UnionSquareKAL

Finished?

2006-05-29T23:09:00.000-04:00

Well, folks, we haven't had any new posts in almost two months . . . What do you think? Should we bring this knit-along to a close?

I'm happy to leave it open if anyone wants or needs it to be, but as I say, it's been awfully quiet . . .

What do you think?

Ummmm...

2006-04-13T04:57:00.000-04:00

I posted on my blog a week ago about a rather unfortunate incident involving trying on my USMP and deciding that it would be better in a larger size. It ended up being frogged back to literally within an inch of its life. I was too distraught at the time to even post here!! Thankfully I've now had a few days to recover and am moving through the various stages of grief. This weekend being Easter, I'm hoping to have a quiet one, take a deep breath, and start making up some of the lost ground. There's weeks of stocking stitch to recover though! How are you all doing? Is anyone else still making progress?

Finished but with some alterations needed

2006-04-02T17:58:00.000-04:00

I finished my USMS in Jan/Feb. I've been a really poor contributor to this KAL - mainly because it was such an headache remembering my username and password - given the amount needed for various websites nowadays!!

Anyway if you remember way back when I knitted my USMS in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. Unlike Marji I am quite pleased with the feel and drape. My main grudge is that I don't feel the sweater is long enough. So I'm going to be incredibly brave and put the stitches at the section of the body that is worked straight back onto the needles and cut through the stitches just above, knit 2 or 3 inches extra then graft back together.

I have never tried doing this before so wish me luck. If anybody has done this before and has any advice then speak now!!! Next weekend is when I have earmarked the operation (that's what it feels like!). Photos to follow.

Congrats to all of you who have finished. I have enjoyed seeing the finished sweaters in all the different colours that have been chosen.

What happened.

2006-02-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

what happened was, I really really didn't like the knit fabric of the baby cashmerino in the USMP - it felt boardy and stiff and I thought it should be softer and flowy-er.
If I make the USMP again I will use an alpaca. I have a sweater almost finished out of Inca Alpaca and that knit fabric is what I would have liked for this design.
So, bad choice of yarn on my part - live and learn.

I unravelled it so that the yarn, which is too nice to sit in a pullover unloved, can become this

or this - which are written for Rowan cashsoft 4 ply which is essentially the same yarn.

Official Failure of USMP

2006-02-21T17:02:00.000-05:00

Trepidation

2006-01-28T17:58:00.000-05:00

I'm procrastinating on blocking the body.
Deb, you used Rowan cash-soft right? Did you have any issues with the body growing during blocking?
the body on this fits me great right now. If it grows during blocking it is going to look like a sack of potatoes. And quite frankly, I'm prepared to rip the whole thing out and re-knit rather than have that happen.
Pair that fear with the fact that I'm not overly enamored of the drape of the sweater, I think it should be softer, and I'm just hung up on this one, going nowhere.

Officially one sleeve short of a sweater...

2006-01-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

I finished my first sleeve last night. eeeeeeeee!!! That's the noise I made because I was so excited. I even pinned it to the body to try it on. It looks great! I'm pretty sure this is my favorite sweater I've made - probably because these finer knits look so much better than a big bulky sweater on my frame. I'm always worried about the fit, but this has, so far, turned out perfect! I made some mods to the sleeves because I didnt' want them as big at the bottom. Following what some of you did, I cast on about 10 less stitches. Due to my different gauge, this meant that after completing the cuff, I didn't do any decreases at all, just knit until it was the right lenght to do the increases. I was worried it wouldn't turn out well, but it's perfect! Yay! I even cast on and managed to get the hem complete last night - and swatched for my next project, which needless to say, is on bigger needles. I love the smaller needles and finer yarns, but I need something a bit faster for this next project.

Newbie with heaps of catching up to do!

2006-01-21T21:26:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I know I'm waaaay behind the times with this one, but I live in Australia, and seriously, my copy of IK only just arrived last week. So it's time to get started! It's good to see that many of you are still going, but there are also quite a number of success stories to draw inspiration from. Congrats to those who finally made it!

I noticed that many of you have had problems substituting yarn, and trying to find something suitable seems to be even harder over here. I traipsed across town yesterday and purchased some gorgeous Eki Riva alpaca 4 ply, which according to the ball band should get perfect guage. Somehow in my swatching efforts last night I was only getting 25st, but I think that might have something to do with the dodgy needles I was using, plus the fact that it is currently 43 degrees celcius (don't even ask me to try to convert that, but it's damn hot).

The yarn is sooo lovely, but I'm thinking it might be a bit too delicate for a jumper - I'd hate to be too scared to wear it for fear of causing damage! I've read through the posts for an idea of what other people have been using, most of which aren't available over here. Realistically, the only other 4 ply (other than horrible sock yarn) that I would be able to get is the Rowan 4 ply Soft, and there is only one place in Melbourne that stocks it (yet another trip across the other side of the city), and I wouldn't be able to check it out for another week. It would also cost quite a bit more money, as the yardage is somewhat less than the Eki Riva.

I guess I'm asking for advice really on people's experiences of alpaca, and how well it holds up. I'm sure it would look really stunning, but how practical is it for a jumper? I'm dying to make a final decision so I can get started. All comments gratefully appreciated!

meekly raising her hand, still knitting

2006-01-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

Well, I have the body done, but set it aside to work on the Colchique Irlandais that I was loving working on, and then set both aside for Christmas gift knitting. 8 scarves later and the promise of a hat, plus my ISE scarf that is 25% done....I expect to be able to get back to this by the end of the month. I'll probably finish just in time for Spring, which arrives here in St Louis sometime in February.
I'm knitting it out of the Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino and I'm thinking that the resulting fabric is a little heavier and stiffer than I had hoped. I did find buttons though.

progress pics when I get around to taking them. Right now I must finish my ISE scarf - no small task as its a lace pattern with a 24 row repeat. Then my sons hat I promised him.

Anyone still knitting?

2006-01-05T16:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I've got most of my body done. Finished up the back the other night, but haven't picked it up since to work on the front. The holidays and other knitting have intervened, so I really don't have much to show for the past few weeks. Also finally picked out some buttons, so hopefully they will arrive soon.

How's everyone else's progress?

Done!

2005-12-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm done!

It only took me five months . . . (grin)

--Deb

One More Step

2005-12-05T21:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm at the very last piece of this sweater--sewing on the buttons.

Please come by my blog and give me your opinion on which one I should use.

I'm so excited--almost done!!

--Deb
www.chappysmom.typepad.com

OT: Baby Announcement

2005-12-04T21:59:00.000-05:00

Kate Gilbert, designer of the Union Square Market Pullover, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on the 28th. Isn't that wonderful??

Close. So Close!

2005-11-30T22:37:00.000-05:00

I actually finished knitting my sleeves tonight! Hurray! I just hope I calculated/guessed correctly at the sleeve cap shaping, and that it will fit the body properly when I go to sew them together. (Not to mention hoping that it will fit MY body properly!)

I'll get the ends woven in tomorrow, and hopefully the sleeves sewn in, but I still need to get the buttons. Anybody have suggestions for online sources for nice buttons?

