October 31, 2024

I swatched for this today, starting with the recommended 5.0 mm hook. Then 4.5 mm which was still too big. Tomorrow I will try with 4.0 mm

November 1, 2024

Unblocked, my guage with a 4.0 mm hook is exactly right for both stitches and rows.

Hopefully blocking will not make it grow too much because I’m too impatient to wait for it to dry. :) Starting on the ribbing now!

November 2, 2024

Working on the bottom ribbing. C has a 45” bust, which is same as mine and should be an XL, but she is slimmer around the waist than me. Last time, I made an XL which was quite a bit too big.

Pattern gauge for ribbing is 11 rows = 4” BLO HDC
My guage is 12.5 rows = 4” BLO HDC with the hook that gives me the right gauge for the linen/moss st.

XL = 136 rows = 12.36 x 4” = 49.45”, but my actual cardigan #1 = 48” and, as I noted, it’s much too big.

L = 128 rows = 128 / 11 * 4 = 46.55”, actual = 41”.

So, I don’t know what’s up with the gauge of this pattern. I’m going to make the size L for C and hope for luck. I wish the pattern writer gave measurements rather than just stitch counts. If the L is too big for C I’ll keep it for myself and make her another one in size M.

November 10, 2024

I have completed the body and front/back panels of the cardigan. I am worried that it is a bit short and wide. I will see if blocking it to try to add length will work. C will be home on Friday (it’s Sunday now) so I’ll try to do the blocking before then so I can decide what to do when she is here to try it on.

I’ll still get started on the sleeves since those won’t be impacted.