8/30/14 - First sweater or cardigan! I’m so excited! And it is a KAL with Amy Beth from The Fat Squirrel Speaks podcast…..even better!

First up I need to swatch and then figure out how many stitches to cast on. The pattern isn’t written quite big enough for me but with Amy Beth’s advice I think it’ll be okay.

Swatch gauge - before washing - after washing
US 8 - 5 sts - 4.5 sts
US 9 - 4.5 sts - 4 sts
US 10 - 4 sts - 3.5 sts
US 11 - 3.5 sts - 3 sts

I decided to go with the US 9 needle. I seriously considered the US 10 because I like the drape but I’m worried it’ll get too stretched out as I wear it.

So, my measurement under armpits is 46”, which means back measurement is 23”. I want this just alittle big so I’m going to use the prewash gauge knowing it’ll grow alittle after washing. So 4.5 x 23 = 103.5. Looking at the chart, I’m going to use the “Heavy Worsted” size H. Here we go!

I didn’t get this done in time for the KAL but atleast I finished it. For my first attempt at a sweater I think it is pretty good. The front is pulling up bad after I added the edging. I’m praying it’ll block out okay though.

Notes for next time -

Slip first stitch for easier picking up. On right side - S1 WYB. On wrong side - S1 WYF.

Increase every row on fronts too. (S1, K1, then KFB…..KFB, K2)

Picked up 10 stitches under arm pit for sleeves, placing marker after five stitchs. Knit TBL for first round. Knit eight rounds then K1, SSK…..K2TOG, K1. Use a clippy maker to mark that round, knit eight more no decrease again.

Picked up 3 for every 4 “V”s on edging. Then knit 2x2 rib for about 2.5”. CHANGE That didn’t work! So I ripped it out and redid it. This time I picked up every “V” and then did 2X2 rib. Much better!!!

Sleeves are 12.5” from arm pit, then about 1” of 2X2 rib, for a total of 13.5” from arm pit.

Body length is 24.5” from cast on, then about 2” of 2X2 rib, for a total of 26.5” from cast on.

~~~~~~~

I like the pattern. As long as the edging stretches out okay I will probably attempt another one. But I would want the body atleast 4-5 inches longer. I may want long sleeves too, idk.