I got the yarn I'm hoping to use for the Alpine Lace yesterday. I swatched it with 3.5 mm needles, and it came pretty close to gauge ... but I'm not sure if it's too open and spidery. How does one decide what needle size to use? I'll probably knit a swatch up on 2.75 mm needles today and see what it looks like, and go from there. I'd love to hear other opinions about sticking with the pictured results, or going for a smaller gauge!A finished Cherry Leaf shawl picture is up on my blog.
8 comments:
I say, reswatch with smaller needles and then pick your favorite. Good luck.
Just pick a gauge which looks pleasing to you. I am using 3mm needles for my lace weight scarf (still working on the same one, can't believe you are on number 3, or 4 :)
I just finished my Alpine Scarf today. I used Posh Yarn lace weight cashmere yarn called Sophia 2ply and used 4mm needles. I was worried that they might be too big but it's blocked lovely. Wider than the measurements in the book though and I did stretch it a bit when I blocked it. I knitted it much longer too. As for gauge, I never check that, unless I absolutely have to. I think with shawls it mainly about choosing a gauge which looks pleasing like Hege said. Good luck. I found the border a pain to startwith but really enjoyed the main section.
You are a knitting maniac! I am still plugging away on my shawl w /#20 edging and you are on your 3rd (??) VLT project. I'm amazed!
Martha
Love the cherry leaf shawl!
I'd say the swatch looks a little too open, but that's just my personal taste. I tend to favour a slightly tighter gauge when knitting lace. I figure it's already open enough as it is. :p
However, I'm flexible enough to admit that there is some charm in a very open and loose lace pattern. :)
I think your swatch is lovely! I like that airy open look.
The great thing about shawls is that you don't have to be a slave to gauge. If you like the more closed look of your second swatch, then use the smaller needles. I look forward to seeing what you decide!
Keep in mind that after blocking it's likely to be a bit more open too.....I'd say swatch again and see if you don't like it better on a small needle.
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