Hmmm … I’ve gotta get a move on! I’m a little behind in my sweater challenge, mostly because I couldn’t make up my mind. Cardigan or pullover? I’ve decided to go with a cardigan for a few reasons. The first is that it will give me the chance to steek! I love steeking and I’ll also be able to show you how to do it in a few weeks when I’m at that part of the sweater!
Another reason is that I think this yarn lends itself to a cardigan – there’s just something about it that says this is what it was meant to be. Does that ever happen to you? Do you ever pick up a ball of yarn and it’s screaming something specific at you before you even cast on a stitch? Well, it has happened to me before and it’s happening again here, so cardigan it is!
I’ve decided on the pattern and I’ve done my swatches. Here’s pictures of them being blocked. The first one is the stocking stitch swatch unpinned …
And this is it after being pinned …
Why block a swatch? Well, blocking a swatch gives you a better idea – actually an exact idea – as to what will happen to your pattern after it is washed. I’ve learned the hard way that some yarns will change drastically after a wash, or even light misting from blocking. If you know how this change will effect the yarn, you can factor that into your pattern.
My swatches are larger than the recommended 4″ x 4″ sample you’re usually asked to knit. This is because this allows me to make more accurate measurements. You’ll also notice that there are several swatches. again, that’s because there are several different textures involved in this cardigan. Experience also has taught me that different combinations of knits and purls have different gauges, even when knit by the same person, yarn, and needles – especially cables. And we all know how much I love cables! So I’m going to allow these to dry and take my final measurements and go from there. There will be a more in-depth posting on blocking very soon.I’ll have a bit of catching up to do, but think the end product will be stunning! And I need a cardigan too.
I think I’ll go to Button Button to find some buttons for this in the meantime. How’s your sweater coming along?
Hugzzz 😎