finished!

finished! I made the medium. my chest measurement is exactly 36" and as you can see, this fits perfectly. i knit it with only minor modifications (1 set of 4 increases at the hip and i knit 35 rows before the 3 rows of ribbing for an elbow-length sleeve). you can see my funky lace that I posted about before - only if you really look for it can you tell. i've asked a bunch of people and no one thought it looked the slightest bit weird. phew.

i used Classic Elite Premiere which i loved and will probably use again (i want to see how it wears).

i'm looking away because this is the only non-blurry photo my husband took, and of course it's the one of me whipping around my head to see what that crash was coming from the general vicinity of my three year old.

Purple and Pink Gables

Here are my Green Gables. I started the first one in Raging Purple and liked it so well I bought the yarn to make one for my mom for her birthday. My bust is right at 35" but I went with the M size after reading here that they tended to run small. First, as shown in the second pic, I really screwed up the lacework. And the fit wasn't perfect, it seemed great until I blocked it. The fit is a touch loose and it really bunches in the back.
I should have added more decreases along the side and increases for the hips. You can see below that the 2 back to back rows of decrease that the pattern calls for makes a little bunch on each side. I'll be tearing this out and trying again. I think I can make it close to perfect.

I had already bought the Cotton Fleece in Cherry Moon to make one for my mom for her birthday before I had completely finished the first one. I decided, since the M came out so big, to make hers a Small (we're about the same size). Oops.
If I had done 8 rows of lacework, it might have worked out okay but I followed the pattern and it is teeny and the armholes are too high. (But the lacework was right!) I changed the decreases on this and did a few more but separated them by 5 rows. I'll be tearing this one out too.


I love the look of this sweater. This was my first knitted wearable so I knew there would be a bit of a learning curve. I can't wait to get them both tweaked just right.

Yay!

I finished my Gable last night. It's the medium in Pink-A-Boo Cotton Fleece. I can't believe I made something besides a scarf/hat/etc. that I want to wear! I spaced out the descreases and added two increases at the hips thanks to all the great advice here. Thank you again! It has been so fun to see everyone's finished objects.

About this blocking business... I haven't done that before. Does anyone have any advice before I proceed? Also, in the back of my Gable, the neckline curls down a bit. Does anyone else have this, and what have you done about it?

Mom's Microfiber Gable

My mom liked my Gigi so much that I promised to make her one. Well, five cast-ons later, here it is in progress.

She's a bit smaller than me so I had some problem getting the sizing correct. I was so afraid of starting with the smaller size I played around with different combinations. I haven't tried this one on but I'm hoping it fits her. I'm using Lion Brand Microfiber in Turquoise. You can believe all the horror stories you hear about this yarn splitting. However, it really hasn't bothered me and I really like how it's working up. It has a very cottony feel to it and is very soft.

Green Gable #2

Happy Memorial Day!

Green Gable made its debut today. It already got wet in a water gun fight this morning. I had to dry off a bit before taking this picture.

Modifications: Just like my previous one, I knitted extra rows before the sleeves separated. I added 2 more decreases in the bust area and several increase rows in the hip area to give an hourglass silhouette. I also added a couple of inches in the length of the body and an inch in the sleeves before the ribbing.

Plum Gable

GG #2 is finished.














This time I knit the size Small rather than Medium, spaced out the waist decreases more, added hip increases, and knit 3 rounds of stockinette on the sleeves before the ribbing. All tips picked up from this KAL, so thanks to everyone for sharing their ideas!

I'm much happier with this one than the last - the Medium has ended up being too big really, so that may find its way to the frog pond ;)

I used 2 skeins of Cotton Fleece in Plum Patina.

Swatching...

Cotton Fleece in Plum Patina. This swatch was knit in the round using us7. I cast on 50 stitches which means that one side should be 5" (25 stitches). I also washed and blocked the swatch. I could go up to size us8, but I like how cotton fleece looks knit slightly tighter. But is it worth the sizing issue? I am a 31" bust (yah, no short rows for me, not much there!!!) and was planning on making the XS. But with this swatch, I guess I should make the next size which is a size 34" bust. I wish the pattern said how many stitches are at the bust so that I can calculate. Do any of you know/remember what the stitch count is on the size 34"?

Thanks for your help! I am so looking forward to making this sweater!

Curses!

I've gotten an ink stain on my Strawberry Gable. Not only that, but I tried to figure up how many stitches should be on my needle and I think I have 6 or 7 too many and don't know how it happened. I'm considering ordering different yarn and just starting completely over. Has anyone done a stitch count for the XL size?

Something Different

I've been wanting to make something with this yarn forever, and never been able to find a pattern I loved until now. I'm kinda nervous about this though, as the yarn weight and content are completely different than what the pattern calls for. It's Blue Heron Yarns, in the rayon/metallic blend. I'm getting 6 sts/inch, and I redid all the math in the pattern based on that. I have 550 yds, which I'm praying is enough b/c this stuff is quite pricey. This is the cactus colorway, with hints of purple in it. Has anyone out there ever knit with this before? Any experience you'd like to share? I'm clacking away at this, 10 rounds in, and so far it looks great. Running out of yarn is my only concern-this stuff is really hard to find! Wish me luck!

Ribbing? I don't need no Stinkin' Ribbing!

Don't get me wrong, the original pattern is fabulous, but me being the adventurous Leo that I am, had to go and change it up.



(No, I'm not sprouting wings, stupid bra)



Yarn: Cotton Fleece in "Nymph" about 2 1/2 Skeins
Size: The 36"
Mods: Ok, so I added in some waist shaping about 3 inches after the patterned shaping. 3 repeats of K1FB before and after the arm markers and 2 rounds plain stockinette between each. Then 3 inches before where I wanted it to end, I started the lace pattern again. The first 2 times I repeated the first round of lace, I did do the increases. If I could rewind time, I wouldn't do this, it didn't really need it, but it's all good. I repeated the lace pattern 6 times as for the top.

Me likee.

Progress pics after doing short rows

When I first tried on GG after dropping the sleeve sts, I realized that it was too small around my chest. So after 2.5" I did Japanese short rows. But then, I started to worry that I did too many short rows. I was also worried the front would be a lot longer than the back and that I'd have to do some frogging. But, that wasn't the case. After I finished the waist decreases I anxiously tried GG on again - and it fit. Yay! I'm really liking this pattern and the yarn I'm using :) Here are pictures. Can you see the short row stitches on the side view pic?

bluey

My Blue Gable, in its awkward, unblocked state. The progress so far was mostly completed over one very long plane flight and some car trip knitting time. I'm really digging the pattern so far.

I'm using Knitpicks Shine sport, which (at least for me) knits up more at a dk weight. I have had a number of breaks and bad spots in the yarn which I have had to cut out (leaving me with a number of itty bitty remainder balls) - details here.

I recalculated the stitch counts by starting at the size nearest to my own. First I figured out the body stitch count according to my gauge, then I computed the raglan depth based on my row gauge, then I calculated the arm sizes based on the cast-on amount and my row gauge. Finally, I tweaked everything by a stitch or two so that the body and arms would fit properly, and figured out what my cast-on amounts should be. I'm crossing my fingers that this thing will actually fit!

Slow progress

Slow progress on the second attempt...I am halfway through the lace portion. I had to unknit several rounds...twice...which probably took longer than all the actual knitting. There is still at least one mistake in the lace so far, but since I cannot figure out how to fix it, I will try to live with it!


Celadon lace beginnings

Stalled Out

How is it that a gal with a BUCKET FULL of needles ends up in this position? Every time I choose a pattern, there is some needle size that I don't have! This one calls for size six 20 and 32 inchers, and size four the same. I have size six 16 and 32, and size four 16 and 24. Did anyone work this pattern with longer or shorter needles with any success?

