Knit size: 35.5
Needles: 4.5mm
Yardage: 960 metres
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20th July 2008:
Not got gauge (although I’m using the same needle sizes the pattern calls for), so to get 35.5 I’m knitting something in between the 35.5 and 38 sizes.
Started on sleeve #1. I’m knitting the sleeves flat as I can’t face DPNs and lace, and more importantly, I find small circs to be more portable, so I can add knitting time whilst I commute ;) I’ve therefore added 2 sts for the seams (CO 46 sts) and I’ve reversed the row order, therefore row 1 is my WS row and I establish rib pattern as follows: P1, P1, K1, P4, K2, P4 6 times, K1, P1, P1 (the first and last P are for the seams, so will disappear when sewing the sleeve). Then row 9 is P, and Eyelet Pattern begins on row 10 RS.
Increases/Decreases: Having read loads of comments on how unclear the instructions for the increases/decreases were, whilst keeping the lace pattern, my first impression is that the increases for the sleeves could have been thought out a little better by the designer.
I had originally started out by adding another pattern repeat as soon as there were enough stitches either side of the initial pattern, and after knitting a good 20-30 cm noticed that the sleeve warped really weirdly. From looking closely at the original picture, it seems that no further pattern repeats are added and the increase fabric is plain stocking stitch.
I would have liked the lace pattern to go all the way around the arm, but that would have meant re-writing a little bit of the pattern, and as I couldn’t bear knitting the same sleeve for the third time, I’ve just kept on going. If I were to re-knit this, I’d probably make the time to adjust the pattern to my liking.
22nd July 2008:
Quick update:all increases done on sleeve #1, which is now almost completed :)
24th July 2008:
Finished sleeve #1 and started sleeve #2 - I’m on a roll! ;)
26th July 2008: finished sleeve #2
27th July 2008: started body. In the end I’ve opted for knitting the 35.5 size. Good luck to me!
31st July 2008: had to order new circs in 4.50mm as mine are in use in Very berry and I just couldn’t wait! I’ve just started the eyelet pattern. It’s a long way to heaven! ;)
3rd August 2008: joined the sleeves to the body (made the body 13.5 inches tall in the end). Oh my… it’s looking a tad on the small side… I’m praying it’s nothing a little blocking won’t fix.
Anyway, a little note on this “joining the sleeves” business. I understand the pattern is not meant for beginners and as such it doesn’t really provide step-by-step instructions on a number of stages (ie: do what you will with the increases/decreases, make it up even, but you’ll find no directions here). But boy, did I have to dig out my stronger specs and pour myself glass of vodka to attach the sleeves! On one level I could “see” what I was supposed to do, but it just looked really wrong (I should add that this was my first bottom-up raglan). Glad that everything worked out in the end and now the pieces are seriously looking cardi-like!! Yey!! |