I'm happy, though. Assuming nothing goes wrong when I try to piece things together, the knitting part is done! I was starting to think I'd never get this far, this has been such a slow knit for me . . . and I was lucky enough to start with 2/3 the number of stitches as almost everyone else, too, since my gauge was so different. (And, honest, I knitted the entire thing on size 2 needles.)

--Deb

Status Report?

2005-11-27T09:40:00.000-05:00

Nobody's posted in a couple weeks. How's everyone doing?

I'm still stuck on sleeve island, but I think there's actual progress--my sleeves reach past my elbow now, which is at least something! Slow though the progress is. I love this sweater, am happy with the way it's turning out, but I'm kind of ready to move on to other projects now! Besides, I want to WEAR it!

How about the rest of you?

--Deb

Another finished one!

2005-11-10T23:28:00.000-05:00

It's a little big. Especially under the armpits it seems to be bulky, and the upper width of the sleeves seem big compared to our model there on the right. Everything measured out OK to the pattern when I blocked it. I think I could have went 1 size down. I'll still wear it, but it's not my favorite finished item.

USM done

Here are the antique marcasite buttons I got for it...

buttons

Congrats to Beth!

2005-11-09T10:56:00.000-05:00

This is totally unrelated to the Union Square Market Pullover, but I wanted to congratule Beth on finishing the New York City Marathon! Maybe that's why she hasn't finished her USM yet (just kidding!). :-)

Finito!

2005-11-01T17:17:00.000-05:00

Finally - pictures of my finished USM!

I stole this pose from Eunny. Her balcony reminded me a lot of our balcony, so I decided to be a copycat.

This is my version of the pose on the cover of the magazine, except I'm smiling and not smirking. I have trouble smirking instead of smiling, especially when my husband is teasing me for being nerdy with my poses.

Here is closeup shot of the shoulder buttons. You can kinda see the front button as well. You can DEFINITELY see all the freckles I have!

I am totally in love with this sweater. I love the color. I love the buttons. I love the neckline. I love the shoulder seams (or lack thereof). I love the sleeves. I love the yarn (Rowan Cashsoft 4ply - so soft and yummy!). I did the 35 1/2" size and changed nothing about the pattern except the length of the sleeves. Yes, that does mean I kept the bigness of the bell in the sleeve. That is one of the aspects of this sweater that drew me to it. It hasn't gotten quite cold enough to wear this yet, but I'm keeping an eye on the forecast and once it dips into the 50s, my USM will make its official debut!

Progress!

2005-10-30T22:27:00.000-05:00

I'm making progress, anyway! I finished the body of my sweater tonight. Two sleeves to go, but at least there's some clear progress, huh? Now I have to figure out the math for the sleeves--not only from the gauge being completely different, but because I'm going to need to make them a little shorter. I think I'll go for narrower sleeves, too, since too large a "bell" is just going to make wearing it difficult (grin).

I'm happy so far, though--just hope that the curling hems are going to lay flat once I block it.

--Deb

Almost finished!

2005-10-26T13:01:00.000-04:00

After persevering through a setback with the sleeves (they were too long, so I frogged them and reknit them then had to block them to death b/c the yarn had been kinked up by the first knitting), the sweater is completely sewn together and some of the ends have been woven in. I have the button for the front, but I have yet to find the right buttons for the shoulders. My LYS doesn't have a good button selection, so I need to go to my favorite fabric store, but I don't have a chance to do that until Friday or Saturday. I also have to make my son's Halloween costume (he's going to be Dopey and I'm going to be Snow White), which obviously takes precedence, but hopefully I'll have a finished USM by Sunday evening. I will post pictures when I do.

Body blocking

2005-10-18T01:12:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd post my body section while it's blocking:

Union Square Market body

Once again, mind the water spots.

Measurements are pretty good, I'm happy to say almost exactly spot on. The armhole mesurement is exactly what is called for in the magazine, so unless I have mutant short armpits it should be well. I'm thiking the unblocked front flap may have given the illusion of huge armholes along with the lack of shoulder seams.

Arm shaping question

2005-10-16T20:09:00.000-04:00

Now I have a question on the arm shaping. :)

After the short row shaping and you join the MC, the instructions say:

*Work even in St st with MC for 2(31/2, 31/2, 11, 11)" next round: dec 1 (dec 1, dec 1, dec 1, inc 1) st at each end of round* 2 sts dec for smallest sizes...

I'm confused on how you decreased 2 sts if you only worked one decrease round where you decreased one st at end of the round?

Big arm holes?

2005-10-16T19:27:00.000-04:00

I'm finished with the body. It seems to fit OK, but the armholes seem really huge longwise for some reason. The measurement is correct. Did anyone else have a problem with the size of the arm holes? Perhaps it's just the way it looks because not having a shoulder seam?

Progress thwarted!

2005-10-15T11:14:00.000-04:00

Last night I sewed in one of my sleeves, and it's too long. I knit them to the measurements the pattern calls for, but now I'm frogging them back and shortening them by almost 2 inches. Sucks, because I thought I was just about done!

Also, I did the loop for the button on the front of the sweater last night, and I didn't enjoy the whole twisted cord process. Seems like so much work for something that isn't really supposed to be seen. Is everyone else doing these twisted cords, or did someone do something else?

a question of length

2005-10-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Several of those who have finished (amazing knitters that you are) have mentioned that the sleeves felt too long when all was said and done. Can you estimate by how much? I realize, of course, that we're all different sizes, with different arm lengths, but this seemed to be a common complaint--and I'm pretty petite, with short arms.

The proscribed length for the sleeve is 17" before starting the cap shaping. I figured I'd go to some number less than this--I've stopped at 15 and that seems a little too short. But I'm not sure if, once I add the cap shaping, it'll come out OK. Any advice? I'm kind of stagnated on the sleeve, unable to decide!

Getting closer to starting...

2005-10-11T22:43:00.000-04:00

So, I've finally got my yarn. I went with an alpaca blend I found on eBay in Plum for the MC and Charcoal gray for the CC. I'd take pictures, but sadly my camera has decided to stop working.

My gauge seems to be a problem, it's quite off. I'm getting 7.75sts to the inch, instead of 6.75. I like the fabric at this gauge though - it's a nice lightweight fabric. Though I'm not sure, have others found their sweaters to be very lightweight, or are you getting denser fabrics? I like mine how it is though, so I'm inclined to just leave it as-is. And I'm thinking that I might just make the largest size, because it looks like with the different gauge, it will fit. I hope.

Of course, I haven't even looked at my row gauge yet! That will be fun, I am sure!

Tasty

2005-10-09T22:52:00.000-04:00

I don't want to give it away.

Detailed photos on my blog.

Progress report

2005-10-09T10:26:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Eunny's quick progress on this sweater, I've been working on my sweater like crazy lately. Here are some pictures:

Obviously, this is the body of the sweater on my blocking board. (Please ignore the ugly fabric.) There aren't really spots on the front; those are just where the sweater got a little wetter in the blocking process.

This is what my left sleeve looked like on Friday night around 6:30...

