I negotiated a treaty whereby I may post the comings and going of gift WIPs, as it was decided that seeing the item in progress and FOd would not detract from the enjoyment of finally receiving the item in real life. In fact, it was declared that it may even make it more fun.
So here goes. No longer a complete surprise knit report No. 1.
Lace-Up Fingerless Gloves from Leigh Radford’s Alterknits
Yarn: Approximately 3 ounces (94 yards) Cherry Tree Hill Lamb’s Pride Bulky (85%wool/15% mohair) in Java
Needles: Size 10.5 US
Gauge: 13-14 sts = 4″
Pattern thoughts:
Your eyes do not deceive, the right glove is a tad smaller than the left glove. I made numerous adjustments to the pattern to accommodate a bulkier yarn, and the right one was finished, ripped back to the eyelets, and re-knit with adjustments to my adjustments. All very scientific. I think what happened is that on the first glove I was concentrating on every little thing making decisions, so I was knitting tighter. The second one I whipped up barely thinking about it, since I had everything figured out, and knit looser. When they are both on it isn’t that noticeable, and I think I can even it out in blocking. That’s the plan, anyway.
This was the first pattern I’ve knit from this lovely book, and it was well-wriiten and easy to follow.
Pattern adjustments:
The pattern calls for 1 skein of Manos at a gauge of 18 sts = 4″. Using the gauge multiplier trickity-trick from Nona, I ended up CO 25 sts (vs 38).
To establish the eyelet pattern, I deleted the last 2 of the 6 rows of the pattern repeat and only repeated these 4 rows 3X, rather than 4X. These last 2 rows were just K and P rows for length. Not the actual eyelet pattern.
To shape the arm, I followed the pattern to decrease for 1 eyelet pattern repeat, rather than 3, and just continued in the eyelet pattern, but without decreasing, until there were six eyelets.
The pattern specifies working even for 4 rounds at the end of the arm shaping after joining in the round, and I did only 3 rounds.
To shape the thumb gusset, I increased as specified 2X, rather than 5X, and I worked only 1 row between increase rounds rather than 2.
The rest of the pattern is just knitting in the round in St-st until desired length, which is quite up to you. I think I did 11 rows on the hand and 3 rows on the thumb. I opted for the ribbed edge, so it would lay flat. Because of the bulky yarn, I did a 2X1 rib for only 3 rows before binding off. The pattern calls for a 3X1 rib, and I thought it would look too exaggerated.
I hope this is enough detail, that you can use these adjustments for bulky yarn and not have to start from scratch. Of course, this pair still needs to be blocked and laced up. I will probably truck downtown to Michael Levine’s for the ribbon.
I have to say this Cherry Tree Hill yarn is something else, and I have about 30 yards left. Hmmmmm. The colors are rich and subtle at the same time. There are so many different shades and yet they blend perfectly. That’s the beauty of well-done hand painted yarn, I’m learning. And here I was worried about running out.
Gorgeous! I love the colors too. CTH is one of my favorites for handpainted yarn.
I didn’t even notice one was smaller till you mentioned it. No worries!
and here’s something else about posting pre-gifts……we won’t know what’s for who!! (although hopefully these are for me!!! and i have a feeling i’ll be saying that about everything!!!!!) oxoxoxoxj
Jillian, so sorry you are feeling bad. Hope it goes away soon. I love the gloves, that person is a very lucky one. Pretty gift.
I love how your lace-up fingerless gloves turned out — great job with your modifications! Isn’t Alter-Knits a fantastic book?!
Those fingerless gloves look great!
Those are great…I love the colors!
Alter knits has pattern revise on her web site Leigh radford. the golves are included.