Post: Submitted by - Aroha  Date: 13-Jan-09 04:04

Please help! I The pattern I am working on is the CHUNKY KNIT CARDIGAN on page 52 of the book “Simple Knits for Cherished Babies” and find some of the instructions a little unclear. I was hoping someone could clarify for me so that I can continue and finish the jumper before the baby is born next month.

Can anyone please clarify the following instructions on Shape Armholes of Back p.52: … (I have decreased as stated and have the necessary amount of 32 stitches) Continue straight until work measures 19cm/7½ in.” Does this mean I should measure 19cm from the cast on edge? Or from the top of the ribbing i.e where stocking stitch is started?

Also on Left Front instructions Shape Neck (Right Side Facing) p.53: … (I have decreased as stated and have the necessary 8 stitches) Continue without shaping until work measures 19cm/7½ in, ending with a purl row. Does this mean I should measure from the cast on edge? Or from the top of the ribbing i.e where stocking stitch is started? Having decreased as per the instructions to get the necessary stitches, if I measure from the cast on edge to the top of my work and having completed no other rows, the piece already measures over 19cm so I'm worried the front won't fit the back.

I have read through the rest of the pattern and note that the instructions always say "Continue until work measures…" or, "Continue until knitting measures…"

Would anyone please clarify where I am measuring from – to? The only paragraph that this is clear is on the instructions for the Back, p.52: ..work in stocking stitch until knitting measures 11cm/4¼ in from the cast on edge.

I would really really appreciate help.

Post: Submitted by - jkbouchouat  Date: 13-Jan-09 06:20

Normally this means from the cast on edge. Does it give different lengths for the back and front? Its a bit hard to judge without the pattern, but you would expect the front and back to measure the same.

Post: Submitted by - Anne H  Date: 14-Jan-09 10:51

I agree. It will be from the cast on edge. Gosh, babies are so tiny!

Post: Submitted by - Aroha  Date: 14-Jan-09 12:02

Hi. Thanks for the reply.I did do a tension square and was 1 stitch out but didn't think that warranted changing needle size (?). Hope I wasn't wrong! I think I got a bit hung up because the first piece actually said "from the cast on edge" and then the pattern said "continue until work measures.." everywhere else. I've also been looking hard at the few pictures of the pieces and am comparing mine to that, but I've actually got no idea which size the pics represent so I may be ok afterall. The one front piece I have done is the same length as the back so hope that it's ok?

Post: Submitted by - jkbouchouat  Date: 14-Jan-09 04:33

It sounds just fine. As long as the front and back are the same, don't worry. And even if it is a bit long, babies grow really quickly!

Post: Submitted by - Aroha  Date: 15-Jan-09 06:18

Thanks for the advice and reassurance. Will get on with it and make sure the right front is exactly the same length as the left front. I can always add a little more to the top of the raglan sleeves if necessary. Thanks to you and Anne H for the assistance.I really appreciate it!

Post: Submitted by - marley811  Date: 16-Jan-09 11:04

I am doing the same pattern and it's not very well written. Sure, I'm a newbie and not a very accurate one at that BUT it tells you to leave 2 stitches on a stitchholder for both front part and then leaves it at that. It doesn't say what to do with them next. I've had all the parts now for a few months but have been unable to finish ... My sleeves are also a but long but I'll just roll them up. Good Luck!

Post: Submitted by - Aroha  Date: 19-Jan-09 11:15

Oh you are so NOT kidding! I have just read the entire pattern again and see exactly what you mean! What am I going to do with these stitches on the stich holder? AAAArrrggghhhh!!!! I am so disappointed with this book! I have knitted two other items - the cashmere sweater on page 22 and am finishing off the garter stitch wrap top - which seems to be working out but I feel it's more by good luck than design! The cashmere sweater was a complete utter torment and the sleeves are wider than I think they ought to be (couldn't really envisage this while knitting and found out when I came to sew it all up). I'll knit it again and change the measurements to suit. I read all the positive recommendations by other readers on Amazon before I bought this book and now know that I should not take the advice of experienced knitters who say it will be easy for beginners! Experienced knitters forget what a struggle it is for beginners to interpret patterns without someone else's help or direction and the recommendations for this book reflect that. If there's a truly simple baby knit pattern book out there - I'd love to know.

Post: Submitted by - Aroha  Date: 19-Jan-09 01:03

OK - I have calmed down and re-read this pattern. You said that the instructions tell you to leave 2 stiches on a stich holder for both front pieces? I actually can't find this with regard to the front pieces. The front pieces are all cast off. The only piece that says to leave stitches on a stitch holder is the back piece after you have shaped the shoulders. You should have 14/16 or 18 stitches on the holder and these are picked up when knitting the front band - starting from the bottom of the front right (right side facing) picking up the appropriate no of stitches, working your way up the front V along the back of the neck neck where you pick up these stitches from the holder and continue down the left side. Does this make sense to you now?

Post: Submitted by - marley811  Date: 19-Jan-09 03:46

Thanks for your reply. I am doing the 'Chunky Zip up Cardigan'. Left front (end) ... p 1 row co 4st then k2 ("that leaves 2 stitches") K8 rows stock stitch Leave st on st.holder Same 4 right front Back is all cast off Maybe we are doing something different? As I am sewing it together (yeah, I managed mattress stitch!) I'll just co the 2 stitches and try to fix it. I don't have anyone to help me so IMPROVISE it is ;-) Are you on busymitts? I'm writing down my projects on there ...

Post: Submitted by - Aroha  Date: 19-Jan-09 04:14

Maybe we're knitting different patterns? The CHUNKY KNIT CARDIGAN I am knitting is on page 52 of Simple Knits for Cherished Babies pictured in blue (there is a pair of blue garter stitch booties on the front cover). The last part of the instructions for the left front is on page 53 under Shape Neck (right side facing) Row 4: purl. Repeat rows 3 & 4 until 7/8/10 stitches remain. Continue without shaping until work measures 17/19/22cm ending with a purl row. Cast off. Are we reading the same pattern?