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Math, math, and more math

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Gosh, I feel like I haven’t shown much of anything here for a while (posting my husband’s hat last week was intended to distract from this fact–did it work?).

There’s a good reason. Here’s what I’ve been doing instead of knitting:

Math

Yes, I draw little mad faces on my pages when things don't work out the way they should.

I’m working on sizing a sweater design for a yarn company. This is called “grading” among the pattern-writing community. It’s HARD. Especially when you’ve designed a cardigan with large cables and 3X3 ribbing (even on the sleeves) that must be maintained for each size.

I have about ten more pages in my design notebook that look pretty much like this one. Many designers prefer to grade patterns in Excel or another spreadsheet program… but to be honest, I like working everything out on paper better. Plus I never really learned how to use Excel to its fullest potential, and the amount of time it would take to learn seems somewhat prohibitive at this point.

Plus, this way I get to use my iPhone, an incredibly powerful hand-held computer, the same way I’d use a $2.99 calculator, which entertains me for some reason.

But as I’ve said before, I actually really do like math, which helps the whole process a lot. And figuring out how to maintain the overall look of a sweater while upsizing/downsizing parts the right amount appeals to the part of me that likes puzzle-solving.

I did get buttons for the green sweater this weekend. It was surprisingly difficult to find 4 large (1.5″) brown buttons, but the fifth store I went to had some that will work. This means blocking can commence! Hopefully I’ll have pictures for FO Friday this week…

2 Comments

  1. Truly Myrtle
    Truly Myrtle04-16-2012

    The hat was a great distraction – perhaps I should get Mr Myrtle knitting….and the kids….
    I would love to design things – I am determined to have a go….it’s the grading that has me freaked. I love maths but for some reason this just seems all to complicated. Must try :)

  2. faye
    faye04-17-2012

    I’ve always been rubbish at maths – this is why I’m still designing accessories and I haven’t made it onto jumpers yet!

    I have nominated you for a blogging award – if you will accept it! You can see the details here :)

    http://buttonsandbeeswax.com/i-received-a-blogging-award/

    Have a nice day!

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