Working at a Larger Gauge

One of the very interesting things I have learned over the last couple of years is about gauge. I did experience some of it with laceweight on the Elton sweater by Joji Locatelli.  The lesson was deeply reinforced by Rebecca Clow..  

Until now, my worsted and Dk weight knits have been pretty much to their standard gauge.  I love doing that, don't get me wrong, but knitting your yarn at a bit larger gauge than is usual, makes a completely magnificent fabric.  

The Tolsta Tee and Lusk are great examples of that.  They have a gauge of 17 stitches per 4 inches for a DK weight yarn.  A standard gauge is 22 stitches per 4 inches.  That larger gauge gives you this extraordinary drape and reveals a completely different character of the yarn.  The tops I have made from these two patterns are wonderful to wear.  They flow and drape and breathe.  

When I made the Plieone tee I knew that I was going to follow that gauge experience.  The Remix yarn I used is a worsted weight and usually is knit to a gauge of 18 to 20 stitches per 4 inches.  I decided to go up and knit the top at a gauge of 15 stitches per 4 inches.  It has made THE most fantastic garment.  I have already worn it a dozen times because it is so comfortable.   This top makes me want to dig into the stash and pull out some other worsted weight cotton I have and knit it up.  It also makes me want to pull out more of the DK weight cottons I have.  Not at the moment though.  I must resist.

I have other great things happening on the needles and I want to focus on that.  I can't wait for the Geddy Tee to be done and I am really looking forward to working on my Hiraeth pullover.  That's the yellow Arcane Fibre Works yarn.  And so many good projects wsiting.  The Piennar top, the Staffin, that lovely Kauni sweater.  So many good things.  

It will all come in good time.  Today it's the Geddy Tee.  On to tea and knitting.