Mondo swatch

Considering my swatches are usually 3"x5" or smaller, this has got to be the largest swatch I've ever made. Any bigger, and it'd be a project.

The swatch is 2 repeats of a flame stitch pattern, the bottom repeat done in US9's and the top repeat in US10's. After blocking and measuring, it's the US9's give me the correct stitch gauge. The row gauge is larger than called for in the pattern, but that should be fine.

It's for the Flame Stitch Cardigan in Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2005. The yarn is Elann's Peruvian Highland Wool in Victorian Violet. I like how it's flame stitch in a cool color. Nice contrast.

I'd feel more comfortable if I had one more skein of the stuff. As it stands, I am slightly short of the yardage called for in the pattern. I figure I can do a few things:

• Make the sleeves a 1/2 a motif shorter. I think I'd like them better shorter anyway.


• Start the sweater with a provisional cast on and begin with the flame stitch pattern. Work the ribbing last, and make it shorter if necessary. With the longer row gauge, I might want less ribbing anyway.


• If all else fails, buy one more skein from Elann, but it'll be from a different dye lot. Maybe do the ribbing with the new yarn--a slight color change would be less noticeable if the stitch pattern changes as well.

It's also my first opportunity to use the Zonta Dressing Wires. If you haven't heard of these, they're stainless steel wires in different lengths and diameters that come in their own handy PVC holder. As you can see, it's easy to get a nice straight edge without using a bazillion pins. The thinner wires are flexible, so you can also create curved edges. The Zonta Wires Project raises funds for international service projects that help improve the status of women around the world.

Maybe with the Zontas, I'll be more inclined to block block block.