Camber Cardigan, Skew Socks, and Spring Fling

Wow, I could have sworn I blogged last week, but apparently I didn’t! I’ve been spending more time offline recently, but I’m starting to get back into the swing of things. I think I just needed a bit of a break from computers outside of work for a while.

Over the weekend, I was able to finish the Camber Cardigan and wash/block it. I haven’t sewn the buttons on yet because I’m contemplating the length of the sweater still. Gauge swatches? I think they lie. According to my gauge swatch, this sweater should have shrunk in length after washing, but it didn’t. Not even a little. Since I was trusting my gauge swatch, I added more length to it then I would have if I wasn’t trusting it. The sleeves are longer then planned, however I’m okay with that. The length of the body, though? Not so keen on it. It’s a bit too long for me because I have a rather short torso and it completely covers my butt. I did try to shrink it in the dryer, but the sweater wasn’t wet or damp at all, so it didn’t do anything. I figured the heat of the dryer would be enough to shrink it. Apparently not. I may retry it after spritzing the sweater with water first. Since that failed attempt, the length doesn’t seem so awful. Still longer then I’d really like, but not so bad I wouldn’t wear it. The fit is great around me and I don’t want to ruin the whole thing just because I’d like the sweater to be about an inch shorter. I’ll give it until the end of the week to decide what to do.

Camber Cardigan – Front

Camber Cardigan – Side

Camber Cardigan – Front Yoke

Camber Cardigan – Back Yoke

What’s your experience with gauge swatches? How often are they spot on vs. not being correct in the end? Do you trust your gauge swatches all the time? Are there other factors in gauge that I’m just not considering (weight of the finished garment or something)? I’d love to get other people’s thoughts on this – so leave a comment! 🙂

Since Camber is now done (I’m going to call it done even though it doesn’t have buttons!), I’ve started the second Skew sock. I think I mentioned finishing the first sock, but never got around to posting photos of it, so here’s the first sock and the start of the second one.

Skew Socks

Skew Socks – Inside

Skew Socks – Outside

Skew Socks – Back

It’s been the only thing I’ve been working on this week and I’m already about an inch from starting the heel. Hoping that by the time the weekend is over they’ll be done!

The Spring Fling is about a week away now. I had an email from Sheri this morning about it and got really excited! I can’t believe it’s almost time! I’ll be taking the Seamless Sweater class with Jared Flood while there and I’m sure there will be plenty of other fun to be had as well. I’ve been getting to know people through the Ravelry board, which is how I found a roommate and found a ride partner. Eee! I’m so excited! Since I can post to my blog from my iPhone (and I’ll have the netbook), I may do a few quick updates while away.

I feel like there’s more I’m meaning to post, but forgetting. More for another day if I remember! 🙂