What happens when the pattern says, "25 stitches/4" on #6 needles" and the husband likes yarn that is "25 stitches/4" on #3 needles"? If one likes the texture of the resulting gauge swatch, is the major difference simply needing more yarn? Is there any way to predict exactly how much more yarn one might need? Or is this an instance of "why bang your head against the wall" when it doesn't even feel good when you stop? Should I gently suggest he choose a different yarn? He REALLY liked the color. I've been trying to protect him from the aspects of knitting that break one's heart, but I may not be entirely successful this time around.
I can (officially) knit again. And, after meeting with my foot guy, I can tell you that I am going to have A LOT of knitting time for about six weeks. Let's make sure we see this as a feature and not a bug.
I'm going to attempt some retail therapy tomorrow, and find some satisfying, but less complex patterns. (I think we were talking a couple of paragraphs ago about NOT banging one's head against a wall. Did I even listen to myself?? Is "satisfying, but less complex" an oxymoron?
I'll let you know when I get back from the LYS.)
On other fronts, I have been granted pleasant and generous entry into the KnittingBlogs webring. I am SO happy to achieve legitimate knitting blog status. It felt almost like summer camp dorm inspections, making sure my blog was in good order, and looking spiffy. I got that button up toot sweet (thank you, husband, for the quid pro quo), and I am pleased.
I will post on acquisitions when they are achieved. Two weeks and counting to surgery.
Stock up and make sure you have everything at your finger tips!
Posted by: Margene | Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 11:56 AM
Lots of knitting time should be a happy thing!
As far as the husband sweater, if he's in love with the yarn and the color I'd go ahead with it. I don't know of any formulas for figuring out how much extra yarn to buy, but I suppose I'd get a bunch (helpful, I know) and count on being able to return it if there are left-overs. Hmmm... can you calculate the difference in row gauge between the suggested yarn and your yarn, and maybe figure an approximate number of extra rows you'll be knitting and therefore the extra yardage you'd need? Just thinking out loud here.
Posted by: Barbara | Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 12:26 PM
Lots of knitting time is definitely a good thing. As for the husband, could you get the same color in a heavier yarn?
Welcome to the knitting blog ring!
Posted by: Risa | Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 01:11 PM
Well, the easy answer (and I hope you will be very very happy to hear this!) is that it doesn't matter one single little tiny bit WHAT size needle you use to get gauge: gauge is a measurement of the fabric you produce, and ball band recommendations of needle sizes to achieve gauge are simply that, recommendations that might bear no relationship to your way of knitting. However, you can get a soft and drapey 25 stitches/4" fabric or a stiff and sturdy 25 stitches/4" fabric--that's the tricky part. For instance, I can get this gauge with a soft worsted and with Shetland fingering weight--very different fabrics, though. But you say you/BF like the resulting fabric, so that should be OK. And if you get 25 stitches to 4 inches with both types of yarn, the stated yardage needs should remain constant as well. Because 25 stitches per inch is a static length (roughly).
Posted by: Janine | Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 12:29 PM
Ann Budd put out a little laminated card that gives you approximate yardages for various garments based on size and gauge. It's called the Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements.
Posted by: Melanie | Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 02:40 PM