I'm in knitting hell
Spring Forward is done! Unfortunately only the sleeves fit me. *Hangs head in shame.*
I'm wearing it to work today and I've spent most of the day trying to keep said sweater on my body.
OK, people, what to do? I haven't blocked it yet because I fear it will only grow. "Well, Sonya, what did your swatch do when you washed it?" *Insert blank look here.* I did swatch for gauge and the moss stitch panels are at the called for gauge. I chose a size that would give about 5" of ease, but it turned out with more than double that.
It's 80% cotton and cotton shrinks, right? Shall I block with really warm water and see what happens? I already have a potential recipient in mind should that not work.
Did I mention that the sleeves are the EXACT right length?
I'm wearing it to work today and I've spent most of the day trying to keep said sweater on my body.
OK, people, what to do? I haven't blocked it yet because I fear it will only grow. "Well, Sonya, what did your swatch do when you washed it?" *Insert blank look here.* I did swatch for gauge and the moss stitch panels are at the called for gauge. I chose a size that would give about 5" of ease, but it turned out with more than double that.
It's 80% cotton and cotton shrinks, right? Shall I block with really warm water and see what happens? I already have a potential recipient in mind should that not work.
Did I mention that the sleeves are the EXACT right length?Labels: Spring Forward
posted by Sonya at 1/03/2007 11:13:00 AM
26 Comments:
Oh my. How disappointing. The only thing I can think of is cutting and sewing and I'm not sure what would really happen in the end since I've never tried that -- nowhere near brave enough for that.
It *is* a nice looking sweater, though.
Awww - that's too bad. The color is so gorgeous on you.
Well regardless of the fit issue, it's really a gorgeous sweater.
I guess it depends on whether or not your afraid to try and shrink it. I'd probably give it a try, or just wrap it up and gift it away.
I'm not much help, am I.
Oh no. Perhaps a wash and dry in the dryer would help it shrink a bit? And perhaps, magically, it wouldn't affect the sleeves? Good luck!
Oh, that really stinks. It is a gorgeous sweater though. I would probably frog it and make a smaller size. The silver lining: you don't have to knit the sleeves again.
It looks really pretty. At first I didn't think it was too big . . . . but those last couple of pictures convinced me. Do you think a short trip in the dryer would shrink it some, then maybe a heavy re-block of the sleeves to stretch them back? I don't know - keep in mind that I never use my dryer, so your probably should just ignore me!!!
Oh my gosh! That is just KILLING me! It's so gorgeous!.... and it's so huge! If it wouldn't felt, I'd be very tempted to wash it in warm/hot water and throw in in the dryer. If the sleeves shortened... just push them up to 3/4.
Kililng me :o(
Oh Sonya, my heart breaks for you, because I know how much hard work you have put into this sweater. It is beautiful.
Remember that cotton, while it shrinks in the dryer does tend to get bigger and bigger as it's worn. I'm with Lynda. Wash, dry, and if the sleeves shrink, so be it. Although Twig's idea of sewing a seam up the side and cutting out the excess isn't a bad one either.
What if you run a basted seam up the side of the body taking in as much as you need on both sides to bring the sweater into the size you need. Try it on and see how it looks. If that doesn't work, you can easily rip out the basted thread/yarn and go the wash and dry route.
Again, I am so sorry.
Well, it IS beautiful! All I've ever heard about cotton is that it "grows"! I'd try the dryer, then wetting the sleeves to stretch correctly! But nice work!!
My experience with shrinking cotton is that it shrinks UP more than IN...Your sweater is so incredibly beautiful that I would be afraid it would shrink wrong and be ruined. If you really have a recipient that would love and appreciate it - What a Gift!!!
AAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!! I wish I had more experience shrinking cotton. I know with wool you tend to shrink more lengthwise than width and I'd guess cotton works the same way considering some jeans I now own that are too short. What about taking the sleeves off, and seaming most the ease out of the project (kinda like steeking) and then reattaching the sleeves?
I have no idea how it is constructed so just ignore me! But I wouldn't try shrinking it.
It's gorgeous and I would gift it.
I don't have a clue whether there really is a good way to fix it. Take pleasure in knowing that it's a beautiful sweater. No one has suggested eating a lot of desserts so it will fit you. That always works for me. :)
Heartbreaking, simply heartbreaking. I have to go...I am feeling a little furclemped! (spelling check)
Marly
www.knitthing.blogspot.com
First of all, allow me to focus on the positive and say that it's beautifully knit! Sizing aside, it's lovely.
As for the size...well, you could wash and machine dry it, but I think garments tend to shrink more vertically than they do horizontally (plus you risk making the sleeves too short or tight). You might want to consider pregnancy? It looks like a good maternity sweater. (I don't mean to tease, I'm legitimately trying to think of ways for you to get more use out of it!)
Sorry about your visit to knitting hell. I've been there. May your stay there be brief.
I was going to suggest ice cream. Milkshakes, potato chips, fried chicken - you can grow into it!
Aw man, that's rough! It's such a gorgeous sweater. I think I'd try dry blocking it (to keep the sleeves the same) and then drenching the body to see if it shrunk. Maybe fish out that gauge swatch and torture it?
Or make someone really happy when you give it to her.
Yikes! That's the worst! To have such a beautiful sweater you can't wear well. If you're up to it in a few weeks or so I was planning on knitting this sweater in the Knit A Long. I know Cindy at Knitting Park had trouble with this one until she followed the fitting instructions from the FLAK sweater. Let me know if you need web references to anything of mentioned above...I think I've seen your name on the Yahoo groups for the FLAK and Spring Forward but if I'm mistaken let me know. Oh P.S. I learned about washing and drying your swatch the hard way on the cables 101 vest also designed by Janet. The wool I used grew immensely when I tried to block it. Then I tried to felt it and it grew and fell apart.
Sonya- Oh, dear. But be comforted in the knowledge that we've all been there.
I would gift it, as it's not meant for you as is. If not, salvage the sleeves and frog it.
Good knitting karma to you in future.
What a heartbreak. Your work is so gorgeous. I am guessing the yarn is Cotton Fleece, in which case I don't think you'll see a whole lot of shrinking. Maybe just a bit of tightening of the stitches. I would be sorely tempted to rip the sleeve seams and take in the extra inches on each side of the body. Then just sew back those absolutely perfect sleeves!
Your sweater os so beautiful, although I am sure that is no consolation for the fact that it is too big. I know nothing about shrinking it, but I'd do what Loaura said--Take it in!
Oh Sonya, it is truly beautiful! frog or gift, that is the question.......
Great job on the knitting :)
Sonya - I agree with Laura. If at all possible, sew in a few seams and cut! I don't know how it is constructed, but if it was worked in flat pieces, then you could theoretically remove the perfectly sized sleeves and take in the excess on the sides. Or, gift it to someone that would love to have a beautifully knit, tediously finished handknit sweater.
Oh sympathy!
It's a totally beautiful sweater and should go to someone who will wear it with pleasure in your presence so you can admire it often.
I say wash it, but don't machine dry it since cotton will shrink vertically more than horizontally. Let it dry, and then assess the actual damage. Then use this handy tutorial: http://www.chicknits.com/ttdownsizing.shtml
And you should be all set! Good luck!
My deepest condolences. You know I know the pain of a beautiful knit that is too damn big. :(
I'm with the camp that suggests seaming the sides. Can you remove the sleeves, undo the side seams, machine-sew a "steek" a few inches in, cut the sides, reseam them, and put the sleeves back on? That's a scary proposition but I bet it would work.
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