this is what the middle of my forehead looks like: )|(
I make gauge swatches, calculate my rows and stitches and inches. I check and doublecheck. Then I sit down with my graph paper and my calculator and my notes and I make my pattern.
Then I sit down and start making it. 1/3 of the way through I notice that my tension is tighter than the gauge swatches and I’m getting 6 stitches to the inch instead of the 4.5 in the gauge swatch. what the hell? Rarely is my tension too tight (maybe I need to spend more time punching people?). I recalculate and redraw and replot and pull out the first attempt and start again. Not working.
Fuck.
So I think I’ll grab a different project and measure the stitches so I can draw the pattern that goes with it. Smaller yarn, smaller hook and I’m consistently measuring 5 stitches per inch. Consistently, on every part. It’s so clean and perfect the lining of the stitches. In fact, I never have gauge issues because my tension is always consistent, except NOW! What the hell?
And how the hell was I getting 4.5 stitches to the inch on the gauge swatch using worsted weight yarn and a size g hook when I am getting 5 stitches to the inch with sport weight on a size f? that’s barely any difference. And then to be getting 6 stitches? fatter yarn, bigger hook and yet I can get more stitches per inch? aaaaaaagh.
Just to add to it, I was working on my sweater last weekend. it’s worked as one piece from the bottom up. It’s a bit clingy and I knew I would have to compensate for the boobage. Of course I’m feeling all chill and just add more stitches. When I go to measure I discover that I added 10 inches more than I needed to my boobline. It’s not a big section to rip out and redo but I’m just frustrated so I haven’t.
gah. I’ve just reached this point of dissatisfaction with the crochet and I don’t know why. I need to find my calm blue ocean again….calm….blue….ocean…
Daily Archives: November 19, 2007
nerdy yarn thing
okay, this is my nerdy yarn question….
I am sickeningly in love with the Kauni multicolor yarn and the things you can do with it when you multistrand it. The thing is, even the softest baby alpaca and lambswool irritates my skin and leaves me with a red rash on my neck. The Kauni is an itchier wool yarn. I don’t want to sound like a dick, but if I’m going to do a stranded sweater with an intricate design, I’m making it for me.
So, I keep throwing this question out there….I am looking for a softer yarn with looooooooong colorways (kauni seems to average about 45 yards per color before it changes to the next color. Compare this to sock yarn which gives you a color change every 12 to 24 inches). Long, long bright colorays in a DK or sport weight. Fingering weight would be the awesome, but I’m not picky. I did find a place online selling cones of yarn by the pound that I can dye myself, but I’m hoping to avoid dyeing for a little bit if I can.
If you know you will comment. IF you don’t know you will send me…candies!