hourglass knitalong

2nd Hourglass

2006-07-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

I loved this sweater so much, I'm knitting one for my step-mother. I'm still knitting the body of the sweater so the pictures aren't too exciting yet. I'm knitting this sweater with Blue Sky Alpaca cotton yarn. I love this stuff, it's soft and thick, but not too thick. The yarn color is 606 Shell, which my step-mom loves. I've knit this sweater before (see the Cast Off album) so it's knitting up quickly. I'm skipping the hems on this sweater so the edges will roll up instead of be flat and square.

Lisa

Another Finished HG

2006-07-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post this for awhile. I finished up my hourglass sweater several months ago, and got to wear it a couple of times before summer kicked in. I used Noro Cash Iroha #84, and I loved the pattern and the yarn. I will definitely be making this sweater again, but probably with a different yarn.

Time for a break?

2006-06-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

There have been no new posts on the knitalong for quite a while now - I'm guessing most of us are happily wearing our completed Hourglasses and have moved on to other things. Therefore I am proposing that we close the knitalong.

We can keep the blog up as a reference for others, but not allow any new posts or any new members. What do other people think?

Fin!

2006-04-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

Wahoo! My Hourglass Sweater is finally finished!

Sadly, the neck does feel like it’s going to stretch and fall off my shoulders. I can’t complain — I was warned by many a knitter to knit a few extra rows to make the neck smaller, but when I tried it on, it just didn’t feel as wide as it did once I’d finished. Any advice for how to keep the neck a smaller size without frogging and adding rows? I wove a thread through it, but I’m not sure how much that’ll help.

Cross posted here.

Two-Thirds or One-Half?

2006-03-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is Emily, and I've been working on the hourglass sweater for the Knitting Olympics too. I didn't finish it, but got pretty far:

So my question to you is, do you think I'm 2/3 of the way finished? Or more like 1/2 way? Because if I'm 2/3 finished then I will qualify for a silver metal. Either way I love this sweater and can't wait to wear it. Thanks for all of your discussions of the pattern on this blog. They have been helpful.

Did I forget to show you my progress???

2006-02-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

I am knitting with Elisabeth Lavold Silky Wool and as much as I think I will like the end product, I am not exactly fond of the yarn. I find that I am plucking out lots of vegetable matter or something and it is quite annoying. Also, I had to go up a needle size to get gauge for this sweater and I won't be sure of the fabric until I wear it in my chilly house :) I am not using a 12 inch circular needle, I am doing the magic loop method and knitting both sleeves at the same time. If you have any questions, please email me at: knittinpal@gmail.com or visit my blog at http://purlsofhope.blogspot.com

Good luck everyone!

blogging for dummies

2006-02-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

hey there,

this isn't exactly a swetaer-related post, but... i'd like to put the "hourlgass knit-alog" button on my blog, but try as i might i can't find info in the help section. could someone point me in the right direction, or if it's easy, to walk me though it?

thanks so much = )

laura

Major Modification Time

2006-02-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, let's suppose that I'm a glutton for punishment and I'm about to majorly modify an hourglass sweater for my 4 yo niece. Would you do it? Here's what I want to do:
1. add a cable up the center of each sleeve, two in the front, and one on the hood.
2. add a hood.
3. steek it (which I've never done) and add a zipper in the middle, in between the two front cables.

Would you do it? Should I? I guess I'd need to take out the decrease/increase part since she's obviously not curvy.
I don't mind using another pattern, but I can't find one with all the right components, and I'm not good enough to write my own pattern from scratch. Any advice?
I'm using the indentical-to-Malabrigo worsted merino from eBay that I used for my own hourglass, so I'll have to really knock down the number of stitches in the whole pattern for a 4 yo. Yikes. This is getting more involved as I type! LOL Anybody know of a child's pattern that would save me all this grief???

It's almost time, it's almost time!

2006-02-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am knitting my HGS for the Knitting Olympics! I am making my of Elisabeth Lavold's Silky Wool...pictures after Caston!

Me too!

2006-02-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

I joined the KAL after I'd already started, but I've been reading along with everyone's progress for a while now and it's been very helpful! I finished mine this weekend using Debbie Bliss Cathay.

More notes on my blog

P.S. I have to recommend this tutorial--great for the bottom hem!

Another one Done!

2006-01-31T05:10:00.000-08:00

It fits perfectly! I used Berroco Pleasure and some Patons classic for the contrast. I did a crochet edge neck - I wanted something less bulky. I may make another! More details on my blog.

FO Report!

2006-01-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

FO Report: Hourglass sweater
Yarn: One enormous hank of Interlacements Dyer's Choice (about 1350 yards), part wool, part silk
Needle Size: US 7
Gauge: 19 sts = 4"
Date Completed: Jan 2006
Recipient: Moi

More ad nauseum chatting about the project on my blog! Thanks for letting me peer over your shoulders along the way ...

It's Done!

2006-01-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

It's finished and I love it! My gauge was off so I didn't have to adjust the neckline at all but I think it fits nicely. I learned a few things making this sweater. I learned the kitchener stitch, how to knit in the round and how to hem down live stitches. I also learned that sleeves are killer! They seem to take longer than the body. Even though the yarn is 100% alpaca, it itches a little so I'll have to layer a tee underneath. I still think that I will get a ton of wear out of this sweater.

First Sweater Finished for 2006

2006-01-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

Please, ignore the sheep pj's. It's 8pm, I'm dressed for slumberland and the Golden Globe Awards. (giggle)

It's done. I love the feel of it, the cotton blend. It's a bulky yarn, so I had to adapt the gauge I was knitting at to the pattern. I was knitting at about 3.5 sts/inch.

The one thing I changed was the neck. I did a rollneck instead of a hemmed one. I read all the postings on the Hourglass KAL blog and the majority was saying the neck was coming out too big. This sweater is for relaxing weekends at home, hanging in the house or on the deck on a cool spring/summer night.

