suzee wrote:


I prefer using larger needles myself and have used Homespun on 8mm,
though it wasn't a prayer shawl. Do you have a 7mm? You could knit a
piece starting out with the 6s for a few inches, use 7s for a few more
inches, then the 8s and compare and see which you like better.

sue

On Sun, 30 Jul 2006 10:44:18 -0500, Olwyn Mary
wrote:
I always make swatches BECAUSE....... I usually find that I need to use
needles two sizes smaller than the pattern calls for in order to get the
correct gauge. By the same token, I have one good friend who needs to
use larger needles to get the gauge right! We are all individuals,
there is no such thing as an "average" person.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans

I understand the concern about the correct gauge, but when knitting a
shawl or afghan IMHO gauge really doesn't matter too much. I have had
the experience of going up a size to make the item have a softer hand,
but other than that the size didn't matter too much.

I am just curious as to why the exact same pattern knit with the same
yarn would state 6 mm needles on one site, and 8 mm on another. I can
see a difference of one size, but 6 to 8's is a pretty big jump.

....Linda