Green Gable Knit Along

Straggler!

2006-10-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

This is a sadly washed-out picture but I had to post and profusely thank everyone who posted on this KAL. I made this sweater in about a month, off and on, in August and September. It's my first knitted garment! Until this sweater I'd only made scarves and other square things. I pored voraciously over this knitalong and took copious notes about the shaping and the sizing, and THANK GOD it worked!!! I didn't have to frog back at all! The arms are a wee bit bigger around than I'd like, but they're certainly not bad, and the sweater body fits perfectly.

Really, I can't thank you all enough for all your notes. I feel like I got to avoid a lot of the problems some of you experienced, thanks to your chronicling of the problems you had! I added a lot of waist and hip shaping that I wouldn't have considered otherwise. I've worn it to work several times and it just successfully had its first washing and drying experience.

Hooray for overdue Green Gables!

finally started

2006-10-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

After stalking this KAL for months I purchased the pattern. Then I had to find the yarn (special order of Brown Sheep Cotton fleece in Jungle Green)after that came I had to order the needles. This week at last I was able to start.
I will keep you posted.

Sheryl

Cotton Fleece Sale

2006-09-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

If you are still interested in making the Green Gable, The Sheep Shed Studio has a sale on some Cotton Fleece.

I am going to make another GG with my newly acquired stash. I'll actually be following the pattern as written this time. :)

My Green Gable in Progress

2006-08-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I just joined this blog as I was thinking my GG wasn't turning out right. However, I'm not so sure now that I put it on waste yarn and put it on. It does look kind of crooked, but that could just be that I didn't have it on straight. But it seemed huge on the needles but is fitting when it's on. I made the size 34 and my actual bust size is 34 1/2. Does it look right?

Here's what it looks like off the needles...

finished!

2006-08-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

if you're curious, i have some notes on my blog.

almost there...

2006-08-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

i got a lot done on green gable during my trip and some hanging around the house last night and this morning. it's blocking and everything!

i'll be posting a pic of it on me once it's dry.

stockinette on circs is fun (when you're not paying attention)

2006-08-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

here's where i am after 2 short car trips, 2 bus rides, 1 lunch break, and 2 episodes of the sopranos (the last two of season 4, if you're curious.).

not bad. if i were an optimist, i'd say i think i can get this done by the end of this weekend, but...i'm not. hehe...

The Green Gable Frog Pond

2006-08-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

I did it today, I frogged my Green Gable sweater. It was way too big. I'm with Zonda- my bust measurement is 42, ( I normally knit a 44 to include ease) and I knit the XL. I tried on the sweater many times throughout the process, and was 4 inches past putting the sleeves on waste yarn, but today I decided to finish one of the sleeves (I knit the ribbing) to see if it made any difference in the fit. Looking in the mirror made me face the truth. Rip-it, rip-it. One of the most frustrating parts of this was my gauge was EXACTLY as indicated in the pattern. I have read all of the posts regarding the sizing of the pattern, and my suspicion is that the XL size was extrapolated from a smaller size, something not actually knit and checked for fit. Oh, well. I think I will walk away from this pattern for awhile, I have alot of patterns I want to knit and to restart this one seems a little boring to me. Maybe I will feel differently after the passage of time.

some progress

2006-08-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

well, it's moving along. i've been distracted by other projects, but i'm hoping to use this as my travelling project (to/from work and during my lunch break) for a while. i should be able to manage stockinette in the round without having to pay too much attention. hehe...

it's actually a little further along than that picture. i'm about an inch or so below the join.

Brown Gable

2006-08-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well it is finished and it is too big! Yes, I was warned to frog, but didn't. I am not upset, I knew it was possible to be too big or too small. It fits fine around the waist...but let me tell you the chest and shoulders...more info here!

So all you experienced GG knitters. What does a girl do from here to make it fit. This is the size 40...I am a size 46 bust.....36 or 38 GG....which one...help I do want one that fits...Advice?? Dancing off to the frog pond.... soon ;)

:)

2006-08-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Yes that is a smiley face above! Wanna know why?

I searched the archives and found a few decrease section instructions and used one and viola!! Not too bad. I have about 4-6 more inches then the ribbing. I don't want it too short when I raise my arms. I'll have to work on the lace panel a bit with blocking, but all in all I really like it and may make a long sleeve one one day...nice and red LOL! Stay tuned...maybe by this weekend!

Thanks for all the help!

Help please!

2006-08-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hi! Still knitting away!

I am making the XL because of my bust size, but fear I should have made the L. It isn't too big and a little hard to tell as the sleeves are not done. Should I have gone down for the negative ease? I was hoping to frog possibly a few rows then do some decreases. Don't think I could handle frogging this again! Thoughts...suggestions..hints... help!!

Quick Question

2006-08-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

I am currently Green Gabling and am 4 rounds away from finishing the lace pattern. At what point do you change to the longer set of needles? The pattern doesn't specify, at least I don't think it does!:) I'm loving this pattern and can't wait to post a pic when I'm more advanced!