On a side note, I downloaded Ms. Marigold. Just what I need--another project in the wings!

The sleeves are off!

Here is a progress pic of my Green Gable:

I'm using Tahki Cotton Classic #3331 brownish red. I chose to make the 36" size. I'm getting close to the point where I'll have to try it on and see whether I need to add short rows. If I do need them, I'll use the Japanese version. See my comment on an earlier post if interested in how I plan to pick up the purl side pinned loops (at the right boob, since we're knitting upside down) from the front while working ITR.

This has been a fun, easy knit so far! I really like top-down raglans anyway.

Update: I took pictures of the Japanese short row process here on my blog if you're interested. FYI, I did 6 pins on each side.

so, short rows huh?

i wrote about this over on my blog but here's the gist of what's going on with my green gable. i have a rather large chest in proportion to my arm size and was really hoping to avoid the gaping armhole problem that i have had with previous raglan style sweaters. my chest measurement is 37" so i originally decided to do the medium size. after hearing that this was running small for many people, i went with HEJ's recommendation and did another repeat of parts A&B then 11 repeats of C&D, divided for the arms and tried it on. success! (well mostly) the arms fit great but the chest is definitely too small.

hence short rows. i had no idea how to do them to shape a bust but winged it (wrong idea) and will be ripping back to the cream yarn lifeline that you see in the picture below tonight.



but, i did run across some help on knitty as to how to properly put in short row bust shaping so i thought that i would post the information here.

La bonne tricoteuse - a shaping tutorial using short rows

the pattern that is linked to from this knitty article for an example of the shaping actually has the same stitch gauge as GG so i think that it's going to be a match! knitty recommends starting the shaping 2 to 3" below any armhole shaping so since this is a "medium" size i'm going to rip back to my lifeline and knit to 2.5" before giving this a try! hopefully this information is helpful to anyone else who wants to give it a go.

there's also a great couple of posts on short rows over at nonaknits (scroll down to see posts). she compares the three different varieties: wraps, yarnovers, and japanese method. just in case you want to spice it up :)

I did it!

Finished my GG in Carribean Sea cotton fleece. I really like it too. I did make one adjustment at the bottom to allow for a more fitted bottom an increase on each side. I knit the small size and the arms were really tight so I took out the ribbing and cast off in the size 6 needle and it is somewhat better but tight.

Thanks for all the info posted here on the blog!

So close....

Now that I'm near the finish line I guess I should post a progress pic! (You are, of course, ignoring the flabby white tumtum).

After the initial troubles, I've really had fun with this project. I'm doing the medium, and I couldn't ask for a better fit. I spaced my decreases out more than the pattern calls for, and I'm about to add a few hip increases in a row or two.

The only snag, and really it's just me being cheap: I don't have a US4 circular for the ribbing. My Denise kit goes down to size 5, so I might give that a try and see how it goes, then go pick up the size 4 if I don't like the results.

Either way, I can definitely see making another of these, maybe in green or basic black.

Hooray Cotton Fleece! Hooray Zephyr Galz! Have you seen Ms. Marigold? I might need to make that too. ;)

Almost There...

I cast off the hem to Gigi a couple of nights ago but can't quite bring myself to finish her. I think she's going to be a smidge too big and, and I don't ever really finish her, I can't be proven right, eh? Over the weekend, I picked up some Eucalan so I can eventually block it. Keep your fingers crossed. Hopefully I can get the arms done and start blocking her before the season finale of Lost.

Finit!

Pattern: Green Gable by Zephyr Style

Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Wild Sage CW-360

Start: May 1, 2006

Finish: May 12, 2006

Modifications: I listened to some of the suggestions on the KAL and decided to incorporate some increases just before the arms were seperated. I completed 3 more increase rounds for a total of 6 additional rows overall. Looking back on it, I think I could have done without these. Because I felt like I'd be swimming in the finished product, I also added some waist shaping. (I didn't have anyone to help out with the photo shoot. It's impossible to get a shot of your side by yourself!) Just after the short rows (3 sets to accomodate the bust), I began to decrease 1 st each side every sixth row. I think I did this three times. Then, I decreased 2sts each side once I was 5" from the separation of the arms. I knit for two inches straight and increased 2 sts each side every six rows five times. This added a nice amount of shaping. I tried it on pre-blocking and the fit was perfect. I blocked it and it was HUGE! So, once it was mostly dry, I tossed it in the dryer for about 20 minutes and that did the trick! I'm happy with the outcome. I think if I make it again, which I probably will because it was such a quick knit, I'll omit the 3 increase rounds I added before the separation of the arms.

Pattern Rating: 9.5 - Just because I feel there wasn't enough waist shaping, but that's totally a personal preference.

Yarn Rating: 10 - I love this stuff!!! And I haven't had many good experiences with cotton in the past.

Would I knit this again?: Most definitely!

Keyhole detail

Just after completion (before sewing in the ends)

Duplicate post on my blog.

A picture

to go with my post down there

My photographer is 5 so it's hit or miss. This one was kind of in the middle. Just don't ask how many we took!

The color is wild sage, I forgot that in my other post!

Done!

Can I tell you how much I love this pattern? I have always been a fan of top-down raglans, but this one just seems to be more refined and fit better than any other I have made. The proportions are really great as well as the minimal neckline. I did a few extra decreases at the armholes and waist, but I didn't change much. I used Cascade Sierra and got gauge just right. I like the feel of that a bit better than Cotton Fleece (it was also on sale). I can't wait to start my next one! I'm thinking of Knitpicks Mainline in Red Velvet...

Done!

Thanks to a marathon of 'Rescue Me' on DVD (season 2) this weekend I finished my Green Gable! This picture is pretty dark but you can get an idea. It's still drying and, well, I'm still in my PJs so no outside shots just yet. I'll be back later with those.

First off, thanks to Jenny and everyone else for the math help and whatnot. This KAL is an invaluable resourse for anyone who plans to knit this top.

Mods? I did one extra of both A and B and one less of C and D. I started my waist shaping at my armpit because it was kind of wide when I first tried it on. I did 6 (?) sets of decreases and 2 sets of increases and I did 4 rows of 1x1 ribbing on the bottom and the sleeves. I added some length to the body (it's now 21 inches, not sure what the pattern said) as well. I made the 36 and used just less than three skeins. Probably could have done the 34.

If I were to do this again I'd knit it smaller, but I do like how it fits. The finished product is definitely worth the slight headache from all mods :o) Now, what do do with that extra skein of Cotton Fleece...

Finally....

I had one false start as I got to the end of the first row of the lace pattern and had 2 stitches left not 3. Thank you to Gwen for posting about this problem. I am so glad we have this KAL because instead of getting frustrated, I signed on and searched for a similar problem. I did frog and restart. My progress for a few hours is below. I didn't enjoy purling with the backloop cast on though..on my Denise's it was tight going for a while! It was very hard to put down...




ETA: I just now realized....I got gauge with US8's and I started with US6's! Duh moment! I measured what I have done so far and I cannot believe it is 5sts/per inch! I am going to continue until I can try it on. Hmmmmmm

I'm stalled...

Here's my green(red) gable. I'm having motivation problems. I think I'm just so fearful that it won't fit that I don't want to work on it. I will though. I'm committed to at least getting to the try on stage. I've finished the lace and just have a little bit more to go. Is there a special technique for getting the armholes on the throw-away yarn? I've never done that before.

I am enjoying watching everyone's progress. I did this with a different yarn than the one recommended, so I altered the pattern for my gauge, but I also chose to make a larger size due to the early comments. I did the long-tail cast on before we got clarification on the cast on but hope it will work, since I know to make sure to get to the armpits before casting off the arms. Keeping my fingers crossed...

