Gauge, You Are My Nemesis

 As you may or may not recall, I was knitting a vest for Younger Son (for Christmas, maybe).  This vest.  I checked my gauge several times while knitting and I was spot on.   14 sts in 4" and I didn't skooch or push to get the gauge.  I didn't even smooth it out before measuring, just laid it flat and measured without moving the fabric at all.  I thought it looked wide, but then (as I said here) sweaters that are knit all in one piece always look wide to me (and I was getting gauge).  Then I washed it.  

Length-wise it's perfect.  30" just as specified in the pattern.  But width-wise?  It's 62", NOT the 51" specified in the pattern.  And no, I did not stretch it while blocking.  I was trying to make it smaller.  I could feel the wool relax when it hit the water.  And it bled too.   Three rinses and the water was still a bit grey.  The only thing I did not do was wash a swatch.  But I'm not certain that would have been enlightening.  Swatches lie, everyone knows that.  Next time I will though, especially when working with 100% wool.  Post blocking gauge?  11.5 sts in 4".   There is no way I cheated that much when measuring.  Gauge, I hate you.  The boy will wear it, big as it is.  If I was sufficiently motivated I could cut and sew it, but I'm not.  I'll sew in the zipper tell him he can wear it over other clothes (all his other clothes, apparently.)

On to other things, I am knitting the JFY7 Mystery KAL.  I've never done a mystery KAL before.  So far I've been able to keep up with the clues, 

I had to brush away the snow for the picture.  This is my shawl/whatever it is, and here are the twins.  

I've reversed the colors.  I'm working from the center and from the outside of the same balls of yarn.  It's actually working out very well, no tangles so far.  I'm on vacation now through Christmas so I'm hoping I'll have no trouble keeping up.

Not Quite

 

I'm not quite done with my How Cold Is It? (warning: -- link contains a bad word) hat.  I was hoping to finish today, but at least I'm past the random graph and am now doing the decreases at the crown.  This will be a good size (I was worried that it wouldn't be long enough) just long enough to cover the ears and be a little slouchy.  Perfect!  Once it's done and blocked I will attempt to get a modelled shot.  I hope the recipient will like it.  For those of you keeping track this will count as Socks #3 of 13.  Still on track for my deadlines, actually pulling ahead a little once I get the zipper sewn in on Younger Son's vest.  I've also been working on Older Son's jacket as well, and have reached the underarm shaping on the back.  Moving right along.  Since I've decided that I want to do JFY7 3 times, those will count as 3 more socks.  If I get them all done by Christmas I'll be way ahead!  Stay tuned for more exciting knitting highlights.  I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat.

Today I Got Yarn

 I've been away so long.  Not feeling the mojo for awhile, but I've been knitting.  I finished Younger Son's vest and am working on Older Son's sweater (more on those later).

I've decided to do the JFY7 .  I'm making two in reversed colors for my BFF Michelle and her twin sister.  These are the colors.  I'm showing off the buttons because they cost almost as much as the yarn!

I also got yarn and button to make one for myself.

Yarn is Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Merino DK, on sale at Webs.

I'm working on the How Cold Is It? (warning - bad word in the link) hat also.  I'm totally over this. The randomness is a big pain in the butt; I have to count every stitch, every round.  I cast on four times the number for the mitten and I made a chart for "random" snow for the other 3 quadrants.  If I was going to make this again I wouldn't bother and just do a geometric in the other 3 quadrants.  But it looks ok, even if my Fairisle technique is not what it should be.  Pictures tomorrow.