Prayer Shawls

Linda wrote:

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.

On Mon, 31 Jul 2006 07:17:20 -0400, suzee wrote:
I believe the pattern was one size, but the gauge listed on the yarn
label was the other size. This is pretty typical, I usually see
different size needles used for a pattern than is on the label.

sue

Take a look at these sites and see what I mean:

Here is is on the Lionbrand site:
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/...tml?noImages=0

and here is the Prayer Shawl Ministry site:
http://www.shawlministry.com/instructions.html

I guess it doesn't actually say to use Lionbrand Homespun, but the
directions are virtually identical.

....Linda

Linda wrote:
Linda wrote:

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.

On Mon, 31 Jul 2006 07:17:20 -0400, suzee wrote:
I believe the pattern was one size, but the gauge listed on the yarn
label was the other size. This is pretty typical, I usually see
different size needles used for a pattern than is on the label.

sue

Take a look at these sites and see what I mean:

Here is is on the Lionbrand site:
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/...tml?noImages=0

and here is the Prayer Shawl Ministry site:
http://www.shawlministry.com/instructions.html

I guess it doesn't actually say to use Lionbrand Homespun, but the
directions are virtually identical.

...Linda

Oh, that's what you said, sorry. Well sure, there's a few ways to knit a
shawl, but really they're basically large scarves; this is kind of a
garter rib, or broken garter. The one on larger needles would give you a
softer, looser stitch than the Lion pattern is the only difference and
I'd think you'd want that in a shawl. Oh, you'd have less stitches to
knit per inch depending on how large you want to make it.... As I
suggested before, try it out with different size needles to see which
you like better.

sue

In article , suzee wrote:
Moon Shyne wrote:
wrote in message
om...
Wisdom of the ages!

The great question is what is the smallest swatch that is useful? Do you
do a bunch of tiny swatches to look for hints of where you want to go, or
do
you start off with larger swatches that will give more accurate pattern
information?

Most swatches are measured for a 4" x 4" square - and this is generally a
good size to measure not only the gauge, but to see how your pattern works
up - at least, that's what my daughter says - she's the knitter

I've heard it's a good idea to make the swatches 6x6 in order to measure
the 4 inches accurately. The side stitches don't measure the same as the
ones in the middle.

Some people say that they "swatch" by starting a small part of the pattern,
such as a sleeve or sweater front. If it's the right size, they keep going.
If it isn't, they rip. But always swatch the way you will knit: if in the
round, swatch in the round.

=Tamar

Richard Eney wrote:
In article , suzee wrote:
Moon Shyne wrote:
wrote in message
om...
Wisdom of the ages!

The great question is what is the smallest swatch that is useful? Do you
do a bunch of tiny swatches to look for hints of where you want to go, or
do
you start off with larger swatches that will give more accurate pattern
information?
Most swatches are measured for a 4" x 4" square - and this is generally a
good size to measure not only the gauge, but to see how your pattern works
up - at least, that's what my daughter says - she's the knitter
I've heard it's a good idea to make the swatches 6x6 in order to measure
the 4 inches accurately. The side stitches don't measure the same as the
ones in the middle.

Some people say that they "swatch" by starting a small part of the pattern,
such as a sleeve or sweater front. If it's the right size, they keep going.
If it isn't, they rip. But always swatch the way you will knit: if in the
round, swatch in the round.

Right, I say I don't swatch, that is making a `perfect' 4x4 or 6x6
piece, but I do really. I start in on the piece and if it isn't coming
out right, I start over.

sue

Linda wrote:
Take a look at these sites and see what I mean:
Here is is on the Lionbrand site:
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/...tml?noImages=0

and here is the Prayer Shawl Ministry site:
http://www.shawlministry.com/instructions.html

I guess it doesn't actually say to use Lionbrand Homespun, but the
directions are virtually identical.

...Linda

On Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:57:19 -0400, suzee wrote:

Oh, that's what you said, sorry. Well sure, there's a few ways to knit a
shawl, but really they're basically large scarves; this is kind of a
garter rib, or broken garter. The one on larger needles would give you a
softer, looser stitch than the Lion pattern is the only difference and
I'd think you'd want that in a shawl. Oh, you'd have less stitches to
knit per inch depending on how large you want to make it.... As I
suggested before, try it out with different size needles to see which
you like better.

sue

Well, I decided rather than talking about doing it....I did it. I
started the shawl today and compromised by using 7 mm. needles and it
looks and feels wonderful. I cast on 57 stitches, used the 7 mm
needle, so I should get the same width as the LionBrand version.

So far, so good....Linda

Linda wrote:
Linda wrote:
Take a look at these sites and see what I mean:
Here is is on the Lionbrand site:
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/...tml?noImages=0

and here is the Prayer Shawl Ministry site:
http://www.shawlministry.com/instructions.html

I guess it doesn't actually say to use Lionbrand Homespun, but the
directions are virtually identical.

...Linda

On Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:57:19 -0400, suzee wrote:

Oh, that's what you said, sorry. Well sure, there's a few ways to knit a
shawl, but really they're basically large scarves; this is kind of a
garter rib, or broken garter. The one on larger needles would give you a
softer, looser stitch than the Lion pattern is the only difference and
I'd think you'd want that in a shawl. Oh, you'd have less stitches to
knit per inch depending on how large you want to make it.... As I
suggested before, try it out with different size needles to see which
you like better.

sue

Well, I decided rather than talking about doing it....I did it. I
started the shawl today and compromised by using 7 mm. needles and it
looks and feels wonderful. I cast on 57 stitches, used the 7 mm
needle, so I should get the same width as the LionBrand version.

So far, so good....Linda

Patterns like scarves and shawls can be made on just about any size
needles and yarn that you like the look of as there's no fitting to
worry about. Sounds like you've found a good match.

sue