Yes, I’m a Freak (Or, Small Gauges Make my Brain Tired)
The rib stitches look “uneven” close up, but I think that is due to the yarn itself - very soft, and not really great for stitch definition. But I don’t mind it - I think the sweater overall is going to look v. pretty. Here’s the back, about an inch away from being finished. There is short-row shaping for the shoulders that will be fun, and then I’ll start the front.
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I got my pattern books (they are digitally restored and spiral-bound - cute!) from Iva Rose. And I can already see they are going to cause problems. As in, I want to make a *lot* of clothing items. A lot of clothing items with tiny tiny gauges.
Women must have been weird speed-knitters back in the 30’s, because contained within the Minerva Style Book… well, we’re talking entire 3-piece suits - that’s a jacket, (long) coat and (long) skirt - made with a gauge of 8 stitches to the inch!! Are there people out there today who can knit fast enough to make that sort of project worthwhile?! If so, I salute you. Wholeheartedly. That’s totally koo-koo. Oh, and did I mention that one of those suits is all done in stockinette stitch?! I think I would find factory assembly work more fascinating. Can I put enough exclamation points in this paragraph?!
Not to say that the clothing articles aren’t awesome and beautiful, because many of them are. There is much detail and care in the design of these items.
…So here’s why I’m a freak:
I really want to make that coat. Minus the sharp shoulders, of course. I think I could modify those to make them somewhat square, instead of scarily-pointy. It has a very neat stitch pattern with lots of texture, and a cute little collar - oh! And before you tell me how loco I am to even think of starting another project, the gauge is only 4 1/2 stitches to the inch! Easy as pie. And look - don’t you want to be that model? With that hat? And that attitude? And perfect curls you have to set every night? (um…)
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Hey! I joined the Vintage Knit-Along! They’re making some great high stockings over there, you should check it out.
And I know you’re waiting with breath abated: I put up the two vintage patterns I want to make in future on my sidebar. Hooray. Oh, and by the way the sweater with the sash has a wonderful construction I’ll tell you about later. And those little intarsia objects are actually flowers (but I may be changing them to something else). And the gauge for that particular item is, ahem, 10 stitches to the inch. Yep.
Steph Said,
June 27, 2006 @ 1:20 pm
I do want the whole outfit, plus curls! I’ve got a few 30’s Minerva booklets and wondered as well how anyone ever had the patience to knit a suit and coat. Sure, there were a lot less distractions back then (no internet or TV), but I’ve never come across a complete handknit outfit in my searches so far, except for a fingering weight dress. The sweaters you picked are lovely, are you going to stick with a vintage color scheme?
Mandy Said,
June 27, 2006 @ 3:16 pm
Hmmm… that’s a good point - I just assumed women actually made those suits, long dresses and elaborate outfits, but perhaps nobody ever did?
I actually hadn’t thought about what colors I was going to use for the sweaters, yet. I’m trying not to get too excited about them because the next thing you know, I’ll be buying yarn and then casting on…
gster Said,
June 27, 2006 @ 9:22 pm
I kinda dig the pointy shoulders….
Sharon Said,
June 28, 2006 @ 8:16 pm
teeeheeeheee I really like it, too. I cannot WAIT to see yours, tho. I think I may have to make another at some point if this goes well. What do you think of the yarn? Can I see it? Huh? huh? huh? Hey, I really like the vintage stuff. I have some old mags I will have to look through. The old Spinnerin rock! There are some great patterns in them. Garage sales, baby. Are you doing the Morale Boosters? Love the lace top!
the kitchener bitch Said,
June 30, 2006 @ 1:30 pm
That’s pretty amazing! Love the top - and love that entire outfit. You’re asking exactly the same question I’ve been asking - how on earth did the women of the 30s and 40s do it? I think they knit stuff at 9 stitches to the inch because they didn’t have TV, they didn’t go out to eat all the time, and they didn’t work 10 hours a day.
Glad to have you on the knit-along - bring friends!
Valerie in San Diego Said,
June 30, 2006 @ 2:09 pm
Ooh! I don’t blame you — it’s all lovely. Thanks for the pointers to Iva Rose and the Vintage KAL. I’ll doubtless be joining the ranks of too-small-stitches soon
Sharon Said,
July 2, 2006 @ 8:33 am
Hey!!!
Cool. I am glad you like it. It is very like Shetland, I think. I love it. I have not used up a full ball yet. I am on row 80 or so. I am gauging carefully, because I fear that I am usuing more than is called for. I don’t think my floats are too long. I just emailed to order another ball of each because I am a FREAK! As soon as I get to the end of a ball, I will let you know if we will have an issue. Keep your fingers crossed. Maybe it will be better for you!
Yeah! I just spent a small fortune on more circ yesterday. Ouch! And my collection is already embarrassing! You would think you could find the right size in all that mess……..If I die, my family is going to go through my stuff and think I was headed in the direction of one of those ladies that owns 130 cats and collects so much sh%#t she can’t walk in her house!!!! hahahahah Ummm…maybe I am….hmmmm.
Can’t wait to see your pics!!