Sunday, March 29, 2009

Corrections and such...

I just wanted to let everyone know that there's an errata pdf now available from our website. You can click through on that link, or find it in the pattern description in the Current Issue section.

There were two significant errors in the sleeve cap area. The pdf addresses these. In short, the number of pairs of short rows ought to refer to individual W&Ts, not pairs, leading you to run out of stitches long before you execute all the turns that seem to be required. Work half as many pairs as it says and you'll be fine.

Again, apologies to all for the inconvenience and confusion.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Getting Started

I finally got underway with my project having missed the start date due to being on holiday in Scotland.

I have all sorts of issues with gauge whenever I knit so had fun swatching with UK yarns trying to hit the target. In the end I decided to go with some New Lanark Mills DK that I bought whilst in Scotland. The yarn is a silk/wool blend in a colour called Blue John.



I've finished the back and started on a front and so far I'm happy with the project especially as it makes good commuter knitting.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Prizes!

Hi, Kate KAL knitters!

Hope your Kates are progressing--I finally mastered the crochet cast-on, remembering Elizabeth's advice that, "The crochet chain can't be too loose," and using a giant hook. I've gotten about three inches of the back complete--ready to start my decreases!

So we've got some prizes for you for signing up and getting started--the first eight people at least will get little packets of tea from White Lotus Teas and yarn/fiber samples from Phat Fiber.
So please shoot me an email, jaalaATknitcircusDOTcom with your postal address and I'll get one out in the mail for you.

In the meantime, Kate on....

Jaala

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Preliminary Helpful Stuff!

1. The recommended yarn actually has 220 yards/100 grams, not 110 as listed in the pattern. Suitable substitutions include Plymouth Galway, Cascade 220, Elann.com Peruvian Highland Worsted, and any number of other smooth classic light worsted weight yarns.

2. There was an omitted line in the pattern. At end of Left Front, final line should read, “Bind off remaining 10, 11, 12 12, 12, 13 sts.”

3. Consider spacing all waist shaping every 6th row, instead of every 5th. This will allow you to work all those increases and decreases on the right side of the fabric and might result in better proportions for more people.

Don't forget: to be added as a contributor participant in this KAL, send Jaala a message.

Happy Knitting!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Party!

Well, I've finished my swatch and am getting ready for that provisional cast-on! We've got snickerdoodles in the oven, and a raffle box for people to win free magazines, so I hope people will join us at the Knitting Tree from 2-5 to get all cozy and cast on the Kate cardigan.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Handknits by Susan:

Yesterday I bought some lovely yarn by Alpaca with a Twist called Baby Twist to use for Kate's Cardigan. It comes in giant skeins of 549 yards! It's buttery soft, and from the comments I read on Ravelry, it's really nice to work with. The gauge on the label is 5.5 sts = 1″, but the pattern calls for 5 sts = 1″. I haven't made a gauge swatch yet, but I figure I can tweek here and there if I need to, especially since the majority of the sweater is in Stockinette stitch.



Although I'm afraid I may be allergic to this yarn! My eyes were a tad puffy and scratchy after handling it yesterday. I’ll keep the yarn at home a few days before starting the cardigan to see if I truly am allergic to it. Otherwise I may need to exchange it...

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Today's the Day!

Our Knitalong officially starts today! Yay.



Here's my yarn--I'm using Berocco Ultra Alpaca--one of the people at the Knitting Tree said she was planning on using it, and I jumped to copy her--I love that yarn.
Because today also marks the deadline for Knitcircus Issue #6, I've been busy knitting other projects, but I plan to start swatching for Kate this week.
Just can't wait to start on Kate!

Also, I'm planning a surprise prize for a lucky knitalong-er that I'll unveil soon! Throughout the knitalong, I have a feeling prizes will come up....

Knit on,

jaala