OFFICIAL POST: The Caftan Pullover Knit-Along (It's the Knit-Ball knit-along!)

SusanD@51 wrote

on Sep 24, 2010 6:47 PM

Zoe,

I hope all goes well with your husband.  I have been an RN for almost 30 years and worked in ICUs, & ERs for 12 years and finally made the transition to senior living communities.  We deal with a lot of hemodialysis patients.  I can't quite figure it out about the transition though because hemodialysis is inside the blood stream and peritoneal dialysis is outside the blood stream or vascular system.  What ever is going on my prayers are with you.

To all you knitters who want to figure out how to write out a chart pattern a good example that I'm using both the written and chart is the Lions Brand Lamb Critter pattern.  It has both the chart and the written description.  Seeing an example might help figure out how to translate a chart.

Susan

sjc wrote

on Sep 24, 2010 9:23 PM

Hi Marcea (ArtfulSoul):

I did the KAL for the Everyway Wrap and like it much more than I thought I would.  I'm doing a second one for a Christmas present!  I'm using Andrea's three button idea on the next one though!  The minimalist cardigan was the first KAL I did officially since I'd already knitted the Slanted Gretel Tee/Vest before the KAL started.  It's fun to communicate with others all over the world who are working on the same project.  I'm not much for classes because there's usually more visiting than knitting going on and I get home and rip out everything I knit!  But an online KAL is perfect for me--it gives me time to knit and time to "chat"....separately!

I think it's funny that I keep knitting the chosen pattern and not once has it been the one I voted for!  Maybe one of these days. 

I think the Genoa is fairly new and no, I haven't touched it so like I said, I'm taking a chance.  It sounds like it will work out well though and I'm usually very happy with the yarns at elann as long as I watch closely the gauge and content when going outside the pattern.  I looked at the Berocco used in this one--it just wouldn't be warm enough in my cold climate and is very expensive.  Have fun on your road trip.  They are always such a good time.

Sherry

sjc wrote

on Sep 24, 2010 9:34 PM

qwikwited:

I have never done charts before and am completely intimidated by them. I've got decent knitting skills otherwise, but I look at charts and my eyes start to cross...

The advise to knit a sample from the chart and to color code the chart so you can understand it better were both really good ideas.  I also do what the person who makes multiple copies suggested and it works well too. And I highlight each row when I'm finished with it so I know where I am.  I used to be like you and preferred written instructions but if you're going to keep knitting you've got to learn to read charts.  You're going to run into them a lot because for many designs they're actually easier to work from and easier for the designers to use.  Just practice before you jump into a complete project and you'll be fine. 

The charts for this KAL aren't that hard (speaking as someone who just did the Everyway Wrap--charted purled cables no less!  I even broke my favorite wood cable needle ) so jump in and do a sample one and then you'll be ready for the real thing!

Knit on...

Sherry

sjc wrote

on Sep 24, 2010 9:45 PM

qwikwited:

I went and picked up one ball of the yarn I am considering using (Caron Spa)

I made a simple tee from the Caron Spa this summer...just be careful with it because it splits easily.  My design was not complicated at all and I still fought with it some.  By the way, that's a totally cute baby in your picture!

Sherry

itzme wrote

on Sep 24, 2010 10:07 PM

qwikwited:

Thanks you everyone for your tips!  I went and picked up one ball of the yarn I am considering using (Caron Spa) - I figured, while I am trying to see if I can conquer the chart, I may as well see if I like the stitch definition while I am at it.

 

Caron Spa is probably not "beefy" enough for this project. It's only sport weight I think - or perhaps dk.  I knit  the Equinox Top which is on their website.  It tends to be a very soft yarn because of the bamboo. It easily grows and stretches a L-O-T.

AndreaW wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 2:09 AM

Hi qwikwited...

Thought I'de add my vote to those encouraging you to learn to read charts!!!  While I know some have difficulties for a variety of reasons....for most of us it's just a matter of taking the time to learn a new skill. And it's a very useful skill to have!!!  Once it "clicks" for you...you can see the actual piece in the chart. Much easier to find your place w/ a glance @ the chart than having to read thru sentences to find your spot. I find it much easier to spot + fix errors as well using a chart.

I think I'll pass on knitting this sweater for now. Too many other things I need + want to make right now. Not totally sure it's me either?  I didn't vote for any as I didn't want to influence the choice if I wasn't going to make one....but this would have been my choice of all. I do have the patt so who knows... I may get tempted watching all yours develop. I really enjoyed the Every Way Wrap KAL so will definately follow along here.

Thanks to whomever posted the link to the lifeline video. I'de heard of using the Knit Picks needles like that but not seen it done. I'de add one thing...using crochet thread as she did is a great idea...or @ least something equally smooth + thin. The one lifeline I ran on the EWW I grabbed the closest thin yarn which was acrylic baby yarn. I should have known better fr using yarn as sts holders but I got LAZY!!!  It grabbed/ fuzzed a bit when i had to pull it out. I normally never use anything but cotton ww or crochet thread as a st holder....for that reason.