Yarn: Gedifra Luisa, 55% Cotton - 45% Acrylic
Skeins used: 14 skeins at 60 meters per skein
Started: December 19, 2005
Completed: January 16, 2006

2006-01-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

I'm at the home stretch!

I'm debating whether to do the neckline in the contrasting natural color. What do people think?

Can't wait to block and wear it!

I Can See the Light!

2006-01-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

All I have left is to hem it. I'm putting it off cause I'm not sure that I understand exactly what to do. I might go over to Purl this weekend to get a little guidance. Hopefully the next time you see this, I'll have it on and hopefully it will be soon!

Sleeve progress

2006-01-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

I've made some progress on the two sleeves on two circular (actually I've done about 4 more inches since this pic was taken)

The yarn is rather slippery on the needles (Addi Turbos) but it's going well. Here are the modifications I'm making to create 3/4 length sleeves:

Start sleeves with the first Decrease Round (I cast on 54 stitches). I knit 5 rounds, then did 1 purl round. Then I knit 18 rounds before doing the decrease round. I plan on knitting until the piece measures 8.5 inches before starting the increase. I will then follow the directions as is until the sleeves meastures about 13 inches.

I hope it works out ok! I'll keep you guys updated.

Finally done!

2006-01-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

After many months of starting and stopping and swatching and washing, I finally got my hourglass sweater finished! I love it and already want to make another. Too bad I can't afford any more cash iroha.

More details on my blog

Sleeves are Attached!

2006-01-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

I'm making progress too - I would like to be done this week! Here is what I finished last night - attaching the 2nd sleeve, and doing that first even round. On to the yoke tonight! More details on my blog.

Making progress

2006-01-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Slow going, but getting there. I love the feel of this yarn...the drape. Getting done before Spring so I can wear it would be a good thing. Not a take-a-long project as it seems to be getting heavier...will keep next to my knitting chair for evening knitting.

Also a new HGS knitter...

2006-01-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Just about done with my first HGS and just joined. Started this about Dec. 18th, frogged a week later and now I am in the yoke area at this time, had to put it down for a few days to read a bit. I have read all the archive posts and have learned to keep an eye on my neck area...so I will pay extra attention to make sure it's not to "open" for me. I will post a pic soon.

http://baabonnybelle.blogspot.com

Just joined

2006-01-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hello, I just joined the KAL. My blog is here:
http://mimsie.typepad.com/knitting

I will post updates on my Hourglass here in the future. I'm using Peruvian Alpaca in Light Gray Heather with some Natural for the edges. I'm also altering the pattern slightly to make 3/4 length sleeves. I've done most of the body and I'm currently working on the sleeves (both at the same time on a pair of circulars). Despite the mind-numbing stockinette, I agree with everyone here that it's going quite fast!

My First full-length sweater

2006-01-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

The yarn I'm using is 100% alpaca Puno by Filatura Lanaroto that I picked up at the Smiley's yarn riot in Manhattan last month. I think I will need some hand holding when I get to the hemming. I've read that part over several times and I still don't quite understand what I'm supposed to do. Other than that, it's going well and I can't wait to wear it! I'm off to start the second sleeve right now.

Does the Noro Cash Iroha pill?

2005-12-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

I'm finding that my beloved sweater is pilling. Anyone else having this problem, and if so, what are you doing about it?

Barbara

http://knittingonfire.blogspot.com

Some Progress Pics

2005-12-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

I have a good chunk of the body done (up to the last increase) and am kind of loving/hating all this stockinette! It is nice for TV knitting - mindless - but kind of boring too, so I started some socks also to keep me busy! I used a contrasting color (leftover Patons Classic Merino) for the hem and will do the same for the sleeves and neck.....

Hourglass #2

2005-12-06T01:40:00.000-08:00

Not the best photograph, I know, but I haven't had time to take more...

Knitting Stats:
Yarn: Jaeger Shetland Aran in Orange
Amount: just under 500g (5 balls)
Needles and Gauge: as specified in the pattern

Almost finished

2005-12-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

I am almost done with my modified hourglass sweater. I got Nicky Epstein's Knitting On the Edge right before I started my sweater, so I decided to make mine a little fancier, by adding a picot hem, and knitting ruffles to go inside the slightly shorter sleeves.

The ruffles aren't knitted yet, so that's why this is almost finished.

I was shocked at how quickly this sweater knit up. Even being miles and miles of stockinette, it didn't bore me. Sewing the hems down? That was a different story. I think I did pretty well on that though.

Here's the finished sweater:

And a closeup of my hem and picot edge:

My yarn was Rowan Kid Classic in "Frilly." I think it took just over 6 balls for the whole sweater. The ruffles will be out of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Black -- my freebie from the Rowan subscription!

Making another?

2005-12-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

I didn't think I would want to since there was so much stockinette, over and over, but I love my hourglass (I posted a pic of my son wearing it toward the end of Nov) and find I want to wear it daily. That only means one thing: make another!

I do love the Noro Cash Iroha. Any other yarns as soft, and warm? Your advice greatly desired.

Barbara

http://knittingonfire.blogspot.com

Just Cast On!

2005-11-29T04:54:00.000-08:00

I finally (after months of lurking) cast on last night for my hourglass. I'm using Berroco Pleasure in a rich, dark blue. It is part angora, so it filled my "next to skin soft" requirement. My gauge ended up about 19.5/4", and I want it a bit bigger than the 37" size (but not 41"!) so fingers are crossed it will work out ok. I also want to make the trim a different color - I remember seeing (not sure if it was here or on the KR forum) someone who made a green hourglass with a contrasting green trim. Anyone remember seeing it also? I'd love to read how she did it and where she stuck the color in. Read updates, etc on my blog.

Stacey

Update...