Couldn't Wait

I was going to wait until I was finished with the lace section to take a picture, but I couldn't wait.

Black Gable!

Its done! I wish it was smaller, but hey, its perfect for work! 100% cotton from Crystal Palace that was a gift. Nice!

Just Happy to Be Here

Phew! After many emails back and forth, sighs, tears, and rending of garments, I'm finally here! (Long story short: Lovely KAL hostesses tried and tried to get Blogger to send me an invite, but Blogger, that fickle mistress, refused.) Here's my yarn, posed coyly with low-maintenence plants. Will GG be as low maintenence? This remains to be seen.

I'm planning to make the 36" size, as that's my bust measurement. I bumped into a really helpful gal at MDSW who said you all might have some helpful hints on sizing. 36" ladies, what do you think?

Come on over to the blog and introduce yourselves sometime! I've got some nice pictures of yarn over there.... Here knitter, knitter, knitter!

Finished!

Completed the 36 size from the pattern but it's actually a 32 and fits a 32. used 2 1/2 skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in limelight using size 6 needele and 4 for ribbing. I did do 5 rows of ribbing on both the sleeves & hem I thought it looked nicer than the 3 the pattern called for. Will be steaming and wrapping for a birthday gift for next week. have yarn to make another one too

hitting the finish line

Here's my Gable, all complete. I had tons of fun making it, and am planning a second one in a lighter color. I had no sizing issues, and followed the pattern, except I added the same number of increases at the hips that there were decreases at the waist. More pics are on my blog. I'm really enjoying watching everyone else's in all the great colors!

Lace Question

I have a question about the first row of the lace pattern. It says to YO, K2tog until one stitch before the marker. There is an even number of stitches in this section, which means that there will either be two stitches or none left before the next marker. What am I to do?

Finally!

Hey there you Green-and-other-color-Gablers!

The internets is dead at the High Energy abode, which is NOT. FUN. I therefore have missed out on all your great sweaters!!! Everyone is lookin' great.

I have finally started and am nearly at the put-the-sleeves-on-waste-yarn point.



In terms of sizing issues, I have decided to continue in the pattern as is, then try it on. If the bust is too small, I will either:

a) do more C+D sections, as long as the sleeves behave themselves and don't get too big
b) do more C+D sections, but stop increasing the sleeves if necessary
c) put the sleeves on waste yarn, and implement a short-row-plan.

Things that will cause a wrench in the works? The fact my boobs are becoming GIGANTIC on the progesterone shots I'm taking. Danger. I can wear a C cup!!! Repeat! For the first time I can wear a C cup! Lord. I think re-measuring is in order. ;-)

Loose?

Should the cast-on be done loosely? I'm using the backward loop cast-on and it doesn't look like it's big enough to go over my head! I'm wondering if I'm casting on too tightly.

White Green Gables Completed

I used almost three skeins of Cotton Fleece and knit the size L. Added another inch to length and knit straight down with no shaping but I did no other modifications. Started out with long-tail cast on and it seems stretchy enough. I was careful to allow some space between cast on stitches on the needle.

This was a fairly quick knit for me, EVEN with the two false starts. The design is wonderful.

Revelation..............

Hey Ladies, I was working on my Pink Gable and realized when I had my daughter try it on and I haven't knitted enough rows but she doesn't want the lace too far down so I didn't rip it. I have had another triumph in my adventure in knitting and the process is so wonderful. I look forward to taking a pic of her trying it on this evening when she comes home. I'll come back and post it tonight so please let me know what you think. Happy Knitting and the Gables are gorgeous.

Hi y'all! I finished my Clark Gable the other day, and thought I'd share a little.


I used Cotton Fleece in Columbine Blossom, which is a really pretty heathery blue. I modified the pattern a bit by adding in more shaping decreases for waist shaping, and then some increases for hip shaping. Basically, from about 4.5 inches below the sleeves, I decreased a stitch on each side of the side markers every 6 rows, four times total. I knit approximately 12 rows with no stitch count change, and then increased on each side of the stitch markers every 4 rows, four times total. I think the added shaping helped make this top more flattering on me.
If you have any questions, you can catch me on my blog. I'm really enjoying reading up on everybody's experience with this project. 

My finished Green, er Pink Gable. I used Cotton Fleece in Victorian Pink, size 36" and used a little under 3 balls. This pattern didn't offer much in the way of shaping, so I incorporated them. Once the increases for the yoke and 4" of straight rounds were done, I decreased 4 stitches every 8 rows, 3 times. Then I knit til the tee was 8.5" long, increased 4 stitches every 8 rounds 3 times, then knit the rib and bound off.

On the sleeves I knit 3 rounds, then the rib and bound off.

All in all, I think I am happy with the tee, but time will tell. If CF stretches throughout the day I am a goner because it is a tad loose on me, but if not, I think I'll end up wearing it a lot.

Lisa

sizing for medium?

hi everyone! i've written a longer post about this on my blog but i'm making the medium size. my chest measurement is 37" so this size should work the best for me. i went through all the old posts and as i understand it i should do 8 repeats of parts A&B for a correct chest measurement. but i'm really worried about the arm holes being too big. i had this problem with the somewhat cowl where the chest measurement was fine but the arm holes were huge (i have skinny arms). HEJ, you did an awesome job with all of the sizing/math info, thanks! (edit: concerning my inability to READ, i'm such a dunce! i read "backwards loop cast on" in the post HEJ did way back on may 3rd and then saw the picture but totally missed the explanation of how the alternative cast on looks so much better. and i'm sure it does. backwards loop cast on does look rather wonky. my apologies!)

so i'm wondering what everyone is doing who made the size M? if you are a 37"/38" bust size, did you do more of parts A&B? or parts C&D? a mixture of the two? did you do short-row shaping instead? i'm considering short-rows. i did them in the glampyre camisole and liked the way they looked. help! your advice would be most appreciated! i've finished 6 repeats of parts A&B and it's time for me to make a decision.



for more info, http://www.gleek.net/archives/000352.php

Struggling

My Denise needles arrived yesterday and I'm anxious to get started. I'm planning to make the largest size. According to my calculations, I need to cast on 100. Is that correct? Should they be cast on loosely? I put 100 stitches on a 20" needle and the needle seemed too long. Doesn't the needle have to be short enough for the stitches to connect? Thanks for any help.

Gables of Pink

Hello, to all of you Green Gable-ers! I am ready to cast-on in Brown Sheep’s pinkaboo. While I would have rather used a darker color, I just frogged a sweater (painful, yes!) and decided that the best use for pinkaboo was for Green Gables.

I have learned a great deal from all of you, and your sweaters are wonderful! I am hoping mine is just as terrific . . . we’ll see. I am planning on starting sometime this week----after I recover from the frogging experience!

My Pics

Here is the pic of my Pink Gable. Now that I understand the pattern I feel that I can go-to-town on this adorable sweater. Please tell me what you think.

New Addition

Hi all! I'm just joining, a little late than most but I'm still here! I am using Cascade Yarns Sierra in color #60, which is kind of a mahogany brown, and am only just finished with the lace portion. I had no idea about using the backward loop cast-on and so used a long tail. I also apparently messed it up with the purl row right at the beginning, but I don't think it looks really that different from the picture they provide with the pattern. Here's my progress so far and hopefully much more to come soon!

Finished Green Gable

I finished last night, and I'm very happy. The color is Lime light, and the yarn was recycled from an earlier project, which I think explains why it's a little less refined looking than some others! I added 3 rows to the sleeves before the ribbing and I added additional waist and hip shaping (although next time I'd spread them out more). Great pattern, and thanks for all the help!

Worming ends and underarm issues...

