Sept 17, 2015: Swatching

I knit 2 swatches. Had to frog 1st one; 2nd one done with US 5 needle. It’s now drying after being washed but I think I’ll have to go down yet another needle size.

Sept 18, 2015 More swatching

So both those swatches didn’t even get close to gauge, especially after washing/blocking. On to swatch no. 3, used a size 4 needle and switched to wood instead of the Nova Platinas -- I knit as tight as I possibly could in hopes all of these changes would help me attain gauge. I hope to eventually start knitting the sweater instead of all these swatches.

Took a full two weeks off while traveling but am back home and getting right back at it.

PATTERN: I am VERY impressed with how well the pattern is written, including her format which makes it so easy to follow and know exactly where a person is at. Also clever construction. I’m so impressed how well this is written and presented that I already know I’ll be checking out her other patterns and will be getting more.

YARNS: I love the pretty colour of the Yarn Indulgences but I ADORE the feel and result of the Serenity 20 (Zen Yarn) that I’m using for the contrast portion of the pullover -- I need to do a project in which the Serenity 20 is the MAIN yarn next time. Highly recommend the Serenity 20 for socks, shawls, gloves, scarves/cowls, hats, heirloom baby sweaters, etc.

Jeny’s S.S. Boff used on sleeves and sweater bottom.

MODS: The only modifications I made were to purposely ignore the waist shaping decreases. That was a mistake and I won’t do it again. I’m fat and I thought it would fit better without the decreases; instead it’s much too loose.

Notes to self: * DO follow this for the YO short row (don’t sub)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKvSy715kC0*

After wearing the Antler (note to self):
Because of the silk in the MC yarn and because I didn’t do the waist decreases, when I make another one of these it will definitely make a M rather than a L. (Because I like this pattern so much, I may actually make more than one and, if using a different yarn, I might get away with a large if using a US5 needle and a yarn with less give. But I must do the waist decreases for sure next time!)