2005-11-29T03:42:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd post a picture of my second Hourglass. Here it is, in its full one-sleeved glory:

I am knitting the second sleeve now, so not long to go. I can't wait to wear this - I have even done the seaming and weaving in as I went along so I would have less work at the end. :)

The yarn for this one is Jaeger Shetland Aran in a burnt orange colour. The yarn is discontinued and the colour was, as far as I know, never officially released, but I managed to buy a whole lot of this yarn a while ago on ebay. It's wonderfully soft and lovely to knit with. I got gauge immediately.

another lurker

2005-11-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

hello all,

i'm another one of those people who devours pictures of everyone else's progress but haven't put my own up yet! i joined the blog when i was nearly done, but i found everyone's tip usefull nonetheless and my next one will be even smoother.

I added a hood, just by slpitting the work halfway between the two front markers and knitting it back an forth as if on straight needles & then joining the top edge by folding it in 1/2 and using a 3-needle cast-off (WS). it seemed to take as long as the rest of the sweater combined, but i do love how it turned out- kind of like an elf hood! i had to make it crazy long to make up for the width of the neck, so next time i'd decrease it a bunch more if i were to add a hood again. i also made the sleeves 3" longer at their narrowest part because i like my sweaters cozy!

oh yeah, it was made with 1 1/2 balls of Ornaghi Wonderful (no, no typo here - it's 690m/ball!), a mohair blend. i know it's crazy looking but it made me giggle, it was $16 a ball and was just the amount of commitment i could handle for my first sweater. i'm definately making leg wamers with the leftovers!!

Hourglass sweater

2005-11-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Hourglass sweater, originally uploaded by inkmama.

I'm finally finished! (All that's left is blocking....) Here is my 11-year-old Travis modeling it. (He didn't want me to show his face.) The sweater fits, albeit snugly, and I do love the feel of the Noro Cash Iroha, but I doubt I'd make it again. I don't knit fast enough to get past the nervewracking repetition of the stockinette stitch. But it did teach me lots--the only other sweater I've ever knit was the "to dye for" sweater in Stitch 'n Bitch, which was simple and also beautiful.

Slow Going

2005-11-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Suddenly I have stalled on my hourglass. It just looks so plain and my increases got messed up I think. I am up to the bust and really don't ever want to see it again. What can I do to ignite the fire???

http://continueinkind.typepad.com/

Blocking?

2005-11-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

I'd love to hear how y'all blocked this sweater. I'm just about there!

Barbara

Finally posting pictures of my Hourglass!

2005-10-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

I finished this about a week ago and kept forgetting to photograph it until today. I love the way it turned out; it's soft, super comfortable, and a beautiful color. (It's a cross between the two photos. Photo two is more accurate, but it's a little washed out.)

But being in Oklahoma, it's a little on the thick side, so I'm not sure how often I'll get to wear it. I think I'm going to make myself another one out of a cooler, lighter weight yarn, too. I'm thinking about Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool. Has anyone tried it for this? It's a DK weight, which the Iroha is, too, technically. Think it'll work without a bunch of pattern changing?

I think I'm going to take the neck facing out of this one and make a couple more decreases just to make this one more practical. Since it's so thick and cozy, it would make more sense if I could wear it over a short sleeved tee, and the neckline looks quite odd over a tee right now. For those who did extra decreases, how many did you do? Would a couple of extra decrease rows be enough, probably?

Thanks SO much to everyone here for advice, inspiration, and pep talks!

Finished Hourglass

2005-10-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I have been following this KAL for several months. I've recently taken the plunge into blogging, so I can finally share some of my own photos.

I finished this sweater a couple of months ago. It was such a quick knit. Great for TV watching or magazine reading! I used 11 balls of KnitPicks Andean Silk in Olive. The yarn was soooo nice to work with, but I find it to be pretty scratchy when knit up. I have to wear a shirt underneath it. I added a couple of decrease sets like many of you, but otherwise knit the pattern as written.

I can definitely see myself making another one of these sweaters. Maybe with the Cash Iroha!

I've finally started!

2005-10-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

So I got the yarn (Rowan Kid Classic) for my Hourglass sweater quite some time ago, but it's been languishing until such time when I've felt the weather is sufficiently cold to work with wool again. And last week, we finally got there, and I needed a break from my other sweater project which involves beads, intarsia and fingering weight yarn (gah!) so I got this one started.

So far, it's moving really quickly. Having been inspired by my recent purchase of Nicky Epstein's "...edge" books, I did decide to change the pattern a little bit. This yarn has a bit of mohair in it, so it's got a fuzzy halo which struck me, along with the hourglass shape, as particularly girlie, so I'm adding some extra-girlie touches to my version of the sweater.

First, I decided to do a picot edge rather than the straight hem the pattern calls for:

Then, because I noticed the similarity between Kid Classic and Kidsilk Haze, and because I have some Kidsilk Haze left over from another project, I've decided I'm going to knit ruffles to sew inside the cuffs and hem (and maybe the neckline--I haven't decided about that) so it looks like there is a ruffled blouse peeking out. Fun!

Thanks for the Help and Inspiration

2005-10-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

Howdy! I finished my Hourglass (in Rowan Handknit DK cotton) this weekend and LOVE it.

I haven't been posting my progress on my Hourglass here, but boy, I sure was a lurker on this blog. I got so much help and inspiration from the previous posts, so thank you! I LOVE knitting along.

Hourglass sweater in parts

2005-10-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hourglass sweater in parts, originally uploaded by inkmama.

I'm 3/4 of the way done with the Hourglass sweater in Last Minute Knits, but now I can't figure out how to attach the sleeve to the sweater. Anyone know? (If there were sound effects here, it would be of the guy who's now a fly in that old movie, The Fly: Help me...help me!

Almost finished with a sleeve....

2005-10-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

....and one to go. I have the body of the sweater done and on stitch holders an I'm just about done with a sleeve, though it does worry me, connecting the sleeve to the body of the sweater. So I hope the knitalong stays up a little longer. If you need someone to moderate it, or whatever, I'd be happy to do that.

I'm using a purple Noro Iroha and I love it.

Barbara

p.s. I'll post pics as soon as I join the sleeve to the body.

