Achieving the Right Gauge for the Exeter Gansey Cardigan

Exeter Gansey Cardigan by Annie's Crochet

When you make a garment, whether you are knitting or crocheting, achieving the right gauge is a crucial component of the preparation process. I did a Facebook LIVE on Sunday, Nov 3 and talked a bit about the gauging process for the Exeter Gansey Cardigan we are making together starting November 17th. (You can click here for the details.) However, I was waiting for a response from Annie's Creative Team about what the appropriate gauge swatch should be. I have received confirmation from them, so I feel confident in going forward with gauge training for our sweater.

On Sunday, I mentioned that we need to be more concerned with our width gauge than our height gauge. That was confirmed through Annie's, as the sweet lady that responded said exactly what I said about the instructions for achieving the right measurements within the pattern. The pattern merely tells us that we will work to a given length in the established pattern finishing after a certain row or on a certain side of the work. These kinds of instructions are very easy to "fudge" a height gauge for. Because you will be working to YOUR measurements, not the gauge you achieved when you did your swatch. The swatch wants you to go through row 21. I have never achieved 4" working to row 21 regardless of which hook I used. So, I was grateful when I learned from the representative that the height gauge was not as important.

If you would like to practice gauging, chain 20 and then follow the Pattern Stitch starting with the Basketweave and go through row 21.

If you would like to watch the first video, click here: Bizzy Crochet LIVE Gauge Video- November 3

Here are my samples:

I started with an F hook instead of the H the pattern calls for just so I would have a base to work off of. I usually use an F hook when I use #3 Light yarn. 

Then I tried a G hook, still not quite there.

Finished my trial with an H hook. Right on the dime with an H hook. But, here's where I am seeing a potential problem. I'm very comfortable at 4"- might I get too big as I get even more comfortable with the pattern? 

The one thing that Annie's representative did mention was making sure to wet block my gauge swatch. I, personally, achieved an exact gauge match to the recommended hook size in my width. However, I am going to go down one hook and then do a wet block to see if that doesn't work better. Here is why- I would rather be a 1/2" off on my gauge and be able to block my sweater to the finished size than to be right on with my gauge, in the beginning, maybe loosen up when I get comfortable with the pattern, and possibly end up with an overly roomy sweater in the end. I don't want this thing dragging behind the person that's going to wear it. I want it to be an attractive, finished garment.

Hopefully the #7/4.5mm will be the charmer...

So, I will do a LIVE demo of how to wet block your gauge swatch this Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Make sure you join me @ 7:00 pm CST on the Bizzy Crochet Facebook page!

My next blog post will be about WHY we will need to block our cardigans to achieve our best work!

Christmas Around the World CAL 2019

Hey everybody, did you know that I have another Christmas blanket CAL starting...right about now??? It's called Christmas Around the World, and it focuses on Christmas symbols that are common throughout many different countries. It's amazing how many things are used in Christmas celebrations throughout the world that cross borders and unite us all.

From October 2 to November 20, you can join in on the Second Annual Christmas Blanket CAL with me and my awesome gang of helpers: Theresa, Niamh, and Wini.

This CAL you will be able to join us via email, on Ravelry, or in the Facebook CAL Group. It is completely free until November 20th. As usual, there will be support videos throughout the CAL for those that need them!

We have four different colorways to inspire you. The original by Biz is a Boho Comfy Well-Traveled color scheme. Then we have Theresa's jewel-toned creation, Niamh's Traditional colorway honoring the love and memory of her Gran, and Vannessa's Dr Seuss/Grinch inspired colorway.

Biz's Boho Comfy Colorway

Theresa's Jewel-Toned Colorway

Niamh's Traditional Colorway

Vannessa's Dr Seuss/Grinch Inspiration Colorway

I hope you choose to join us! There will be lots of fun in the Facebook Group:

 Giveaways, an International Christmas Sock Exchange (goody swap), Additional Patterns, and just some general Christmas themed silliness. 

One of the additional patterns will be the Around the World accent pillow pattern:

Behind the Scenes of a CAL

Every CAL is a new journey for me. It starts with a pile of yarn and my trusty notebook. From there I take my idea and, through hours of stitch study and recreation, turn it into an inspiration sampler blanket. This can take me anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months. But, that is not where the journey ends. Once the pattern has been created to my satisfaction, I then have to make it again for the tutorial videos that accompany my CAL's. I break every part of the blanket down into easy to make sections and teach you how to do all of the stitches you may or may not be familiar with. I absolutely love making my tutorial videos. It allows me the opportunity to interact with, and spend time with you.

I don't have a fancy set up in my office/studio. It's very simple. I have a small table my dad made for me out of repurposed cupboard doors, and I cover it with white so that it reflects as much light as possible. I use two photography lights that I purchased on Amazon. I have provided a link below for you for the set I have. They are very reasonably priced and well worth the small investment. I have an older tripod that holds my iPhone. I really need to upgrade that, but for right now it is what I have to work with. 

Why do I show you all of this? So you can know that you don't have to have fancy or expensive things to put out quality. You can start where you are, with what you have, and create. The rest will come.

I will spend the next few weeks in the evenings recording the videos for the CAL. I like to try and make sure I have them all done and edited before the CAL starts so that I can spend my time chit-chatting with everyone in the CAL Group on Facebook and doing the fun things like setting up giveaways. I hope you will join us if you haven't already. You can find the information for the CAL here, and the Facebook group here.