Argh. I finished it. I blocked it. (It grew a little, but seemed to pull back a little once it was completely dry, so not a fatal problem.) I wore it, and the ends that I very carefully wove in started to worm out and look all funky. Really funky. BAD funky. The picture doesn't even capture how bad it looks.
Is anyone having issues with weaving in the ends of Cotton Fleece and having them show through? (Now I know why people hate weaving in ends on cotton.) Also, even thought the arms are not tight, the underarms are not looking so good after a wearing. Since there is very little seaming, the line of stitches where the seam would be (but isn't since it is in the round) pulled.
I guess I can go back in and reinforce with some yarn, but, ick, not what I wanted to see. I am a bit frustrated since the GG looked great after blocking and there were no hints of the problems to come!!! Advice?

Finally!!!!!!!!! I'm GGabling.......

Hello Ladies, I just have to say after at least 6 froggin's finally I'm getting it right. I'll post a pic when I get a little further down on the project. I'm currently working on my repeat of rows A and B. Thank you Kim for your help. I still feel a little unsure but as a novice knitter I'm pleased with my efforts so far. YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally finished

Well, here it is done and finished...my purple Green Gable. I really enjoyed this pattern and I think next time I'll make it a smaller size. This is size medium done in GCH Bali. Next time, I'm going for Cotton Fleece in size small.

HELP!!!!!!!!!! My gauge is OFF

Hello I need help. I'm knitting on Denise needles and I tried the size 5(there's no size 4) I need to know which needles are we suppose to start the guage swatch with. I've moved up to size 6 to check my guage. I just need to know what I'm doing wrong. Thanks in advance.

Black Gable

Black "Green" Gable. Its coming along. Taking forever to grow as usual. Nope, I haven't tried it on yet! Made out of 100% cotton.

Making progress

I am making some progress on my Purple Gable!

The yarn that I am using is Cascade Sierra and I just love it. I love the pattern too.

This picture is from some time ago but shows the lace work at least. I did the long tail cast on. I didn't know about the advice of the backwards loop when I cast on. I think I cast on about 3 or 4 times with the purl ridge issues and all. I do not have a purl ridge on mine after all but I am not to sure that it would make much difference I like it both ways. I have tried her on already and love her so much I cannot wait to finish.

The other changes I made were-
After the sz questions were brought up and I was already making the largest sz I decided to cast on 2 extra stitches per section and then increase the # of times told in the pattern. I think I would have been ok if I wouldn't have done this but with the extra stitches it lays on my shoulders more like it does in the picture on the pattern.

I also added an extra decrease in the waist and some increases in the waist for more shaping. I have these "problem areas" some call "love handles" (who knows why) that I did not want my sweater to be too tight around! lol

I have several more inches of plain knitting left to do my height really adds hours of knitting to these sweaters I have noticed! I am having to add a lot of length to this and all other things that I knit for myself.

Increasing and decreasing

Hello all! Thank you for all of the nice comments about my Grey Gable. A couple of knitalongers asked for my formula for the increases and decreases, and I'm sorry I haven't responded - I hadn't seen the comments until today. Well, better late than never, right?

I know a couple of other knitters have said this too, but I think the decreases in the pattern are too close together. I started my decreasing probably about a half an inch before the pattern calls for it (I knit the small size, btw). I also changed the decreasing just to be K2tog, K1, pm, K1, K2tog just because that's what I'm used to doing in patterns. I then knit seven rows and did the second decreasing round. I knit another 8 rows and then started the increasing, which I did at each marker, a "m1, k1, pm, k1, m1". That way there were two stitches between the increases, just like the decreases. I knit 7 more rows and then did the increasing round again. That's it! I didn't add more waist shaping because the sweater is pretty casual, and the yarn I used (GGH Bali) is pretty stretchy. So, in pattern terms, I did:

At 4" (4.5, 5, 5.5, 6.5), decrease at each marker K2tog, K1, pm, K1, K2tog
Knit 7 rows
Repeat decrease round
Knit 8 rows
Increase round - increase at each marker M1, K1, pm, K1, M1
Knit 7 rows
Repeat increase round

The only comment I would say about my increasing/decreasing is that I've knitted my fair share of sweaters, so I know my measurements pretty well. Having the 8 stitches of inc/dec adds up to about 1 3/4" of waist shaping, so you may want to put more increases and decreases depending on how you want the sweater to turn out.

Let me know if you have any questions - I'm always happy to help.

Ribbing vs. Picot Edge

I'm getting close to the bottom and have a question:
How is the 1x1 ribbing on the bottom working out for those who have completed the Green Gable? I am concerned about the elasticity since it is mostly cotton and am thinking about doing a picot hem instead. What does everyone think? What about other ideas??

Better Late Than Never!

Hello All, My yarn arrived this Tuesday and I cast on last night. I'm glad I was a little late getting started after reading through some of your posts. It's been very helpful to me and I'm sure many others. I'm progressing quite well and hope to have some pictures to post here or on my blog soon. I'm using the recommended Cotton Fleece and I really like it (wild sage colour). I could see using this for more projects. I'm enjoying all the finished pictures that are being posted lately - great colour choices and very inspiring!

Another GG in the works.

Here is my Green Gables in Cotton Fleece, size L. I have already ripped it out twice, first because of mistakes but then because it was too big. I started out with XL because of the posts regarding the sweater coming out too small, but it was way too big. The L fits me very well and is my normal size. My gauge is right on.

I adore the yarn and even with the frogging, it still looks good.

I LOVE THIS PATTERN.

Are You Still Waiting for an Invite to the Knitalong?

Hey there,
If you are still waiting for an email invite to join the knitalong blog, make sure you check your junk mail folder. Some email programs might think the Blogger invite is spam!

Knit on,
Carrie

Circular Gauge

I need to knit a swatch in-the-round to get my gauge. I've never done this before, so I need some advice. I ordered the Denise needle kit to make this sweater and don't have it yet. Should I wait and knit the swatch with the needles I'm going to use to make the sweater? Are short circular needles necessary for making a gauge swatch? Thank you for any help.

GG Progress

I've also been progressing nicely on Green Gable. Taking the suggestions of the knit-alongers, I opted to make additional increases for the size I'm knitting. I made additional yoke increases before separating the sleeves (3 to be exact for a total of 24 increased sts.) and I also increased just under the arms after joining. This proved to be a mistake. I tried the thing on just as I past the bust area and there was an extra 4 inches of unwanted ease! I RIIIIIIIIPPPED until just before the sleeves were separated. I decided to knit this width straight for a while (about an inch), to accomodate the bust. I also added 3 Japanese short rows to help. After the short rows, I began decreasing two stitches per inch until 6 stitches had been decreased. Then I decreased 4 stitches at 5 inches like the pattern suggests. I knit for two inches straight, and I intend to increase back up to the ten stitches I decreased. This is my progress so far. I only have about four more inches of increases, the bottom ribbing, and the sleeve ribbing left. She shall be finished by Saturday, at the latest.

I will share that I also had some issues with the lace. For some reason, like many others, I missed a YO somewhere and ended up with 1 fewer stitch after the first lace repeat. Instead of ripping, I increased a stitch where I thought it should go and continued. It was only until I was just about finished with the lace portion that I realized that my lace looked completely different from the lace pictured on the model. So what's a lazy knitter to do? Leave it there and call it CHARACTER! It created a nice diagonal lace pattern that was just as pretty! I think I might make another GG, and I'll be sure to knit her lace correctly.

Also, since the shirt is joined in the back, I decided to take advantage of that and create a cute keyhole opening in the back. I think it provides an added touch of femininity. I'll pick up some matching embroidery thread and crochet an edging and a button loop. I have a nice green pearl button in mind for the closure.

Growing Green Gable???

