Dashing Mouse Designs — swatching RSS

Unraveling the Past This story begins with a visit to Mr. Mouse's paternal grandmother, whom we all call Nana.  Nana has a nice collection of handmade blankets, tablecloths, and pillows, but none compare to the black and rainbow afghan on the back of the living room couch.  From my very first trip, I was utterly fascinated by it.  I guess my obsession was pretty obvious, because Nana recently gifted the blanket to me. Not only is it breathtakingly gorgeous, but its construction is also simple, yet mysterious.  According to Nana, this blanket was made by a houseguest years ago, and while it is a much-admired piece, no one since has been able to figure out how it was made.  I...

January's Project is an Aran Sweater EZ was so obsessed with gauge and teaching knitters to understand its importance that she insisted on printing it in a completely different font each time it appeared in her books.  It should be no surprise, then, that the first step of making a sweater is to do a swatch - and a large one at that. Allow me to make a bit of a confession.  I am highly resistant to swatching.  I would much rather cast on a sleeve or something small and rip it all out if the gauge doesn't come out right than swatch.  If I feel I must swatch, I usually try to knit the smallest amount I think I...