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April 20, 2005
It's progress
Della, started 3 Apr 05
Pattern: Nothin' but a T-shirt
I love Calmer. So soft. So velvety. Even Mr Raitte, who almost never notices these things, commented that it was 'a lovely colour' (high praise). The back is finished and I'm up to the waist on the front. Thank you to the lovely nona for hosting the KAL, which was the spur I needed to turn this wishlist project into a reality. Motivation can be so hard to come by, don't you find.
If you haven't got as far as the waist yet (I know I'm not in the advance party), you might like to note this. On the instructions for the back and front the instructions read thusly:
'Decrease row: K2 K2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, SSK, K2.' (so far so good)
'Work 7 rows even. Repeat last 8 rows 3 more times. 68 (74, 78, 90, 96, 100) stitches. Work 24 rows even.'
Now by my reckoning, that makes a total of 31 even rows after the last decrease. However, when I finished the bust increases ('Work even until back measures 15.25 (in my case) inches, ending with a WS row'), I found I was already at 16.25 inches. Or, in other words, 7 rows over. So I ripped back as far as the waist, this time leaving just 24 rows before starting to increase. Lo and behold, this time it measured up just right.
Regular readers (*waves!* *thank you!*) who cast their minds back will remember that like Vicki and probably others too I am changing the neckline from the original. Of course a neckline includes the back neck as well as the front. Maybe you'll be interested to see how I worked out what to do.
The black lines are a chart of the original pattern. The red lines are my new neck. The scribbles tell me how many stitches I should have on my needles at given points. I've obviously widened the back neckline so that the shoulder seams match up, but I've lowered it a bit too, to 'balance' the scoop at the front. Also because I think it will be flattering.
Here's the back looking just like it's meant to:
If you are attempting feats of this nature yourself, it's imperative you find some knitters' graph paper: please don't try using the ordinary kind, I'm in no mood to mop up tears. Mine is courtesy of Brown Fox Fibers.
I've only worked up the chart for the size I'm making (36"), but I'm very happy to share if you would find it useful. Just leave a comment and I'll send you a pdf. Then at least if it all goes wrong, we can be wrong together.
Stay tuned for the next thrilling installment where I will reveal how I will finish this scoopy, loopy neck.
Posted by Amelia at April 20, 2005 01:45 PM
Comments
I had the exact same issues with the whole 24-rows thing... glad to know I'm not crazy (I assumed it was due to the fact that I don't acknowledge row gauge and the existence thereof...). I love knitters graph paper- Microsoft Excel can be fudged to make very nice little rectangles, as well.
Can't wait to see your neck knitted up! I skipped right to the sleeves and just began the front. The sleeves, witht the little ringer trim, are adorable. Oh, how I wish my computer was working!
Posted by: Mary-Heather at April 21, 2005 04:53 AM
Nice Job! I haven't tried doing that yet. I may have to now that I have seen you do it.
Posted by: Violet at April 21, 2005 04:55 AM
I would love a copy of your pattern alterations, given that I will be makign the same size, and think lowering the neckline is a great idea. Thanks so much for the offer!
Posted by: jess at April 21, 2005 01:40 PM
Anna - the graph paper is just now clicking for me. Thanks for posting those pics! Seeing them has cleared up a few confused notions I had. I cannot wait to see your T - it is going to be fabulous - I'm with you that any unsolicited positive comment from the Mister about yarn is HUGE praise. I seamed mine up last night and I really love it - the Calmer is absolutely to die for - but as expected based on my fly by the seat approach, the neckline is just a touch off. It looks ok (at least I think so) but is a bit "loose"...
Posted by: Vicki at April 21, 2005 03:30 PM
Anna, so glad I found you. I too, planned on a lower neckline (a regular T neck does nothing for me) so I would love the specs for that. And thanks for the heads up on the bust increase.
Posted by: Elizabeth at April 27, 2005 05:11 PM
I'm not planning on making the t until this summer, but I'm interested in the info on a lower neck! I love the original pattern, but I don't think it's as flattering as a slightly lower neck would be.
Posted by: Kristen at April 28, 2005 02:57 AM
I found the link to your finished NBaT from the blue blog and it looks SO GREAT. I was wondering if you would mind sending me the chart as well.
Posted by: Erin at May 17, 2005 03:28 PM
I would love to get your chart as I will be making the same size. I am a new knitter and I love this pattern.
Thanks! Michele
Posted by: Michele at May 17, 2005 08:26 PM