This is a question for those of you who have finished. I made my GG on the large, non-figure-hugging side on purpose. I tried it on and it was okay--maybe even a tad looser than intended, but not tragic. Then I soked it in Jacq's Flora SOAK (yum!!) and laid it out to block. It looks HUGE!!! Has anyone had this experience with this yarn (Cotton Fleece) and pattern? I would be one sad girl if I need to take it all apart...

My Yarn is Here

Yipee, my yarn is here. I am finally going to get something new on the needles. I ordered Cotton Fleece in cw-225 coral sunset, cw610- nymph, and cw240-pink-a-boo. I'm going to get started on one of these today sometime in betwen unpacking my new place. I hope to be able to post my progress hopefully not problem in a few days (keeping my fingers cross).

The first sweater

Greetings! I'm Carol and GG will be my first sweater...and any attempt at lace...so I'm a bit nervous. I've read about the sizing and cast-on issues, so thank you already! I plan to make the medium and try the backward loop cast-on. It will be a slow process though, as I need to take a lot of breaks from knitting. Darn wrists!

The celadon yarn is Classic Elite Premiere, color 5272...it was on sale!


Ready, set, swatch!

Now I just need to find a skein winder for all that yarn...

Finished Orange Gable

I finished my Green Gable yesterday!! This is my first KAL and my first top-down sweater. I've been reading everyone's posts on this sweater, thought this should be a perfect first KAL project.

I used Cotton Fleece Terracotta Canyon (love the color). I used long tail cast on, yeah, I casted on before Zephyr girls said to use backward loop CO. It was too far for me to go back, so I continued. I did the size M, normally I am a size S, since so many people have size issues, I decided to make the bigger size just to be safe. As you can see, it's a little big on me, but it will be a perfect sweater for a buffet dinner :-p

I'll probably make another one use the correct cast on method, and size 34. I agreed with Katie, the decrease rounds were too close to each other, you can see my sweater has the "strange poochy spot on the side seams" too.

Over all, I love this pattern, it was a fast knit.

Finished G.G.

Attempt two at this post.

I finished my sweater several weeks ago, but completely forgot to post about it. The picture is not the greatest, but you all know what the sweater looks like.

I used the recommended Cotton Fleece in wisteria, and I pretty much followed the pattern. I did add several extra rows to the body of the sweater because the pattern length was just too short on me. Otherwise, I did not make any changes. The pattern is just really great so why mess with it. I am definitely considering making another one of these, probably in black. I just need to get around to ordering the yarn.

Just Joined

Hi, there. I just joined this KAL today. I already have the pattern and the yarn I plan to use, Sugar N Cream variegated pink. I've knitted my gauge swatch and ordered the Denise needle kit. Can hardly wait to get started and hope to learn from others' mistakes. Gwen

My GG is complete, however it is about 2-3" too big. It looks like one big sack which as you probably imagine isn't too flattering. I'm going to rip this sucker and put it on hold because frankly I am pretty much sick and tired of this thing.

My bust is about a 37", so I made the 38" but only increased for the bust area to 26 rounds total so not to make it 38" but hopefully closer to 37". Wrong, wrong, wrong idea. I guess I should have made the 36" and increased for a total for 24 rounds as per the pattern. Once I have the energy to start again, I'll follow the directions to the letter for the 36" size or maybe make the 34" size and increase as the tee nears the hip area.

For now, I don't want to even think about it. For such a simple pattern, I am unsure why so many of us (beginners/advanced knitters) are having issues with this tee.

Good luck to the rest of you - it appears the tee is working for some.

lisa

I almost forgot...

... to tell you all that I finished my green Blue Gable! You can see the full post about it on my blog here. Thanks again for the great pattern!

Almost Done...

Hi everyone, I just joined and I'm almost finished with Green Gable #1 in Raging Purple and I have the yarn in Cherry Moon to make one for my mom for her birthday at the end of May.
I have the body done and the fit is perfect, I just have a question on the sleeves- I haven't done raglan sleeves before and I'm not sure about the "divide stitches evenly onto 2 circs and place marker where you join to knit." This is probably such a stupid question, but I can't find info about it anywhere. Should I divide it at the sides or top/bottom? How do I knit it on the circs?
Any insight?
Capped sleeves are sounding better and better for this baby...

A Finished GG

Hey y'all, I haven't been good about doing progress updates, but I have finished my Green Gable. I have a detailed post about it at my blog, but here's the finished sweater:

I knitted it with Denise size 6s and Cotton Fleece in Mariner's Blue. I made some mods to the pattern and they're detailed in my blog post. I did the long-tail cast on, and didn't have any problem with the stretchiness of the neckline--in fact, it's a very nice ballet neck. I knitted the 36" size.

I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts and seeing progress updates and finished sweaters! Thanks to Carrie, and thanks to HEJ for all of the technical info. I wish I was a mathematical genius like you. =)

Don't Hate Me

I keep reading about problems people are having with their Green Gables (the lace pattern, the cast-on, the sizing, etc.), and I just don't get it. I am almost at the armholes, and so far no problems. Well, one small hiccup when I thought I was doing the lace wrong, ripped two rows and did it the "right" way only to find I'd been doing it correctly to begin with.

But otherwise smooth sailing. I did a plain old long-tail cast-on, and it seems fine. My sizing is ok too -- I measured as well as calculated the gauge x sts, and it's just right. This might be in part because I adjusted the pattern for DK weight yarn, so maybe in recalculating everything I fixed any sizing issues without realizing it?

I do have issues with the way the pattern is written (mainly I find it frustrating that there's no schematic and no stitch counts at the key points), but so far I'm loving the way mine is turning out. Pictures soon...

Completely and totally confused.

*sigh*

I was all set to make the medium. I usually consider myself a 36in bust, but since I'm still nursing my little guy I'm more like a 37-8ish but will still usually gravitate toward a 36. Then I started reading about sizing problems and ordered another skein of Cotton Fleece and decided on the large. I've just finished the lace portion.

Today however, I see that erica b. says she's a 40in bust and made the large. I like how hers fits. Now I'm scared if I make the large it will be too big but I know there is no way in the world I'm going to fit a 32.8in sweater around the girls.

Who here has a 36in bust? Should I make the large and then add extra waist decreases? Should I knit the medium and buy a minimizer bra? Should I say forget it and knit some socks?!?

help.

Green Gable Gone Awry

Oh, Green Gable...

Where did we go wrong?











Answers found here.

We Have Ignition

Hello all -

I'm a little late to the party, but I saw this pattern and had to make it. I grabbed some Cotton Fleece at my LYS and started on my Green Gable over the weekend. This is my first KAL and only my second sweater, but all the hints and tips everyone has shared have been a huge help. I'm an ungodly tight knitter, so I had to go all the way up to #9 needles (!) to get gauge, but it seems to be working so far. I'm liking the yarn's feeling, although I'm occasionally finding it a little "splitty".

Anyhow, I'm enjoying the knitting and seeing all the beautiful finished products.

my goodness! what have i created?

Details:

Size: medium, following the pattern, sizing is perfect.

Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Premiere, which is 50% Pima and 50% Tencel and DIVINE. I was sold on Cotton Fleece because I really like it but I touched this stuff and had to have it.

Color: black (I knew it).

Gauge: exactly 5/in

The mistake I was having (I posted about it) with the lace was this: in section A I would yo, k2tog happily along until I got to the last stitch, which I then kf&b. but since I was cruising in the yo, k2tog rhythm, I was finishing with a yo. so I frogged it.

the second attempt, I did in my sleep, which is not the best idea when knitting lace. even simple lace.

The red circle points of something seriously funky and the red lightning bolt shows the flow of the lace. oops. I absolutely positively guarantee that I ended all A rows on a k2tog and all B rows on a YO. I also absolutely guarantee you that that is clearly the ONLY part of the lace pattern I actually paid attention to.

the full gory details at my blog.