Green Gable, Re-Vamped

2006-08-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hey there! I asked about long sleeves for the Gable a few weeks back, and it seemed like no one was doing it... or maybe you're all just suffering too much from the heatwave to even consider such a thing! Come on by to see mine- here's a little peek! She's all done and ready for the runway.

Late to the KAL

2006-08-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

But still excited about my Green Gables sweater. I just started my sweater on Sunday, July 30 and found the KAL last night while taking a break from my knitting. I found the sweater on Deena's blog http://mohairdreams.typepad.com/mohair_dreams/ last week. I saw the picture of her completed sweater and loved the pattern, and followed her link to Zephyr Style http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item.cfm/2367447/2628822/ (Sorry- I'm a typepad user and I haven't quite figured out how to use the link option on Blogger) I ordered the pattern last week (don't you love downloadable patterns?) and checked out the Cotton Fleece at my yarn store. But after mulling it over, I knew I must have something in my stash to use! Details on the yarn and pictures to come.
This blog has been a treasure trove of information and ideas. Unfortunately I had already cast on with my reliable favorite, knitted cast on, before I read I should use the backwords loop method. I am still at the first section of repeating sections A and B, and after I knit this part (with an additional round of repeat) I will try it on and see how the sizing is going. If I need to start over at this point, I will change my cast on method. My bust is a 42" and I am knitting the largest size. After reading about the various issues, I don't want to get too far into the sweater without seeing how the fit will be on me.

I was reading the archives here last night, and saw mention of "Anne of Green Gables." If anyone wants to listen to the book while knitting on the sweater, you can download MP3 files of the book for free at http://librivox.org. I just finished listening to the book within the week prior to finding this pattern, and even though it is listed as childrens literature, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Cindy
http://cpaknit.typepad.com/can_a_cpa_be_a_knitter_ca/

Gable Number Two

2006-07-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

I have this thing down pat now:) Just finished my second Green Gable, and it's actually Green!

Loving this pattern - I might convert this to a long sleeve version for fall, because I think the yarn might be too warm for winter:

Details over on the blog!

intro post :)

2006-07-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

hello, everyone!

i started my green gable (with knitpicks main line in dusty lavender) the other day, and it's moving along pretty well.

i'm almost done with the lace section and have a quick question: after part B, it says to "Repeat Parts A and B 6 (i'm knitting up the medium size.) times EACH. 24 total rounds." should the first 4 rounds (2 from part A and 2 from part B) be counted in that total? what i assumed i was supposed to do was knit parts A and B, and then do 6 repeats of those sections, but now i'm not so sure.

thanks in advance for your help!

eta: my progress so far...

Green Gable Gallery is here!

2006-07-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Cindy asked about creating a gallery for our finished GG's a while back, and I'm happy to announce it's all set up!

Green Gable Gallery

I'm hoping Flickr works for you guys! If not, I'll find something else. :)
Let me know what you think!

Ta-Da!!

2006-07-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

The second Green Gable sweater is finished!!!

This yarn is a "softball" cotton, very soft and light, perfect for a summer sweater. I lengthened the sleeves, added one more decrease and increased at the hips. The only issue I had was some slight rolling at the front neckline but I am hoping that washing it will help alleviate that problem.

It is a wonderful pattern and I love my two new sweaters but I have to admit I am ready for a new project.

Green Gable finished - Mind still lost

2006-07-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

It’s finally done. And it’s still too big. I’m not sure how I got it in my head that it was supposed to be six stitches to the inch. I guess I assumed *I* must be off after the first try-on when it was so big. I looked at the pattern again and for some reason read it wrong. I wasn’t at my best mentally then, but still. I think I’m quick to assume that I’m wrong, not the pattern. The funny thing is the entire time I was knitting it (the second time), I was thinking how much better I liked the fabric at the looser gauge. I saw that I had been using the correct gauge in the first place when I went to write notes on my pattern. And then I banged my head against the wall for a little while.

Here’s the break down: I fall in the middle of two sizes, but I'm closer to 38 so that’s what I made. After trying it on and finding it to be much too big, I remade the 38 but at a gauge of six stitches to the inch. It’s still too roomy. I don’t like this sweater too big – I like it the way it’s supposed to fit. The neck won’t stay in the boat neck style and it rolls in the front and even more in the back. I blocked it twice – the second time with starch, and it still rolls. I think this might be because it’s too big. If the arms were fitted it would probably hold the neck line down and the front and back taut. When I wore it I spent the entire time pulling it down and tugging at the shoulders. I won’t wear it again until it cools off enough to wear it under a jacket so I can hide the neckline.

Other than accidently knitting at a smaller gauge, I didn't change a single thing in the pattern. If I were to make this again I would make the next smaller size, make it longer, and add the extra decreases and increases that a lot of the other knitters did. For the most part I enjoyed the knitting and I love the design of the sweater, but unfortunately I’m not thrilled with my end result.

And I wanted to add: Thanks to girls who hosted this knit-along! It was great to see the comments of people knitting the same thing I was. I'll definitely want to do another one.

Well, finished anyway....