2005-10-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my first Hourglass:

Stats:
Yarn: Lang Yarns - Fantomas Superwash. Aprox. 6 or 7 balls (can't remember)
Needles: 4mm circulars
Time: started at the end of August 05, finished on 13th October 05.

Adapting the pattern to suit the yarn was not as much of a problem as I feared it would be, and the shaping kept the otherwise monotonous stockinette pattern interesting. The only gripe I have with the sweater is that the neckline is a bit too wide; the sweater almost slips off the shoulders at times. For the next one, I'll make sure to change the neckline a little to make it a bit deeper and a little less wide. Also, currently the sleeves are a bit short, but the blocking might still change that so I'm reserving judgement.

Thanks to the lovely folks on this KAL for all the support and please don't take me off the KAL yet - I have yarn for another one!! :)

It's Over!

2005-10-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

I finished my Hourglass HOORAY!

You can see the K1P1 Ribbing on the neck in this next picture. If I did it again, I would probably change it to 2 x 2 ribbing for a tighter rib, but this is good too.

You can see the stripes of variegated and solid a little better in this one:

I started last Monday and I finished last Saturday. This was really quick to knit, and the constant shaping keeps it interesting.

Raglan sleeve shaping:

Thanks for all the support!
---Illanna from Knit Powers to Peace---

Opinions, please! To frog or not to frog?

2005-10-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

I'm halfway through my increases already, but I'm having second thoughts about things. I'm using a merino wool from Uruguay (same as Malabrigo/handpaintedyarn.com, but different seller) that has a variegated coloring. I resisted the urge to knit with two balls at once out of sheer laziness and the lack of desire to do something so tedious as to keep up with two balls instead of just one. But I can plainly see where one ball ran out and the new one started. Is it visible to the average person who doesn't knit and who hasn't been told that the problem exists? Will it be visible when I wear it?? As I look at it in the photo, it looks worse than in person. I think it may be how others see it from a distance, though, so I think I may have my answer already. Sob... (BTW, in real life, it has more orange or terra cotta in it than the picture, which turned out kind of peachy. )

If I redo it anyway, should I do the hem slightly differently? I read in Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears (after I started this, of course.) that she recommended using fewer CO stitches for the underside of the hem or using a needle a size or two smaller so that there's not as much bulk in the hem. Thoughts?

Thanks for the help. I was so excited that I was almost ready for a sleeve, but I think I may be back to square one this afternoon. Oh, the agony of being a perfectionist! LOL

Housekeeping

2005-10-02T03:39:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking for a while that it is probably time to update the list of members of the Knitalong. I know a lot of people who joined have finished by now, which is great, but it would good to have an idea of who is still knitting, or has just started.

So, can I ask people to leave a comment to this post letting me know if you have finished, or if you are still knitting. If you are still knitting and haven't posted a picture, maybe just let us know how you are doing, what yarn you are using etc. That way we can all get an update on how we are doing and I can update the sidebar and we can welcome the new members of the knitalong as well.

If I don't hear from people I will assume you are done and put you down as having finished - I hope that's OK with everyone.

And just one other thing, if you ask to join the knitalong and don't hear from me within 24 hours that is probably because you haven't included your email address in your initial enquiry. Unfortunately it doesn't show up automatically on the message I get and I am unable to reply to you without it, or add you to the knitalong. I do check my emails every day, so you can be assured that I will always reply if I am able to do so.

I'm looking forward to hearing how everyone is doing!

First of Many, Many Questions

2005-10-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I started my hourglass with the chocolate brown wool and I have just started my first decrease round in the deep blue. Here is my question, I have the errata and I followed it but it seems wrong to me. Let me explain--
It says stop 2 sts before the next marker and repeat from *, but don't you need 5 sts to complete the decreases?

ssk (2 stitches)
k1 (1 stitch)
k2tog (2 stitches) all this equals 4 sts decreased

Also, the nest sentence is Knit 8(8,10,11,12) rnds. Are these decrease rounds or regular knit rounds?
Thanks for the help ladies!
lisaprit@rochester.rr.com
http:continueinkind.typepad.com

About 75% Done

2005-09-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

I decided to finish my sweater by my birthday, which is tomorrow. I've been working on the hourglass like a madwoman! I already attached the first sleeve, and the second sleeve is up to the increases already. I just need to finish the sleeve and the yoke by tomorrow, and I think I have a pretty good chance.

By the way, this yarn is a dream to work with. I have exactly 800 yards to work with, and I'm making the small. I know people have run out of yarn, and I can get an extra skein or two if necessary. So far it doesn't seem like I'll run out though. As a precaution, I'm doing rib instead of turning round on the edges, which saves me 6 rows on the bottom edge, neck edge, and both sleeves.

---Illanna---

~ I finally started ~

2005-09-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

So here is the progress so far...

But when I was casting on my yarn broke twice. I am using Noro Cash Iroha has anyone else had this problem?

I have also lost 2 balls of yarn to complete my sweater. I am hoping to find some before I get to that point. If anyone has any color #75 Lot J please please e-mail me at secretsofdeception@gmail.com I will trade or pay for it.

2005-09-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

I am finally starting my hourglass!! I am using the Peruvian wool I bought from elann for my Ribby Cardi that I started and didn't like. I heard that it pills did anyone else have this problem? I am doing a small band of chocolate brown on my midnight blue sweater to make sure that I have enough wool!! I bought this yarn last fall and could never get more of the same dye lot now.
Wish me luck!

2005-09-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

Just to let you all know that I have turned on word verification for comments as we seem to have fallen victim to the dreaded spammers. Hopefully this will sort things out and we can keep the comments knitting related!

Small Amounts of Progress

2005-09-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I just rejoined this knitalong to make another Hourglass. I started today, using Artyarns Supermerino in these excellent little colors:

I'm striping them, doing 2 rows of each. Here's how it looks so far:

Wish me luck!

--Illanna--

Second Hourglass Sweater completed!