...and this is what my left sleeve looked like about 9:30 Saturday night! Yippee! Fits perfectly! I was trying to pose like the cover of the magazine, but my husband made me laugh, so I just look silly. But at least you can see the sleeve. (The shirt I'm wearing, by the way, is from the AIDS Walk I did early on Saturday. A group of my friends from my LYS, Angel Hair Yarn Company, formed a team for the walk and raised money. In return, the store made these cute shirts for us to wear. Nice, huh?)

I've started the right sleeve, but it hasn't gotten quite to a picture taking stage yet. My goal is to have it done by Friday. If my husband doesn't get sick like he did this past Tuesday and leave me being the single parent while he's in the bathroom puking, I should be able to do it.

Finished Spinning

2005-10-08T22:02:00.000-04:00

Now to knit the sweater.

Jessica

progress - some

2005-10-08T16:29:00.000-04:00

the progress on USMP is being hampered slightly by the progress on Irlandais, which is the purple Inca Alpaca number just behind. I can only handle so much stockinette at a time. ;)

The sleeve question, redux

2005-10-04T14:51:00.000-04:00

So much better:
For those who are interested, I cast on 82 stitches rather than the 92 called for the smallest size. I worked the short row portion as directed, save for wrapping and turning at 3 rather than 4 stitches before the previous wrapped stitch for the first 6 rows, and doing just one decrease on my 19th row. I worked my decreases on every 19th row after that 4 more times, until I was left with 72 stitches and could work from the pattern again.

i finished the back! or the front! take your pick!

2005-10-04T09:28:00.000-04:00

Since I'm not doing the flap, I'm knitting my front and back simultaneously and with identical shaping. (I thought about altering the neckline, but opted instead for pure laziness--er, simplicity. If it rides up too high on my neck, well, then I'll think about changing it.)

As I mentioned earlier, I was having weird tension issues based on having frogged back a bit--I'd never had this happen before. Helpful readers of my blog were horrified as well, and suggested I stop everything and try blocking it out. Afraid of accidentally blocking the horrible line in place, I took a crochet hook to it. No, not to do any kind of stitches, but to pull and tug and swear at the darn thing until it is far less noticeable. See?

My blog entry on the topic, in which I gripe a bit more about the process of tugging, is here.

It's curling something crazy, but that I feel certain will come out in blocking and buttoning and the like!

Only need buttons ...

2005-10-03T18:31:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the dark picture. I'll try again tomorrow.

I quite like it but next time, I'll shorten the sleeves & leave out the fold in the front.

weaving in ends

2005-10-03T16:04:00.000-04:00

I read somewhere awhile back that someone else using Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino was having a bear of a time weaving in the ends without them showing in this circular knitting.
Well, I'm using the baby cash also, in rose-pink, and have stranded the ends in as if I were knitting fair isle, catching one yarn along the back of each stitch for about 10 stitches, then cutting off any remaining, then on the next row picking up the other end and stranding it along. It is not detectable at all from the right side. And the best thing is, there won't be any ends to weave in at the end.

tension woes

2005-10-02T13:25:00.000-04:00

I put my USMP aside for a short time and now that I'm back, it seems that my tension is slightly different--and it's caused a noticeable 'line' where I picked it back up. I even took out everything I'd done to try again, but I just caused a new line in a new spot. Very frustrating, and hoping that blocking will fix it. I'm now hyperaware of my tension, and that's no good either.

I also had some confusion with the armhole shaping. Confusion is the wrong word--I just must have missed the bind offs for one of the sides, so they were off from each other. So it's just as well that I took it out, because I've fixed that and things are moving along just fine. I blogged about it earlier today, but don't say much of anything different.

Mostly I'm now looking forward to one of the balls of yarn ending, because I just learned about that felting join and I'm dying to try it out!

Nearly Ready

2005-10-02T13:24:00.000-04:00

I have spent the past week focused entirely on finishing spinning the yarn for my sweater. Very late last night/early this morning I finished the main color. Now I have 400 yards of the contrast color to spin. Then I can finally begin.

I've been enjoying see everyone's progress. Thanks!

***Update***
Here's some photos.

Jessica

The sleeve question

2005-10-02T09:11:00.000-04:00

I started on my sleeves yesterday, and realized that I'm not totally comfortable with the exaggerated size of the bell:
My sister might look like she's swimming in a sea of blue alpaca.

What do you think? Is everyone pretty much doing their sleeves as written? I saw that Marirob did a smaller cuff...did anyone else make adjustments?

My promise ...

2005-09-29T16:26:00.000-04:00

I've had this :

laying around for the past couple of weeks.

I promise to get to it this weekend.

Progress??

2005-09-28T22:48:00.000-04:00

So . . . where is everyone? How are you doing? Making progress? Stuck? Loving your yarn? Your colors?

I'm not quite to the armholes yet, but almost there . . . I've been stalling, I think, because I just don't want to sit and do all that recalculation for the shaping. (You'll remember, of course, that my gauge is completely different than the one in the pattern. There's no way I can work with the ratios given, and for the short row shaping? It's going to make a difference.)

Hi Everyone

2005-09-27T15:09:00.000-04:00

Hello all!

I just started on this, and I'm already obsessed.

I'm using DROPS alpaca, a fingering weight 100% alpaca yarn, in a sky blue and cream colorway. I hit gauge exactly with US3 needles - the fabric works up to be a very teeny bit sheer, which I like.

Unfortunately, I can't think of a design that could possibly be less flatterning on me - high necklines make me look like I have a double chin around my armpits, and the last thing I need is more emphasis on my upper body. I thought about making changes to the pattern, but really want to make this as written - I think the flap goes a long way towards making this very geometric, very structured garment work.

So my sister's getting a great Christmas present this year :)

A quick tip - don't bother with waste yarn for provisional castons, and use the cable of a smaller circular instead. It makes for a firmer foundation, fewer twisted stitches, and best of all - when you go to knit the caston row, the stitches are already on the needle. Huzzah!

Finally, I started.

2005-09-27T13:13:00.000-04:00

Finally, I finished the sweater that I was determined to finish before casting on for this.
Meanwhile, my yarn came, and it wasnt' the fuschia that i thought it was going to be, more a dusky rose. That went Perfectly with a piece of wool that I bought in Toronto in the late 1970's. A gorgeous stripey jacquard woven piece that has been languishing for want of what to do with it. So, I scrapped the idea of a dk grey contrast to this yarn and went and found the perfect green - weird combination but it is marvelous with that piece of fabric. And now, I know that I can make a pair of pleated trousers and a skirt and have the perfect sweater to go with. ;)
oh, and again, I just love the Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino. love it.
Edit: I'm not sure if its' blogger or the camera that didnt' pick up the green in the jacquard, but it is there. and in real life the color combo is great. You may have to take my word for it.

Oh, and Eunni, your blog is great. Love your lace project. To join here email Deb, the listmom whose email addy is in plain english under the pic of this sweater on the sidebar. She can add you. And welcome.

How is everyone doing?

2005-09-26T11:09:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

I'm just curious how everyone is coming along? I just passed the point at split from the front and back body last night.