2006-07-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished my Green Gable, but I'm not happy with the fit. The sweater is beautiful, it blocked really well and looks fabulous . . . but on? Not so much. (You have no idea how much I was sucking in my stomach for this picture.) Way too clingy to look right on me. I'm disappointed, but I should have known better--I suspected the pattern wouldn't be right for me, but it was so pretty, I couldn't resist trying it anyway!

I'm thinking about giving this to my sister or my niece--it should look great on them. Which is good, because, as expected, it is one pretty sweater!

Stockinette all the time

2006-07-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I enjoyed the lacey inset. I didn't mind the st st intially because there were decreases, at least it keeps it interesting. But I'm really getting tired of the long stretch of stst before the hem. Anyone else have stst overload? I keep measuring (maybe that's my mistake?) and it just doesn't seem to be getting any bigger. I'd put it aside, but I need the needle for another project, so I really want to finish this today. I should have 21 rows before I do the hem. But then again, that's what I thought an hour ago.

Maybe I do need to knit something else for a while? I was excited about this sweater (and still am, it's a CUTE pattern!) but I think I'm getting burned out.

Sorry to complain, normally this doesn't bother me. More caffeine might help. Hope there's still some coffee left in the pot!

Yay!!

2006-07-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

Finally! I got to try it on and it fits! I am really happy and hope to finish as soon as I can!
I am a tiny bit worried about the underarm seam though. Wonder if I should add any stitches? This is my first top down sweater and still learning a lot. The next bit of it should prove to be interesting.

Green Gable Knit Along

2006-07-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Green Gable Knit Along

Hi, this is my first post (tho I've commented). I am on my 4th or 5th try with Debbie Bliss Cathay in purple. I have taken 2 photos but don't quite know how to upload them here (maybe someone will enlighten me). I have posted them on my own blog: http://wolfweave.com/blog under the 2nd post down: "So Much for Vacation." On size 6 needles, I'd only completed 1/2 the lace pattern when the yoke part looked like it was reaching the top of my bra already, so I couldn't imagine where the entire lace yoke was going to end up. Then I switched to size 5 needles. The yoke seems about right but, for some reason, it seems to be getting too wide. I have very narrow shoulders and the raglan lines seem to be widening out way past where they should, I think (and I'm still only on row 21 of AB). Now I did steam it after removing it from the needles, but I steamed the first "sample" too.

Has anyone else had this problem? Maybe I should have just used the Cotton Fleece but it is supposed to be comparable to Cathay (according to Bonne Marie Burns' wraps per inch chart) and I really like the way it feels. Can I ask what size needles the other people who used Cathay ended up using?

And what should I do about my raglan lines? Should I stop increasing or not increase every other row (maybe every 4th row instead for a while)? This is taking me forever and I just want to complete 1 freaking summer project (just 1 summer top to wear) before the summer is over!!!

thanks,
Susan

Finished

2006-07-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hi,

This is my first and (probably) last post on this KAL. I cast on and frogged twice when it wasn't wide enough. But I'm finished and pleased with the final result. I used Cotton Fleece Olivette - 2 skeins and a few yards of a 3rd.

Does anyone think the Cotton Fleece is rather heavy? I guess it's a combination of the yarn composition (mainly cotton) and gauge (worsted).

progress picture of Emerald Fantasy posted!

2006-07-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

I just updated my blog and have posted a progress picture of my GG. It's not a very good picture but it shows the color of the yarn. I think the picture would look nicer if I used a longer needle. It's 24" so the knitting is really bunched up.

Third Time's the Charm

2006-07-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

;-) Thanks for the comments. I asked around, and Knittyboarder Suzeeq clarified what was making things wonky in my work.
She sez, "I believe the instructions have you purling the first *row* flat, then turn and join and knit every round which would be stockinette. A lot of people joined then purled the first round and knit the rest, or joined and started the stockinette from the first round."
A-ha!
So I am tinking now and know the correct way to proceed. Check back with you later with some progress!

Starting Once, Starting Twice

2006-07-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hey there, GGers. Thanks for letting me joing in this KAL. I'm fresh off of my second start and have questions I hope to get help with. I'll grab a cup of java first. Ok, the first start was winding off enough Peacock flavored Zephyr Silk Wool for the project, casting on and realizing the resulting fabric wouldn't have enough give. Argh. I've never worked with part silk/ part wool before. I'd thought the wool portion would help with the give, since it doesn't seem that silk is a stretchy knit.

Perhaps it was my needle choice that made things difficult at the start. It's the first time I'm using Boye Needlemasters and found that the thick hard cord wasn't so friendly. Trying to work the cast on with these circulars and finding no give had me decide to choose from my Stashzilla, a Heather Green Austermann Prisma, a Cotton/Polycril blend, instead. Better so far.

Do you think it was the silk and/or the circs that contributed to the no give situation? And what does continue in Stockinette Stitch mean when you are working in the round- am I still purling one round and then purling the next since the first round after the cast on was purled? Thanks in advance!