2005-09-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

I started this such a long time ago and am so happy that it's finished in time for Autumn!

I used 7 (I think) balls of Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora, which is lovely and soft.

Laura x

Question re. the pattern...

2005-09-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Er, I don't even know how to explain what I mean in any comprehensible way, but I'll give it a go:

I've knitted the body of my Hourglass sweater quite happily, despite the differing gauge, and have now arrived at the section 'Divide for Yoke'. Now, this is where I simply don't understand what the pattern wants me to do.

It says 'K5, place the last 10 sts just worked on a stitch holer, knit to 5 sts beyone next marker...'. OK, I get the part with the knit 5 and place the last 10 on a stitch holder. So far so good. But what then? Do I take them off the circular needle? That leaves me with the end of the yarn on the stitch holder and the circular needle attached to the stitches before the stitch holder. Massive gap. How can I just continue knitting without knitting the last stitch before the stitchholder and the 1st stitch after the stitchholder together, thus pulling the whole sweater together in a way that I'm sure can't be right?!

I just don't seem to get what I'm supposed to do... I'm sure it's ever so simple, but could someone talk me through this? Please? I'd really really appreciate some help. :)

It's Finished!

2005-09-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

I'm finally done with my Hourglass sweater. I'm looking forward to wearing this in the Fall.

Thanks all for the wonderful tips on this KAL!

I have more pictures on my blog.

Question for those who used Cash Iroha

2005-09-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I just joined the group and I'll be knitting the sweater with Cash Iroha. I've been swatching for it and when washing and blocking the swatches, I've found that the yarn expands (for lack of a better word). So for example, once knit up, a swatch will be at 19st/in. But once washed, it's now 18st/in. Have any of you experienced the sweater being too big/loose once you've started wearing it? I know I should probably knit it with the size needles that gives me the correct "washed" gauge, but would any of you suggest different?

Finished

2005-09-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here is my finished photo of the Hourglass Sweater. I followed the pattern to the letter and when it was finished and blocked I hated the neck, it was way too wide. The Noro Cash Iroha yarn stretches a lot when blocked. At first I thought the sleeves were too short, but after blocking they are the perfect length. I used 8 full hanks and less than half of the 9th hank of the Noro Cash Iroha yarn. This sweater was knit in the smallest size, and after ripping out the neck line, and re-knitting the neck to fit more like a crew-neck than a boat neck I like the sweater much better. I love the petal softness of the yarn. This sweater fits perfectly.

Worrying about gauge...

2005-08-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Right. After many attempts at getting gauge with the Kelso tweed yarn that I'd envisioned using for this sweater, I finally had to admit defeat. Thinking about it for a while I was not quite happy with my first choice anyway - the yarn is rather scratchy and might work better as a cardigan over some t-shirt... Instead I think I might use Lang's Fantomas Superwash, of which I happen to have a large quantity lying around (I had planned to use this for the Market Sweater in the Fall issue of Interweave, but as my copy STILL hasn't arrived I might as well work on something else instead!).

Now, the problem with this is that this is a lighter yarn, so there is no way I'm going to get gauge with it. I knitted up a swatch with 4mm circs, which seems to be a comfortable size needles for the yarn, and my gauge came to 3" x 3.5". Not quite the 4" that are required for the pattern...

What I thought I might do is change the pattern so that I can still use the yarn. Have any of you done this before? My calculation is this:

My gauge was 19 sts = 7.5cm (3"), so 79 sts = 31.5cm. This means that I need an additional 28.5 stitches to get to the 42cm width required in the pattern (if 19sts = 10cm). This means that I can more or less follow the pattern, using the 2nd largest size, but have to make sure that I measure the length of the sweater regularly so I don't end up with a crop-top.

Do you think this might work? How do the sleeves work on this sweater? Should I anticipate trouble when I get to that part?

And another question:
Right at the beginning of the pattern it says - Knit 5 rnds, then purl 1 rnd for hem turning round. Knit 10 rnds.
Does this mean that I knit, then turn it inside out for one row, then turn it back to knit the 10 rows or does it mean that after I have turned it I will keep on knitting on the wrong side?

Finally finished!

2005-08-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

I started my hourglass sweater back in May and finally finished it last week! I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with the results. I've already worn it three times. This was my first sweater, and although I did have some problems reading the instructions (just because I wasn't familiar with the techniques), once I dove right in, it all actually made sense. I've already started my second sweater.

I wrote about my progress on my blog.

Thanks to everyone here for the support!

Hourglass Progress

2005-08-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Just posting some progress ...

It looks all finished with the tails hidden inside the sweater. I'm dreading having to go back and weave them in.

Question:
Can I use a 3 needle BO for those stitches on the holders?

Knitting in the Sierra Morena

2005-08-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!
Last time I posted was in June, when I decided to join the knit-along, but now I have progress... and pictures!
I made quite a bit of progress while in Spain this summer. That's the body right there, and that's the progress I have on sleeve #1. Hopefully it'll be done before college starts again!

What the Yoke is Going on?

2005-08-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm stuck on the "Divide for Yoke" paragraph, and I'm sure it's just me, but did anyone else read the first sentence and then try to follow the directions and get confused too? I honestly feel like a complete goof, but this has me stumped for some reason. I did what the pattern instructed: knit 5 then place the last 10 stitches worked on a stitch holder. Now I'm not sure what to do. Do I knit over the gap? Should there be a gap? Do I pick up another ball of yarn and leave the gap alone? By the way, that's not a quote from the pattern, my book is at home, far away from me. Anyway, please help if my confusion makes any sense. I've knitted sweaters before, just never in the round, and I think I've read the "divide for yoke" paragraph in the pattern a million times now, but I only feel more lost. Any advice? Help?

Thanks!
Lisa (Slip Knot Pixie)

A question about sleeve width

2005-08-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

I'm onto the sleeves of the sweater and am doing the second smallest size but the width of the sleeve seems huge. I don't consider myself petite (I wear size 7/8) but maybe I should start over and do the smallest size. Advice?

