El Sol Pullover
>> Friday, August 29, 2008
A case of when bad gauge happens to good knitting....
When I set out to knit this sweater I was full of energy and confidence in my knitting abilities. I did a "pretty close" gauge swatch and then started knitting right away. I couldn't be bothered with a lot of math and figuring I wanted my sweater. I envisioned myself at football games and bar-b-ques this fall telling people (modestly of course) that, "Yes I had knit my sweater".
Alas the truth is a lot more painful. Before the final unveil I would like to try and bolster my self-esteem with a few notes on what I did right.
The seed stitch turned out beautifully....
The single crochet, contrast color edging I think was good....
The single crochet, contrast color edging I think was good....
But alas my gauge......not so good. My daughter and I both fit comfortably in my sweater.
Both of our arms fit the sleeves...
Lots of room here...
Now I don't want anyone else to suffer as I have suffered with gauge issues. Learn from my example and don't do a "pretty close" gauge swatch :). Here is a link to a free download with a page of instruction on how to knit a proper gauge swatch.
Okay, okay, not the best turnout for my first sweater but the pattern was actually really fast and easy to complete and despite it's size the sweater is really cozy and comfy and I think if I had knit it correctly to size it would be really cute. So I am going to attempt another pullover for myself and this time don't worry but I will be gauging until satisfied that it is exactly what's called for and if I can't do that then I will sit down and do the math.
My next project for myself is a relaxed pullover from Vogue. I have some blue cotton yarn for this next knit and please keep your fingers crossed that I can correctly knit my gauge and measure and count.
9 comments:
OH DEAR!!! (is it wrong to think those pics are cute and hilarious all at once??!!)
Wishing you much better luck with your next project! :)
P.S I linked to this post from my blog :) LMK if thats Ok
oh no! i like your attitude though! Keep knitting away.
What a shame, the colour is stunning. I hope it turns out better next time. I've sewn things too small, then not had enough fabric to make another, so I know how it feels :-(
i shouldn't laugh, but i couldn't help it!
i will keep my fingers crossed that your relaxed sweater isn't quite as relaxed as el sol!
Well, I don't think there is an (honest) experienced knitter that can say this has never happened to them. I certainly can't. Over the years, I have come to realize that you save time....tons of it....by really working those gauge swatches carefully. I know....it's so boring and hard at the time.
With that said...I take my hat off to you for having finished it. I think I have always tossed long before the final stitch is knit.
It looks like you have done a beautiful job actually!!! So...congrats on persevering and on a beautiful knit. Now you just need to find that proper recipient. (A lucky one I might add!)
That is too bad, because the color, knitting and finish work is so pretty! Someone will be very lucky!
Lesson learned, thanks! But I probably would have done the same thing.
Love your pictures.
hahaha! That is funny! (of course probably not right after you finished and did all that hard work!) I never do guage swatches either....too lazy...but maybe I should! :)
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