Knitting A Summer Top: Determining The Right Size

To Knit As Written...or not?

What's on Sandi's Needles? — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:47:44 GMT

Last time, I showed a photo of the beginnings of my Tattoo Tank from Knitscene Winter/Spring 2010 . I

re: Knitting A Summer Top: Determining The Right Size

LindyLou — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:53:46 GMT

Is it any consolation that the yarn is still a rich and gorgeous shade of purple? Does it comfort you to know that I think the lace at the hem being evocative of the heart motif on the sweater is the work of an absolute genius? How about remembering that if one loves to knit, re-knitting is a form of getting more bang for your yarn buck?

If none of those things cheers you up, I could tap dance or sing. Appearing ridiculous is a small price to pay.

re: Knitting A Summer Top: Determining The Right Size

LauraO — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:06:50 GMT

Oh so true. This happens whenever I make in the round tank tops, despite careful swatching and calculations. Doesn't matter who designs them. And just as I'm getting into the groove, I keep thinking -- I'm big but I'm not this big -- and like you, I take it off the needles and realize I have made a car cover. It is a mysterious phenomena, like black holes or scissor/sock/car keys disappearance, and can only be dealt with, by, I don't know, knitting in pieces? Good luck!

re: Knitting A Summer Top: Determining The Right Size

Aunt Gert — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 01:53:04 GMT

Sandi,

Thanks for sharing that "adventure". I enjoy your blog so much because you don't just show your finished garments, but share with us the decisions you make as you are starting, how you arrive at changes along the way, the occasional frogging,

and then the "drumroll" finished and beautiful garment. It's uplifting to know that even master knitters run into occasional problems. I look forward to your blog each week.

Happy Knitting!

PS I always have a pair of socks going too. They are relaxing and fit is so much easier to deal with.

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Lee — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:45:16 GMT

Thanks for writing about this. I grapple with this issue all the time and, as a result, have never finished, let alone worn, a handknit sweater. You've given me the direction I need to go for it!

re: Knitting A Summer Top: Determining The Right Size

Tephra — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:32:15 GMT

At least you spotted it before you got to the armscye? That was the point where I realized my all over cable pullover was going to have ten inches of ease when I had been aiming for two. And I'm tall, so that was about eighteen inches of knitting! I still haven't restarted that one. When I do I will be sure to get out the longest cables for my interchangeable needles and spread it out before I get that far.

re: Knitting A Summer Top: Determining The Right Size

MicheleB — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:31:46 GMT

I'm knitting a tank that's supposed to have a bit of negative ease at the bust, and positive ease at the hip. I'm not sure I'm getting gauge. I did some swatching, but my first attempt at the actual garment usually tells me that my swatches lied! So I'll knit a bit more and then measure, just as you did.

And it's raining here, too.

re: Knitting A Summer Top: Determining The Right Size

Sara@20 — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 01:32:34 GMT

One of the many things I like about your blogging is that you share all kinds of knitting experiences - the good, the bad and the ugly! I loved your account of how you fixed all the problems with the stars baby blanket. I'm sure there is not an experienced knitter who hasn't swatched and swatched and yet still ends up with a ridiculous fitting garment! So we all need to laugh and share.

Thanks for helping us along. That yarn is a beautiful color - I'd focus on that and make sure what you make with it fits so you can enjoy wearing it! To practice what we preach, I should really get out that vest I made last year. I made it bigger at the last minute fearing that it would be too small and OF course, it's done and too big. I love the yarn. I should fix it and wear it. I will! Thanks, Sandi!

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buddhafly — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:30:56 GMT

Hi Sandi!

Many thanks for sharing your knitting adventures with us! I have a question for ya: You write, "However, if my cup size were a D or above, I would have chosen the size larger." Why?

I am a petite 36H and after knitting my first sweater (Under the Hoodie by Kristin Spurkland), I haven't the courage to put in all that effort (and precious yarn) into another sweater. It fit my bust, but is way too big everywhere else, so I never wear it. I liked your Hot Tomato bust dart tutorial awhile back, but I'm afraid my shape requires A LOT of pattern tweaking, including in the arm hole region. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Missed you last week,

Alisha

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April — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:53:19 GMT

i am sorry and feel your pain. thanks for writing about it though, it makes me feel better about my knitting mistakes. and i am very nervous about altering patterns, i really haven't done that yet. my idea of altering is to knit a different size than what the model is wearing. i think its very helpful when you explain what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how you arrive at your calculations. even if you make a mistake, it helps that you explain it. i am sure it will go better now that you have such a great swatch!

re: Knitting A Summer Top: Determining The Right Size

LoriH@2 — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:37:08 GMT

Sandy - So WHAT happened???!! Was it just because of the lace that it "grew" so much?... or was it your calculations? You HAVE to tell us!