Barbara

p.s. I posted two images of my work thus far on this sweater at http://knittingonfire.blogspot.com

Just Starting!

2005-08-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hi! I just started my first HG sweater two nights ago and I love this pattern! I just did my first decrease and couldn't wait to take pics and share.....I have never been in a KAL before. I have taken three pictures, I am using Plymouth Encore worsted and Sz 9 needles to obtain gauge. I chose this yarn because it will be low maint. for my mamma, it is her Christmas gift this year.

I love that rolled edge with the purl row!

Still kind of hard to see but wanted to give you an idea how far along I am...

Have a great weekend!

Catherine

Finished!

2005-07-21T05:12:00.000-07:00

I finished my sweater last night, and I love it! Unfortunately, it's about a thousand degrees in Boston, so I won't be able to wear it out for a while...

Overall, I really like this pattern, mostly for its minimal finishing requirements and flattering shaping. I know others made the neckline smaller for more bra-strap coverage, but I personally think the wide neckline looks lovely. As for the yarn, the KnitPicks' Andean Silk felt great in my hands as I was knitting up the sweater, but it's kind of itchy to wear. The reasonable price (compared to Cash Iroha) and pretty color make the itchiness bearable, though.

Thanks--this was a really fun knit-along! I may just have to make another one.

My imitation of the photo in "Last-Minute Knitted Gifts"

How much yarn did you use?

2005-07-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

Hi--I've knit up quite a bit of my sweater since I last posted; I've finished the body and one sleeve. Unfortunately, I think I'm going to run out of yarn. I have a question for those of you who used KnitPicks' Andean Silk: how many skeins did you use, and for what size? I'm making the smallest size, and I have 8 skeins to work with. I've ordered two more, but will that be enough? Mathwise, it works out, but the errata says that some knitters have needed more yarn than is called for in the pattern, so I guess the yardage in the pattern isn't accurate. Thanks!

Hourglass Complete!

2005-07-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

I finished this sweater a couple of weeks ago and am (finally) posting some pictures! I used Knit Picks Andean Silk in Lettuce and size 7 needles. Overall, I am happy with it, even though its a bit too big. I think that the second size would have been perfect (but I sort of did an inbetween 2nd and 3rd size)!

The final measurements are: 19.5 inches across bottom, 17 inches waist, 39 inch chest circumference, 24 inches from bottom edge to neckline, 20.5 inches from wrist to underarm.

I also made a few other modifications including an additional inch on the length of the waist area to accomodate the fact that I hate things that are too short. Lesson, should have left as is, it was a bit too long. I also added an extra inch to each sleeve. Lesson, thank god I did! I have long arms and the changes I made came out pefect! Also, what's with this sweater showing bra lines on everyone!? Mine came out fine... On wait, no, thats because I have those huge broad swimmer shoulders and have no need to worry about that!

And finally, thank you for all your support and kind words throughout the making of my first sweater! I really appreciate it!

Yarn received

2005-07-08T01:14:00.000-07:00

Well, my yarn for the Hourglass has arrived, so I thought I'd share:

It's called 'Kelso Wool Tweed' and I've ordered it from texere. It's not quite as soft as I'd hoped, but I love the colour. Can't wait to start knitting!! :)

Now a Part of the Fun

2005-07-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

I started my first Hourglass sweater in late June, and I'm working on the front/back sections of the pattern now. I love the Noro Cash Iroha yarn, and I normally wouldn't buy this yarn simply because the price is usually too high, but I found a great sale at my LYS and I received a $25 discount on top of the sale, so I figured - why not! The color is #I01 and the dyelot is the natural color with very faint specks of pale lavendar, it's really lovely. I'll post pictures of my progress soon. I've just reached the increasing part of the pattern for the front/back of the sweater, and the measurement is supposed to be 5" long, and I think mine is a little bit longer than that. Has anyone else been off on the lenght-wise measurements? I've carefully counted the rows and kept track, so I'm hoping I was just tired when I measured, and that the sweater is the correct length after all. Anyway, happy knitting!

Late to the party

2005-07-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm new to the knit-along. I had been planning to make this sweater for a while, but it wasn't until I was inspired by all the finished sweaters here that I started my own. I'm using KnitPicks Andean Silk, and it's working really well so far. Some people have described the yarn as fuzzy, but I don't think it's that bad--it doesn't have a noticeable haze or anything. I also used the Nothin' But A T-Shirt hem technique, because I think it looks cleaner.

This photo's a little old; I'm actually up to the part where you start the increase rows on the body.

I'm really looking forward to wearing this sweater, even though it won't be cold enough for a few months yet...

Joining the group

2005-07-06T00:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone and a big welcome to those of you who have joined recently.

I've had a few requests to join recently where people haven't included their email address. If you would like to join the knitalong and haven't heard from me, this is probably why. I would love to sign you up, but can't add you to the blog without your email address, so please resend those requests, including your email address.

I look forward to seeing lots more completed Hourglasses!

New to the group

2005-07-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I've just joined this KAL and started my Hourglass last week. I wanted my sweater to be summer weight so I'm using Crystal Palace Mikado Ribbon on larger needles.

I already know that the next time I make this I will make the hem half the size of the pattern. It just seems bigger than it needs to be. Though, I'm not willing to rip and start over at this point. I'll post pictures as soon as I'm far enough along.

I'd also like to say "thank you" to Deena who posted about how she used the the hem technique from Alison's Nothing but a Tshirt pattern. I used it too and found it to be a time saver that I'll use again.

Anyway, thanks for letting join (though kind of late). I'm having fun and can't wait to wear it.

Yarn for the Hourglass

2005-06-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

I realise that I'm rather late signing up for this KAL, but I've just ordered the yarn for my Hourglass Sweater. After much calculating and fretting I finally decided on texere's Kelso Wool Tweed in 'berry'. It feels a bit scratchy to the touch on the sample that I have but it says 'soft' in the description, so I hope that it will improve in softness after washing... At least, with £2.90 for 100g it's well within my price range!

