11-04-2022

My gauge on:

US4 Pre-blocked: 26st and 34R in 4”
US4 Post-blocked: 25st and 36R in 4”

US5 Pre-blocked: 24.5st and 33R in 4”
US5 Post-blocked: 24st and 32.5R in 4”

I get closer to gauge with the US4 needle (what happens to be the recommended size). My row gauge is off by 1 row every 4 inches - at least in the flat portion) so technically I’ll need to knit 11% longer in each section, using this needle size. Having said this, I’m working with superwash yarn and I don’t want to knit something that stretches out of shape. As I’ve read a couple of reviews of this pattern that indicate it fits a bit roomily in the neck and shoulders, I’ll be starting with the size XS and I’ll modify (likely to the S) as I move towards the bust. And I’m not sure if I’ll knit vertical measurements 11% longer because, if this yarn stretches vertically (as superwash sometimes does), I don’t want something too long or floppy in either the shoulder depth or the overall depth. Mind you, I do want a V neck that’s an actual V (and not something very shallow).

For reference - Pattern Options for this yarn include:

Niamh (I Kraemer) - I’ve been thinking of making this forever. It fits the bill…

Puro (R Moessmer) - this looks like a great basic and the gauge would work on US5 needles. I’m just wondering if the yarn is right for it - I see this more worked in a soft, non-superwash fibre like cashmere. But it’s in the running.

Baldellia (Marie Amelie Knits) - make the smallest size using a 25st gauge. You may also want to try a swatch in US5 to see if you can get to 24st, which will give a bit more room given that you’re going to change the ease quite a lot, should you opt to make this. If you make this, use the US5…

Maron (Julie Hoover) - see Aurinko. This the main contender at this point, between these 2 patterns. Having bought both, I prefer the lines of the Maron, though I can’t say knitting bottom up is my fave these days.

Aurinko (SuviKnits) - Note that this is effectively the same pattern as the Maron (with minimal differences). The Aurinko is worked top down (my preference) and incorporates rib (which I prefer). It’s a raglan though, not set-in sleeve, like the Maron is…
Lichen (N Cretin Lechenne) - Sizing looks a bit odd but the pattern would likely tell a better story than the marketing page. The panel that runs under the arm to the hem along the front body looks strangely diagonal in a way that slightly concerns me, but again, the pattern will tell the story. Not enough interest. This is a pass.

Nala Cardi (R Moessmer) - Plus is that the cables will firm the fabric… Mind you, it’s a LOT of knitting and I don’t love the hem so this is a pass.

Tuileries Pullover (Julie Knits) - not sure if this yarn is suited to this project, though it is a drapey turtleneck… (I’m going to assume it won’t work optimally so this is a pass.)

Woodfords (E Doherty) - I’ve been eyeing this for a long time. Too bad I don’t have enough yarn… Alas, it’s a pass.

Syrah (Tricot Design) - Gauge required matches US5 - 24st and 32R in 4”. Interesting design but not quite as interesting in the body as I’d prefer. Love the sleeve detail and construction of drop shoulder. This is a pass.

11-04-2022

I’ve opted to frog this for a few reasons:

• I don’t think it’s the optimal yarn for this construction. It’s too drapey and, combined with the proclivity of garter stitch to stretch out, I think it’s risky.
• Moreover, were I to make this again - and I do think that the pattern is very interestingly constructed (if horribly formatted - it’s a rough user experience on that front) - I would remove the garter motif around the armscye (which travels down the side body). The shoulders are really too wide in any size and, since I am smaller than the xs in shoulders, I can’t size down a couple of sizes without doing the math. Based on my shoulder proportions, I could remove the 8 st comprising that band - without replacing it - and be at the correct shoulder width. Of course, this would necessitate other alterations to ensure adequate circumference at the full bust. Given that I’m just not that into working something with a lot of garter stitch - I’ve done a lot of garter lately and it does tend to grow when overly utilized in a sweater - I’m going to move on to something else.