RIGHT!
After so much experimentation and research, I’ve settled on the stitch pattern. I wish I’d taken a pic of my enormous swatch. There were so many tries and tweaks – to the point that the yarn is noticeably grubby.
I’ve settled on three rows of knit, then p2tog, ptbl, yo (by simply bringing the yarn to the front of the work, a new technique for me which gives a nice neat result). Then a row of twists, knitting into the second stitch, leaving it on the needle while working the first, then passing both off before purling the yo. Finally, a row of knitting the knits and pulling the purls.
This means I need to reverse everything for the next stripe – three rows of purl, then ktbl, k2tog and so on. Not ideal but it’s the best result I’ve been able to achieve aesthetically – plus it fits with The Ivy Sweater (Ravelry link) by NEA Knitwear (Designer’s site) that I’m using for sizing. That pattern’s based on three rows garter then three rows twisted rib, so sizes should line up well. The original reference has more rows but I’m done tinkering.
Next.co.uk
The Ivy is oversized so I’m a little concerned about making the sleeves a neater fit. My gauge in stockinette is a little smaller but there’s so much ease, I think it’ll be fine. It’s also a new challenge, knitting for someone else who I can’t measure bits of at a moment’s notice! But I feel much better overall about the project than I did this time last week.
I’m using Sirdar Snuggly 4 ply (WoolBox link) in cream – enormous yardage and I bought enough based on the smallest size (cough… of a different pattern…). It’s readily available if I do need extra, though dye lots might be a struggle. I’ll deal with it if it comes up. I’m just so glad to be started in earnest!
I’ve added this post to the Unraveled Wednesday linkup, with thanks to Kat for hosting, as always.
The Crafty Yarnster 