This is my first sweater in the round and I like it! I really don't mind seaming, but it's nice to have the fronts and backs finished at the same time, and it's nice to just cruise along in st st. The small gauge needles really are not as bad as I feared.

For you people who have finished, I think you have been cross bred with knitting machines somewhere in your family tree! ;)

Show of hands, please!

2005-09-17T18:13:00.000-04:00

I've been neglectful. I meant to add asterisks next to the names of the people who've finished, but got distracted. . . . Now, I can go searching through the archives, but just to be safe and sure that I haven't missed anyone--if you've finished, please let me know!

--Deb, aka the List Mom

Just Joined!

2005-09-17T15:05:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, I'm Deirdre and I've just joined the KAL after lurking for a while and reading up on everyone's progress.

Still haven't picked out a yarn for my USM, but I'm leaning towards purples. I've got color cards for KnitPicks Pallette coming, so I may be using that. Otherwise, I found a seller on ebay that sells alpaca in lots of different colors, and I think I would be able to get the yarn for a pretty good price. Here is a link to the yarn. They have some nice dark purples which I like, and I think if I picked one of them, I would go with a charcoal grey or grey for the trim. Otherwise, if I do Knitpicks (much better on my college student budget) I would most likely do purple with one of the lighter colors as trim - but that might change once I get the color card.

happy knitting everyone!

i started!

2005-09-14T09:09:00.000-04:00

I played around with my yarn last night, got very close to gauge on size 3s, and have started! I'm past the bottom hem and have already done the first decrease round (I know it occurs soon after the hem, but still, progress). The alpaca is soooo soft, I'm definitely in love.

You can see more in my first blog entry about it.

my yarn has arrived!

2005-09-12T13:50:00.000-04:00

Despite the prediction that it will be off gauge, I went ahead and got the Knit Picks Andean Treasure. Main color Sunset, edging Woods. It predicts 6st=1", so I'm going to swatch it with size 3 needles and see where it gets me (hopefully as high as 26 per 4 inches?). I'm generally a pretty tight knitter, I think. I'm so excited; I really love the structure of this sweater. I'm also not afraid of math, so I'm fine with doing some modifications to the pattern.

I'm thinking about not doing the flap, however, and having a simple boatneck. I also like MeBeth's ideas for the neckline.

Yay! Body is Done!

2005-09-11T16:42:00.000-04:00

I completed the body today (after another finishing-triggered swearing spell similar to that provoked by the Hourglass Sweater) (I'm a little sensitive to demanding hems). It's a bit loose although my gauge seems roughly correct, but not so loose as to look schlubby. I actually dig the shape of it so far. My other potential beef is that the yarn (Frog Tree Alpaca) seems a bit itchy. I'm not sensitive to itch, particularly, so I'll probably get used to it, but it's still annoying.

Is anyone else concerned about the rolling of the top and bottom hems? They seem to want to curl rather forcefully... it's unclear whether blocking will eliminate it entirely. Any experiences with this, or advice?

Wool in Union Square

2005-09-10T18:16:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I was walking through the Union Square Greenmarket today and I saw at least two vendors selling wool from small farms in upstate NY. Thought it was a fun coincidence considering the name of our sweater, and its always great to support the local producers!

Also, I made some minor modifications to the pattern and posted them on my blog. I'll continue posting them as I work them out, in case anyone is interested.

Just Started

2005-09-09T08:33:00.000-04:00

I just started spinning the yarn for this project today. I can't afford an Alpaca fleece as it's $64 a kilogram. Instead I'm using a lovely merino cross corridale fleece from a gorgeous ewe called prunella. It's a beautiful blue grey which I'm going to overdye what coulour I'm not sure yet. My little Ashford Kiwiw is in overdrive. I still have to finish my rainbow jumper before I start otherwise I end up with dozens of UFO's (Unfinished objects). The dying will be fun though. I just have to choose between warn and cool colours as I have a habit of going rainbow every time something i'm trying not to do I have to make decisions.

Misti Alpaca Sport

2005-09-08T02:08:00.000-04:00

Hey KAL friends,

Just a quick post to share my yarn news. I just swatched for my USMP with Misti Alpaca Sport and found that I got a pretty close gauge on Addi Turbo size 3 needles. So happy!

I'll be using the lovely grape color for the main color, and pistachio green for the contrast. Sadly, Misti doesn't make the pistachio in sport weight, so I'll be carrying three strands of lace weight together instead. The color combination is really fun, though, and there isn't so much contrasting color, so I think it will work out just fine.

I got my yarn at Little Knits, which is good for two reasons. 1) They are making a serious effort to make a large contribution to Hurricane Katrina victims and 2) they're offering free shipping for Misti orders of $50 or more. Go check it out...

I won't be starting my pulli for a little while, though, as I finish up other projects, but am excited about the progress everyone else has shared!

Karma

Making Progress

2005-09-06T22:41:00.000-04:00

Everyone's finished sweaters look so beautiful, I am inspired to work a bit harder on mine.

I finally restarted, but I just couldn't seem to figure out the cast on. I gave up and used a regular cable cast on. After I cast on 166 stitches, I threaded a length of contrasting yarn through the cast on row while keeping it on the needles. I knit 9 rows and then, to make the hem, I just picked up stitches from the cast on row using the contrasting color to help me see which stitch to pick up. I did this one by one - I grabbed a loop from the cast on row, popped it on my left needle, and knitted it together (k2tog) with the next stitch waiting on the needles to be knitted. Then I grabbed the next loop from
the cast on, and repeated the process 166 times. It seemed to work well
and it looks fine to me, so if you're having trouble with the cast on and
hem, you may want to give it a try. Here's a photo of the cast on edge...

Because my gauge is a bit crazy I am making a number of other modifications to row count. I'm sort of winging it as I go, but I'll try to post the info on my blog in case others are interested. I'm also thinking about a sort of funky modification to the neckline, but I'm not sure about that yet, I'll keep you posted.

I finished it too!

2005-09-04T07:50:00.000-04:00

I finally found buttons and put them on, so here it is!

Mine didn't come out too big, I made the smallest size and my gauge was a little smaller then the pattern called for. I hope it won't be too small... but time will tell. Right now, it is way too warm here (the Netherlands) to be wearing any kind of sweater at all.

Check out my blog for a picture of the back.

I like seeing all the finished sweaters. I will be checking the KAL for more, so knit on everybody!

Another finished sweater!

2005-09-03T21:13:00.000-04:00

I finished my sweater yesterday and I took photos today.

I am happy with the finished sweater. The Cashsoft yarn I used is very soft and the sweater feels great. I did adjust the sleeve width from 92 stitches to 72 stitches, which I think helped a lot. For more details, you can go to my blog and see my entry here.

Thanks to Deb for hosting this knitalong. I always find it motivating to watch others knit the same project. I hope everyone has fun knitting this sweater!

A French Union Square Market !

2005-09-01T15:36:00.000-04:00

Hello girls,
Here is my pullover. I knit it in Sierra Andina Alpaca from Adriafil.

Color with flash or in the sun

Contrary to the pattern, I knit with straight needles. I do not manage to become used to the circular needles. Here is the front of the pullover with these small buttons in mother-of-pearl. I have already put the back on my needles. But like Tammy, I feel that my knit seems a little bit big... So : Knit and see !

