How many sweaters have three sleeves? Apparently more than you might guess! In fact, many (most, but not all) of my sweaters seem to need the “three-sleeve special.”
The latest in the sleeve trifecta (or sleefecta, as it were) is my Baby Cables Sweater:
Said sleeve was complete to the cuff. But I decided it was too long, no, too short (“My sister….my daughter” Chinatown), and then just threw in the towel after re-working the cuff about three times — another trifecta of knitting. I am now back to the spot I was in the picture above…
Where did I go wrong? It is difficult to say for sure. Knitting sleeves is more art than science — math alone will not get you there. Sleeves defy math. The “math” got me into this mess! I measured, calculated, estimated, measured again, re-calculated, knitted, and still came up short (no long!).
So, I will knit a second sleeve and end up with only one. This shows tireless commitment to a project. I was so close to pushing it aside! But I really like this sweater and (other than the %%$##$%^&& sleeve), it fits me pretty well.
So, I endure my own “Myth of Sisyphus,” endlessly knitting sleeves that will never be worn.
It’s lookin’ good! 🙂 You will prevail, I know it!
I’m excited you got my book; don’t be intimidated! You can *totally* do those projects! Really. You can. :->
Comment by Romi — January 1, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
I empathize completely. I am living in fear of having to do a third Bohus sleeve.
Your sweater is looking great. It is worth the third sleeve.
Comment by twinsetellen — January 2, 2009 @ 1:22 am
I just happened to read a blogger’s complaint about garter stitch shoulders; it seems they tend to stretch out.
So you may want to make the sleeve a little short, to allow for the stretching that will happen.
Comment by =Tamar — January 2, 2009 @ 5:35 am
I am so pleased to hear that someone else suffers from the mysterious sleeve thing. No matter how much measuring and math I do, sleeves always need tweaking (or rolling up!)(or redefinition as 3/4 length!).
The sweater is looking great.
Comment by Soo — January 2, 2009 @ 6:36 am
The sweater looks great! As to sleeve length, any length is possible these days. You will just start a new trend. Love it.
Comment by Jane — January 2, 2009 @ 9:31 am
It must be the fault of the garter stitch, if we were to lay blame. Not that we would, mind you!
I love the color and it looks good without sleeves, if you get to that desperation. 😮
Comment by kay-from the back yard — January 2, 2009 @ 9:33 am
The sweater is gorgeous. I sooo envy your perfect, even stitches. No matter how long I have been knitting (48 years), mine are never that even — pretty good but never perfect. But then, I was never very good at sports requiring coordination either. So I just block as well as I can and live with the fact that redoing would not make my stitches more even. At least, I had the great good luck that my sleeves came out exactly the right length on the first try. Which is good because those particular sleeves have to come to just where you want them. No leeway one way or the other.
Comment by Astrid — January 2, 2009 @ 10:43 am
I also share your sleeves problem, so much so that my blog share the title you chose for this post. (I named it after knitting three sleeves when I didn’t realize I was doing so.) Surely such a nice sweater will be worth a little sleeve angst.
Comment by Luni — January 2, 2009 @ 11:11 am
Good morning, Susan!
Just a quick note to thank you and your readers for the wonderful suggestions for “chemo” hats and prayer shawls. I finished a second hat last night (Shedir in Rowan calmer) and started a prayer shawl this morning. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for everyone’s help…especially during the busiest season of the year! Knitters truly are THE BEST!!!
Wishing everyone a most wonderful new year!
Happy knitting!
Comment by Maureen — January 2, 2009 @ 11:15 am
But think of the fabulous octopus toys you can make with all those extra sleeves… Or baby pants, or mismatched armwarmers, or, or, or…something useful!
Comment by Lisle — January 2, 2009 @ 4:52 pm
I can’t wait to see how beautiful your sweater will be once you are happy with the sleeves. I love the color and the cables really pop!
Comment by Evie — January 3, 2009 @ 12:51 am
Thank you for clarifying the count/vs/art of sleeves. I have a rather amazing (if I say so myself) Cashmerino Aran sweater I knit for DS… I measured his arms. Then knit sleeves of that length. Only to find out that the sleeve seam in the sweater is about 3 inches below his shoulder joing. DRAT. And he’d moved away, so it’s all sewn up. I don’t know where to start ripping/frogging. One person told me to get a new son. I only considered it briefly. Might try “cutting off” AAAAAK the too-long part of the sleeves and re-knitting the cuffs in a reverse direction. Oh, and he thinks the neck is too tight. KIDS!
Comment by PainterWoman — January 3, 2009 @ 1:24 am
Susan- You do that too- quote lines from movies. That probably means (a) a warped sense of humor, (b) high intelligence, or (c) too much time in front of a TV.
All 3, most likely. And sorry, I can offer no help whatsoever on the sleeve.
Comment by Lorraine — January 3, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
From Susan to Lorraine: Two out of three ain’t bad!
Comment by lv2knit — January 3, 2009 @ 1:59 pm
I think it looks great! I love the cables. I am sure the sleeves will work themselves out.
eventually!
Comment by Eryka Jackson — January 3, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
I know you will work it out! Happy New Year!!
Comment by cici — January 5, 2009 @ 4:01 am
Hi Susan – Love the color of your Baby Cables. This pattern didn’t turn my head when I saw it upon publication, but seeing yours take shape has changed my mind – it’s really pretty in it’s simplicity.
Shopping help? I need to get my own Lucy. Where did she come from? I live in the Twin Cities like you, and have been stumped by where to get a good dress form. I’m hoping my sweater fit will improve if I can step back and see the work in progress, rather than try it on and twist to get a decent view in the mirror.
Any suggestions appreciated,
Julia in Mac-Groveland
Comment by Julia Hutchcroft — January 5, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
I am completely intrigued and impressed by your basting of seams on the dress form. What a good idea!
Comment by kristin — January 8, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
everything you do is gorgeous… my fav. part of this piece is that AMAZING cable that seems to disappear… where did you find it? (or is it your creation?) – I’d love to use it sometime… please email me and let me know
thanks!!!!
Kyle
Comment by Kyle Kunnecke — January 8, 2009 @ 5:03 pm