Developing Rainbow

I am MUCH happier with my Rainbow Radiate after ripping back and redoing the colors and types of increases. Turns out I used backward loop and then knit them with the wrong leg in the first try. I twisted them and they look much better now.

I was worried about my choice of a rainbow gradient when in the lime and yellow sections. I was not digging it. But now that I am adding orange and I can picture the red I think I will like it in the end.

Now I just need to find some mojo or alone time to get more stitches on this. I am feeling a post-winter creative crash. Trying not to force it and maybe I need to dig through some stash or hibernating project?

Happy Knitting!!

Ripping Back

I done messed up my Rainbow Radiate. Back when I was calculating out my gauge and color usage, I only got one of those things right. And thankfully it was gauge.

I mistakenly took some of the short rows in the yolk for full rows. And therefore now have fewer rows that originally thought to get through my full rainbow. I also hated how the increases look in the lime green section. So I am ripping back.

I thought about threading my try it on tubing into it but that was too complicated. So I pulled out the needles and ripped back. Then had to carefully pick up loose/life stitches. I mostly got them all on the first try but did fix on the first knit row.

Going forward each of my remaining colors will only have four rows. And I will need a couple of extra plain rows before dividing for sleeves. Which is fine as I actually do need to add length based on my row gauge from my swatch. Was a little heartbreaking to rip out almost a full weekend worth of work but I want this sweater to work.

Happy (ish) Knitting!!

Starting The Rainbow

Since my Synthe is (mostly) off the needles, I got myself to get my Rainbow Radiate on the needles!

I have stitch gauge but I am off in row gauge, which means I need to pay attention to length by measurement and not row count. I am using a DK mini set from Hue Loco as my contrast that I hope creates a rainbow effect on the yolk. I am 50/50 on whether this will be gorgeous or hideous. Have to knit it to find out!

And Oy Vey…..I will have ends to weave in!!

Happy Knitting!!

Synthe: Needs Minor Alterations

My Synthe sweater has dried nicely. And PB helped me take some preliminary photos. I really like the overall fit but it could do with some alterations….

I knit the 44 1/2 inch bust size and altered the body increases as well as added length. I really like where it falls on my hips. The sleeves blocked longer than I had hoped. I will give it a few wears or think on it a bit before I decide to rip them back and shorten them.

I do not love how wide the neckline is with the raw cast on edge. I plan to find a crochet hook and “tighten” up the opening to make it less wide and showing so much of the undershirt. I really like how it feels with the underlayer and I don’t mind the feel of the yarn at all.

I am going to carefully and lightly bury my ends in to make future changes easier. Happy Knitting!!

Blocking: Synthe Sweater

Home from travel and my sweater off the needles, my Synthe got a bath and is drying in the 70 degree windy spring weather.

I left my markers in both the body and sleeves, just in case I am not happy with the finished/blocked measurements. There are only two increase rounds in the body as I wanted to maintain a straighter body line versus the called for a-line in the pattern. I also did not weave in the ends, partly for that same reason but also because I finished this in the dark and didn’t want to lose them.

I will let this dry and then try on before I either make final finished or rip back for changes. It did soften with the first wash and hoping that continues as this yarn is quite rustic. Now I just need this to dry faster!

Happy Knitting!!

Flatland Knitting

My Luminous Hat saw some work in our recent travels. This time in the flatlands of western Kansas. Spring has sprung and the winds are whipping out here!

This skein from Another Crafty Girl is flashing and pooling between the teals and blues. And I am not minding the square needles either. They feel a little different but keep the stiches nicely. I think I am three-ish inches into the hat. Another three inches and I can turn the brim (if my patience lasts that long).

Happy Knitting!!

Casting Off Synthe

Spring break travel was just the concentrated time I needed to get through the body of my Synthe sweater. I am casting off now!

We took a couple of days this past week to see my sister in Colorado. Not a bad way to work over 300+ stiches on my needles. The views did not disappoint! I did decide to add some length to the body not contemplated in the pattern. I didn’t want the sweater to end at my widest part.

I’m really hoping I don’t regret the extra length post blocking. My swatch didn’t grow terribly but I have been fooled by swatches before!

Happy Knitting!!

Synthe Body

I am in the slog of the body of my Synthe. But I have made measurable progress!

I am several skeins in now and have zero fear of running out as I have 12 in my stash. I will definitely have yarn leftover unless I make this a dress. I have added one rounds worth of increase and totally ignoring the pattern. I don’t want an A-line shape as its not flattering on me. But I also don’t want negative ease either.

It’s my plan to work in three total increase rounds before the hem for a gentle increase to fit my hips, which are larger than my bust. This sweater is still incredibly light with this woolen spun yarn. Should end up warm and lightweight!

Happy Knitting!!

Synthe Sleeves

Over the weekend and thanks to one gymnastics class and full evening of bounce house fun, my Synthe has sleeves!

I didn’t have US 9 needles on short circulars to make the sleeves so I decided to make due with US 8s. I also almost completely ignored the sleeve instructions. My arms are full near the shoulder and then taper past the elbow.

I worked almost six pattern repeats from the body and then added three decreases across the next six repeats. I then worked five more plain repeats before doing one last decrease at the “cuff” and then cast off. These are going to 3/4 sleeves. The yarn is very rustic and I don’t want to feel the fabric on my wrists. For SURE I am going to wear and undershirt under this garment.

Happy Knitting!!

Dividing For Synthe

My Synthe sweater is moving right along despite how many stitches I am adding each round.

I had to stop several times and measure frequently to make sure I was getting proper length. My gauge is close but not 100% correct. I really like when patterns have measurements and schematics. This pattern, at my gauge, required a full extra repeat of the pattern to get my full yoke depth.

I have divided for sleeves and worked an inch down past the divide. And then I think I will start both sleeves. It is easier to turn a small sweater than a full body!

Happy Knitting!!