Can I post twice in one day? I have a QUESTION

2006-07-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

I am almost to the point where you take the sleeve stitches off the needle and put them on a holder. When I've made other raglans you put the sleeve stitches on a holder then cast on a few stitches under the arm, then rejoin at the other stitches on the needle. I don't see any stitches cast on for the GG. Did I miss something? Or don't you cast any stitches to make up the gap?

Long Sleeve Advice?

2006-07-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hey there! I finished my Grey Gable a while back and decided not to dye it after I got so many compliments! Now I'm thinking of trying it out in Brooks Farm Duet. I got gauge, but as this is a wool/mohair mix, I thought I'd do 3/4 sleeves. Anyone done longer sleeves? Advice?

One step back..

2006-07-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

Alright, I have just frogged a good 10 - 15 cm of the Red Gable. Grrr! While I was knitting away happily, I decided to put it on to see whether it would fit nicely. The good news: I am knitting the right size because it fits snugly (but not too snugly) in the breast area. The bad news: after that part it got too wide. I decided to stick to the decrease rows in the pattern, but soon found out that if I continued in this way, I would not like the result :(

So now I've frogged up to 6 cm beneath the underarm seam and am starting my decrease rows there. I'm thinking a decrease row every fourth or fifth row. What do you ladies think?

Just joined

2006-07-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I just joined this KAL and am making the GG with Emerald Fantasy Cotton Fleece. I started it Saturday and am almost to where you separate the sleeves. The needle I'm using (Susan Bates Silvalume) isn't all that great for this yarn, but it's what I have right now so I'm using it. Fortunately this sweater shouldn't take too long to knit!

I like the lace inset, was thinking of trying a different lace pattern if I make this again.

Question: does anyone find this yarn a bit heavy for a summer top? I'm feeling the fabric and it seems awfully thick. Maybe I'm thinking this because we (like most of the country) are in the midst of a heat wave?

Looking forward to knitting with you all, once you get to know me you'll see that while I say I will post pictures it will take FOREVER for me to do so! But, I will do it. Promise.

It's growing :D

2006-07-14T04:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I'm still knitting away with my Red Gable, it's steadily growing.. I'm working towards the decrease round. I have actually tried it on already and I think it will fit me snugly (the way I like). I am making a medium by the way. Really like Debbie Bliss Cathay!

Need advice please!

2006-07-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hi! Finally finishing a lot of other deadlines, time for GG! I have a few things that may cause problems later on, but may not.
There may be a small lace error, but not very noticeable the rounds were ending correctly. I think I may have done an A row instead of a B row, but still not too obvious.

This is one sleeve seam (guess you call it raglan)

Not sure if you can see it well, as you see in the above picture, a straight line, in this one, a slight jog where my finger is. Cannot figure out it if is an extra stitch or what?

My dilemma is.... Is this error enough to make me frog it now, or wait until I can separate for the sleeves. I still have a bit to go before then. I think it may be a sizing problem. I am making the XL. It would fit perfect according to my bust size, however since I haven't made many sweaters, (this is my first raglan also!) not sure if I should have gone down a size. So, long story short, I don't want to frog now, if I may already have to when I try it on...should I go on? (frogged 3 times so far LOL!) Any help will be much appreciated! Thanks! Z

Just getting started..

2006-07-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

I have been lurking here for the longest time, fretting about which yarn to use as a substitute and finding the right needles. After reading Aimee's post and seeing her gorgeous Gable in Debbie Bliss Cathay, I decided that would be my choice as well. (I actually first finished a deep pink Ms Marigold in DB Alpaca Silk DK, because I already had the needles and the yarn ;-)) So here's my start, I think I'm on to my second repeat of part B, using DB Cathay, which gauges up perfectly on Denise US6 19in needles. I have already frogged it twice (!) because the first time I wasn't sure whether I was knitting too loosely and the second time I got the pattern wrong (I didn't see the difference between part A and B, how silly!). I hope to show you some more progress in the next days!

Done And Done Again

2006-07-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

I finished my Gable for the first time almost a month ago, but I wanted to make it a bit longer after I wore it to work and found myself tugging it down all day. Ripping out the ribbing and adding an inch and a half only took me a few days, but I haven't had a chance to take a picture until now. I adjusted the pattern's gauge so I could use some Debbie Bliss Wool Cotton I had, and it worked out perfectly -- fits just like I wanted it to fit. And the Wool Cotton is a great match for this pattern -- looks and feels mostly like cotton, but has much better stitch memory so it doesn't get stretched out even though it's very fitted. Plus it's nice and crisp for the lace portion.

2006-07-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

All done! This was a really fun pattern! I took everyone's advice to add waist increases and length and it turned out great!! This picture is actually a little washed out...the red is a little darker in real life than it appears in the pic.

More here.

Progress on 2nd Gable

2006-07-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of my progress on the Blue Gable for my youngest DD. I really love this pattern and the knowledge I've gained from making this and it makes me feel as though I can really consider myself an advance beginner now. I look forward to posting a complete pic along with the skirt I made her in a few weeks.

Fini!

2006-07-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here it is:

I am pretty happy with GG, could be a little bit tighter, but that is fine. This was really fun to participate in the KAL!

First fitting: So far, so good...

