Topic: percentage knitting
Hi all.
My sympathies to Amy, who's fingers are sore. I suspect you are a tighter-type knitter? I have been watching the chat about this on another list and some wonderful tips have been forthcoming. I will pass them on.Those of us knitting with charity donated wools seem to end up with the scratchiest wools. One suggestion is to skein the wool and wash it FIRST, soaking in fabric conditioner to soften the wool fibers. This works very well. It seems that continental/german (picker) style knitters are having more trouble with this than english/american style(thrower)knitters. The best suggestion I have seen, beside the band aids which do work, is to cover your sore finger with the cut off finger of a leather or some other type smooth fabric glove. I would love to hear from others on this!Now, back to our Sweater Knit-A-Long...THE SWEATER BODY PLANWhen last we left things, both sleeves were done. If you are making a 36" finished chest measurement, a teen size 16, 16 - 16.5" is a good length. Now the important thing is to check your knitting gauge FROM THE SLEEVE. If anyone has trouble with this, please send a note and I'll be glad to help (I am on digest, so if you want an answer today, e-mail me directly). If your knitting gauge is 3 stitches = 1", you'll need 36 x 3 or 108 stitches for the body. If your knitting gauge is 3.25 stitches = 1", then 3.25 x 36 = 117 stitches. Let's say 118 stitches.If your knitting gauge is 3.5 stitches = 1", then 3.5 x 36 = 126 stitches If your knitting gauge is 3.75 stitches = 1", then 3.75 x 36 = 135 stitches. Let's say 136 stitches.If your knitting gauge is 4 stitches = 1", then 4 x 36 = 144 stitches If your knitting gauge is 4.25 stitches = 1", then 4.25 x 36 = 153 stitches. Let's say 154 stitches.If your knitting gauge is 4.5 stitches = 1", then 4.5 x 36 = 162 stitches You can see how this is done. If you have a gauge not here and can't figure, just e-mail me. Your ribbing needs to pull in somewhat, so cast on that number of stitches on your SMALLER 24-36" circular needle. Work in *K1, P1* ribbing stitch for about 2-3 " (knitter's choice!) and then simply switch to using the LARGER 24-36" circular needle, by KNITTING off the stitches from the smaller needle. Continue to work in plain 'ole knit stitch from now on. Knit the body, around and around, until you reach a BODY LENGTH that matches what we need for our size. If you stand and let your fingertips fall to your side, they reach below your hip. A sweater that long should be knit to your sleeve length PLUS 6". I doubt our teens need that length, but it is an option if you so choose. How about adding 2" to the sleeve length measurement? So, knit around until the body length, measured from THE CAST ON EDGE, is 18-18.5".I hope to hear how you are all doing! Holler with any questions.
Posted by countrywool
at 1:43 PM EST
Updated: Monday, 15 January 2007 1:52 PM EST
