Happy Friday, friends, and happy Valentine's Day! My original valentine has just landed from his trip across the country; my other valentine is still sleeping (she is off for an in-service day today; yesterday was the last day of her second trimester at school, so the teachers are busy working on grading). We got a very light dusting of snow overnight, and we're expecting snow changing to wintry mix changing to rain tomorrow -- we're actually under a flood watch. Today, though, will be dry and cold, and even though I'm working today, it feels a bit like the start of the weekend.
I finished and blocked my vest/slipover swatch on Wednesday afternoon, and now I'm trying to decide what to do next. Amazingly, I had perfect stitch and row gauge on both sections before blocking, but of course the fabric changed after. Here's the blocked swatch:
On the left is the handspun held together with the lace yarn. On the right is the handspun alone. I am pretty close on gauge on both -- 20 stitches over 4 inches on the left and 20.5 stitches over 4 inches on the right compared to the pattern gauge of 21 stitches/4 inches. There's a fair amount of positive ease built into the pattern, so I think I could make both work. The conundrum is that I'm not sure which way to go. Certainly the handspun alone is closest to gauge, but the fabric is also a bit thinner. The handspun plus lace creates a sturdier fabric, but the gauge isn't as close and I think the lace yarn obscures the colors in the handspun a bit. I could go down a needle size with the handspun alone and see if I can get closer to gauge (though I suspect I'd then have too many stitches per inch), but I think my fabric would be too stiff with a smaller needle using the two yarns together. So what would you do?
I love the yarn solo... it is just gorgeous. If you are up for a bit of knitty-maths... and you love the fabric you got, you could just do some calculations and knit a different size! I think this yarn will make an absolutely gorgeous vest! (and Happy Valentine's Day!) Have an awesome weekend! XO
ReplyDeleteI love the colors in the handspun only - so much variation and character! And it will be a lovely vest no matter what you decide.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day! This weekend we're expecting a ton of snow to mirror your rain. Stay warm and dry!
I also love the colors in the handspun by itself. You are much better at knitting math than I am, but I would probably knit a larger size with the needles you used for the swatch and hope for the best! I always remember that the Yarn Harlot says "swatches lie" but maybe yours are better-behaved.
ReplyDeleteI would lean toward the one on the right because the color is lovely. And I am rubbish at math, knitting or otherwise 😂
ReplyDeleteI agree that the laceweight mutes the colors of the handspun. And the handspun has such pretty colors!
ReplyDeleteThe handspun alone is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for the handspun. The color is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSince you’ll be wearing this vest in the gray of winter, I’m with the rest of the gang!!
ReplyDeleteThe handspun alone is a beautiful color but only you can feel the fabric. Either fabric is pretty so I'm sure whatever you choose will be lovely. Happy day after Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteHandspun alone - gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love the handspun on it's own!
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