2006-06-27T06:58:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, I'm Aimee from Paris, France. I started Green Gable two days ago and have been making great progress. I was finally able to try her on and everything fits so far! yay. I'm using Debbie Bliss Cathay in Black and I love how it feel. I think that this is a nice subsitute yarn as I wasn't able to get the yarn the pattern called for here in Paris. The DB Cathay is a cotton, silk, viscose blend and feels really nice against the skin. The viscose in the yarn helps with the drape, I have a feeling this sweater is going to fit like a glove.

Looking at the sleeves on the waste yarn and I'm thinking I really like the look of it. Kind of gives it a casual feel which is exactly my style. I need some advice on how to keep the rolly sleeve without the sleeves wanting to roll too much. Anyone have any ideas?

I think it will fit!

2006-06-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

I am a 36-38 and I decided to knit the 38 since the GG seems to be a close fit and I felt looser would be better. (My middle aged arms and back don't like tight things.) I tried it on today and here we are! Almost time to start the waist decreases.

WooHoo!

Stop the Presses! The Green Gable is finished!!!!

2006-06-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

They said it couldn't be done! The Green Gable was destined to become a UFO buried in the bottom of the closet. But NO! It is now officially a finished production. The striping that I vowed I wouldn't do became my only answer to the dilemma of no more yarn. And it actually came out better than I thought it would. I need to wash and block it but here are a couple of shots. I may actually wear it after all of this high drama... imagine that!

Now I can move on with my life. And my family and friends can stop listening to me bellyaching about this blasted project. Yee-hah! Maybe I can even get my knitting mojo back on track again. I've missed it terribly!

P.S. I think those wierd swirly lines are a camera effect because of the sheen on the cotton. I don't really have an iridescent chest (thank God!)

Finally!!!!!!!!! It's Done

2006-06-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here's my DD's completed Pink Gable. I had to start over as I had several problems. Yes, Ladies I frogged all the way to the beginning. I'm proud of how it turned out. and I have already began on for my other DD. I used 2 1/2 skiens and made it loose as she requested. She loves it and I'm very surprised as there were too many knitted items she likes. I took me a month and a half to complete as I had finished the sweater once to discover the bias was twisted and it was way to tight. This has been a great learning experience and I will try my hands at more complicated patterns.

Pride and Perseverance

2006-06-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

We're in the home stretch, and despite the obstacles in my way, I do believe GG and I will be a match made in heaven! Well...except the color. I think I'm going to dye her. This grey just doesn't have the va-va-voom that this top deserves. Anyone used the color "scarlet" from Rit Dye and know what type of red it might be? I'm looking for more of a blue-red than an orangey one.

2006-06-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

GG is finished and I'm just incredibly lazy

OK so she's been finished for a month and a half and I am just posting now. My work travel has taken over a bit lately. Here she is finished. I used Royal Cotton DK from the stash. Stashbusting is a good thing.

Red Velvet Gable

2006-06-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here is my second GG, this time in Knitpicks Mainline, Red Velvet. The gauge was just about the same as my first (in Cascade Sierra) and thus everything went smoothly. I, again, did some more decreases for the waist and some on the arms. Good thing I did because I only had a teeny bit of yarn left! If I ever make that 3/4 sleeved version that I have been dreaming of, I will have to make sure to get enough...

~Villain Extraordinaire

New Beginnings

2006-06-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

After a few (well, many) fitful starts and stops, I am again underway. I think all is the way it should be now, so here is a picture for you to see:

I just put the sleeves on the waste yarn and knit two more rows. This has been more challenging to this novice knitter than I thought. But I am learning so much and I think (hope) it will look good when it is done.

Columbine Blue Gable

2006-06-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I finished the Gable a couple of weeks ago, but am finally getting around to put up a completed pic.

Project: Green Gable
Yarn used: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in color Columbine
Project time: May 1st-May 30th
Modifications: I made the 38" bust size initially but was concerned about the fit, so I upped the size to the 40". After blocking, it fits a bit big in the neck area. I think a round of single crochet around the neckline will take care of it. I did use more waist decreases for a fitted look, but after washing, the sweater loosened up a bit, so it kind of doesn't matter I suppose. After doing about 5 or 6 waist decreases for shaping, I then increased 4-5 rounds. I'm mostly pleased with the fit, but the sleeves are a bit off. The arms are really too big. I wish I'd noticed this when I tried it on. I would have gone back and done a few less decreases. I really am not happy with the wide arms at all and I even omitted some of the decreases. After wearing it a bit, I think I prefer the cap sleeves, so I will have to rip those back again, but at least that will be pretty easy. I may rip back the bottom bind off and make the body about 1.5 to 2" shorter too. It's just not quite right, but I think once I make those changes I will be totally happy. I can't tell you when that's going to happen, b/c it's too hot to wear it now and I'm just not in the mood to actually deal with the changes, hence why I'm going ahead and posting a pic b/c I probably won't talk about this one again for a long time.

Finally Finished!

