October 7, 2005
Return of the 38-inch Sweater
This is the start of Raspy's front/back, layered over a basic stretchy tank top. The dull colors in this photograph are the result of a grim overcast morning that portends to interfere with my 20-mile run tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow the plan is to get up at like 5am, take the subway to Central Park, and run. I've been getting up early on the weekends to run since July. Its exhausting. I may not be able to get up early tomorrow if that also means running in the rain.
Raspy is way fun to knit. Raspy makes me want to stay up late at night and knit, which is generally an awful idea. Staying up late just kills me the next day, what with oversleeping and reduced brain function. Plus, runners are supposed to get lots of sleep. Raspy, you are infringing on my game. There is only a month until the marathon! This is no time to slip!
As long as its not raining tomorrow morning, I have a chance. If it rains, I might just be adding miles onto the Staten Island half marathon next weekend.
Back to the subject at hand. Based on a recent glance at the schematic, it appears that Raspy is a 38-inch sweater. A 38-inch sweater is what Rowan recommends for a 34-inch person (talking circumference here). I'd adjust the numbers without delay if this wasn't denim yarn. Post-shrinkage denim is one of the least drapey knit fabrics I've encountered. Think of a demin jacket... not really something you want super fitted, right?
Measurements of the completed knitting thus far indicate I may be getting something closer to 36-37" finished size, which may be just fine. To rip and adjust the numbers or not.. that is the question... that is always the question.
Raspy knitters, how do you like your finished sweaters? Wish it were smaller? Or do the Rowan sizing-people know what they are talking about?
Comments (14)
I noticed that Raspy shrunk way more in length than in girth.
I do like my finished sweater. I wish that it were a bit smaller through the chest (mine is about the 38 inches), but hey, at least I finished it!
The other weird thing is in the tops of the raglan sleeves. They are a bit narrow which results in an oddly fitting sweater. If you look in the pics on the model in the book, you can see she's having some of the same issues.
Posted by Wendy | October 7, 2005 11:48 AM
Posted on October 7, 2005 11:48
To follow up on Wendy's comment, I think that Rowan has some weird ideas about upper body shaping. My bod just does not fit Rowan's ideal.
I, too, would be nervous, but how much width srinkage does Rowan expect? They ususally know what they're talking about with regards to how their yarns behave.
Posted by Colleen | October 7, 2005 12:10 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 12:10
I would be watching your progress on Rapsy really closely ... as it is one of the patterns I consider knitting. I keep my fingers crossed that everything works out okay for you. ;)
Posted by Agnes | October 7, 2005 12:16 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 12:16
I know nothing of this type of yarn. I have trouble enough getting the gauge right on fabric that doesn't shrink! Good luck!
Posted by carolyn | October 7, 2005 12:38 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 12:38
Good luck with your 20-miler this weekend! You're almost there, girl. This is the homestretch!
Posted by Angela | October 7, 2005 12:43 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 12:43
Good luck on this! I love this sweater, but I'm too cowardly to attempt it myself.
Posted by Kim | October 7, 2005 12:51 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 12:51
i don't have anything to say about raspy but i did want to wish you a good run (and good weather) tomorrow!
Posted by jody | October 7, 2005 1:03 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 13:03
Way to go on the running. I keep on meaning to buckle down and try a half-marathon. On the Raspy, I've never knit w/denim yarn, but denim fabric tends to shrink about a quarter inch in length, but not really in width in general. Good luck!
Posted by Annie | October 7, 2005 1:24 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 13:24
I got nothing on the denim and raspy, but good luck getting up for that run!
Posted by Purly Whites | October 7, 2005 1:46 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 13:46
I don't have a clue on Raspy, but it seems that by knitting between a 36 & 37" finished size that's probably better. Good luck on the run and I'll keep my fingers crossed that it a cool, but dry day (don't want to run in the heat either do you?).
Posted by Stephanie | October 7, 2005 3:50 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 15:50
i remember kris telling me that she wished she'd gone down a size after finishing raspy. you may want to shoot her a note.
Posted by jacqueline | October 7, 2005 6:51 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 18:51
I had the same issue, so I ripped and started over using a smaller size. I am knitting the medium size which Rowan says is for a 36" chest. But their schematic says it's for a 39" chest. I would double check the schematic and knit the size that you want it to be... don't follow the sizes at the beginning of the pattern. Also, Kay at Mason Dixon can help you.. she loves Rowan Denim.
Posted by D R E W | October 7, 2005 11:41 PM
Posted on October 7, 2005 23:41
Mine was fine when I finished it, but it's gotten bigger after wearing it. I'm hoping the sweater would shrink again when I wash it. Good luck with your run!
Posted by terhi | October 8, 2005 3:39 AM
Posted on October 8, 2005 03:39
Did you do your 20 miles? That is amazing! I was trying for 18 but totally bagged after seeing the weather report. Going to try for an 18 next weekend by running 5 miles before the Staten Island half.
Posted by MeBeth | October 11, 2005 8:42 PM
Posted on October 11, 2005 20:42