So, I understand there are a lot of knitter's out there having trouble with Miriam's gauge which is 6.25 sts to the inch on US 6 needles. Pam and I both swatched last week and we realized that the pattern needs to be tweaked because we both had to go way down on our needles. I have worked 2 swatches so far and got 25 sts (=4") on one swatch and 26 sts on the other--both on size US 3 needles. Pam was able to get 25 sts on US 3. So, needless to say, the pattern's needle size will be updated.
Let me give you the behind-the-scenes story. The pattern was written just about a year ago now and it took a while for me to perfect it. So the instructions didn't end up going to the knitter (the uber talented Bristol Ivy) until mid-summer. We're not sure if it was the heat/humidity of summer that made her knit tight or what, but somehow Bristol's gauge was different than my written pattern. The tech editor (the super wonderful knitter/crocheter/designer/tech editor Kristen TenDyke) ended up altering the gauge in the pattern to reflect the gauge of the knitted piece. SO, that's the scoop. Not very exciting...but now you know what I know.
So, I'm not sure why I got 2 different gauges on my 2 swatches, which were both knit with chickadee. One swatch was knit with Heathers and the other was in Leek. Maybe I was anxious and knit the second a little tighter? A slight difference in the heathers yarn? Oh, the mysteries of gauge! But, I am going to knit a third to swatch to see if I can get 6.25 sts to the inch (with yarn I will be casting on Miriam with). That's right. Anyone up for a knit-a-long? Or maybe I'll just see some of you over in the Quince & Co. group on Ravelry?
Thanks for your patience, knitters. I know this must have been frustrating for some of you. Please feel free to share your thoughts (and gauge!) in the comments section.
Pattern update very soon.
xo
c
12 comments:
Ah, gauge. Certainly the trickiest part of knitting in my opinion. No doubt you'll get it worked out. I can't wait to have time to knit this lovely cardi!
yes, i think you're right--it is so tricky. when gauge is good it is great, when it is not...it is not. :)
I feel better. I am beginning to design and really struggling with gauge. If you and Pam are having problems then it isn't just me!
:)
this is the beauty of handmade stuff...!
yes, i agree. it's not perfect and it never promised to be--that is the beauty of the hand-made touch.
I'd love a knit-along! Do you know if Kumlien's gull in chickadee is now gone for good? I'd love to knit Miriam in it's original color.
Oh fun, Laina. Are you in the Q & Co. Rav group? Maybe we could organize something over there....
Yes, we'll have chickadee / kumlien's gull again, but not sure when. Think it may be at least a month? :(
How about Frost? or I think we still have Sabine.
I'm glad KG will be back! Fortunately there are plenty of other colors to chose from in the meantime. I'm actually thinking clay right now; it is not even close to KG but very very pretty.
And yes, I think there would be a lot of interest in Q&C group for Miriam KAL.
Oh, clay would be so lovely! I'm thinking about crow or marsh.
I ordered clay but decided it was too light for my skin so am using lupine instead. Any idea when you'll have the revised pattern - am itching to get started?!
Soon, soon! I'm working on it now...
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