2006-06-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that my Strawberry GG is completed. I used Sugar N Cream, Strawberry, a little over five skeins, and it took me a month. I didn't have as much trouble as others, I think I cast on only three times. I had swatched in the flat because I didn't know how to swatch in the round. I made the XL and am glad that it turned out loose. That's what I prefer.

I decided to use this yarn with this pattern because it reminds me of a sweater I had made for myself about 15 years, that I don't have anymore. It was a sentimental thing for me. I probably won't make another one; not because I don't like the pattern, but because I have so many other patterns I want to make. Next is Bronte from Berroco http://www.berroco.com/239.246/242/242_bronte_pv.html and then Cindy, also from Berroco, http://www.berroco.com/239.246/240/240_cindy_pv.html .

Dye Job: SUCCESS!!

2006-06-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

Houston, we are go for launch!

Remember this from a few weeks back?

(Post is here.)

If not, I wasn't happy with the colour, so I planned to dye it black. I am happy to report: SUCCESS!!

The dye job worked! The Cotton Fleece dyes beautifuly, so if you are perhaps second-guessing your colour choice, dyeing is always an option.

Details over at the blog! Going to ride this wave of confidence and cast on for another!

Annie of Green Gable

2006-06-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Annie of Green Gable!

Size small using Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Plum Patina. 2 skeins and a couple yards of a 3rd. I got gauge using size us8 needles.

My modifications: Extra set of C/D to allow a little more room in the arm holes. I also picked up 4 stitches in the armpits instead of sewing up the hole. I only did one set of the decreases at the waist and I did them ssk, slm, k 2tog. 3 inches later I did waist increases on each side and again after another inch. Also made the length a little longer.

The reality shot.

I don't think going down 2 needle sizes to knit the ribbing is working for me. I will constantly be stretching out the ribbing and yanking down my sweater if I keep the ribbing this tight. My plan is to take it out (like I learned from Areli's tutorial) and re-do the ribbing with us8. If that doesn't work, I guess I need to add more waist increases, too...

Stay tuned for the sequel...

The Great Green Gable Reunion

2006-06-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

I began knitting my sweater at some point in early May, and finally finished it earlier this week. I used the called-for yarn, and experienced much of the same issues as many of the other knitters -- falling between sizes, having to modify the waist and hip shaping, lengthening the garment, etc. -- that have been covered exhaustively on this site. I have little hard earned wisdom about this sweater to add to the collective wisdom of the Green Gable Knit Along.*

But how many of you can say that this sweater reunited you with a long-lost friend?

Go check out CurlyPurly's post from from May 31st. If you click the May archive, she is the first post you'll see. I'll wait.

You see, CurlyPurly and I, we go way back. Like freshman year in high school, sharing a seat and a walkman on the bus way back. Like spiral-bound notebooks full of notes to each other. Liking obscure new-wave brit pop bands together. But, we drifted apart, like many high school friendships, moved on to other friends, and then after graduation, and we went our very separate ways.

But the day that picture posted, I recognized her. Immediately. After a few more cups of coffee, several deep breaths, and two or three drafts later, I sent her an e-mail, subject: "sit down." And we've been e-mailing and reacquainting ever since, inhabiting this weird corner of the blogosphere together, sharing a seat again on the bus, sharing knitting esoterica instead of brit pop. 17 years later, we are mothering and wifing and knit blogging and knitting the same sweater and participating in the same knit along.

What can you say your sweater did for you?

Thanks, Green Gable.

* All those knitterly details are available on my blog, if you are interested.

Finally Posting!

2006-06-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

After reading for a while, I'm finally posting here! I cast on the Green Gables using a different yarn, it looked beautiful, but I realized that it would take about $70 worth of yarn....so rip, rip, rip. Then I bought the Cotton Fleece online in Twilight (which I think is discontinued so I bought 4 skeins at $6.95 each from Oregon Trail Yarns). I love the color and think it's funny how I hardly ever use the yarn actually called for! I usually knit loosely so to get gauge I went down to a size 5 (I got 18 st to 4 inches- but I don't like tight fits so I thought this would work).

It seems like a lot of us have cast on for this a number of times. I messed up somehow with the lace, and restarted twice, then it went pretty quickly. But then I noticed something odd on the back. The stitches look like they're going in a different direction....but when I tug on the sweater it goes away. I hope this disappears when I block it!

I kept on going and now I'm onto the boring part....but also exciting, because it does fit. Yes, loosely but that's what I like, and it's so soft and light feeling. Something I will be able to wear this summer, maybe even next week! I hope to have a completed sweater up soon. My knitting site is here.

making progress..

2006-06-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

I'm making slow and steady progress. I've separated the sleeves off the main body and started knitting down from there. I put it on waste yarn to try it on and take a pic, but man was that a painstaking process. Yuck. Guage seems ok so far, but the neckline is a little wider than I'd like it to be. ::sigh:: I guess this will be another strapless bra shirt. I'm holding down the front so you can see how much progress I've made, b/c it curls up at the edge.

Green Gable - You're on Notice

2006-06-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

I am well sick of this sweater. I suppose it's not technically the sweater's fault, but I'm just about over it.

