Thanks for all of the comments on yesterday's Bookworm Sweater post. I will definitely be going ahead with the project, but I want to finish this project first:
Of course, that's the pic from the pattern, not where I am. It's the Tess's Designer Yarns Lace Leaf Baby Cardigan -- I got the pattern and yarn at Stitches.
I want to do this one first because it will be smaller than the Bookworm Sweater, so I want to give the lace leaf one to them first, then the other.
I actually swatched for this sweater the night of the Olympics closing ceremonies party. The pattern calls for 32 st/4 in on size 3 needles, which I wasn't able to achieve -- I needed size 1s to get that gauge! It calls for 1 skein of their supersock and baby yarn, which is what I have. I'm somewhat skeptical about this, especially for the bigger sizes (and at that gauge!). So, after some back and forth, I decided to knit the directions for the smallest size on larger needles (size 3). Heh, Abigail, remember when I mentioned that might not be the best idea? That's right, I'm doing it anyway.
Anyway, so then I started knitting ... and knitting ... and knitting.
Now I'm starting to worry about yarn amounts again. I have now knit up through the first lace repeat in the sweater (more than what's shown in the picture). There are 2 lace repeats left, the rest of the sleeves and the bottom/neck/button bands. I have used 46 g of yarn (plus my needles), and there are 67 g of yarn left.
It's going to be close.
I really don't want to rip it out. I could get more yarn that somehow matches for all of the bands. Or I could try to order more yarn from Tess. Or I could rip it and try it on a smaller needle?
See, I just can't seem to make a decision around here!
Now I've noticed this with knitters... we are always testing the bounds and doing this to ourself. We might be pretty sure that we are cutting it close with yarn, but like moths to a flame, we just 'go there'.
btw, I love that baby cardi... it's superb, very elegant, very classical... I might have to go and knit one too.
Posted by: atu at March 9, 2006 12:49 PMSomehow it seems less foolhardy to do on a baby sweater. :)
I love that color! Her yarns were gorgeous.
Posted by: abigail at March 9, 2006 3:31 PMI have that exact pattern and a very similar colorway, just waiting for a baby sweater to be made. I think you will have enough yarn, based on your progress so far!
Posted by: Jo at March 9, 2006 10:38 PMDon't rip it, just buy more yarn - just in case. Can't wait to see the finished project.
Knit on!
It's gorgeous! I vote for contrast trim if you get down the the wire. That has to be one of the saving graces of top down knitting, you can always knit down as far as possible on the body and then if the sleeves are a little shorter, hey, no biggie.
Posted by: Juls at March 16, 2006 6:41 AM