We’ve all done it of course… switched needle sizes halfway through a project, thinking “it’ll be like extra shaping!” Decided to substitute an aran tweed in a pattern calling for sportweight silk. Said “Oh, I don’t need to swatch… I made a sweater with this yarn 3 years ago, gauge doesn’t change!”
In my case, I said “So yeah, I’ve made 3 Norah Gaughan designs before and they have all been cursed… but Manon will be different!” So I happily knit on, making triangles and oohing over the interesting peplum construction. Last night I finally finished the peplum and thought “Hmm… maybe I should try this on.”
“Shouldn’t these pieces just meet in the middle? It looks a little big. Oh well, nothing a good blocking can’t fix, right?”
*sigh*
Because of the way this is constructed there is not way to fix this without starting over. I know I could pick up fewer stitches on the top, but it isn’t going to be enough to compensate for the six extra inches of peplum I’ve got going on. I knew, of course, that my gauge in pattern is usually wildly different from my gauge in stockinette. I’ve learned that lesson over an over, and yet somehow I thought that on this patttern they would match up perfectly.
So… froggity frog frog frog. I’ll knit on Tuscany and think about what I want my next sweater project to be… hopefully it will be less ill-fated!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
That is so funny about the Norah Gaughan designs – I was just saying that I might as well sell my copy of Knitting Nature as her designs just do not work for me.
Oh my. Maybe you could add a few more triangles and ribbing and call it a stole?
Ooh, that really bites. I saw your post yesterday and loved the Manon in the Rowan too. Sucks it didn’t work out though. I feel your pain.
oo-u-c-h! I feel your pain. So sorry it didn’t work out
Oh no! Maybe you could call it a design feature, and do the top like a surplice instead of having the pieces meet in the middle.
Aw bummer! That’s too bad.
Oh that’s a shame! it was looking so beautiful too! I know how that goes though.
Oh noo! Don’t give up on the pattern! It’s so gorgeous and your knits turn out so well! Have a break from it and come back later – at least now you know your gauge for the pattern!
yeah, I feel your pain … I knit Currer and was actually on gauge, but I should have knit it with more negative ease. It’s too big, especially right at the point where the peplum is attached (see raireknits on ravelry) … I need to post picture of me wearing it because you can’t necessarily tell when it’s on my dressform, but it’s too big and very “swingy” … if I make her stuff again, I will definitely size down.
Sigh, and it was knit so beautifully….
Oh, arrgh!
That is just…way big. No fixing it. Do you know anyone who’s six inches bigger than you who will be needing a really special gift anytime soon?
Bummer! Maybe you’ll try it again some day when you’ve gotten over the pain of frogging.
OK, well that sucks…I know that mantra, it’s total denial…we know what the truth is but we refuse to accept it.
Ohhh, I’m sorry that happened to you! I know the pain, for it is tres fresh in my mind.
Glad you can reclaim the yarn.
You’re also stronger than I – it may take me a while before I dive into a Gaughan pattern (no matter how tempting!).