Anxiously awaiting my Yarn

Hello Ladies, I ordered my cotton fleece yarn from Patternworks.com since I couldn't locate anything within a 10 mile radius. I can't wait to get started. I"m a bit nervous about this pattern from reading the post it seems a bit confusing to understand and being a novice knitter I hope to get through it ok. So far the finished products are absolutely wonderful!!!!!!!!! Happy Knitting.

Grey Gable - finished

I joined the knitalong when it first started, but I never got the chance to post until now... and I'm finished.



I really enjoyed making this sweater. The yarn is GGH Bali, and I have more details on my blog. Thanks to Kelly and Carrie for hosting! I've enjoyed seeing everyone's sweaters.

On to Number 2 - Question though???

Hi all, I loved my Lime Green Gable sooooo much that I decided to make another. This one is for my mom who also loved mine. It's for Mother's Day and I just cast on. No, I don't expect to be done in time but I'm hoping to be far enough along so that she can try it on and make sure it fits before I finish it up. My question is this, is anyone trying a different finish for the sleeves and the hem. I love my Gigi but not thrilled about the ribbed bottom - not sure I like how it lays. I've thought about using a garter stitch or moss stitch or even using the lace for the bottom rib. Any thoughts????

Blue Gable here

Hello all. I joined the KAL a couple of weeks ago and I started the Green Gable before the KAL date b/c I just couldn't wait. When I saw the pattern, I had to start it, had to buy the yarn, the whole nine. I'm really enjoying the pattern. It's simple and easy and I enjoy the rounds of stockinette.
I took this pic last weekend, but made a lot of progress since then and worked maybe 5-7 inches past the sleeves, as they were dropped off.

But I attempted to increase a couple of stitches in the bust area without doing them on the raglan lines, but in the bust area. They were very visible, but I kept knitting for inches and inches and finally decided I couldn't stand it any longer. So today I ripped back to almost the lace and am almost to the point of taking the sleeves off the needles yet again. Just 1-2 more rows so they can be done. And then I'll just keep knitting. I'm not a perfectionist knitter, but I really should have taken care of that error earlier, so those are the breaks. It's good thing I really enjoy knitting with the Cotton Fleece. The colorway I've chosen is Columbine Blue. It's a very pretty blue with a hint of purple undertone.


Check with y'all later.

I'm done!

I finished my Green Gable last night...and I love it!! I made some alterations to the pattern including an increase at the hip and a longer overall length. There are more details about my journey to Green Gables on my blog.

Thanks for all the help KAL-ers! I am already planning my next one.

size Large - ok?

To all you math-calculating genius knitters -

If I'm knitting a size Large - I wear a 10/12 - am I good to follow the pattern size wise?

Muchos thanks,

Kate

Soooo close.

I'm now entering the sprint to the finish, I'm getting excited to wear my GG! I've done all the waist shaping I was hoping to do and I'm now into a few increases I plan for the hips. I figure I have about another 8cm or so to go until it's done. Now that I've got it the shape I want it I think I'll be knitting another one in another colour. I'll post some pics when I'm done and I'm loving seeing everyone else's progress.

First row of Section A - What am I missing?

Hi everyone. I've cast on again for what seems like a million times.

In my earlier post I understood that ALL Section A rows would end in K2tog and ALL Section B rows would end in a YO.

I'm making a medium and cast on as directed. At the start of the lace pattern on Section A, I have 36 stitches. The first stitch is a K1f&b and then I start the pattern - YO, K2tog. I do this until I have two stitches left on this section. What do I do with these two stitches?

Thanks in advance -

I'm putting my needles down and pouring a glass of wine. . . .

What would you do?

Hi ladies -

Hoping some of you can give me your opinion. I've never knit a top-down raglan before, and am curious about the shoulder seams. In its relaxed state, my GG's shoulder seams fall outside where a typical seam would sit:



But if I pull the fabric in to simulate joining the sides at the underarm, the seam then pulls in and sits in the right place:



So my question is, will this happen in reality, or will it gap when seamed up? Should I continue on, or start over in a smaller size? (note the rest of the sweater fits fine - no bunching, gaping or stretching in the back...)

Thanks everyone!

Caribbean Sea Gable

I think I have everything straighted out in regards to the size I want. I am now going to start with a clean slate. Here is a photo of my yarn choice:

Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece
Caribbean Sea (CW520)
After a few false starts, my yarn has been frogged and re-wound into lovely little cakes (they stack better... and I'll use any excuse to use my ball winder). I'm using size 7 Denise needles since that's the size where I'm getting the gauge. Plus, I like the fact that I can try it on for size whenever I feel like it just by adding a cord with the extender.

I originally cast-on with the medium in mind. A big thank you to Jenny for clearing up and calculating the math for all the sizes. I've decided to knit the large. I also decided to write everything out round-by-round. I tried to post it here, but the current Blogger settings didn't format my table properly (no biggie). If anyone is interested, you can see the method to my madness here.

Lace pattern mistake - frog again?

Hi Everyone - I've been following this blog very closely and love the beautiful green gables I'm seeing. I've been working on my green gable for about a month, using cotton fleece, in the color of Oriental Jade. I've frogged many times for several reasons, mistake in lace pattern, sizing concerns, mistake in lace pattern, wrong method of cast on, mistake in lace pattern and so on, and so on. . . .

At this point -–

It's time I asked for help.

I can relate to all you who have frogged many times. I am on my 8th version of this sweater. These are my main concerns:

curlypurly - I've had the same problem as you. I keep getting an extra stitch on the first B Section (I'm knitting a size M too). I emailed Zephergirls, but never got a response - I think this was on version #3. I've just been knitting the stitch and moving on. Of course, my lace pattern is wrong, so it's time I figured this out.

Brenda, ChickKnit, When you say "forgetting a YO at the end of Section B", I'm not sure I understand. When I do my increase rows, whether Section A or Section B, I YO, K2tog or K2tog, YO until there is one stitch left, then I do my increases. Am I missing a step?

The reason I ask is I am doing SOMETHING wrong and can't figure out what. And I have been doing this SOMETHING wrong 8 times. My lace pattern isn't right, it's pretty, but it's not right. And, dang it, I'm determined to get this right. :)

A big thank you for the math calculations that have been done. This tells me I need to repeat Section A and B one more time to add a little room. You gals are awesome!

If anyone can look at these pictures and tell me what I've done wrong, I would be very appreciative.

Math Corrections. Fairly Important.

Hello all.

I have received a couple emails, and read knit_chick's helpful latest post, and have to admit the math from my previous post is INCORRECT. I am so sorry for any inconvenience, and I have redone the math, with diagram, to help us all out. Thanks to knit_chick, Sarah, and Kelly.

The following diagram is for the XS (the other sizes follow), looking down at the sweater from when you cast on. The numbers you see are:

the starting number of cast-on stitches +
the amount increased during the lace part (A & B) +
the number increased during parts C + D:



So, when all stitches have been increased, and you are at the underarms, and you put the sleeves on waste yarn, you are left with 132 stitches for the XS size, which at gauge of 5 st/inch is 26.4". Quite a bit smaller than one might be prepared for.

Make sense? I have compared math with the three aformentioned awesome ladies, and we all are getting the same results.

Here are the final numbers for the other sizes, in the following format:

Total bust stitches after sleeves put on waste yarn/5 st per inch = final bust size

Small: 144/5 = 28.8"
Medium: 164/5 = 32.8"
Large: 184/5 = 36.8"
X-Large: 208/5 = 42"

So, the pattern as written produces a garment that is quite a bit smaller than the actual bust measurement, for a very close fit. (Except the Large, which looks fine to me, and the X-Large - anyone making the XL want to triple check the math???)

