve length and sweater length is easy, but learning how to mess with other parts of a pattern takes some trial and error. I bought a book that teaches how to make your own sweater. After making one using this book, I felt more confident about changing patterns. I’m still experimenting and still make mistakes that require frogging. But, I’m glad that I’ve gotten to the point where I know how to go back and fix a problem. If I can do it, I know you can! :thumbsup:

#8

I don’t think I could modify a pattern to that degree. Length, sure. Much else, I find a different pattern. Kudos to you! :notworthy: :notworthy:

#9

Now that is a book I would be interested in! Can you tell us the title/author?

#10

:smiley: If memory serves, she used Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee.

#11

I used The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd. However, there are others out there that are similar, such as the Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee or Sweater Design in Plain English by Maggie Righetti. The books give you all the basic sweater designs, yarn estimates based on gauge, and how to do most necklines and collars. I believe the Jacqueline Fee book uses EZ’s percentage system for sweaters. Ann Budd’s book uses many charts based entirely on gauge for such things as yarn requirements and knitting instructions. I didn’t like her knitting reference at the back of the book - it seemed incomplete and therefore unnecessary. But, I did like her explanation on how to change a sweater pattern, yet still use her charts, to customize the fit. She has “copycat” sweater patterns, which are great for first-timers. They give a photo and directions on how to knit a specific sweater design, but only in one size. I used one of these “copycat” designs and the charts in the book to rewrite the “copycat” pattern for my size. I think I learned a lot when making this sweater! Here’s a photo. If you look very closely, you’ll notice that the pattern at the raglan seams do not mirror each other. Why do I mention this? It was a lesson learned in knitting this sweater: I won’t make the same mistake again. :wink:

#12

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention on that last post that I blocked Green Gable and am now wearing it! Let me tell you, blocking did wonders on the lace panel. I handwashed it in Woolite (sp?) and let it dry flat after careful positioning. The only thing I had to steam press was the back neckline, although it wasn’t really that bad. This is the first sweater that feels no different from my other store-bought sweaters - and that’s a good thing! I really like how well the Tahki Cotton Classic (mercerized cotton) turned out after blocking! It feels softer (yet no pilling whatsoever) and the stitches look cleaner. I think this yarn should wear pretty well. :happydance: When I used KnitPicks Shine on Picovoli it pilled while knitting, and blocking didn’t help much in flattening my picot hems… Hmm, I think I’ll use mercerized cotton the next time I make Picovoli.

#13

Great job on the Green Gable - I love the color, too!

You new yarn looks very squeezeable.

#14

That sweater is lovely - I’m impressed with the changes. Hoping to eventually be able to do adaptations myself too.

#15

Wow, you really know your stuff! I’m impressed with your modifications! It looks gorgeous!

#16

Here’s my blocked GG! Now the lace panel looks better since it’s stretched out more.