After close examination of Rouge this morning, I decided to rip back to the purl row just before changing needle sizes. I was off on my gauge by 1/4 of a stitch per inch which made me nearly 2 inches off overall in size widthwise. I knew it was a little tight when I took it off the needles and tried it on, but I didn’t think I was that much off. Going into a project like this, though, I’d much rather have it right. I don’t like things too tight on me and I actually felt that it was a little bit snug when I tried it on, so I know I will be happier with the end result now. I’ll be going from a US 6 to a US 7 which should put me right on gauge now. I don’t have a US 7 circular big enough for this project, so I’m going to have to pick one up tomorrow (thank goodness for 40% off coupons!).
I have started a new pair of socks – Baudelaire. I’m using a purple yarn that is slightly variegated in dark shades of purple (much like the yarn that I used for the Pomatomus socks). I’m not yet sure how it will work with the pattern, but I shall soon see. I don’t think the way it’s variegated will effect it much. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out the figure 8 cast on, so I tried a “Easy Toe” instead. It’s funny that it was right under the tutorial for the figure 8 cast on because after a number of failed attempts, I was just going to do a provisional cast on then pick up those stitches and continue the pattern as if I had done the figure 8 cast on and that’s exactly what the “Easy Toe” does. So much easier!
Icarus has seen some love today as well. The rows seem to take longer now, but I find myself paying more attention to this project now that I had to rip back. I like how the colors are turning out. Hopefully I won’t run out of yarn… I’m cutting it a little close since I have 880 yards total and the pattern requires 875 yards. I should know how things stands once I use up my first skein.
It’s race day (NASCAR Nextel Cup) today which means time in front of the tube knitting. I’m still a little miffed about what happened yesterday in the Busch race – Dale Earnhardt Jr. totally wrecked Carl Edwards (my favorite driver). Ohhhh the drama! We’ll see if any retaliation happens today. We’re already at lap 147 of 200 and nothing yet, but Earnhardt and Edwards have been riding next to one another most of the race so far. Back to the race and to knitting!
Wow, you’re busy with your knitting. Your Pomatomus socks look awesome.