*****************
If you wanted to make the XS - M sizes a bit bigger at the bust, you could repeat the lace portion (parts A & B) more times, like so:

XS: repeat Parts A and B for total of 8 times - 156 st/5 = 31.2"
S: repeat Parts A and B for total of 8 times - 168 st/5 = 33.6"
M: repeat Parts A and B for total of 8 times - 180 st/5 = 36"

NOTE: if you do this, it will lengthen the yoke, and the sleeves - we'll have to experiment to see how this changes the vertical fit, so it doesn't gape at the armholes. You could compensate during parts C+D a bit, but we'll just have to play with it to see. (I'll probably adjust mine and I'll let you know how it goes.)

*************

Hope this has actually been helpful, unlike the previous post. I can make the drawing in this post for the other sizes if you want to see it, just email me at jenny (at) highenergyknits (dot) net. Sorry again for any inconvenience.

Planning for Short Rows

Hi everyone! I just joined and wanted to say "hey." This is going to be a fun pattern! 'Just bought my yarn yesterday, CO, and finished the first time through Parts A and B. Is anyone else using a different yarn? My LYS didn't have the pattern yarn, so I got Tahki Cotton Classic #3331 brownish red. It seems pretty resilient since it's mercerized. I don't think it's going to be quite as stretchy as regular cotton.

Anyway, I was wondering... Does anyone else plan on doing short rows at the bust? Even if I did another set of repeats for Parts A&B and/or Parts C&D, I will still have to do short rows and think that I'll try the Japanese version. I did wrapped short rows for Picovoli using KnitPicks Shine and wasn't satisfied with the result (I liked the outcome of the sweater as a whole, just not the spots where the picked up wraps used to be). I'm hoping the Japanese version of pinned loops looks better. Now I just need to search the internet for suggestions on how many rows to incorporate and in how many increments from the edge for my size. ...Unless someone here has suggestions? My bust measurement is 36.5" and I'm making a Size M where the finished bust measurement is 32.8" (164 sts total for front + back). For those of you who are done (or nearly done): How did the bust area fit? Did you need to do short rows?

what's going on?

i'm missing something. i think. when i get to the end of the B section, i have an extra stitch somehow. i do my k2tog. yo all around, and then on the last 4 stitches, i do k2tog, yo, and then i'm left with 2 stitches. what am i doing wrong??

Stitch count for M

I'm using Caribbean Sea Cotton Fleece and getting the stitch gauge with a size 7 Denise needle. I'm loving the pattern, but having difficulty because (as mentioned in a previous post) there really aren't any stitch counts listed at relevant points in the pattern (e.g. after completing part A & B, etc). After a few false starts, I got as far as round C and D. I started comparing the math and my stitch counts weren't coming out properly (I think).

Maybe someone can point out where my math is not coming correctly. I'm making the medium size.

After part A & B, my total stitch count is 190 sts.

After round C & D, my total stitch count is 278 sts.

At this point ("removing sleeves"), the sleeves (57 sts each) are placed on waste yarn, leaving 164 sts for the body. Now if I look at the math post, 164 sts are calculated for the small size (32.8 inches is not going to work for me).

Where did I miss the 22 sts?

Grumpy Gable

I don't know what it is about this tee - it's kicking my butt! This seems to be the case with a lot of folks here - there's either issues with sizing, gauge or the lace pattern. Me - it's the lace pattern. Like a lot of knitters, I keep forgetting a YO at the end of the B repeat. So I rip back when I realize my mistake. However, I appear not be too adept at getting the lace stitches back on to the needles - I either drop stitches while I'm doing so, or miss a wrap. So I end up ripping back several rows instead of just the one.

Problem is - I've done this, well, I stopped counting after 10 times. At least 7 times with the now-defunct orange Cotton Ease, and this is now my third rip-back in the Cotton Fleece. Wish me luck that this is my last rip!

Joining the fun

Hi everyone, got my yarn and immediately stared working on my Gable in cavern.

I didn't do the neckline quite right, but so far I'm lovin' this pattern (so there's probably going to be a 2nd one). I'm almost to the point where I can try it on--fingers crossed!

Ok, I'm an idiot...

I am finishing up my gorgeous purple Green Gable sweater and something just doesn't seem right. As I cast off I hold it up to admire my work and realize to my horror that there is no way on God's green earth that this puppy is going to fit me. Did I knit a small instead of a large? No, the stitch count is correct. Did the shrink fairy pay me a visit? No, I haven't even washed and blocked it yet. Let's check that gauge again with my handy-dandy gauge marker. Wait! Twenty stitches to four inches would mean FIVE stitches to the inch, not ten! I am getting ten stitches to the inch with my Lane Borgosesia's Golfo Stashbuster yarn. No diet on earth is going to squeeze me into this sweater. This really sucks! Once again I am a victim of my math-challenged right brain. Hopefully my size 2 daughter will like it well enough to adopt it as her own. *Sigh* I guess I'll go out and buy the recommended yarn and start over. As Forrest Gump's mother always says: "Stupid is as stupid does!" Hope you all are having better luck!

I don't know why...

but this gave me fits! I frogged it completely once, and went back 2-4 rows at least 5 times. However, I think I've finally conquered the lace. I did a long tail cast on along with a purl row before joining, and I like the top edge. Maybe next time I'll try the right way, though. Thanks to Jen for her calculations- I went ahead and did 6 sets of the lace patterns. I really like the way the Cotton fleece feels, I just hope its not too warm for Gainesville- it hit the 90s here today! Love the pictures everyone is posting. Thanks for the help

Rolling hem?

This is for those who have finished. Is anyone having issues with the hem folding up? I did my ribbing and cast off last night and the hem folded right back up on itself. I hope this will be taken care of by blocking--please say it will! (I don't think it is a too-tight cast off issue--that seems to be fine.)

IF I get the arms done tonight (I am making them a little longer, I think), I may get it done in time to pack for MSW. I just think the idea of a bunch of GG KAL-ers walking about in the finished sweaters is really hysterical. It's like an un-secret society...

Finished it, love it !

I finished it last night and wore it to work today. I really love this top as it looks good and feels comfortable - what more could you ask for ! I am pleased with the fit and didn't have any problems with gauge or sizing, which is unusual for me. I will definitely make this again in another colour soon.

Hard time getting Yarn

Hello Ladies, having some trouble getting the Cotton Fleece locally. Had to order from Patternworks.com I won't have my yarn until Monday or Tuesday and I'm working on understanding the cast-on method to be used. I'm also moving this weekend so I'm really going to be behind on this project but hope to recover quickly. I am a newbie at sweaters but hope to be able to follow this one without too much hassle. Just wanted to check in. Happy knitting.

Cast-On Alternative

Hello all.

The Zephyrgals have been awesome to inform us the pattern calls for a backward loop cast-on, so it will be stretchy to create the boat-neck line of the pattern. As mentioned, when you do a loop cast-on, it's really only 1/2 a cast-on, and has to be followed by a row, in this case, the first purl row.

But what if you are having trouble with the backward loop method? I, for example, despite having knit since the seventies (Oh. My. God), have tried many a cast-on, but my backward loop's ALWAYS look like doggy poo. Uneven, loose, ugly.

Here's an alternative you may want to try. It's called the "German cast-on" by Montse Stanley in her Knitter's Handbook.

To start, you will be using a long tail, so leave a tail at least three times the circumference/width you will be casting on. Make a slip knot for your starting loop at this point in the yarn.

Proceed as in the diagram, with the white yarn the long tail, and the blue yarn as the yarn attached to the skein.



Repeat the swoopy black arrow motion for each stitch.

When you have finished casting on all your stitches, you will then JOIN the round, without the purl row in the pattern. Just join the round, like you normally would, and begin. Here's my start:



And here's how it looks several rows into the lace pattern:



Stretchy, yummy, good. I love it when a plan comes together.

