Lots of crafters, knitters and crocheters alike, hate gauge swatching. Why do all that work, just to pull it back out? When you're ready to start, you just. want. to. start. I was the same way for YEARS. And I had the Ughs to prove it. Impatience, I had it. But then there was the sweater sleeve that I could barely get past my wrist... I had to admit, it was time to start swatching.
This week I made the Shroom hat from knitty. Gorgeous pattern, fun to do, worked up really quickly once I got going. But I am SO GLAD I swatched first! Of course, I wasn't using the recommended yarn - where's the adventure in that? Instead, I used two strands of Bernat Softee Chunky in Native Ombre held together. Two bulkies to make a super bulky? Sure, but I knew swatching would be necessary, to ensure that the fabric wouldn't be stiff and that I could get gauge. Well, it took a few tries, but I got gauge - but only after substituting size 13 needles for the recommended size 9s, and 15s for the 11s! Other than that, I followed the pattern to the letter. And the results.... well, see for yourself!
I'd say it turned out pretty darn well! It's a simple pattern with BIG results, and it's super fun to make. And it's yet more proof to me - gauge swatches are important!
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Brandy K. says
It's pretty fantastic, if I do say so myself!