May 11, 2004

Who Let the dogs out...?

The Rowanettes know that I was in the 'Doghouse' for being distracted from the Man-Raglan and focusing on the stripey cardigan for my nephew. I really couldn't help myself because we all know that anything with 'go-faster' stripes tends to just go faster. Although I was distracted, I didn't entirely neglect my husband and I did make some progress on the Man-Raglan. The back is done.

(I'll take a photo and insert here tomorrow. I'm feeling mighty lazy today.)

...and I also started on a sleeve, just to gauge if I'll have enough yarn for the project. 1 sleeve + 1 back should use just under 50% of the yarn, so if I use more than 7.5 balls, I'll start panicking.










I'm following a Sirdar pattern, one of the few mass market companies than stocks patterns in larger sizes. I could had altered an existing pattern but was feeling a bit lazy and well, if I messed up, there would had been a lot or reknitting. One thing that I do regret is, not tapering the sweater on the body. This raglan has a slight ribbing but there is no increasing going upwards, which means that that there will be extra fabric around the torso. I hope the husband doesn't take this as a sign that I think he needs a lot of fabric there ;-).

Reading through the pattern last night, I realised that the crew neck is knitted up to twice the lengthght and then folded and stitched down. I'm not sure that I want to do this ( 1x1 rib is tortuous) so I'll most likely do the standard 1x1 rib and cast off in 1x1 rib. Does anyone know of any advantage to having a double fabric at the neck other than to improve wear ? I'm not entirely sure that I like this design feature.

There's no doubt in my mind that yarn manufacturers and knitters realise that very few people have the patience to do large garments in such fine weights of wool. It's a pity really, because fine garments are much more wearable and most men that I know can't stand having an aran weight jumper on when they are indoors. So 4-ply shouldn't be relegated to baby stuff and socks, but should be used for a special garment for a special person. Like the Rev Jen says.. it's like a fine wine, well worth the wait.... and don't you think that the beetroot is the exact hue of a fine Merlot?

Thanks Anna for that little nudge.

Posted by atu at May 11, 2004 08:46 PM
Comments

Polly, I've been following your blog for a couple of months and enjoying (vicariously) the trips! Fun! DH & I will be visiting Sweden this summer (any great place you'd suggest?) The UK is on my list.

RE: the folded over neckline--a dear friend just finished a finely handspun mohair/ramboulliet blend and after several rippings, did exactly what your pattern calls for. It came out lovely and she's much happier for it. It is very nice finish to a sweater that will be worn for years and years. (It was knitted from a pattern published in the 50's!) DH has a sweater that was his father's from the 1940's. Do it and cherish it!
Nancy

Posted by: Nancy Hedberg at May 15, 2004 12:46 AM

Emma... you can't laugh at me. 1x1 ribbing is montonous!

Since you and Sarah Elizabeth think that it is crisp and clean, looks and stretches better, I'll give it a go (when I get there) crisp and clean, not sure why I thought Krpisy Kreme... must be hungry.

Posted by: P at May 12, 2004 08:46 PM

Fine wine, merlot or love. Wow Polly all I can say is that you are a very brave woman indeed.

Posted by: Carol at May 12, 2004 06:37 PM

A good resource is AmpleKnitters. The list is very informative and helpful. Upsizing patterns isn't just adding more inches of fabric. You can do that, but you'll often find the fit is compromised...and tents don't flatter any figures. If you've got an aran pattern, you'll have to rework pattern panels.

For a simple stocking stitch example.. you can probably get away with adding 3-4 inches on a finished garment size by just casting on more inches. If you try to widen by more than that, you'll have to adjust armholes, sleeve drop, neckline, length, etc. Depending on your bust measurements, you may find existing sizes may fit but the fit can be improved by short-rowing shaping to give more width at the bust and not the waist.

If you're London-based, stop by Liberty and we can go through this.

Posted by: Polly at May 12, 2004 08:27 AM

Can anyone point me in the right direction for sizing patterns upwards? I'd like to start knitting sweaters, but most patterns seem to have the typical s,m,lg sizes.

Do I just have to figure out how many more inches I need in the measurements, then figure out how many stitches per inch and then go from there?

I'm sure I could figure it out if I sat down and tried, but some instructions would be very helpful :)

Posted by: jillz at May 12, 2004 12:14 AM

The folded collar looks,I think,better,and stretches better.It's much more elastic,especially if you loosely slip stitch the stitches to the inside,or even do a sort of graft,which is what I do.
What's another 2-3'' of very fine ribbing ? Ha,ha,ha,ha,...

It does,indeed,look like a fine Merlot.He's bound to love it.

He better had !

Posted by: Emma at May 12, 2004 12:04 AM

I think the folded and stitched down collar is just for looks- it has a really clean edge and looks really crisp.

Posted by: Sarah Elizabeth at May 11, 2004 11:46 PM