knitabit

The Truth About Knitting

Sometimes knitting is nothing more than a big Algebra I story problem:

If my row gauge is too tight by 9%, how many rows must I add to (1) correct the length plus (2) add an extra inch or two to the length since the pattern measurement is a bit too short anyway? And how much should be added above the armhole (armsceye for you purists) versus below? And, for extra credit, will I run out of yarn?

I haven't give you enough information to solve the problem, but you have a bit of insight into the math I'm grappling with. What makes it tricky is that you still want to end the sweater at the shoulder at a sensible spot in the pattern repeats.

I always find that my row gauge is too tight even when my stitch gauge is right on. Does anyone have any wisdom on that? In this case, even my stitch gauge is a little bit tight, but the drape of the fabric is fine and it actually makes the sweater a better fit for me.

We are enjoying some nice rain in Colorado today; the remnants of Hurricane Javier out of Mexico. I guess they're getting some big snow up in the high country. Woo-hoo!!

I lent my sister-in-law a book of Dale baby patterns so she can pick one for me to knit for the baby girl she's expecting in January. That will be my next project, I've decided.

Comments

"Nice rain". Humph. This is how it rains in Oregon, which SOME PEOPLE thought we were getting away from here. SOME PEOPLE are also still expecting some roses!

(Granted, I might feel differently about this, if I had a day job along the lines of SOME PEOPLE I know *grin*)

Posted by: Patricia Tryon at September 21, 2004 02:16 PM

The sad thing is that I relish the knitting math problems. With my engineering background that's the only thing I know I can figure out and enjoy doing it to boot! My problem is I do all that math and my gauge changes on me! Good luck!

Posted by: Allison at September 21, 2004 09:11 PM