in need of advice (or a smaller needle, or different yarn)
Here's the thing:I was thinking, this January, of taking on some complicated project to rev up my knitting. Something that would stretch my skills and push me. When I saw that the Aranknit Yahoo Group was hosting a "Follow the Leader Aran Knitalong" I thought that would be perfect. I have an order in for a large amount of Cascade, and yesterday I sat down with some other Cascade to swatch.
The leader calls for a gauge of 22 stitches to 4 inches over moss stitch.
I started with size 5 needles. I got 16 stitches to 4 inches, before and after washing.
Apparently I am a LOOSE knitter. I am a floozy with the moss stitch.
Ok, so clearly, the only way I'd get 22 stitches to 4 inches is to go down enough sizes in needles that my hands would be cramping from holding them.
Here are the options:
1)Use the smaller needles.
2)Change yarn. Not a bad option, I'd be fine finding a use for the original Cascade. Something in a DK weight perhaps?
3) Change filler stitches. I'm usually a tighter knitter than this, so I think I could hit those 22 stitches to 4 inches over some other stitch.
I'm open to suggestions.
posted by Emily @ 8:24 AM
13 Comments:
Those sound like Margaret questions if I've ever seen any!!! Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.
I've got a confession to make, but first I must run Ike to his guitar lesson.
When you find out, do update us. My guess would be smaller needles although I don't know what to do about the hand cramping. I used to knit very tightly, so have the opposite problem. I generally knit up one needle size--at least.
If it were me, I'd change filler stitches. I've always found the moss stitch to grow. Hand-cramping smaller needles doesn't sound like much of an option. I'll be looking forward to hearing of your progress on the Aran!
Wow. This is like a whole other language.
I haven't got the faintest idea what you all are talking about....
;-)
I might change to a dk weight OR go down another needle size. Depends on $$ and what YOU want to do.
Also is it a sweater that you are knitting so the gauge is important?
Kay, I wanted to talk with her today but it was quite busy at the yarn shop, and I suspected this needed more concentration. I'll try again soon.
Annie--I just saw your post on your blog. My goodness! I had no idea you were so into the knitting. We'll have to arrange a Knitters Anonymous group soon.
Susan & Cathy--I'm thinking of changing filler stitches and then just taking the gauge I get that looks nice and then doing the math to make it work.
bls, I'm not always sure I understand either (grin). How I got involved in a hobby that involves math is slightly beyond me.
I might need to locate your yarn shop. I don't have one, you know. I might even run through on Saturday, depending on whether time allows. We are going to a hockey game. :(
Hey, Emily - You should have asked the other day - it's a quick answer. You need DK weight on about 3 or 4.
Forgot to mention - yes, you are a VERY loose knitter. I noticed that with your socks. In fact, you should be getting 5sts per inch with the Cascade on size 7 or 8s. Normally you could get the gauge called for with Cascade on size 5 or 6.
This is what I get for making a conscious effort to loosen up! I started off being a very tight knitter.
I'll have to check my gauge on the Cascade in stockinette, out of curiosity).
No, the pattern calls for the gauge to be over moss stitch. If I were you - I'd work on being a tighter knitter - you're way too loose (not good for a clergy person. lol) I've forgotten - do you do continental or English knitting?
Oh, I didn't mean for the pattern, I think I'm tighter in stockinette than I am in moss stitch. That's why I was so surprised.
I'm a "thrower."
Yes, you will usually have a looser gauge in moss stitch because of the purls. I have some dk yarn at the shop we can give a try. I won't be back on - I'm flying to Ft. Worth to be with my son in the hospital.
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