A Really Big Swatch

I got a lot done on my Gap-inspired sweater over the weekend, and I've decided to rip it all out.  Once I finished the yoke I realized that my sleeves were way to big, by several inches.  I considered how I could fix this, but I also was reminded of all the other things I would like to fix as well.

Although I did do some swatching, I really planned out the sweater as I went along.  The little design issues taken individually were not big problems, but eventually there were enough that I feel like a re-knit is the way to go.

I'm really not much bothered by this.  I learned a lot from what I've knitted so far, and I'm certain that next time will be better.  Also, I am predicting that I'll want another skein of this yarn to finish the sweater properly, and I'm hoping I'll be able to get a similar color at Rhinebeck. 

The next time around, here is what I plan to fix.

1.  Make the sleeves smaller.

2. The short-row back shaping was really good, but since I was knitting more rows in the back, I did more increases there, too.  This time I want to cast on more front stitches to compensate.

3. My cables kind of just appear out of the reverse stockinette.  I want to have them appear out of stockinette, and also do a quick increase right before the cable row to keep those little pockets from forming.

4. For some reason, I did k1f&b for the increases, and I didn't put any stitches in between the two increases.  I think this makes the stitches look stretched out and sucky, and I'm planning to change both my increase method and the number of stitches in between the paired increases.

5. I need more stitches across the front, which I can conveniently take from the sleeves.

6. My sleeves ended up having long stretches of reverse stockinette, and I think I'd rather have them be cabled or have stockinette instead.

I'm excited to see how the next iteration works out!

PS.  The wedding was fabulous, and we had a wonderful time.  We also took a lot of notes of things that worked and didn't work.  I'm super behind on blog reading and e-mails-- I hope you'll forgive me!

Comments

[kim]

That color is lovely. I'm sure it will be beautiful. I can't wait to see your design.

[stacey]

I am so impressed with your translation even though it did not work out like you had hoped. What yarn did you use? The color is fabulous!

[Jessica]

You are a very patient knitter to rip all that out and start over. Glad you had a great time at the wedding! :)

[stacey]

better to have ripped and learned then to end up with a sweater that doesn't work!

[Liz K.]

I really like designing this way -- on the needles. It is just not in my nature to plan out all those elegant little details in advance, and I really do think knitting with my hands, if that makes sense. Can't wait to see how the sweater comes out -- I saw the same Gap sweater!

[nova]

I am so impressed with people who can design as they go along. This is incredible, I am sure version 2.0 will be awesome too!

[Kim]

Once you work out the kinks, the sweater is going to be a masterpiece. Hope to see you at Rhinebeck! I'm going both days.

[tiennie]

It's so beautiful that I'm amazed that you're going to rip it and restart but I'm sure it'll turn out even better!

[elise]

The large swatch looks lovely. I see I'm not the only one lately who has gone into the gap lately not to buy, but to think about knitting.

[Nora]

The colour is beautiful. I agree with your design methid - rip until perfect!
Also, I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on the wedding - what worked, what didn't... :)

[Carol]

That's going to be fabulous! Chalk it up to good experience, you're an awesome knitter :)

[pamela wynne]

Yeah, this is going to be totally killer. Can't wait!

[Ariel]

Yay you for not settling for something you're less than perfectly satisfied with! That yarn is amazing, and I can't wait to see the results!