help with swatch

[salmonmac]

It helps sometimes to convert your st gauge to the actual size it will produce when the sts are cast on. At 6sts/", 180sts gives a measurement of 30"; at 5.5sts/" you get 32.7". The directions in this pattern make a similar point in the paragraph under Cast On, since fit is critical.

[Christinechrstms1]

I am understanding it better now. I am determined to get the gauge just right before I start the tank. I definitely don't want to make something that I will not wear so I have started a new swatch.

I am concerned though about eventually taking on a pattern that is mistakenly mixed up. I came across a sewing "tutorial" that actually wasn't a good tutorial at all. The designer claimed the top took only 30 minutes to make and was so simple. I hadn't sewed in a while so it seemed like an easy project at the time but as I went along I realized she didn't take the time to actually explain measurements, size of material or much else. I was left to just eyeball the cuts. It was called a pillow case top. Of course hers looked fantastic. I was making one for my daughter and it didn't turn out at nice at all as I had to do so much guess work. I have an idea how to make it better(hopefully) but haven't gotten around to it yet. I would hate to take a month knitting a pattern that someone just " threw together".

[suzeeq]

Most patterns are pretty explanatory, use common terms and tell you what to do and when. You can always have one of us look through it to check, just provide a link to the pattern if it's online, or one that we can reference somewhere. If you're not sure about something in it, you can post a few rows of it to ask for help.