Finished - but not too thrilled with the results

2005-09-01T10:07:00.000-04:00

It's finished!!! You can check it out on my blog, Knits-N-Purrs. I'm kind of disappointed. It came out too big, both in the body & in the sleeves. The sleeves are too long, and the bell shaping makes the sleeves seem even bigger. I had intentionally made the body a little big so I would not get too tight a fitting top, but it came out a little looser than I was expecting. The picture you see is in reverse because it is the reflection in the mirror.

I haven't started yet

2005-08-30T13:52:00.000-04:00

But I do have an update. Since KnitPicks has come out with their new yarns, I have ordered Palette for my USM:

Blocking Alpaca

2005-08-28T13:59:00.000-04:00

I'm swatching and getting very excited about the 100% baby alpaca I'm hoping to use for this sweater. Before I get too excited, though, I thought I'd block my swatch to see what happens then.

What is your preferred method for blocking alpaca? I know that it can get really stretched out of shape when washed in water, but that's how I usually block things. I've never used 100% alpaca for a sweater before; I've always had at least 50% wool, which helps the piece "remember" its dimensions.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
Karma

Ordered the Yarn

2005-08-28T09:17:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally broke down and ordered enough of the DB baby cash in the same dye lot to do this sweater. It's coming from England, so we'll see how long it takes to get here.

In the meantime, I started the cardigan that I originally bought the purple baby cash for that I swatched for this project. It ia a wonderful yarn.

And I learned the provisional cast on, using the directions in Nancie Wiseman's book The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques. I'd looked at a lot of directions for this, and hers seemed the best. She uses a crochet hook and a knitting needle and crochets the waste thread onto the needle. What a great and easy way to do this well. BTW, she suggests a cotton yarn for the waste yarn - it'll come out cleaner and easier.

Rollin', rollin', rollin'

2005-08-26T12:03:00.000-04:00

I'm about 5 inches into the MC of my sweater, and I love the way it's turning out. And I lovelovelove working with Rowan Cashsoft! Anyway, my hem absolutely refuses to lie down. Did anyone have such a stubborn hem? I know blocking will help, but I'm afraid this is too rolly for blocking to totally get rid of.

Started

2005-08-26T00:05:00.000-04:00

why didn't you people talk me out of a sweater on 4's? 3 nights of kniting and I have a hem. Whoopie.

Hey, note to others, don't provisional cast on with the same alpaca as you waste thread. It sticks nicely to itself when you go to remove it. :P

At least I have gauge...or so close it doesn't matter.

Pattern Clarification please!

2005-08-25T17:50:00.000-04:00

Hi
I'm making good progress on this. I am up to the shaping of the left front V neck (instructions at the bottom of pg. 42) and I'm a bit confused. I am working the 2nd size, the pattern calls for you to continue with the front neck increases every 4th row whilst working the short rows. Because in working the short rows you are only working one side (i.e. left front as stated) you only do 1 increase (the M1L) every 4 rows instead of 2 increases. Thus at the end of the first 19 short rows when it tells you to stop working the increases you have 138 sts. on your needles by my calculation. Yet the pattern states that you should have 143 sts (the 5 extra being the M1R increases that surely will be worked when doing the right front V neck.

Am I to proceed as I have understood and does the pattern mean that after completing both the left front and the right front V neck you will have 143 sts or have a completely misunderstood something?

Appreciate any clarifiacation.

Sleeve issues

2005-08-23T22:45:00.000-04:00

I've finished my bodice and I think that it turned out nice. (It's splotchy looking because I was blocking it).

I've been getting gauge with the Cashsoft 4ply and I love knitting with it. It's super soft and easy on the hands. I want to find buttons this week so I can properly try it on.

I started my first sleeve this weekend and about halfway through the CC cuff I realized that it would be too big. I didn't really pay attention to the measurements and I thought the sleeve looked nice on the model. So I decided to cast on 72 stitches instead of 92, did 4 sets of decreases through the cuff instead of 5, and I'll be increasing up to 74 stitches for the sleeve cap (which is what the directions call for). Here's the beginning of my sleeve.

I know it looks funny and I didn't have the same gauge for the CC cuff. I'm hoping a good blocking will help things. If I don't like the cuff by then, I think I'll take the cuff off and knit a plain cuff instead.

My plan is to have the sweater finished by the end of next week - let's hope that happens!

Still swatching.

2005-08-21T23:33:00.000-04:00

ok, this whole blogging thing is new to me, and it took me forever to figure out how to create a new post and not just reply comments to a previous post. Oh well.

I'm still swatching. After swatching the DB baby Cashmerino and getting guage and getting all excited about it, I realized that I only have 2/3 the quantity that I need in my stash. Since there's no way possible to obtain more of that dyelot, and I know that I would be v unhappy with the finished product if I decided it wouldn't matter and mixed dyelots, I've gone shopping for an alternative yarn.
so, Friday I bought one skein of Frog Tree Alpaca Sport (my LYS is holding the other 12 skiens I would need) and swatched it yesterday. I obtained both row and stitch guage on 2's, however the knit fabric that results is heavy, stiff, boardy, ... in other words, too dense. I like the knit fabric better on the 3's, however it is nowhere near guage - it's 24/4 in stitch / 32/4 in row. I love the color - #24 Fuschia.
I guess I'm going to do the math, and use the 3's. I just am not up for many more tries with diff yarns, and my options at LYS's are v limited.
Frog Tree makes a fingering weight, but my LYS doesnt' have it, and I'm reluctant to try to order it without seeing it/ trying it.
What to do?
I can't start this anyway until I've knit the Jeager Herringbone vest off the needles - should be about another week on that.

Needles!

2005-08-17T21:06:00.000-04:00

I got my needles!!! I may cast on as soon as tomorrow!!

*now watch my gauge change*

...and the frustration mounts...

2005-08-15T14:44:00.000-04:00

I just posted some progress pics on my blog - Knits-N-Purrs (scroll down to the bottom of my 08.15.05 post). I have finally completed the body, although my row gauge was off, so I have fewer rows than required. That means 6 less stitches in the front than the pattern called for. I've started the sleeve. This is my second attempt. For my first attempt, I used size 4 needles (like in the body) but the bell shaping was HUGE so I have switched to size 3 needles. I'll see how that turns out. My big worry is getting the sleeve to fit into the shoulder. Because I have less rows than called for I think the shoulder shaping on the sleeves may be a bit tricky. Needless to say, I am feeling very frustrated right now. I am even seriously thinking of ripping the WHOLE thing out and starting over - although the thought of redoing the body cast on is not a welcoming thought. Maybe I'll just rip out and start something totally different. I'm not quite there yet, thankfully. I'll trudge along on the sleeve & just hope for the best. If I can't get the sleeve to set properly on the body, then maybe it will be a trip to the frog pond...

Lorna's Shepherd Sport, etc.

2005-08-14T22:04:00.000-04:00

For those still looking for yarn, I swatched both Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport and Gems Opal today, and both give the right gauge on a US 2 needle.

