Knit-Along Clue 3 (3/20/2012: Corrected!)

[SDRVer]

I am just starting clue 3 in the KAL. It took me all week to finish the squares in the CAL -- interruptions galore this week . I have read the discussions on gauge, so I will try smaller needle size for the first half and see how it goes.

[thelittlereader]

We can't guarantee that your blanket will look as planned, or that you will have enough yarn to change the amount of squares. Of course, any changes are made at your discretion

Kaleigh,
i know it isn't you or Shandeh's fault that clue #3 is giving so many of us such a difficult time, but it really would be nice if you could discuss with the designer(s) a possible fix or alternative. the problem was obviously not limited to only one of two of us. and, the problems were bad enough that we had to go down several needle sizes, alter the pattern, or some combination of the two. this is unfortunate, but i feel that, as moderators, you are here to help us through the issues, not just acknowledge our frustration.

personally, the frustration i felt with clue #3 was enough to make me consider quitting altogether, though i have since decided to switch out the pattern and deal with whatever consequences that comes with. sadly, though, the truth is i am less likely to join in upcoming KAL's or buy Bernat yarns because of this experience, and i hate that i feel this way.

i'm sorry for the venting, but needed to get that off of my chest.

[Marilyn58]

So happy to finally be done with Clue 3's squares. What a lesson in patience that was! Looking forward to Clue 4 and the new color combo.

YAY!! So happy for you!! This whole project is a lesson in patience for me as I've never had to knit so many squares to be a certain size! It can be so frustrating; yet rewarding when we finally get a problem worked out.

Well thank you KnitKnacker1234!

[parasite888]

Hi,

I finally finished clue 1 and accidentally skipped Clue 2. Aw well, will get back to clue 2 after I finish clue 3. I have a very simple question. For row 3, 5 etc. When we change from k1 to p1, do I move the yarn over the purl and when knit, move yarn back?

Thanks!!

J.

[Kaleigh]

We've been reading the posts about Clue 3, and I have discussed it with the designers. When the original pattern was written some of our test knitters had the same issues Forum members are having, so the pattern was modified and tested again - the fix seemed to have worked.

Designing knit patterns is a challenge because so many things can vary: the gauge of the stitch itself, how the stitch is displayed, and the knitter's personal gauge are all factors our designers try to keep in mind as often as possible. Unfortunately sometimes it just doesn't work as planned.

Everybody working on the clue has been incredibly innovative with their problem-solving, so a lot of help is available in the Clue 3 post. I will be sure to talk to the designer about a pattern correction, and I'm sorry you had this experience

[Kikibatt]

I also have quit clue three. I am also experiencing the quitting frustration. I am going to try for the 8th time today to get this square right. I am very frustrated with the frogging and the hours of lost work. I am trying to knit without distractions (which in itself is a miracle!) but am still having issues. I have changed needle size as well. Completely frustrated and thinking at this point I do not care about the design. I am thinking of just knitting up coordinating squares. this is where they mystery part is frustrating because I do not have enough knowledge to make a design change. Until this square I was knitting along merrily!

[fun2knit]

I changed Clue 3, too. Here is what I did if you are looking for suggestions. Row 1 was the usual knit increase row. Row 2 is (knit 1, purl 1) repeated across, you will end with a knit stitch. The knit stitch is a regular knit stitch, not a knit-one-below! The result is a nice variation on the seed stitch, in my opinion! This stitch variation used less yarn (achieved the size with 51 stitches instead of 55) but keeps the fabric close to the same thickness as the garter stitch squares. I didn't reverse the pattern for the decrease rows, kept the same stitch pattern going. The decrease rows are Row 1, the usual knit decrease row. Row 2 is (knit 1, purl 1) repeated across.

That darn knit-one-below in garter stitch drove me crazy, and no matter how many do-overs and how many videos I watched, it always turned out as one sloppy mess! Knit-one-below in stockinette causes me no grief, though! The only thing I can think of is I carry my yarn in my left hand, and it has something to do with how I wrap the yarn around the needle that is causing the problem.

[knitrik]

Well, I have to say I feel much better hearing your frustrations - thought I was the only one! thelittlereader, I am so completely on the same page (no pun intended) as you! This was my first kal, and might just be my last. I went into this soooo excited, and I am now barely looking at my yarn. The only good thing is that bought colors for my own bedroom, so if it never gets done, no one will miss a blanket that was promised (except my husband, and he is a great sport!)

[thelittlereader]

Completely frustrated and thinking at this point I do not care about the design. I am thinking of just knitting up coordinating squares. this is where they mystery part is frustrating because I do not have enough knowledge to make a design change. Until this square I was knitting along merrily!

exactly! i'm of the opinion that the moderators should be helping us out, offering sound alternatives based on their knowledge of the entire pattern. directing us back to the forums isn't comforting, since the rest of us are equally clueless about how modifications will alter the final outcome of the blanket. while they may be great alternatives, we end up having to make changes "at our own risk".

[Kikibatt]

I changed Clue 3, too. Here is what I did if you are looking for suggestions. Row 1 was the usual knit increase row. Row 2 is (knit 1, purl 1) repeated across, you will end with a knit stitch. The knit stitch is a regular knit stitch, not a knit-one-below! The result is a nice variation on the seed stitch, in my opinion! This stitch variation used less yarn (achieved the size with 51 stitches instead of 55) but keeps the fabric close to the same thickness as the garter stitch squares. I didn't reverse the pattern for the decrease rows, kept the same stitch pattern going. The decrease rows are Row 1, the usual knit decrease row. Row 2 is (knit 1, purl 1) repeated across.

That darn knit-one-below in garter stitch drove me crazy, and no matter how many do-overs and how many videos I watched, it always turned out as one sloppy mess! Knit-one-below in stockinette causes me no grief, though! The only thing I can think of is I carry my yarn in my left hand, and it has something to do with how I wrap the yarn around the needle that is causing the problem.

I am finishing my current square. If it is off I am going to frog and try your pattern. Seems like it might knit up quickly and now I am behind two weeks due to this week three snafu. Thank goodness for this week of blocking!
Thanks for the great idea!