Also thanks because that video led me to another on the sidebar : a KnitWhit's Tutorial called Siena Braided Trim. It was very well done + I've always wanted to try that on mitt cuffs/ etc. Now I know how!!!

    Nite All..... Andrea

qwikwited wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 2:48 AM

Zoe:

No I haven't done so.  I have too many things on my plate at home so I haven't much time for any knitting.  (My husband is transitioning from home hemodialysis over to peritoneal dialysis.  All our specialists are in the city which is a 3 hour drive from here.  Many tests and procedures need to be done in the process.)

I hope your husband recovers soon. If I end up writing this chart out, I'll send it to you to save you the time! Though I think I am going to bite the bullet and attempt to work directly from the chart.... I'll keep you all posted. hahaha

qwikwited wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 2:50 AM

itzme:

Caron Spa is probably not "beefy" enough for this project. It's only sport weight I think - or perhaps dk.  I knit  the Equinox Top which is on their website.  It tends to be a very soft yarn because of the bamboo. It easily grows and stretches a L-O-T.

 

How right you are Itzme. My test swatch showed right away that it was too thin and smooshy. I am a tight knitter and usually have to size up 2 sizes. My swatch practically looked like mesh!

qwikwited wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 2:53 AM

sjc:

By the way, that's a totally cute baby in your picture!

Thanks! That's my youngest. He was 3 months old yesterday. I've got 5 kids, ages 9, 7, 4, 2, and 3months. This is my first sweater project that is actually for me and not one of the kids!

Laurie V wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 5:47 AM

I moved to a very industrial/working class town in Eastern England (from Boulder, Colorado) at the beginning of the year and have been searching for a knitting group to join - to no avail.  The Caftan Pullover peaked my interest and so I am going to give joining an internet knitting group a go.  Thank goodness for tea shops and pubs or much of my day would be spent in the virtual world of the computer.  I am also in the process of finishing a Masters - online through the University of Denver.  I have ordered yarn (off the internet) for this project and am looking forward to being a part of a collective group of people, all working on the same sweater, situated in so many different locations.

MarloesD wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 11:02 AM

Before I started, I asked my grandmother's advice about how to determine the size. This is because I use smaller needles and yarn. She told me to start with 91 stitches, to work until the middle of the 10th round, to spread the stitches and to measure if it's wide enough. If not, I have to start again with the next size.

With 91 stitches I got only 44 cm. Therefore I started again with 101 stitches. Now I got 49 cm - almost the 50 cm of the first size (which I need). This means that I have to follow the instructions for the second size to get the first size.

After working 12 rounds, I had 4 cm. Only then I discoverd that I did not use seed stitch but the traditional one. Therefore I have to start over once again. Now I'm a little disappointed but also glad that I discovered it now and not halfway the pullover. And  "After all, tomorrow is another day".

With this post, I just wanted to share my grandmother's advice and my mistake with you. I won't bother you with every detail of my project...

Zoe wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 11:03 AM

SusanD@51:

 We deal with a lot of hemodialysis patients.  I can't quite figure it out about the transition though because hemodialysis is inside the blood stream and peritoneal dialysis is outside the blood stream or vascular system.

Hi Susan,

Hemodialysis is done through the vein and artery (usually in the arm).   Peritoneal dialysis is done through a catetar/tube that is inserted through the abdominal wall somewhere close to the belly button.  Fluids (glucose solution) is infused into the abdominal cavity.  The things that the kidney would normally filter out, then gets filtered through the peritoneal membranes and into the fluid in the abdominal cavity.  This is then drained out and new fluid is put in.  Takes about 20-30min. for an exchange to take place and the instilled fluid rests in the abdominal cavity for about 4 hrs between exchanges.  There is a machine that will do the exchanges throughout the night while you sleep.  This is optimal.

Sorry knitters about the sideline away from the knitting KAL.  But knitting is one of my most destressing things that I can do.  Right now there is not much time for "concentrating" on patterns, so I stick to the simple stuff like socks.  Gonna knit up a bunch of winter hats for gifts. Got so much in my stash that I may have to move myself to a larger house! and leave my stash behind at the old one! hehe

Happy knitting, Zoe

Kelleigh wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 1:45 PM

Hello everyone!

I have downloaded the pattern and my yarn from Knit picks will ship out on Monday.  In the mean time, I have midterms to study for.

Knit On!

itzme wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 2:10 PM

I was able to get gauge with Paton's Classic Wool.  When I saw the yarn sub list, I just happen to have a swatch of the PCW which I knit a while ago to see how my gauge compared with the band. I also like the PCW because it's not itchy to me. Best of all I can get a very good sale on it very often.

qwikwited wrote

on Sep 25, 2010 2:17 PM

I'm using Red-heart recycled cotton in Almond for mine. I am currently knitting matching sweaters for my little guys using it, and the stitch definition is great. Joann.com has all their yarn on sale for 30% off until the end of today.