I cast on with spot on gauge and happily knit a few inches. Then I started over to use the newly corrected cast-on and knit about an inch with no problems. But then a close friend of mine suddenly and unexpectedly died. Knitting didn't take up enough of my brain and I was just thinking about Mike. I couldn't stop making really dumb mistakes. Every problem people have mentioned here I've done a thousand times over. I can't tell you how many times I've pulled this thing apart. I've probably knit it twice now. But eventually it got better and I stopped dissolving into a puddle every time I had to tick back because I forgot an increase or screwed up the lace. And eventually I stopped making dumb mistakes and started to enjoy knitting again.

Then last night I tried it on.

WTF? It's enormous! Turns out my gauge is off. Though I swatched with a perfect six stitches to the inch on size 7s, and I double checked it before I pulled it out the very first time, I'm now getting 5 stitches to the inch.

So...

Now I'm getting 5 1/2 stitches to the inch on 6s. This is weird because I'm a fairly tight knitter and I've never gone down in needle size before.

I'm starting over one more time, but if I don't get (and maintain) gauge in 5s, Green Gable is history. At least for a while. I do really want to finish it because I feel like there's a lot of Mike in this sweater. I've thought about him so much while knitting it, but this is the sweater's last chance. If it's not working out after this, I'm moving on to dish cloths.

Second Go Round

2006-06-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

I had to frogged this Pink Gable as you can tell it's too small the bias is twisted to the left and the bust increase is off. So I began my second attempt and you can tell the difference already. I just wanted to post this little tidbit so you'll know I'm still in the GGable Game. Will be back in a few days to post new pics as I'm almost at the point of removing the sleeves. This is defintely been a learning project for me. I'm gald to be a part of this.

Not-So Green Gables

2006-06-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

I started my Green Gables, which I have dubbed my "Not-So Green Gables", last weekend and I have been working on it almost exclusively. (which for me is a BIG deal...I'm kind of a project ho) I'm using Lion Brand Cotton Ease in the Bubble Gum colorway. I asked people over at my blog to vote on what color to choose and I was blown away when 220 people voted! Last year when CottonEase was discontinued I bought a ton of it, so I'm always looking for projects to knit with it. It's a great washable dryable cotton. The gauge is a little bit different than the pattern calls for, but I needed a little bigger size in the er, front area:) so the gauge that I'm getting is going to work great for me if I knit the biggest size. Plus, one of the girls that I knit with has already completed hers so I got to try hers on and it fit!

One more for the bandwagon!

2006-06-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to be a part of this (my first) KAL!

Especially since this is my first garment (not counting socks).

Thank you, thank you.

I am using Sirdar Breeze since I cannot wear wool next to my skin.

Here is my yarn:

It is a warm creamy color which really doesn't show true in either picture.

And here is the swatch:

I cast on Saturday night, frogged 3 times and am now satisfied with the neck and lace panel.

It should be far enough along by tomorrow to post a progress pic.

Everyone else's GGs look so beautiful, I can't wait to wear mine too.

The Green Gable fiasco continues...

2006-06-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Remember me? I am the bozo who knit the ENTIRE sweater in the wrong gauge and ended up with a miniature version. I frogged the whole thing, doubled up my yarn to get the correct gauge and thought I was home free. I had only used half of the yarn I had on the mini version so I thought everything was ducky. SURPRISE! I have done the entire sweater with the exception of the last three inches on the bottom and I have run out of yarn. Perhaps this project just wasn't meant to be! Here's my possible solution. I have a lot of other cotton yarns in some very nice colors and I am thinking of using one or more of them to finish the bottom, ending with the ribbing in my original purple. It could come out nice or it could be wicked ugly. The yarn is discontinued and unavailable anywhere I have looked (even on ebay) so this is my only option. I'll keep you posted.

Progress!

2006-06-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

I finally started my Green Gable! I am using Cotton Fleece in Plum Patina. I decided to go ahead and make the size small (my bust is 31") and I tried it on last night and so far, so good! At this point, the only modification has been an extra set of C/D. I was worried that the arms would pinch (arms measure a tad over 10") and so far it seems fine so I will probably go ahead and knit the cuff with a needle 2 sizes smaller as the pattern calls for. I am not thrilled with the backward loop cast-on and wish I had stuck with my tried and true long-tail thumb method. Ah well. Not going to frog over that!

Crinkly Gable

2006-06-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

I've finished my Green Gable, with some recycled yarn.

Yes, it is a bit crinkly, but I never took the time to straighten out the recycled yarn. I made plenty of modifications to the pattern, and it turned out great for me. I also picked up a few stitches at the underarm to accomodate the gapping that was happening when I would periodically fit it. Oh, and I haven't blocked the thing yet either. :)

My finished pink gable!

2006-06-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my finished Pink Gable! I already bought some green Cascade Sierra to make an actual green gable...

I used the Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in a pink who's official name I cannot remember. I knit the smallest size and used exactly 2 balls. Just a bit left over. More pictures on my blog... www.gailknits.blogspot.com

Guage?

