Tag: swatching

Swatching

We all have those projects we dream of knitting but somehow seem to never start. I even have the yarn and patterns for some of these projects. Yesterday I decided there is no time like the present: I should start knitting now. My 2 selected dream patterns are both sweaters (I may be a bit loony).

The first is Esme by Purl Alpaca Designs. I have loved this sweater for years ever since I found it on a (now forgotten) blog.

I love the fit of the sweater. I love the neckline. I love the collar. The only thing I would change would be to knit it with 3/4 sleeves. If my swatch works out, I plan to use my Yarn and Soul Superfine 400.

My second dream sweater is cozier and less ethereal, but no less of a wardrobe staple: the Portage Cardigan by Melissa Schaschwary.

I am using Anchor Bay by Cascade yarns (50/50 cotton/merino), and it is delicious!

I can’t wait to see how these sweaters work up, and even more I can’t wait to wear them!

Swatching

Most of us have a thing about swatching. It takes time, and I want to cast on NOW!

sea

But here’s the thing: I’m a product knitter and I like things to fit. Which means that I swatch for almost everything (the exceptions being scarves and shawls and other things that wrap instead of fit). Which eventually means that I have lots of swatches laying around.

stripes

Sometimes I throw them away (after the project is finished. I don’t dare tempt the knitting goddess that way!). Sometimes I repurpose them into a coaster or a mug cozy.

mug cozy

If you really love Tetris, I suppose you could start a swatch afghan (Swatch-ghan?).

slipped

My personal downfall is laundering the swatch after I finish it. Instant gratification is so close, but I know that unwashed swatches lie way more than washed ones do, so I wash it and wait for it to dry, and finally FINALLY I can start my project.

crown

But only if I got gauge.