Another week gone by, another Swing Jacket update! I've been bit slow thanks ("thanks") to a hayfever attack over the weekend -- but Theresa writes, "I just seamed up the sleeves and attached them to the body today and wove in most of the ends. She's doing a little bit more blocking so that I can see if I can get that pleat to hang right before I take any pictures. The shaping is nice, although I think that "bracelet" length is an optimistic name for the sleeve length. Mine came just below the elbows and I don't have unusually long arms."
I ran into a little difficulty when I compared the left front on the needles to the right front that I'd blocked earlier, and found that the length is remarkably different, so my next job is to count the rows and see if I can figure out what happened -- it could be a blocking quirk, after all. In the meantime, I cast on for the back, on straight needles as I couldn't bear the idea of having to use two circulars to get my eccentric gauge, with all of those needle-ends flapping about. It's a bit, well, squished, but the widest part is at the beginning, so I'm trusting that it will sort itself out!
Fern and Suse would like some suggestions on yarn substitutions. I am using the wool specified in the pattern, Jaeger Extra Fine Merino DK, at 22 sts and 30/32 rows per 10cm/4 in. (according to the ball band) and 11 wpi (according to Woodland Woolworks). A good substitute is the yarn that Kat used, Jaeger's Matchmaker Merino DK, 22 sts and 30 rows per 10cm/4 in. and 11 wpi (and about US$2 less). This is a very good yarn that I've used to happy results -- nice to knit with, easy to wash, and doesn't show wear quickly. There are a couple of other Jaeger and Rowan yarns described at English Yarns that look suitable, although I have never used any of these so can't say for certain.
Jo Sharp Classic might be nice (22 sts per 10cm/4 in. and 12 wpi)....
Rowan's Calmer, a cotton/microfiber blend, has a very similar gauge (21 sts and 30 rows per 10cm/4 in. and 10 wpi), and has a nice drape that would make an elegant jacket (though possibly rather heavy). I'm using Calmer for that Ostrich Plume throw, and it does have a lovely feel to it, much like the Extrafine Merino, very "swingy". Linen Drape might also work -- anyone have any experience of it?
Ola used Rowanspun DK, which she is generally pleased with (except that its tweediness obscured the cabling) -- this wool is discontinued so color choices might be limited, but on the other hand prices would be good. (Rowan recommends Yorkshire Tweed DK as a substitute for the Rowanspun DK.) Theresa is using Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, to good effect; Anne has chosen this too, I think.
Does anyone -- knitalonger or not -- have other recommendations? Please feel free to chime in!
Glad to see eveyone is clicking along. Still have not even purchased the yarn for my pbsj. Had a mishap with the Hourglass that needs fixing, almost done with Caroline's socks - then it's all swing baby.
Posted by: Beth | March 28, 2006 at 03:41 AM
I used Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, which has just enough wool in it to give it a bit of "sproing." Since I plan on wearing this as a summer sweater over tank tops, a DK weight mostly-cotton yarn seemed perfect. I'm extremely happy with the resulting garment.
Posted by: Selma | March 28, 2006 at 05:32 AM
I'm considering knitting this with Rowan Cashsoft. I have the yarn but haven't yet begun to knit the jacket.
Posted by: Fern | March 28, 2006 at 10:17 AM
Have you thought about investing in a circular with interchangeable tips? Might be the solution in the flapping v squishing contest.
Posted by: Philippa | March 28, 2006 at 10:48 AM
I'm planning on using the Jo Sharp DK, so I'll let you know how it works. This is motivation to cast on.
Posted by: The Feminist Mafia | March 30, 2006 at 05:39 AM
Patti used Jaeger Luxury Tweed, and is very pleased with the results --
http://2boysmama.typepad.com/2boysmama/2006/04/pearl_buck.html
Posted by: Jeanne | April 11, 2006 at 08:41 PM