Sadly, neither is quite as soft as the alpaca the pattern recommends. I'm using them anyway.

I did see some Frog Tree Alpaca in a yarn store this weekend, and it seems like that would be an excellent choice. While I'm happy with my Lorna's, I'll admit to kind of kicking myself for not going the Frog Tree route. C'est la vie!

Almost there

2005-08-13T20:46:00.000-04:00

I'm almost done! I just have to find the right buttons, which may not be easy.
I can't believe how fast this was, I've never finished a sweater before (started, yes, but finished....) I just really enjoyed it. It wasn't too complicated, but not boring either.

My cat Panter loves the alpaca (from La Droguerie in France). As soon as I put the sweater down somewhere, she reclines on it.

When I find the buttons and attached them (which I'm not looking forward to...) I will post a picture with me modelling it.

Good to go!

2005-08-10T13:57:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I finished the sweater I wanted to finish before starting on this one (you'll be able to check out a pic of it later today on my blog when I get a chance to post it), so I gauged yesterday afternoon during my son's speech therapy and got 7sts=1" on 3s. I find that my gauge loosens a little when I actually start a project, so I'm going to stick with what I've got and hope that everthing will turn out okay. I'm going to cast on either today or tomorrow. Yay!!!

Yarn alert!

2005-08-06T18:35:00.000-04:00

Look here, Knit Picks has a new yarn 100% wool, the right gauge and it's $1.79 for 231 yards!

That means, about $15 for this sweater.

Darn, I need $25 to get free shipping, I'll have to order some of the other new yarns as well!

Which Yarn Are You Using?

2005-08-04T10:33:00.000-04:00

Hi there,

Just thought it might be helpful to have a roll call on this...

(1) Which yarn are you using?
(2) What gauge are you getting? On what size needles?

:) jessica

Have YOU Started?

2005-07-30T21:21:00.000-04:00

Since the blogpoll doesn't seem to want to work, let's try this the old fashioned way!

Have You Started Your Sweater Yet?
1. Ages ago! I hope to be the first one finished!
2. Does the Hem count?
3. Not technically, but I'm just about to cast on.
4. Nope--still waiting for yarn/needles/pattern.
5. What sweater?

Bought My Yarn! (I think)

2005-07-30T17:56:00.000-04:00

So... I splurged. It's 7 skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Cedar (greener than in this photo) and 2 skeins of Gems Opal Sport Weight in a nice red berry shade, purchased today from Purl. I only hope I can get gauge - it's supposed to be about 6 st / 1" on a 4, so with a 3 I imagine I can get close.

I'm still thinking I may give the Morehouse Merino fingering weight a look, and if it's better I might return these. But right now I'm digging the Lorna's / Opal combo. Is anyone else using one of these yarns?

Finally...Some Progress

2005-07-29T17:56:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm finally past the hem of my sweater. Woo hoo! I got to knit two, whole rows in my main color last night. SO exciting, as I'm sure you can all imagine. I also spent some time with my calculator, trying to figure out the numbers for various parts of the sweater--since, as you may have noticed, my gauge is completely off the chart in terms of the pattern. (For a 37.5" sweater, I've got 170 stitches. In Fingering-weight yarn.) The tricky part is going to be figuring out the row gauge so I can make the adjustments needed for all the short-row shaping further up the sweater. I definitely won't be ending up with the same number of rows as Kate put into the pattern, and if I want the back and front to match at the shoulders . . . I'm going to have to do some finagling to get it all to work. But first, I need a decent size amount of stockinette stitch so that I can actually calculate the row gauge, since my swatch is completely worthless to me (grin). Still . . . progress is finally being made!

Test Swatching

2005-07-28T01:07:00.000-04:00

I ordered a skein of KnitPicks Essential last week to see if it might fit the bill for gauge. It looks promising.

I'm getting 24 sts/in on size 4's (since I only own 1's and 4's and nothing in between), so I am fairly confident I can get 27 by taking the needle size down a notch or two.

Unfortunately, the color selection leaves something to be desired, but, if this works out, I will have found my yarn! Boy, am I dreading knitting a sweater with something this skinny.

Spin-a-thon done, now for the knitting

2005-07-26T11:50:00.000-04:00

Holy hot shit cakes! The Union market-spin-a-thon has officially come to a close. The final tallies find us with 1010 of the darker green and 400 of the lighter green. Now some of you may notice that those numbers are a bit shy (still gonna get laid but gonna play hard to get first) of the yardage called for in the pattern. However, I say screw it! It's a bit thicker, instead of getting guage on a forsaken #3, I should get it at on a #4 or perhaps, cross those nubblies, a #5! So all should be well in the land of camo. And if it doesn't make it, it looks smashing as an arm adorment, don't you think? By the way, not to lick my own pudding, but more as record keeping, I started this 1400 yards on July 13th and finished it on July 24th, and spun up another misc. 1000 yards in the meantime. Okay, that was a bit of puddin' licking, but I couldn't help myself, it was a big feat.

Now to deal with guage, which by the looks of it, isn't the easiest thing. more soon!

jacey

Sweater - 1, MeBeth - 0

2005-07-24T23:24:00.000-04:00

Deb, I must say that reading your post made me feel much better. I thought it was just me but THIS SWEATER WILL NOT COOPERATE!

I did tons of math and swatching and anything and everything went wrong. It was actually so frustrating that I was provoked to start a knitting blog so as not to overwhelm this one with my complaints and whining.

The good news is that I was able to do some math and find a gauge that works. In the end, it seems that with a gauge of 4.5 st/inch I can cast on 166 stitches (making the medium size sweater) and the math works out pretty well if I divide everything by 2/3.

DISCLAIMER - Although it seems mathematically sound, I have no idea if this will work because I am a giant idiot and had to undo all of today's knitting progress. Also, I almost failed math in 8th grade so "mathematically sound" should probably be taken with a grain of salt. If you want the whole story feel free to check it out my brand new little blog at Mebeth Rambles.

Here's my yarn!

2005-07-24T23:01:00.000-04:00

I received my order from Jimmy Beans Wool yesterday - yippee! It TOTALLY made my day. I'm a triathlete training for my first Ironman, and I had had not the best bike ride earlier yesterday (107 miles of hills in 100 degree heat - yikes!), so I was in a pissy mood. I went out to the mailbox, and lo and behold, there was my yarn! Changed my mood in an instant. It came so quickly - I ordered it late Thursday morning, and it was here on Saturday. I haven't done a gauge swatch yet - I figured that checking my gauge after doing some insane training wasn't a smart idea. I have to admit, though - after reading Deb's ongoing problems, I am a little nervous. Maybe Tuesday I'll give it a shot. Here are the colors:

Please forgive the handprint on the tan pillow and the overall mess on the cushion - I have a 5-year old son and 2 dogs who like to sit on the couch and chew their rawhide bones.

Not Again!

2005-07-24T20:27:00.000-04:00

Would you believe that my gauge has changed yet again?? I checked it on row 8 of the hem, again, and for the third time, it's completely different than it was the last time. The first time I checked, I was getting 5.25 stitches to an inch (using, again, Fingering weight yarn). The second time, 4.8 to an inch. And now, 4.4 stitches to an inch. With almost 20 fewer stitches than the last attempt, the width of the sweater is the same. Argh! I don't want to give up on this sweater, but . . . how can I make a sweater when the gauge keeps changing on me? (grin)

What About Morehouse Merino Fingering Weight?

