Friday, November 23, 2007

Frustrated - Tree Jacket Sizing

I have to say, I'm very disappointed in this pattern. Especially since I paid for this one (a first). It requires a lot of math just to get it to fit in some way like it does on the model. A good pattern should only need a few mods for a custom fit. And why does everyone have trouble with "their size" being too big in Zephyr sizing? I feel like I'm writing my own pattern!

Anyway, like numerous others here and on Ravelry, I can't seem to get the right size. I have a 38" bust and 15" circumference arms. After reading all the problems people have had making sizes too big for them, I decided to make a small. I want it to be form fitting. The problem now is that, although I got gauge in St st, the garter section is huge already, and I have only done 16 increase rows! I need to increase a bit more for the arms, but I'm worried that if I do the remaining 8 increases (64 sts), it may become too big. This seems pretty ridiculous considering I'm normally a snug medium. I know others have had issues, but can someone with my chest size tell me which size they made, modifications, if any, and how their Tree Jacket turned out (tight, loose, perfect)? