07-06-2021

Knit another ten rows.

Liana yarn is 21 sts x 29 = 4”. Garment length for my size = 23.5.
23.5 / 4 = 5.875 x 29 = 170 rows.
I’m knitting in Bamboo Pop. My gauge is 22 sts x 27 rows = 4”.
170 rows / 27 rows per 4 in = 6.30 groups of 4 inches x 4 inches = 25 inches
So at my gauge my top should be 1.5 inches longer than the pattern measurements.

I prefer it a bit longer so I won’t make any adjustments.

07-09-2021

My gauge seems to be off compared to my swatch. The fabric is very stretchy and loose. I got some good insight from these three articles on gauge:
https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/2020/06/24/does-your-...
https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/2019/01/11/ask-patty-...
https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/2019/02/22/ask-patty-...

I definitely was lazy regarding my swatch, although what I do has worked in the past. But the article author makes some excellent points, explains things clearly, and addresses some issues I didn’t know about. Curious at this point how things will work out in the end. One thing she says is not to measure or check gauge while in the middle of the project, so maybe I can just disregard the measurement I got today!

07-31-2021

I separated front and back today. I feel like I’m getting into the home stretch!

Still not happy with the gauge being looser than I swatched, and the fabric being so stretchy. The garment at this point looks like it’s going to be too big. Another reason I like top-down patterns -- you can try them on and see how they are going to fit much earlier in the process. All I can do on this one is keep knitting and hope for the best.

Oh, also, I had done some calculations, above, regarding the length, but had neglected to read the instructions carefully. At each section of the pattern there is an instruction to the effect of “knit to length of xx inches.” So it doesn’t matter what my row gauge was. I can just stop at the right length and adjust as needed within each section.

08-01-2021

I took a chance late last night and decreased an extra 10 stitches, down two sizes. I was already well past the point of the actual bust measurement, so it will still be pretty roomy, but I think tightening up and shortening the top of the garment will help it fit better. I’m hoping for swingy, not baggy.

08-03-2021

It’s done.

The armholes droop to my waist. I was planning on wearing it over things, so that works fine. But I was very careful in all my measurements. Maybe I don’t know how to measure armholes right.

This project has me feeling very tentative now in trying to substitute one yarn for another. The pattern says not to substitute (a Berroco pattern). The recommended Liana is definitely stiffer than what I used. But they are both DK, 11 wpi. The Bamboo Pop was giving me a lot of gauge issues in general and was frustrating to work with.

It’s a lot of work to put into something to have it not fit well. I’ve been a seamstress for thirty-five years. I could have sewn a tank top in a quick afternoon. I’m still trying to adjust to the whole knitting thing. I am happy to finally be knitting garments and learning all that I can.

08-03-2021

Ok, I did measure the armhole correctly.

https://pattylyons.com/2016/05/tuesday-tip-how-to-measure...
https://www.interweave.com/wp-content/uploads/Free-Measur...
Hack to make it easier to measure: https://fringeassociation.com/2015/03/04/hot-tip-mark-you...

But after finishing, wearing for a half hour or so, having it on a hanger for an half hour or so, and measuring again, the armhole is currently 1.5 inches longer.

I’ve heard that bamboo is notorious for not holding its shape. Also, flat measurements don’t really take into consideration all the variables of a garment as worn.

Live and learn.