Comfy Cardi gauge
Hello everyone.
I know how gauge can be important (didn't bother about it a few times, only to find out I had to start over...)
Anyway, I'm about to start the Comfi Cardi from the Crochet me book, and I made two swatches with two sizes of hook, but still didn't get it right.
The pattern calls for a 4,25mm hook and the gauge should be:
30sts and 12rows - 4 3/4" (12cm) in Lacy Diamond Stitch pattern.
I tried with 4mm hook, which gave: 6" by 5"
Then with a 3.5mm, which gave: 5" (almost 5 1/4") by 5"...
I guess that if I now try with a 3.25mm (which I still need to go buy...), I should end up pretty close to the gauge.
I'm using a fine #2 mohair (95%mohair, 5%wool).
Do you reckon that'll work?
Did anyone make the Comfy Cardi, and if so, what kind of yarn did you use (if not same as pattern calls for), and what size hook did you use?
Thanks!
Ok... I'm officially mad.
I went and bought the 3.25mm hook. I made a swatch. The gauge is perfect. It looks good. I dive in.
I work for two hours on the comfy cardi, started the back. I want to make it the med. size, for a 35"bust measurement. I now have 10 rows done, and measured. Damn. It measures 19" wide, not 17 and a half like it's supposed to. I don't get it. My gauge was right on my swatch. I really don't get it.
Now, what do I do?
I really want to get going, but I'm afraid that I'll end up with a huge cardi that I won't be able to wear myself, unless I take up breastfeeding again, which is out of the question!
I guess I'll have to start over and follow the measurements for a 32" bust, which is definately smaller than me, but that'll fit in the end. Crap.
Support, anyone?
Soleil
That's happened to me, too. I carefully measured my gauge, started working, and it NARROWED! Usually, I relax and the stitches get larger like yours did. Gauge swatches are important, but you still can't trust them. Aaarrrrrrgh!
Oh, and if you're using any yarn but Red Heart Super Saver, you are supposed to wash and block your swatch and THEN measure.
I feel for you. Been there, lived to tell the tale.
Take a good look at your work as compared to the swatch. Sometimes, once you start working along on something, and you get your rythm really singing along, you end up working more looseley than on a swatch where you work short spurts and turns.
I also find that days when I am stressed I tend to work tighter, and causal really relaxed days can get really sloppy loose. Because I know what to whatch for on what days, I end up being fairly even.
And sometimes its just the yarn fairies messing with your mind.
I'm fairly sure this is no concolation, but I sure do hear you.
Thanks for the support!
Soleil