February 7, 2006
Superwash yarn
I recently started Eunny's argyle vest. I got quite far in the yarn selection process before realizing that my chosen yarn, Louet Gems Opal, is a superwash. Its not the greatest choice, using a superwash yarn for a steeked sweater because superwash wool doesn't stick together like normal wool.
Case in point, a swatch with a crochet steek:
It didn't fare too well under the pull test. See how the beige line of crochet is not attached to the knitting? yeah, its not supposed to do that. and I was so looking forward to crochet steeks! alas.
However, this yarn will work if I machine sew the steeks before cutting. So, I've started the vest.
So far, so good. I've gone up a vest size and down a needle size (to 3s) to compensate for the sportweight yarn. the yarn looks wonderful and is very soft. though I must say, the fair isle experience is not living up to my expectations. It would be better with nice sticky real wool.
Comments (14)
oh cool, its fun to see someone else knitting this as I followed all her posts about steeking and such and then bought the pattern as well. It will be a while before I can try it lol.
Posted by pixie | February 7, 2006 8:25 PM
Posted on February 7, 2006 20:25
Your progress so far looks good. I can't wait to find yarn for mine.
Posted by Angela | February 7, 2006 9:49 PM
Posted on February 7, 2006 21:49
it looks great, but i agree with you. knitting FI in superwash can be a bit tough. i'm still a FI newbie and i'm sure it gets easier over time. your WIP looks great though -- even the single sts look nice and even.
Posted by jody | February 7, 2006 9:52 PM
Posted on February 7, 2006 21:52
Looking good - and the superwash will be so worth it later!
Posted by Chris | February 7, 2006 10:07 PM
Posted on February 7, 2006 22:07
Your beginning vest is looking good. What a great pattern Eunny has.
Posted by Debbie | February 8, 2006 7:24 AM
Posted on February 8, 2006 07:24
Oh man, that's something I would TOTALLY do, and, selfishly, I'm glad you did it before I did. I just don't even think about stuff like that. For example, the first time I felted, I was making the awesome Fuzzy Feet from Knitty, and I decided to be resourceful and use stash yarn. Of course, I had only been to one "real" yarn shop in my life and I was in college and just didn't have money for it so I used...Homespun. Which clearly doesn't felt. I had the biggest slippers on earth. I was mortified. But then I got my head out of my butt and tried again with Patons. Duh.
All of that to say - it looks fabulous and at least you don't have to felt it!
Posted by kristin | February 8, 2006 10:04 AM
Posted on February 8, 2006 10:04
I have this pattern and am debating on colors. The brown and cream are such a classic combination. I can't wait to watch your progress on this project.
Posted by Stephanie | February 8, 2006 11:57 AM
Posted on February 8, 2006 11:57
I do love that vest...can't wait to see more!
Posted by vicki | February 8, 2006 3:36 PM
Posted on February 8, 2006 15:36
bummer about the superwash, but at least it's looking great!
Posted by kris | February 8, 2006 4:07 PM
Posted on February 8, 2006 16:07
Wow, that vest will be amazing, I love the pattern. Good luck with steeking.
Posted by Julia | February 8, 2006 6:21 PM
Posted on February 8, 2006 18:21
Oh, you will look so cute in this! (I say that like I actually know what you look like.) That louets is lovely, so I say good choice, even with the steeking issues.
Posted by Purly Whites | February 9, 2006 4:49 PM
Posted on February 9, 2006 16:49
Ha! Guess what I did this week? I ordered Louet Gems Opal for the same project. Except I KNEW it was superwash. Silly rabbit. But I think I can make it work with the machine steeks. I got brown and pink, so we won't quite be sweater vest twins. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on the vest!
Posted by mari | February 9, 2006 9:30 PM
Posted on February 9, 2006 21:30
I love it! I bought the pattern when it came out, too. I have to knit a Trellis sweater, then my Sockpaloooza socks, then I want to make the hourglass sweater... THEN I will make this vest!! I think I will machine sew it as well. I look forward to seeing your progress!!
Still can't decide on colors, though. Brown and Cream aren't really me, but I kind of like that since I generally pick blues for stuff I knit for myself. So maaaaaybe brown and cream. Strong maybe.
Posted by Lelah | February 14, 2006 4:21 PM
Posted on February 14, 2006 16:21
Hi, I've just joined a knit-along with Eunny's Argyle vest. We'll start tomorrow (March 1), so you're very welcome to join us!!
Posted by VivaPia | February 28, 2006 12:31 PM
Posted on February 28, 2006 12:31