I've been progressing on my Green Clark Gable. I think this sweater needs a little more waist and hip shaping than the pattern dictates. I like my girly wear to be, well, girly. My waist isn't all that small, but I find a little extra shaping goes a long way. Are any of you Gablers modifying this pattern at all? If so, how? I always tinker with patterns a little here and there, and I'm curious how others are adapting this cutie to their own needs and wants.

Hopefully, I'll get a chance to wear this before Spring jumps right into Summer here in NYC. Here's a quick shot of my progress:

I am a grumpy gabler

So. Yeah, I've had 'troubles' with the casting-on. Got that resolved early yesterday, thanks to HEJ, Carrie, and the Zephyr Gals. Still, last night I ripped it several times due to various and sundry reasons (misplaced lace here, dropped stitch there, yadda yadda yadda). Y'all, I actually had to go running to escape the knitting.

Finally I got going just fine, and was feeling all triumphant and stuff. I took darling GG to lunch with me and was into the 3rd row of the pattern, when what do I find but that somehow I have the wrong number of stitches in the lace pattern. I decided just to K3 instead of 2 at the point of the extra YO, but I'm thinking maybe I should just rip it again.

So here's my question: shouldn't the front and back sections have the same number of stitches at any given point? I'm assuming they should (symmetry and all that), in which case, yeah, I definitely need to rip again.

I think in my case, this is a Grumpy Gable. Especially thinking of purling into that BL cast-on. Yuck. I am not so good at that. And I have to go bowling tonight and won't have time to knit. :(

To the Frog Pond

I was so happy with how my Crocus Gigi was turning out. But then I got to the waste shaping and decided to try it on. By now I am sure that no one will be surprised to hear it was HUGE. More than I could live with huge. One of the things I like so much about this sweater was it tighter fit. So I ripped and ripped and ripped. I took out several inches out where it was still in the "with arms" stage. I think I have it to a good size at the bust now. I plan on doing more decreases though. I thought about fiddling with short rows to give some boob room but decided to just add more decrease after I get past the them. We'll see how it shapes up. Unfortunately I now have very little hope of having her finished by Saturday Sheep and Wool, maybe Sunday?

Hello everyone,

I got started on my GG a bit early because I might stop the progress of this version and re-do with new yarn. My main problem with knitting is not necessarily the accuracy of my knitting. I mean, I don't always swatch and I haven't worked with a recommended yarn for a pattern yet. Instead, I have problems finishing my knitting projects. So with that in mind, I'm just sailing along because I am overlooking any flubs I might have made. I'd like to get this done before my vacation trip with friends so that it can be a part of my wardrobe. I like how it's fitting so far.

I really like how the cotton fleece is looking for everyone else's GG though. I might have to invest in some for another, more accurate GG. :)

That does it

After reading the comments about the cast-on, I've officially decided to rip it out and start over. Especially after I made two no-one-else-will-notice errors last night at knitting group (it's not the drinking - it's the chatting!). It seems like I can never start anything and just knit. I have to rip it out at least three times in the first couple of inches. I figure I have at least one more rip to go...

This time in Green

I fell in love with my Red Gable. I've worn her out and about this past weekend. With green being the Project Spectrum color of the month, I knew I had to make another one in Kiwi. I cast on this past Saturday night (prior to the KAL start date) because I knew I would not get any knitting done this week.

UPDATE: The designer will change the pattern to specify a Backward Loop cast on. Since it was not specified in the original pattern, I used the Longtail cast on and still did the purl round. It still fits fine, I'm not ripping this.

Almost there !

My Wisteria Gable is almost finished - just a couple of inches left on the body and then the sleeves to finish. I am enjoying this knit so much that I plan to make another as soon as the yarn arrives. It is very simple yet looks so stylish and I know that it will get worn a lot. Hope to finish today so maybe there will be a modelled shot later.

A newbie sweater knitter here!

Hi, please bear with me with this simple question! This is my first sweater in the round and I've finally done my gauge swatch in the round and got 6 st per inch with a row count of 32 on size 6 circs. GAH! Should I have been using the size 4 for the swatch? I am a very tight knitter as you can see :) I will need the XL size for at least a 40" bust and don't mind if it is a tiny bit big. I need help! :) Thanks!
btw: I am using the cotton fleece.

Everyone's is looking great! Thanks for the new info on the cast on (gotta go look that one up!) and HEJ for the math calc's as my math skills are not the best! I really want to make this and have it fit!

Robin's Egg Blue Gable

This is my Green Gable, knit in Cotton Fleece Robin's Egg Blue. This is damn blue, folks, possibly even aqua. Hopefully, I'll be a diligent self-tanner this summer, and this will look good!

Thanks to High Energy Jenny for her calculations on her last post. I love this pattern and have found it easy to follow, but am disappointed that it does not include a schematic or stitch count at relevant points in the pattern. It does make for lots more math for knitters trying to adjust for their gauge or their particular size. And the sizing issues we knitters have been experiencing is a symptom of this exclusion. Just a gentle suggestion, Zephyrfolks...

Sizing Help. Or, ouch, that's a lot of math.

Hey everybody -

I have deleted this post, because ALL of the math had the same repeated error, and it will not be helpful for you. SO SORRY for the inconvenience, and please see this post for the corrected math and a diagram.

Sorry again!

what am i doing wrong?

Wahhhhh! I've casted on several times, and something's just not working with those first few rows. I went back and read the posts, and that's not helping either. I've tried:

• casting on, working a purl row, and joining
• casting on, working a knit row, then a purl row, and joining,
• and maybe even a few other ways and I'm still getting either a purl ridge or some other weirdness.

I'm not the most experienced knitter, but I've knit several things in the round before, including a sweater, and I'm so frustrated! Any help would be appreciated!

Just Starting

I just finished casting on and joining my Gable. I'm using Cotton Fleece in Pink-A-Boo, which looks like cotton candy. I've never used it because none of my local yarn stores carry it. I like how it feels, but it seems to shred a lot. I can't see the shredding once it's knitted, so I guess no need to worry. I am having problems with my server space (This is what happens when you still use your university account ages after graduation. Sigh.), so I won't post pics any time soon. But I am superexcited to be doing this knitalong. I've knitted slippers and stuffed fish and other fun stuff, but only one other top, and I threw it away because it was so awful. I have higher hopes for this one!

Riiiiipppppppppp

Sucked it up and had to frog about a skeins worth of yarn from the GG yesterday. I was down to about my waist and I couldn't deny it any longer, it was waaaayyyyy too big. I'm knitting the third size to accomidate the girls but the pattern just didn't give nearly enough waist shaping for my body so I'm tweaking the pattern a bit. I pulled back to where I separated the sleeves and the body and am doing a decrease round every tenth round which by my math should make GG hit my waist about 4" less around than my chest. I was pregnant last summer and I didn't want to look it with an overly large top this summer. So far it's going well and the gradual decreasing is more body hugging which I like. I'm also changing the way the decreases are done because I'm picky like that. The pattern uses two k2togs but I'm doing ssk, k1, slm, k1, k2tog which looks better to me because the decreases both lean towards the underarm (I'm a bit anal retentive when it comes to left and right leaning decreases and symmetry, weird I know). I think I'll have to add some increases for the hips the same way as I decreased but we'll see how it goes. Right now I'm about four inches into the body and it's knitting up really quickly.

Round and round...

Here's to the official start date! I managed to knock out a few rounds of Gigi while watching tv this weekend, but it's pretty slow going. I just have to keep plugging away at the rounds of st st. I'm still not sure if the armholes are going to be shaped properly but I'm going to have faith.

Best of luck to everyone!

Today is the day!

I know tons of us have already started, but today is the Official start day! Who's starting today? I'm hoping to start tonight. :)