2005-07-24T14:21:00.000-04:00

Hi! I just joined the knitalong, and am in the process of choosing a yarn. It's been quite a pain, actually, locating a yarn that will give the right gauge in colors I like. What do you all think, actually, of Morehouse Merino's fingering weight? It's actually kind of hard to see the yarn on that page, but the gauge seems to be right. Here's a cardigan made with it, and a camisole.

It comes in tons of colors. My choices have more contrast than most - I'm thinking of Olive (MC) + Cranberry (CC).

I've seen the yarn before and it is soft and very lovely. I worry about its durability, though - it seems more delicate than some other yarns that have been considered here.

waaaa!

2005-07-22T17:52:00.000-04:00

No needles yet! Waaaaa!

(On the other hand, I'm almost done with a sweater I had on my needles allready. Oh well.)

Take Three . . .

2005-07-21T22:05:00.000-04:00

I knitted eight of the border rows for my Union Square Market Pullover, and thought it would be smart to just double-check the gauge before I completed the hem and switched over to the main color. So I knit half of the next row onto a second needle (so as to be able to stretch the stitches out) and . . . well. Turns out this was very smart. This is still huge. Not quite as huge as before, but still big!

How big, you ask? 42", give or take a fraction.

Now, according to my gauge swatch of 5.25 stitches per inch, this should have been 38". But no. Apparently I'm getting 4.8 stitches to the inch.

And this is Fingering weight yarn (Rowan 4-ply Cashsoft), with an estimated gauge of 28 stitches over 4" (10 cm) on US size 3 (3.25 mm) needles.
I'm getting 19 stitches over the same width using US size 2 (3 mm) needles. How ridiculous is that?

Apparently, at this gauge, I'll need 182 stitches to get the right size. (I say "apparently" not because I doubt my math skills over such basic math, but because this is my third attempt--it's not the math, it's the fact that my gauge keeps changing!)

Now, I figure I have two choices. (Well, technically, three, but giving up on the sweater is not one I will allow myself to consider. I am hosting this knit-along, after all.) I can either (1) go with 182 stitches and recalculate every number in the entire pattern as I go. Or, option 2, I can pull out the lace-weight Misti Alpaca I bought and make a gauge swatch out of that and see what I get! (I thought it would be too fine and was kicking myself for buying it, but maybe it wasn't such a crazy idea after all.)

The plus side for the first option is that at so few (relatively. few) stitches, the knitting will go faster. For this size sweater, the original pattern calls for 250 stitches--I'd have almost 70 less per row. That's a bonus, right? And the yarn knits up very nicely--very soft and comfy--I'd like to try to see it through with this. And doesn't it seem crazy to make a sweater out of a lace-weight yarn? (I mean, you do what you've got to do, but some things seem more reasonable than others.) Sheesh!

I ordered my yarn!

2005-07-21T12:45:00.000-04:00

Yippee! I ordered my yarn a little bit ago. I have been a Finishing Fool at home this week, finishing 3 projects in 2 days (sewing up seams, weaving in ends, and crocheting edges) and on the verge of finishing another one today, so I rewarded myself by ordering yarn. I ordered Rowan Cashsoft 4 Ply, like a lot of us have done, in Loganberry for the MC and Spa for the CC. I'm a purple freak, so anything other than Loganberry was not an option. Hope the colors look good together. Can't wait to get it and swatch!!!

2005-07-19T06:21:00.000-04:00

Hi,

My name is Nadezjda and I' am also new to the KAL (also my first). I live in Amsterdam, which always gives me limited yarn options (We've got one good store which sells mostly Rowan yarns). At the store they had some Jeager alpaca with a similar gauge as the pattern, but I found it quite expensive (8 euros) and maybe a little bit too warm. Since the sweater looks so nice and fitted I thought it would be better too choose a somewhat less warm yarn to make it more wearable year round. I saw that a lot of you went for the Rowan cashsoft, I went for the cashcotton which is really soft and even slightly fuzzy. As a contrast colour I chose a light blue and for the main body a colour called sea foam (and that's kinda how it looks).
I had a lot of problems with the invisible cast on (not the gauge thank god!) and I eventually cast on as I would normally would with the waste yarn over my thumb and my other yarn over my index finger. It did work and I do have a nice border, but it took me ages to unpick the stitches. I will try to post some pictures when I find my camera's software (one of the things I probably misplaced moving) .
I love seeing all the progress you guys are making and the different colourways in which you are making it.

Take Two

2005-07-18T10:52:00.000-04:00

So . . . I tried starting my sweater this weekend. Knowing my gauge was a little big (ahem), I cast on the 226 stitches called for the smallest size sweater, hoping they would come out about right . . . Um . . . Not so much! Huge! So . . . frogged the several rows I'd knitted . . . managed to salvage the cast-on row so as not to have to mess with the crochet chain again. (I opted, obviously, for the crochet-cast on rather than the "invisible" one.) Tonight, I'll pull out the calculator and start crunching numbers for what I really need. The trick will be that I'm not going to know my row gauge until I've knitted a couple inches, and that will affect some of the shaping. (Because, apparently, my gauge swatch was useless--the gauge I was getting from knitting in the round was different than the swatch, anyway, so I can't trust that for row-gauge, either.) Oh well. All part of the fun, right? At least the colors are nice....

My yarn

2005-07-15T19:28:00.000-04:00

I've finally received my yarn:

I'm using Rowan Cashsoft 4 ply (like Deb!) in Loganberry and Monet. Monet is not as pink as in the photo, and I really like the colors together. I swatched earlier and I got gauge with size 2 needles. I probably won't start this project for a couple of more weeks because I just finished knitting a sweater in the round and I need a little break. The yarn is so yummy and I know I'll have a great time knitting with it!

crochet invisible hem?

2005-07-15T17:55:00.000-04:00

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the KAL. I'm having difficulty with the invisible cast-on. I got help from my local yarn store and the experts suggested using a crochet invisible cast on where you crochet a chain and pick up the stitches. They said it was more stable. I'm wondering if anyone else would recommend this? I'm worried that after knitting the sweater, all my hard work won't pay off and I'll have a terrible edge!

Hee Ko
Seattle

Gauge Shmauge

2005-07-15T14:29:00.000-04:00

Looks like I'm having the same problems as Deb - my swatch, even on #3 needles, is easily 5.5 inches. Rather than knitting on mini needles or getting different yarn, I think I'm going to try to fool around with the pattern (as soon as I get a copy) and modify it so that I can do it on #3 or #4 needles. I'll post more as soon as I've made some progress with the pattern modifications.

Buttons!

2005-07-14T10:49:00.000-04:00

I spy some buttons on ebay I want. Does anyone have a copy of IK handy that can tell me the sizes of the buttons used?

Progress note: None. I'm waiting for my LYS to get needles in. If they are not in by next week, I'm going to order them someplace else.

