the blue blog archives: breaking a sweat

Way ahead of schedule, I sat down and started my nosweat sweatpants over the weekend. First task, a little resizing. I mean did you catch the hip circumference on the largest size?? What is that, like a size 6?! Ha, ha. So I pulled out another pair of pants and measured ankle, knee, and hip to see how much rewriting of the pattern would be necessary. Although I have to add some extra stitches, the numbers I got had the same proportions as the pattern as written. So it doesn't look like I have any major maths to do. Phew!

I cast on right before Knitsmiths. By the time I got there I had concluded that I hate the Homespun. Don't get me wrong, I really like how it knits up. It's certainly soft and just right for sweatpants. But what a pain to knit. Could it be more splitty? Ugh. Once I got out the plastic needles things seemed to go a bit better (note to self: plastic yarn likes plastic needles), but I'm still not loving it. This, I do like though: the front left leg flying off my needles.

I'm getting such a kick out of knitting these sweatpants! I'm not planning on wearing these pants outside of course. They'll be like pjs, to knock about at home in. And even if they don't work out, the knitting is easy peasy (except for that splitting) and the yarn was so cheap, it's all good. This project's just for fun.

posted by alison at 12:06 am | in sweatpants?

Comments

i really wanted to make these pants too, but the sizing really put me off. i'm glad to hear that it's not too complicated to increase the size. perhaps by the end of the month i will be able to start on my own pair!
p.s. i've been reading your blog for a while but this is my first comment. hi!

Posted by: vanessa at February 10, 2004 12:16 AM

I still smile whenever I think of knitted pants!! They are going to look so cool, and wow - how quickly are they knitting up?

Posted by: kerrie at February 10, 2004 2:02 AM

Cool. They reminded me "nether garments" for the new age...(Nether garments - those long pants in Knitter's Almanac). E. Zimmerman would be proud.

Posted by: Mary Beth at February 10, 2004 8:28 AM

So quick, Alison! Of course they are just for home wearing, but they are going to be CUTE!

Posted by: Christy at February 10, 2004 9:02 AM

I'm a new knitter and have been reading your blog for a little while now. I love the things you've made and it's great inspiration!

I think the sweatpants look great and I am going to try them once I get a copy of the new IK. I was wondering if you think they'd work with Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille instead of Homespun? Do you think it would be too heavy in comparison to the acrylic? I think a little sweatsuit out of chenille would be so comfy!

Posted by: Melinda at February 10, 2004 9:26 AM

Vanessa and Melinda, should I add you to the knitalong list??

Melinda, I think chenille would be very cozy. Maybe it would end up being heavier, but that crystal palace chenille does work up well and can be washed in the machine. Cool idea!

Kerrie, I'm just finding it too funny to be knitting a pair of pants. I had to try this project. It's such a riot! :)

Posted by: alison at February 10, 2004 9:51 AM

AAAAAA!!!!!

WHERE did you get the copy of KnitLit Too? I am a contributor and have not received my copy yet.

RATS.

Posted by: Ellen at February 10, 2004 10:55 AM

Please add me to the knitalong. I have some Homespun knit into a dog of a project that I need to redirect into something fun and comfy like these pants. Would you be willing to elaborate on the resizing?

Posted by: gwyn at February 10, 2004 11:31 AM

Hee hee! I love this photo. And boy oh boy are you FLYING on those needles. I can't wait to see the knitted pants!

P.S. My same thoughts re Homespun. I swatched it and didn't like how it split. It makes knitting go more slowly.

Posted by: Becky at February 10, 2004 12:26 PM

The sweatpants look great! What a fun project and you are FAST! I'm afraid I'm dropping out of the Banff-along. To get gauge I'm knitting Lamb's Pride bulky on size 6 needles and it is just killing my hands. I'm just not enjoying knitting it and I'm afraid the sweater would not be very flattering on me anyway. So now, what to do with all this fabulous Prairie Fire Lamb's Pride -- I might do the other bulky sweater on knitty -- I think it's called Top Secret or something like that. Anyway, happy knitting to all of you Banff-alongers.

Posted by: Meredith at February 10, 2004 12:48 PM

Sure! It'll be my first knitalong! Wheee fun!

Posted by: Melinda at February 10, 2004 12:50 PM

I have to say, I really like Homespun - but yeah, bamboo & related needles probably wouldn't work really smoothly.

I usually use aluminum needles to knit it up and don't have many problems with splitting. All I can guess is that the points on the aluminums (and I'm talking the plain old Boye ones you can get at Walmart or JoAnns) must pick up the yarn better!

Can't wait to see leg #2, LOL!

Eklectika

Posted by: Eklectika! at February 10, 2004 1:40 PM

Oh i can't wait to see them!!

btw i posted Banff pics.

Posted by: Morgan at February 10, 2004 10:10 PM

sure go ahead and add me to the knit-along (my first one!) i have 6 skeins of homespun i was going to use for an afghan but this will do just as well

Posted by: vanessa at February 10, 2004 10:53 PM

Alison-
Those sweats are gorgeous and you're so quick! If I had that much plastic between these thighs, I'd spontaneously combust, so I'm envious!!!

Can wait to see em on you!

Posted by: Debi at February 11, 2004 5:37 AM

Your sweats are really coming along fast. I can't wait to get the new IK when it hits the newstands.

Posted by: Christina at February 11, 2004 6:36 AM

Sorry you don't like the yarn. But those plastic sweatpants are looking sweet! Maybe they should be SWEETPANTS! After all, ladies don't sweat!
:)

Posted by: Sandy at February 11, 2004 6:50 AM

Okay, I've got the new IK and 4 skeins of Homespun. Sign me up! I will bring it all with me on vacation.

Posted by: Jessica at February 13, 2004 1:40 AM