Cardigan/Pullover
Rainy Days and Mondays Vest
Submitted by msalume on Tue, 2011-01-25 17:20
Rainy Days and Mondays Vest
Add a layering piece to your wardrobe with this spring staple.
By Robyn Chachula
YARN
STITCH NATION Bamboo Ewe, 3.5oz/100g balls, each approx 177yd/162m (wool/viscose from bamboo)
•6, (6, 7, 8) balls #5510 Beach Glass
CROCHET HOOK
•Size K/10.5 (6.5mm) crochet hook
NOTIONS
•Spray bottle and rust-proof pins for blocking
•2 buttons, 1.25"/32mm diameter
•Yarn needle
SIZES
S (M, L, XL)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 33.5 (37, 40.5, 44)"/85 (94, 103, 112.5)cm, including edging
Length: 26 (26, 28, 28)"/66.5 (66.5, 71, 71)cm, including edging
Note about patterns
This is a pattern preview only. It is provided so that readers can see the photos and check that they have the necessary supplies. The pattern for this project appears in our March/April 2011 issue, available in hard copy only. To get just the issue with the pattern, call 800-865-7240. Don't miss any of our patterns in the future: SUBSCRIBE NOW.
Buy the issue and supplies needed to make this project here!
Gauge problems too
Submitted by Amy_DZ on Tue, 2011-03-15 14:53.I'm making this right now and I also had gauge problems. I ended up just using the K hook but shortening the initial chain. I just made sure I had enough chains to finish the ginger stitch per row. After I fixed that, it is really coming along. Right now I am on the edging at the neck. I will say, that some of this pattern was not as clear as I would have liked. But it is coming out really lovely.
Gauge problems
Submitted by Lyndyme on Thu, 2011-03-17 08:16.I will have to try that! I'll just have to take time to figure out how many chains I need. I do want to make this -- it's something for me for a change!
Yes, always block your gauge
Submitted by msalume on Thu, 2011-02-24 10:11.Yes, always block your gauge swatches before measuring--it gives you an idea what will happen to the garment after you wear it for awhile (a lot of them will stretch and grow--better to find out before you make it!) You are right that bamboo can stretch a LOT. But if the swatch stretches, that means you need to use an even smaller hook, right?
Another idea if your gauge is still too large (and you don't want to use a smaller hook because the stitches are getting too tight) is to make a smaller size of the pattern.
You can do a little math to figure out how large your vest will be using your current gauge, and see if starting with fewer stitches for a smaller size will work. I have found that my handmade sweaters fit better if I make them one size smaller than the pattern size--maybe I just prefer more fitted sweaters than the designers do!
Let me know if these ideas help!
Rainy Days and Mondays Vest
Submitted by Lyndyme on Thu, 2011-02-24 14:27.Well, I did try just chaining the number of chains needed for the smallest size, just to see how wide that would be (I'm having trouble with the width, not the length). Even the smallest size with an H hook was wide. I could try swatching with the H hook again and block it, just to see what would happen. I would really like to make this vest. I hope something will work.
Did you make your gauge
Submitted by msalume on Thu, 2011-02-24 15:44.Did you make your gauge swatch in the Ginger Stitch? 2 pattern repeats are supposed to be 3.5 inches wide, "after blocking." Since this stitch is so open, I would not hesitate to use a smaller hook to get the right gauge (I would not want to use a much smaller hook if it was sc, though).
Trouble with Gauge
Submitted by Lyndyme on Thu, 2011-02-24 06:08.I really like this vest, but I am having alot of trouble getting gauge. I am using the same yarn that is suggested in the pattern. It suggested using a K hook, and I wasn't surprized that using a K hook made my swatch WAY too big. However, I swatched using a J, I and even an H hook, and my stitch gauge (measuring horizontally) is still WAY too big. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong -- I've been crocheting for nearly 30 years, so I've had experience with working to gauge. Should I be blocking the gauge swatch BEFORE I measure it? I know this yarn contains bamboo, and bamboo yarn tends to "grow" vertically after blocking and wearing. Any help would be appreciated.