Can't wait to start knitting! :)

Just Starting & help changing neckline

2005-06-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

Hi all---I am just starting this sweater and found this knitalong! I've enjoyed seeing all of the other sweaters out there--they look great! When I get there, I would like to change the neckline a bit to make my sweater a bit narrower and snug in the shoulder line. I noticed that a couple people changed the neckline a bit, too. What did you do? If anyone has recommendations I'd love to hear them! Thanks...

Almost There!

2005-06-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of the decreases on the yoke and am hoping to finish this weekend! I just figured I would share this picture since I have neglected to post any progress over the last month that I have been working on this! I was honestly thinking that I was going to get bored with this sweater, but it went super quick and was really fun! The yarn I am using is Knit Picks Andean Silk in Lettuce.

2005-06-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

So far so good. I've finished the lower body and have a good start on a sleeve. It's going much faster and easier than I expected.

Hourglass Progress

2005-06-05T11:32:00.001-07:00

I'm almost ready to start on the sleeves! Hooray! I love how easy this pattern is so far. It's great, too, to see everyone else's finished sweaters. Has anyone tried doing the sleeves on 16" circs? I'm knitting the 37" size, and I just don't want to have to buy another set of needles.

I don't see any instructions on blocking in the pattern. Does it have to be blocked or should I follow the instructions for my yarn?

I have more IP protos on my blog.

My Second Hourglass Sweater Done!!

2005-06-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm done with my second hourglass sweater.
This time, I used Louet Sales' Euroflax Original (sport weight, linen 100%).
I used three skeins.

I also shortened the sleeve so that I can wear in summer.
Here is how it looks:

I am very satisfied with it overall. I like this shorter sleeves, I like the way linen becomes softer and drapes more as I wear. I am sure I can wear it in summer, too.

Now, I am looking at some comments on Knitpick's Andrean Silk, and I am so interested in that yarn!! I may start making another one for the next fall/winter with this yarn, cause I really love the shape of this sweater.

Hi there

2005-06-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

I realise I've been very remiss and not introduced myself since taking over the admin of the blog. There's not a huge amount to say, except I hope you're all enjoying knitting your Hourglass Sweaters. I've done one so far and have the yarn put aside for another. I'm sure you'll all join me in saying a big thank you to Kelly for all the hard work she's put in to this knitalong and I hope it will carry on for some time to come.

If anyone has any comments/suggestions, please leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Happy knitting!

Mary
http://thewoolpalace.typepad.com

My WIP

2005-05-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Since Stacey posted asking about the andean silk, I figured I should post progress, since I've been meaning to and haven't.

Stacey, you can see a version of the Hourglass in Andean Silk on the Knitpicks site if you click here. I really love the yarn; it's beautiful and soft, though if you're put off by slightly furry yarns, this may not be the yarn for you.

These pictures are slightly outdated, as I took them while I was decreasing, with good intentions of posting them, but kept forgetting, got frustrated with the sweater, set it aside and picked it up again since that time. I'm just starting my increases, but here are a couple of shots so you can see the yarn in action!

The color is "sangria".

KnitPicks Andean Silk?

2005-05-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

I'm wondering if anyone who's finished the hourglass using the KnitPicks yarn could post a pic - I'm seriously contemplating getting it, but wondering what the sheen/drape is like....

thanks!
Stacey

Hourglass Number Two

2005-05-28T02:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a picture of progress so far on my 2nd Hourglass:

http://lauracummins.typepad.com/hourglass2.jpg

The yarn I'm using (Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora) knits up lovely and soft, although the angora always seems tp get all over my shirt, in my mouth and up my nose!

Finished

2005-05-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to have this finished a while ago, but better late than never. I'm not terribly thrilled with the outcome (I should have knit the smallest size instead) but it's comfortable and makes for a good lounging around sweater. Like many of you I added extra decrease rows to the neckline and I'm pretty happy with the result.

Yarn: Kim by King/Filtes

Colour: 310 (sage)

Finished!

2005-05-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here is my finished sweater:

I used Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, which I liked. I had to make a lot of changes (I had it mostly done and took it back out to the armpits once to make the sleeves and the yoke shorter), but I think it would have been fine if I had just knitted a smaller size in the first place. I also added a ton of extra rows so it wouldn't fall off of my shoulders. If you're interested there are some "in progress" pictures on my blog, which I never got around to posting here. I really liked knitting this sweater and I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out and I may do another one sometime.

Just Starting!

2005-05-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

I joined this KAL a few weeks ago and just got my yarn in the mail yesturday. I ordered the Andean Silk in lettuce green from Knit Picks and am super happy with the texture of the yarn. This is my first sweater and am very nervous/excited about making a sweater that fits right. Did anyone out there adjust the sizing to fit them better? My problem is that I have a larger chest and a smaller waist and probably need the 40 inch bust size with the 37 waist size. I am probably going to start out for the 37 inch one and then do extra increases in the bust.

To see pictures of my yarn, check out my blog at Knitting Sunshine. Happy Knitting everyone!

Looking for some assistance...

2005-05-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

After many successful months at the helm of this KAL blog, it's time for your blog administrator to pass the torch onto someone who has slightly more free time than I do right now.

To keep this KAL available to new members, I am looking for someone who can invite new members and add their blog addresses to this blog.

If you are interested and available, please reply to this post.

My Second Hourglass Sweater Started!

2005-05-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Wakana and I just started my second Hourglass Sweater.
This time, I am using Euroflax Original(Linen 100%). I like this bronze color; it would go well with jeans. I am going to make the sleeves a bit shorter for summer.
This yarn is a bit hard in the begining, and it tangled so badly it took about 12 hours to untangle it....hopefully this won't happen again.

And, thanks to Deena's comment, I tried Alison's hem technique, and so far, it's working perfect. Thanks Deena!!

Finished!

2005-05-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

I actually get to wear it today as it's chilly!

