Scoop du Blueberries Finishing Details

Scout de Jour was finished just minutes before we left to have Thanksgiving Dinner with Anne's family.   I didn't rush, didn't push just so I could wear it, it just happened that way.  The perfect buttons were found on Wednesday and the perfect buttonholes executed on Thursday.   

I know you're just dying  to see the finished project, but every time I knit a sweater I'm asked how I get them to fit...so, don't you want to know my secret?  I'm also going to share with you how to make a good button band the first time.  I'm no expert, it's just that I really don't like doing things twice, if I can avoid it at all.  My methods aren't fool proof, but they will improve your success rate.

First, do the gauge thing folks...just do it.  Knit a 4 to 6 inch square and treat it the way you would your finished sweater.  I like to wash my sweaters on delicate, cold water, in the washer and lay them flat to dry.  That's what I do with all swatches.  It tells me how a yarn will react and helps in judging what size to knit.  Knitting math is as easy as basic math...you can do it, if I can, you can. 

Take your favorite fitting piece of clothing and measure it.  That will give you a good idea of what size sweater to knit.  Claudia used an already finished sweater as a template when she knit Thermal...that's a perfect way to insure your sweater will fit. While knitting I check my gauge often, to make sure the stresses of life (or the extra relaxing times) aren't taking a toll. I also try the pieces on if I can.  Every piece is measured when finished and, I block as I go, which is a good way to to make sure all pieces are the size they should be.  Measure, measure, measure...it can't be done too often.  Count rows to make sure you sleeves, and the pieces of the body are the same length, so that everything will sew together smoothly.  All in all, that's pretty basic knitting advise...Knitting 101.

(I deleted my math as several people let me know it was wrong. It was messed it up...I can't do math, evidently...but, some how I did get the right number of stitches picked up and the sweater looks great.)

The way I placed the buttonholes is a little less scientific. One button is in the neck band and the last button is 2" from the bottom edge.  With the 2x2 rib it was easy to space the rest by counting the ribs. I can't tell you how much I love this sweater, but I'll try (on Friday). Nancie Wiseman's book, Finishing Techniques, has been my go to book when it comes to finishing details and her one row buttonholes can't be beat.  Don't skimp on knowledge when it comes to doing a good job of knitting and finishing.  That's Basic Knitting Advice, Knitting 101.

Comments

[Cheryl S.]

I feel privileged to have gotten a sneak preview - so I already KNOW how great it looks.

[Tonia]

Wonderful info. It looks great. I love the buttons, they look like smashed blueberries. ;)

[Ruth]

I too am a firm believer in the power of math! (Though it took me a couple of years to get a grip on the exact dimensions I want my sweaters to be - but math will get you there once that hurdle is past.) I love the Nancie Wiseman book.

[Wool Winder]

My eyes did glaze over a little when I got to the part with all the numbers. I use Carole's less scientific method, though I think I might give your way a try next time. And I guess I really should wash my swatch. So far I haven't had any mishaps by omitting this step, but I may have just been lucky.

[Rachel]

Waiting patiently, Friday is coming soon!
Great advice and instructions, thank you :)

[Heather Joins The Round]

I love learning all your tricks! It's great to know it's not such a mystery after all.

Can't wait to see the sweater!

[Kim D.]

So, now can we see you wear it?

[Peg]

Thanks for Knitting 101, Margene. I bought myself a copy of Nancie's book. I know it will come in handy!

[Beth S.]

That is a GREAT button. :-)

I use that finishing book all the time! It doesn't live on the shelf, it lives in my knitting bag.

[Kelly]

Thank your for the tips! I'll be putting them to use when I knit my next sweater. Although I really hate making swatches and try to avoid them at all costs. I know someday this will come back to bite me on the butt but until then.... Can't wait to see your finished sweater!

[Anne]

And you obviously DID measure, measure, measure, because it looked fantastic on you!

[Norma]

Ooh, I love it already. The buttons (especially with the pink thread) are PERFECT!

[KarenJoSeattle]

Hey, Margene, I just sent you a reeeally long e-mail with questions and discussion. Just warning you.

Really nice looking teeny peek of band, there.

[Andrea (noricum)]

You're missing part of the equation, or you have the decimal in the wrong place, when you say "140 x 6.75 = 94.5"... ;)

[Wanda]

This is good knitting advice. Especially the knitting maths!