September 16, 2005
River Revision
I am down with following directions. If a pattern specifies a needle size, I really love it when I can get gauge on the same size. River is a scarf/stole, so I didn't even check gauge, just started out on the 10.5 US needle it calls for.
But, the thing is, well... I don't really like the fabric the 10.5 produces. It is all loose and airy, and truthfully, it reminds me of a novelty yarn scarf. The resulting stole would be exactly like the image in Rowan, no question about that. However, It seemed a bit too much about the yarn for my taste. It said: "Hey, I totally knit this!! Doesn't this yarn rock??"
So, I did something drastic, something I noticed a couple other people doing with River. I went down to size 7 US needles. Quite a difference.
Top: Size 7 needles.
Bottom: Size 10.5 needles.
Now, on the 7s I prefer to think it says "I casually purchased this at a really nice store.. yes, its gorgeous and I plan to wear it all winter."
This is all a matter of personal taste, of course, but since I plan to wear River as more of a scarf than stole anyway, it works.
This weekend I'm heading upstate and hope to capitalize on two train rides worth of River progress. and if I'm lucky, get to that magic point in lace knitting where you memorize the repeat.
Comments (15)
I think for a scarf the size 7 fabric is a lot better, especially since you live in NYC rather than somewhere where it doesn't really get cold. Airy scarves aren't really that practical. Have a great weekend upstate and I hope you get the pattern memorized!
Posted by Stephanie | September 16, 2005 10:09 AM
Posted on September 16, 2005 10:09
I agree with Stephanie. River on 7s definitely lends itself more to being a scarf. Have a good weekend!
Posted by Angela | September 16, 2005 10:56 AM
Posted on September 16, 2005 10:56
oh no Im jealous, I like it a lot on 7's. I was going to wear mine as a scarf as well, I just figured I would fold it over a lot : )
I think I finally started memorizing the pattern, it only took ohh 7 repeats!
have fun this weekend!
Posted by yahaira | September 16, 2005 11:30 AM
Posted on September 16, 2005 11:30
It looks really good on the size 7 needles. I hope you have a good trip this weekend!
Posted by caitlyn | September 16, 2005 11:51 AM
Posted on September 16, 2005 11:51
I completely agree with you. I frogged Butterfly because it lacked the daintyness I wanted with the needle size I used. The cobweb effect of River with big needles looks good with muted yarns, but that gorgeous Trance you're using looks so much nicer on the 7's. Come to think of it, maybe I'll use my leftover Jelly KSH for a River scarf.
Posted by Steph | September 16, 2005 12:17 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 12:17
revised river looks a lot better!! and i agree with you and steph, i need to go down needle sizes when working with KSH!
have fun in upstate NY!
Posted by blossom | September 16, 2005 12:53 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 12:53
I totally understand "the magic moment" ... it does really make you feel good! ;)
Posted by Agnes | September 16, 2005 1:03 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 13:03
I love how this yarn is speaking to you!
Posted by Joelene | September 16, 2005 1:16 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 13:16
train rides are great for lace projects!
wow! i can't believe they recommended size 10.5! Even w/ butterfly, I was a little skeptical about using size 7 or 8's. I ended up using size 8, and it looks OK, but on one of my previous sweaters, I used a similar lace pattern and used size 4's! I guess they are just trying to show people that even though the yarn is thin, they can be quick knits too?? That's a great idea and all, but when the FO looks a little too loose, doen't that defeat the purpose?
Posted by melissa | September 16, 2005 1:17 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 13:17
I am in full agreement with you on this one. I think your verson on the size 7s is so much nicer.
Posted by Purly Whites | September 16, 2005 1:59 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 13:59
ok, I just started it for fun...now you are making me think I need to go down a couple needle sizes. I am waiting to go get the right size crochet hook to apply beads as I go...so I will try it out on smaller needles too!
Posted by carolyn | September 16, 2005 2:42 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 14:42
I really like the fabric the 7s produce - gorgeous!! Those socks are pretty cool too - I love the idea of using the diamonds to count rows - that was pretty clever on the part of the designer plus they're kind of cute!
Posted by Vicki | September 16, 2005 3:33 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 15:33
now you've got me thinking too. maybe i need to also go down a needle size or two! i did think the yo's looked just a little on the large size when i was knitting it.
Posted by jacqueline | September 16, 2005 6:36 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 18:36
Darn you for being so tricksy by comparing the two side by side - now that I've got a visual to put with the smaller needles, there is no denying. I will be jumping on the smaller needles bandwagon too. Oh well, I'm only through about 1 repeat. Argh! I'm interested in seeing the difference between the two - I'm quite certain I'll prefer the smaller one as well.
Posted by Audrey | September 16, 2005 10:01 PM
Posted on September 16, 2005 22:01
You're right. The 7s make all the difference. The pattern is so much crisper and store bought looking, as you said. It's going to make a lovely scarf!
Posted by Sarah | September 22, 2005 12:23 PM
Posted on September 22, 2005 12:23