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April 05, 2005
For knitalongs
I don't remember Rowan Calmer being so difficult to swatch with - before it was blocked, it was impossible to measure because however I touched or pulled the fabric it stayed. Every time I measured it I got different results. On 5mm needles I was WAY out, on 5.5mm needs still too few stitches and rows (although this varied), on 6mm needles the fabric was semi see-thru.
So I washed the swatch, roughly pulled it into shape, let it dry for 24 hours, and then carried it around in my handbag for the day (to emulate normal wear and tear, you see).
So the guage we have now is what we will be working with for this Alison's t-shirt: 19 sts and 26 sts to 4"
I know it's not exactly right, but I don't exactly fit the published sizes, so I'll knit the larger of the two sizes I'm between, and hopefully it will all turn out fine. Like Vicki, I'm going to be making mine with a scoop neck - but I'm going to keep the folded over hem on the body edge and sleeves, and probably use a bias edge on the neck.
Posted by Amelia at April 5, 2005 08:24 AM
Comments
I love the idea of a scoop neck. I love the tee-shrit, but the neck looks a little too tight for me. I had lots of trouble getting gauge with Calmer, too!
Posted by: Jackie at April 5, 2005 12:32 PM
That chocolate brown is really nice...everyone's colors are gorgeous - I can't wait to see them all start to come together. I'm glad to hear that the washing got you closer to guage - I was a bit too impatient to actually wash and dry my swatch so hopefully that won't come back to haunt me (although it probably will).
Posted by: Vicki at April 5, 2005 03:45 PM
That chocolate brown is really nice...everyone's colors are gorgeous - I can't wait to see them all start to come together. I'm glad to hear that the washing got you closer to guage - I was a bit too impatient to actually wash and dry my swatch so hopefully that won't come back to haunt me (although it probably will).
Posted by: Vicki at April 5, 2005 03:46 PM
I am very impressed with your diligence regarding the swatch!
Posted by: Rebecca at April 5, 2005 05:40 PM
Thanks--I'm about to start swatching Calmer and I need the handholding!
Posted by: Janine at April 6, 2005 02:39 PM
Great job with your swatch -- you'll be happy you spent the extra time up front. I've heard from several knit-alongers that the Calmer does change after washing. I too will be changing the neckline -- either to a scoop or v-neck -- we should post our pattern alterations so others can use them as well.
Posted by: nona at April 8, 2005 05:20 PM
I have to ask...is that a pink chair that your swatch is drapped over? If it is...I love it! You need to take a pic so that I can see the whole thing...please?!
Posted by: Stacey at April 11, 2005 05:25 AM
Hi - kudos for your patience with the swatching. I'm swatching Calmer for Hike (Rowan Mag 37) and pre-wash, I'm not getting gauge either with 5mm. It's my first time using this yarn. Just wondering, does the yarn shrink or stretch after washing? Thanks.
Posted by: Dorothy at May 2, 2005 05:55 PM