~ I am really slacking ~

2005-05-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ok I joined this months ago but I haven't even started yet I have to get a move on it but I am so happy to see that there are others that are still working on it and just starting so that I will not be the only one working on it. Great sweaters everyone!!

Almost done!

2005-05-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

I just bound off a few minutes ago, and couldn't resist slipping it over my head to take a picture.

I cast on, I believe, in January and set it aside in February (I was on the second sleeve when I set it aside) to work on some other projects. Well, I just finished a Sitcom Chic over the weekend, and it gave me the courage to pick up Hourglass again.

I'm using Elann's Highland Wool, and made the second size. Instead of following the pattern's instructions for the turn-over edging, I decided to do a seed stitch edge on the sleeves, the bottom and the neckline. I also did 3 extra decrease rounds at the neck, and I'm pleased with the coverage as I have very narrow shoulders and hate things falling off them. It's a *little* snugger over my t-shirt than I'd normally like pre-blocking, but it should be perfect after I weave in all the ends, kitchener the underarms and block!

Too bad it's wool and we're having summer temps here finally. :p

I know I'm late...

2005-05-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

but I'm finally joining the Knitalong! I'm using Knit Picks' Andean Silk in Sangria for my hourglass sweater. I had started last week, but after six rows, I discovered that I had twisted the sweater on my circulars and had to frog. But I'm ready to commence afresh!

I Love It!!

2005-04-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

Drumroll please... I've finally finished my sweater and I love it! I was concerned about how the yarn stripes differently on the sleeves than on the body but it works for me. I added a few rows to the neckline so it doesn't hang off my shoulders.

Also a finishing tip, rather than seaming the body and sleeves at the end, I used the hem technique from Alison's Nothing but a Tshirt pattern. For example, on the lower body - knit 5 rounds, purl 1 round, knit 5 rounds. On round 6, fold work over on the turning row towards the inside and knit next row together with cast on edge. Viola - no seaming.

I still have to rinse the sweater in fabric softener as Noro yarn tends to irritate my skin. And, of course it's too hot in LA to wear wool right now but that's fine with me. My Hourglass sweater is done and I'm happy :-)

Round Two...

2005-04-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy with my Hourglass that I'm going to make another one for my sister! This time, though, I'm going to make it with Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora, in shade 15508. Here's a picture of it:

Hi

2005-04-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

I started this sweater a couple weeks ago and wanted to post a progress photo and say hello. I'm using Cotton Flamme from Crystal Palace yarns. It's my first cotton sweater and my finest guage sweater ever :-) I'm enjoying the simplicity of the pattern and think this sweater begs to be knit in alpaca as well :-)

And a fabric close up:

Thanks for letting me join the fun... everyone's sweaters are turing out really well.

-Amber

My First Sweater--Finished!

2005-04-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

Et voila:

Fits pretty well! The yarn is Cash Iroha in 85, light rose. I adjusted the pattern by adding a few inches to the body and sleeves, since I'm pretty tall. I wish the neck was a little narrower, but maybe if I try this again, I'll adjust the pattern a little more. All in all, a fairly painless and satisfying project!

You can see more details at http://thayerknits.blogspot.com if you're interested

My completed Hourglass!

2005-04-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a picture of my Hourglass, which I finished knitting yesterday.

I'm very happy with it, although the neck is quite wide and will require a vest underneath!

http://lauracummins.typepad.com/HOURGLASS.jpg

Hourglass, Take Two!

2005-04-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I just joined this knitalong, but I've made some progress already! I had to start over once, after determining that the 2nd largest size was big enough for me and my husband to wear simultaneously. Now I've started the 2nd smallest size, and all appears to be A-OK.

Lovely sweaters and a question

2005-04-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

Like others, I've been enjoying seeing everyone's creations. My own is about to be packed away for the warmer months (it's all wool) but I am getting ready to make two more in a cotton blend yarn for spring.

One question, though. When I made mine It seemed that the neckline was much wider than everyone elses'. In fact, I ended up knitting on extra straps taht visually bring it in and allow me to wear it without a tank top underneath. I'm thinking I will do the next size down on the sleeves which should help some, but has anyone else noticed the neckline being overly wide?

Progress So Far

2005-04-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Just thought I'd post a couple of links to pictures of my progress so far:

Here's the body:

http://lauracummins.typepad.com/hg%20body.jpg

and here's the first sleeve so far:

http://lauracummins.typepad.com/hg%20arm1.jpg

The sleeve seems to be taking forever! I think it's because the needles are smaller and harder to hold - I have to stop after a while as my hands ache.

Laura x

Finally done!

2005-04-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here she is, my first adult size sweater.

It was a learning experience, I will make some changes if I make it again! All in all, I do like it, and I will wear it because I MADE IT!
http://cmeknit.blogspot.com/

Happy Knitting everyone!

Hourglass After One Month

2005-04-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

It's been so fun checking back here to see what lovely sweaters everyone has made!

I have a random Q: I made the smallest size of the hourglass, and when I finished it, it seemed to fit. It was a little looser after blocking, but now it's gotten incredibly stretched out. I rewashed and reblocked, but I just can't seem to get it back to a size that fits. It's not me that's gotten smaller, it's the sweater that's gotten bigger.

Any advice for shrinking it a bit without ruining the sweater? I used Cash Iroha, if that's at all helpful.

Hourglass Finished - - -

2005-04-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm new to the knitalong, and I already finished my hourglass sweater when I found this blog, but I just wanted to post some pictures...

I used 6 balls of Pura Lana Ecologica (175m/50g) and Filatura di Crosa's Kid Mohair, and it took about a month or so.

I really love this sweater! I've worn this so many times already. It's just so nice! The way it snuggles into, the way the neck part opens, and the way sleeves drape... SO, I am thinking about making another one with different yarns, and I picked up Louet Sales' Euroflax (100% linen) . Let's see if this yarn is going to work with this pattern...

I enjoy reading evryone's posts. They are really really inspiring to me. Thanks!