the blue blog archives: hey, teach, what's the answer?

I've picked up the pace on my Hey Teach! sweater in the hopes that knitting faster will mean I use less yarn. No real chance of that, but a knitter can dream, can't she? I've got the back and one and a half fronts done with a mere one and a half balls of yarn left. It's going to be close! I'll need the half ball to finish the second front. I may be able to squeeze the short sleeves out of the one remaining ball of yarn. But I'll still have button bands and the neck band to do. Such a tease! I'm gonna need at least one more ball, I think. Or should I get two to be safe?

posted by alison at 9:21 am | in summer knits

Comments

It's a well-known fact that knitting faster uses less yarn. Well-known by me, anyway.

Posted by: Anne P at June 9, 2009 11:19 AM

I would get two balls. If you don't use the last one (and you got it local), you can return it for store credit. Store credit is the perfect excuse to buy even more yarn!

Posted by: Seanna Lea at June 9, 2009 11:28 AM

I'd get three. Which probably explains why I have enough leftovers for several giant afghans.

Posted by: Suzanne (Yarnhog) at June 9, 2009 12:38 PM

I'm about to start this -- in a bright, acid green! Nice to see it mostly knitted up.

Posted by: LeAnne at June 9, 2009 12:50 PM

Uh, not to be a spoil sport, but wasn't this a project where you went stash diving? Are you hoping that if you go back to your stash you'll have your choice of one or two skeins? ;^) Good luck and knit faster.

Posted by: Robby at June 9, 2009 2:39 PM

I can't wait to see this on you. Hope you don't have to shorten the sleeves.

Posted by: Penny at June 9, 2009 2:42 PM

Right Robby, and I will use up that all seasons cotton from the stash. I just need to supplement it a little with some more from the store. Heh, heh. I guess the trick is to leave the store with no more than what I need to finish this project otherwise the stash may see no net decrease! :)

Posted by: ALISON at June 9, 2009 2:50 PM

Sounds like two to me... :-)

Posted by: susan at June 9, 2009 7:15 PM

There are two kinds of yarn/fabric/other craft item buyers, those who will cogitate, reconfigure, and try to get by with as little as possible, then there are people like me. I tell my family that yarn only comes in 12 skein bags and fabric is sold in 5 yard lengths. Guess you know which side I would come down on...

Posted by: Melissa in Oklahoma at June 9, 2009 7:39 PM

Too funny, Melissa! :D Fabric in 5 yd lengths... hmmmmmm..... ;0)

Posted by: ALISON at June 9, 2009 8:04 PM

Couldn't you make it sleeveless or make the button bands and neckband in a paler shade?

Posted by: Libby H at June 9, 2009 8:36 PM

I think you should send it to me. I'm nice.

Posted by: Pom POm at June 10, 2009 6:25 PM

I'm so glad that it's not just me!!! The closer I get to the end of my yarn, the faster I knit, LOL! My Mom always used to laugh and then admit that she did it too. :-)

Posted by: Teish at June 11, 2009 9:35 AM