I'm an awful decision maker
which is probably something I've written on this blog, one way or another, a million times. but really, it takes me a long time to make decisions. once I do though I go full force with it. let's take my next project as an example.
I've been carrying this little doodle around for two or three years now and didn't finally swatch it until last summer. looking at my files I can see I typed out a rough pattern in july, so what has been the hold up? I did drag the yarn up with me during christmas, but just didn't get around to it. I finally whipped this swatch out again last month just for me to question the gauge I was going for. maybe it's the brat in me that wants this now!now!now! or I just love to second guess myself. maybe I just have commitment issues.
anywho, I originally swatched this on 3.25 mm needles, which are the needles stated on the pear tree merino 4ply label. I really like how delicate the little scales look, but worried if I would be able to wear this sweater this season. veronique, in all her genius, suggested swatching with bigger (faster!) needles. wha? why would I do that?! ohhhh.
I ended up swatching with 4.5 and 5.5mm needles and was surprised that the fabric didn't look too airy which was a worry of mine. it would definitely be a lot faster (pro), but I'm losing the little scales (con). is the texture as interesting with the larger needles? I think I decided that I'm going to go with the 5.5mm, though I'm already talking myself out of it. I just have to rewrite the pattern for the new gauge tonight and maybe I'll actually cast on for this sweater this weekend.
Comments
That yarn, with all its delicate flecks and fluffs, looks amazing! Good luck with this project, no matter what gauge/pattern you choose!
Posted by: grumperina | April 9, 2009 6:04 PM
I'm not that smart - this is not news. But why do you have to lose the scales with the larger needles?
Posted by: Stephanie | April 9, 2009 6:28 PM
I actually kind of prefer the texture at the looser gauge - the tighter one looks much denser and more appropriate for something like a jacket.
This whole story is very, very familiar!
Posted by: ysolda | April 9, 2009 6:52 PM
for what its worth, i prefer the smaller needles. i like th fabric that it creates. good luck!
Posted by: lucinda | April 9, 2009 9:03 PM
GREAT color!! i think i like the size 7 needles best. the size 4's would probably be too stiff, right?
Posted by: mai | April 9, 2009 10:42 PM
I love love love the yarn! I didn't realize you wrote your patterns! (I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed.). I can't wait to see the finished article!
Posted by: Stephany | April 10, 2009 12:32 AM
It depends on when you're wearing it. A dense, stiff fabric suits the colder months; an open, looser fabric the summer months.
Two years! Make it, woman.
Posted by: MJ | April 10, 2009 1:56 AM
Glad you chose 5.5 mm. I've got the same question as Stephanie, why do you have to lose the scales? They're so cute and give such definition to the yarn.
But then again, I'm no pro but someone who just dreams of designing stuff.... =(
Posted by: Rain | April 10, 2009 5:05 AM
I love the look of the fabric on the smaller needles. I can't wait to see the final product!
Posted by: Monet | April 10, 2009 9:02 AM
Oh my - I LOVE this and I happen to have 10 skns of turkey --I purchased from you remember.... Maybe they were destined for this little pretty number:)
Posted by: Marisol | April 10, 2009 1:10 PM
Anytime you need a genius, I'm right here! ;)
I love your yarn. The flecks are gorgeous...
Posted by: Veronique | April 10, 2009 1:55 PM
Love the green! I love the little scaly pattern too. Is there a needle size that's a bit bigger that you can still keep the stitch pattern?
Posted by: Lisa | April 10, 2009 4:14 PM
Where did you find the journal with the mannequin already drawn in? That's genius!
Posted by: Caro | April 10, 2009 6:23 PM
It is going to be beautiful! I really liked reading your process on this. Can't wait to see more!
Posted by: tiennie | April 11, 2009 2:33 AM
Oh I just love this so much--perfect yarn. Now hurry up and knit it:)
Posted by: Heather | April 12, 2009 7:24 AM
I like the scales too, they complement those little fluffs in the yarn. lovely yarn and color :-)
Posted by: Diana | April 13, 2009 10:17 AM
I am SOOOO with you. I've put off submitting anything for publication (besides Knitty) because I can't really draw all my great ideas out....Now I'm actually able to draw things that look like the designs I envision. It seems the process takes FOREVER! Ugh..
On the plus side, for you the thinking and marinating seems to take a lot longer than actually doing it. Given that, you are 85% done already!
Posted by: Trisha | April 13, 2009 1:38 PM
That's a wonderfully plush looking yarn at both gauges, though it does look like it might turn into yarn cardboard at the tighter gauge.
Posted by: Seanna Lea | April 13, 2009 3:48 PM
Wow, that's pretty yarn. Gotta go ravel that!
Posted by: Smokey | April 14, 2009 11:13 AM