2006-06-08T06:17:00.000-07:00

Has anyone had to go up to size 7 or 8 needles to get the correct guage? I didn't think I was that tight of a knitter but I've been seeing this trend in the last few things I've made. I'm using the yarn called for in the pattern: Lamb's Pride Cotton Fleece.

Waist Decrease

2006-06-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

I've read in some of the posts about waist decreases on more than one row. I'm making the XL. According to the pattern, I only see ONE waist decrease row. Am I missing something?

10th time is the charm!

2006-06-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Who says persistence doesn't pay off? After a hellish time getting this thing started - lace problems, too big, too small (no fault of the pattern, just my inattention!) - I finally completed my Grape Gable. (I kid you not - ten cast-ons and five complete frogs!!)

Same mods as most other folks here - more waist decreases and more hip increases. But after all this, I'm not a fan of the colour! I don't know what possessed me to choose it - it's lovely and all but not a colour I ever wear! I was initially going to do a green apple or lime or avocado colour (which I love love love), so don't ask me how I ended up with Berry (Cotton Fleece).

So the next mod? I'm dying it black! Stay tuned for that experiment!!

The Green Gable, She is Done

2006-06-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

I finished up GG over the Memorial Day weekend and wore it to work the following Tuesday, but I just got around to uploading the pics last night. It's not a full-on view, but I think you get the idea.

I love it! I can't wait to make another, but since I'm on a yarn diet I suppose I'll have to.

Just 2 mods: spaced out the waist shaping over 5 rows instead of 2, and added one increase round at the hips. Oh, and I used size 5s instead of 4s for the ribbing.

Big props to HEJ for her help at the beginning and my lovely co-host Carrie!

Barn Red GG done! (new picture added 6/8/06)

2006-06-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here's my Green Gable, knit with Tahki Cotton Classic. For in-depth details about changes made, see my blog. Here's a brief summary of changes without the extra details: added short rows, added waist increases, did 5 rnds rib at hem, picked up extra sts at underarm gaps, and did tubular BO at hem and sleeves. Now I'm going to make the Lotus Blossom Tank from IK!

Woo-hoo!!

2006-06-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

Take 2 and I finally got the sizing right. It fits perfectly and I'm happy.

I made the small with no pattern adjustments. The yarn is Tahki Cotton Classic in sand, but it looks more like blush to me. I only used 4 skeins, 2 less than the pattern requirements. I'll just have to exchange my extra yarn for something else. Hmmm, maybe some Debbie Bliss Cathay for Picovoli. Thank you for your good gauge vibes and encouragement.

Mohair Dreams

avocado green gable.. done!

2006-06-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

well, i'm happy to report that my green gable is done and that i wore it to work today! all in all, it turned out nice but i realize that if i had followed the pattern verbatim i would have been really disappointed. there's no way that it would have fit me! i'm glad that we all realized there were issues in the beginning with a few of the sizes but still, i hope that the pattern is revised!

here she is!! i did a lot of modifications including the short rows that i talked about in my last post. if you want to know more, check my blog.

big thanks to carrieoke and HEJ and all those others who put together the KAL. you gals really helped!!

Cast On Question

2006-06-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

I know the backward-loop method is recommended, but I am wondering if anyone has made their Green Gable using the crochet cast on and liked the results? I just learned this method yesterday and it leaves a really nice, clean edge. I may try it and see how it looks. Thought I'd drop a line here and see if anyone had tried it... Thanks in advance for feedback!

And another...

2006-06-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've just finished mine as well!

I really adore this top and even with all the issues with the pattern, I think it's a really simple knit. I only made a few changes, including adding about 6 inches to the length and adding paired increases just before the hips. I also did a long tail cast on and after blocking the neckline came out just fine!

For a lot more comments and pictures, see my blog.

Finished, Finally.

2006-06-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here's my finished Green Gable!

I'm loving this top! It took me awhile to finish it because I kept being unhappy with the hem and the sleeves, but I finally settled on a combination that worked for me: regular bind off at the hem, ribbing in size 4s for the sleeves (but binding off with 6s.)

I posted more pics on my blog: [ carrieoke.net ]

Yay.

Freakin' gauge

2006-06-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

After several false starts due to mistakes in the ribbing, I was off and running on my Green Gable. I'm using Tahki Cotton Classic in a beautiful pearl color. Anyway, I was determined to stick with it so after 2 days, I finally finished the sleeves and was able to try it on and it's too big!!! My face says it all.

I've been reading all of the comments and started overthinking this project. Since it was said to run small, I decided that with a 34" bust, I should knit the size medium. I am pretty thin so I was worried about making this adjustment. I don't get it, my gauge is perfect (5sts = 1") and mathematically it should be right. In reality, it gaps everywhere. UGH!! I have no choice but to rip it out - again. I will immediately cast on and get started again because if I don't get back on the horse right away, I could see this sweater ending up in the frog pond. Please send good gauge vibes my way.

Mohair Dreams

finished!

2006-05-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-05-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-29T02:36:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-05-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-05-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-05-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-05-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-05-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-05-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

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....

2006-05-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-05-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-05-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-05-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-05-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

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....

2006-05-22T00:49:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-05-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

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

Black Gable!

2006-05-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

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