Sigh . . .

2005-07-11T21:48:00.000-04:00

I'm having the opposite gauge problem than most of you--way too big. My first swatch last night, on size 3 needles--bamboo needles, nonetheless. 27 stitches = almost 5.5" You know, a whole inch and a half more than the 4" it should have been? Sheesh. So I switched to size 2 and tried to concentrate on knitting a little tighter . . . 4.5 inches. At least it's closer, but still!

I'm sorry, but I refuse to knit an entire sweater in size 1 needles, so . . . I'll sit down with my calculator tomorrow and rework the numbers to get (I hope!) the size I need. Hmmm . . . maybe the laceweight would have worked after all!

Some Progress after a difficult start

2005-07-11T20:00:00.000-04:00

I have started this sweater. I opted for a pale blue contrast colour and a turquoise main colour - both in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino using the needles called for in the pattern.

I struggled initially with the provisional cast on - having never done it before. The instructions were clear enough and I got the hang of the looping at catching yarn etc. What I didn't do (twice!) was leave long enough ends on my waste yarn!

Anyway here is my progress so far

I'm quite pleased with how it is looking and I'm really enjoying knitting in the round (another first) and thinking of all that sewing up I am avoiding:)

AAAGGGHHH - Ideas about ease?????

2005-07-11T13:53:00.000-04:00

Well, I think I am going to start over. I was using size 3 needles, and my gauge was between 30 and 32 sts/4". After doing some math, and taking a good look in the mirror, I think the finished sweater will be on the small side for me (between 34" & 36"). I don't like things tight & clingy, so I am going to go up at least one needle size. On size 4, I get about 28 sts/4", so my finished sweater will be about 38". Do you think there will be enough ease for a 36" bust, or should I go to a size 5 needle? My guess is that with a size 5, the end product will be about 40", but I am thinking that may be too big. Any suggestions?

Hey everyone!

2005-07-11T10:34:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I haven't posted yet, because I wanted to wait until my yarn came in! I ordered it last week from Halcyon, and it came in two days later!

I am using Dale of Norway's Baby Ull in colors 21 and 16 (at Lu's suggestion to go for the red). I was able to get gauge using size 5 needles. I am really loving the yarn, it is so super soft. The next baby sweater I make for a friend will be made out of this!

Thanks to Dennis and our lack of power, I was able to make a lot of progress on it yesterday. I knitted the pink portion the day before and all of the red was from yesterday. I don't know what I would have done with myself if I didn't knit - I would have been totally bored!

Have a wonderful Monday everyone!

step 1 of my UM

2005-07-10T22:07:00.000-04:00

Alright, I wrote up a frighteningly long post on my blog about the whole process but I'll just give you guys the final result in the first step of the evolution of my UM. I dyed my roving for the yarn, here's a pic (for a painful view of the process, look here).

yay, I'm on my way!
jacey

Misti=Not Happening

2005-07-10T12:31:00.000-04:00

So, I got my Misti yarn, only to find that it was not going to be anywhere remotely close to the correct gauge, no matter what I did. Don't know why they say it's the gauge that they say, but it's not. I even tried doubling it, to no avail. Good thing it wasn't too expensive.
Anyway, I have opted for the "Prime Alpaca" from Galler, in black, with green accents in "Frog Tree" alpaca. Both purchased from The Yarn Tree . I know it will take some swatching effort to get the gauge right, but I think it can be done.

3 hours later...and the lightbulb went on! -- or - HERE'S A GREAT TIP

2005-07-09T23:05:00.000-04:00

Boy - have I had a tough time casting on. But you know what they say - the third time's the charm.

Attempt #1: I thought I was doing the invisible cast on, but 3 rows into the hem, I started thinking that things did not look quite right. The way the waste yarn was postioned, it was not going to come out very easily when it was time to make the bottom loops. What I had done was the long tail cast on. Rip, rip, rip.

Attempt #2: This time I looked more carefully at the instructions on page 143 of IK and tried again. What I ended up with was uneven, ugly, twisted stitches. This waste yarn thing was just not working. I could not get enough tension and stability to get the thing to come out right. Rip, rip, rip.

Attempt #3: Finally, the ligh bulb came on. The invisible cast on looked pretty similar to the figure 8 cast on. I had never tried this method before, but figured I would give it a try. This requires using 2 circular needles. The second needle took the place of the waste yarn, and voila, my cast on came out great. And - to top it off, my second needle is already in those free loops, so when it comes time to join the hem, I won't have to fiddle with feeding the needle through those bottom stitches.

If you have not cast on yet, I would recommend trying the figure 8 method. The above picture reflects where I am at currently, after having worked the first 2 rows of the hem. The bamboo needles are my working needles and the grey needles (inner circle) are my "waste yarn."

Oh, and do you like what my project is sitting on? You can't see a whole lot of it, but it's my new project bag. I got it on sale at Target for $6.00. Isn't she pretty?

Finally . . . Yarn!

2005-07-09T22:10:00.000-04:00

At long last, I've got yarn for this sweater. Rowan's 4-ply Cashsoft, which I ordered from Jimmy Bean's Wool just a day or two ago, and that arrived today, with a bonus lollipop included in the order. (Sweet, no?) I got the Redwood red as the main color, and Rose Lake as the accent. I love red for sweaters (there's something extra warm and cozy about them, I think), and while I would have liked something different for the accent . . . I don't like, you see, to copy the colors the designers pick--I like to be different--but, well, it was eye-catching the first time around, right? And really, for me, pink IS a "different" color! And, the yarn? Soft and lovely!

Anyway, I'm relieved to finally have yarn in the house and will try to get my swatch done tomorrow. (We're having a family-visit day, so it might be tricky squeezing it in.)

Mandarin Petit

2005-07-09T19:31:00.000-04:00

I think I am going to use Mandarin Petit. I'll swatch some up and see how it goes. It's 100% fingering weight cotton. The colors are navy & light blue.

2005-07-08T13:10:00.000-04:00

Hello all - I just joined the KAL and I'm looking forward to starting up as soon as I receive my yarn and the latest IK. I'm hoping to use Blue Sky Alpaca (purchased on sale at Purl) - it might be a bit tricky to get gauge, but hopefully I can make it work. I'm from NYC too, so I'm looking forward to wearing this sweater in the park after which it was named, once our weather cools off a bit.

I have ordered my yarn

2005-07-08T07:13:00.000-04:00

I have just put in an order for the yarn I want to use for the Union Square Sweater. After much fretting, I decided on Lang's 'Fantomas' in 'Cassis' (0166) for the main body and 'Cyclam' (0165) for the borders. I ordered from a German online vendor and have the yarn sent to my folks in Germany to save on postage, though, so it will take me a while until I can start knitting... I'll be over there in about a month time so I'll pick the parcel up then. :)

Rowan 4ply cotton?

2005-07-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

What does everyone think of using the Rowan 4ply cotton? The description on Yarndex said it's great for summer tops, so I'm afraid it'd be too light. Here in Nashville, though, it doesn't really get too cold, and I want to be able to wear this often. I like the price, and I like the colors. I'd go with Flirty and Aegean.

Stephanie