|
|
| Francesca, from Knitting off the Axis |
|
|
|
I'm not one to worry about row gauge too much, and that's a bad example to be setting, because sometimes row gauge is crucial, especially when knitting side-to-side garments.
Here's what Mathew Gnagy, author of
Knitting off the Axis says about the importance of row gauge.
"In sideways knitting, gauge plays a much more vital role than in
standard bottom-to-top construction. Whereas stitch gauge is of primary
importance and row gauge can be largely ignored in most vertical knits, the
opposite it true for sideways knits. When knitting sideways, you can fudge stitch gauge a bit toward the small side
as gravity will stretch the garment somewhat within a couple of wearings. You
cannot fudge row gauge.
For sideways knitting, you must knit a generous swatch that is at least 30 stitches
wide and 40 rows long. Knit the swatch with the needles you plan to use and in
the various stitch patterns specified in the instructions. Measure the number
of stitches and rows, including fractions of stitches and rows, in 4" (10
cm) and divide by 4 to get the number of stitches and rows per inch (2.5 cm) of
knitting. Keep in mind that the success of your garment depends on accurate
gauge measurements. Don't hesitate to change needle size if necessary to obtain
the correct gauge. The size needle you use is immaterial if you get the correct
gauge."
—Mathew Gnagy, Knitting off the AxisI've made several new friends from Mathew's book. Remember Marielle? I love that girl. And my newest buddy is Francesca; she's so swingy and fun.
Seriously, though. I have a feeling I'm going to knit my way through this book. What first drew me to Francesca is the stitch pattern. I love the diamond pattern mixed with ribbing and garter stitch. The collar can either stand up or lay flat, and I love a short-sleeved jacket. I have several and I can't wait to add this one to the mix.
| |
 |
|
Merielle, my other buddy from Knitting off the Axis |
|
|
I have some light brown Cascade 220 in my stash that I think would work well for this because it's light enough to show off the pattern. I do love the pumpkin color of the sweater shown in the book, though, so maybe I'll have to see what oranges Cascade has to offer.
The diamond pattern is really so attractive, I think. Here's the stitch pattern—why don't you try it? This is the diamond pattern that Mathew gives for swatching, I'm going to try it tonight at my knitting group.
Diamond Pattern for Swatching (multiple of 6 sts + 1)
Row 1: (RS) P1, *k5, p1; rep from *.
Row 2: (WS) K1, *p5, k1; rep from *.
Row 3: K1, *p1, k3, p1, k1; rep from *.
Row 4: P1, *k1, p3, k1, p1; rep from *.
Row 5: K2, *p1, k1, p1, k3; rep from * to last 5 sts, p1, k1, p1, k2.
Row 6: P2, *k1, p1, k1, p3; rep from * to last 5 sts, k1, p1, k1, p2.
Row 7: K3, *p1, k5; rep from * to last 4 sts, p1, k3.
Row 8: P3, *k1, p5; rep from * to last 4 sts, k1, p3.
Rows 9 and 10: Rep Rows 5 and 6.
Rows 11 and 12: Rep Rows 3 and 4.
Rep Rows 1-12 for pattern.
I know I'm going to love my new gal-pal Francesca. I think I'll knit Francesca before Marielle. She looks a little easier than Marielle, and will be a good way to get my feet wet with Mathew's sideways knitting technique. Get your copy of
Knitting off the Axis today and start expanding your circle of friends!
Cheers,
