Gauged Graph Paper

One more thing I learned at Chain Link 2011 . . .

Again, from Lily Chin (yes, you are the master!) I learned how to use gauged graph paper.  I knew it existed and I have even searched for it on the internet and printed out a few pages.

And I've used the standard grid graph paper for all sorts of things--graphing out color work, stitch patterns, and shaping for necklines and armholes in pattern grading. The last was to verify mathematical calculations for increases and decreases, but didn't mimic the actual shape of the item.

First, I swatched (we all do, don't we?!). Then I measured my gauge on that swatch. Next, I took out my notes and went to the first website Lily had mentioned (tata-tatao.to) and entered the # of rows and stitches over 4" in my swatch.  This website creates a pdf file with the grids. I printed a few pages, but I also saved the pdf for future use. 

The project I'm working on requires quite a bit of shaping, both increasing and decreasing. I took out a colored pencil and set to work. This first picture shows my 1st attempt with the stitch pattern and the increasing.

That worked pretty well, but I wondered what would happen if I stitched the item in a different direction.  I have a template of the shape. After I graphed out the stitch pattern, I put the template on the grids and traced around it. As you can see in this picture, I've got some major problems!

Today, I went back to the drawing board, printed out more pages of the graph paper (so glad I had saved that file!). I taped several together, and traced the entire template and started over, plotting out the increases and decreases. This graph helped me realize that I needed a double increase on some rows. After I had plotted out about 30 rows, I began to swatch again, testing my graph. I am also able to put the swatch on the graph paper to make sure the shaping and sizing actually does what I want it too.

Now I am a happy stitcher . . .





Do we really need to plan?

There seem to be (at least) 2 kinds of designers -- organic and planners.  During Lily Chin's workshops at Chain Link 2011, she emphasized the benefits of planning before stitching, one being the loss of time due to stitching, stitching, stitching only to find out that all of that stitching was done in vain.  During those workshops, I nodded my head in agreement because I am a planner, especially a visual planner.  I make drawings, I make notes, I use software to plot out "things", and being a lover-of-all-things-math, I calculate until the cows come home.

Yesterday, I received a model back with notes about adjustments that need to be made. Of course, I am mortified that I have turned in a project that has to be "adjusted".  That certainly goes against the advice that Margaret Hubert gave us on Professional Development Day-quality.

So, what happened.  There are no excuses, but there are reasons--the children are home for the summer, my father-in-law was visiting and I was enjoying having time with him, I was getting ready for Chain Link . . .

But the main reason is that I didn't take time to review the design between proposal and stitching. I jumped in because I loved the colors that the editor picked, I loved the design and I couldn't wait to see it materialize.

Now what? I have spent the morning with my software working out the adjustments. The result will be a much better product, one I think the editor will be pleased with.

And Lily, I'm still nodding my head in agreement.

Breathing Easier

No, I'm not having respiratory problems. I've been wrestling with a design and it's finally coming together. For me, the design process is unpredictable. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and an idea is ready to pop out of the oven, fully baked, needing nothing but to cool down before I can cut into it. Other times, I have a glimmer, sometimes a feeling of the design, lurking in the shadows, just out of reach. It's these designs that cause me to lie awake at night.

They hover and when I reach for them, thinking that I've finally got a good vantage point to capture them, they jump back into the shadows (and I swear I can hear them laugh at times.) Like the Gingerbread Boy, they keep running and I keep chasing. "Catch me if you can."

Last night, I caught the essence of a design that has been running for awhile now. It's not done by any means, but it's on paper and ready to be tweaked.

While the chase can be frustrating, the capture is oh so sweet!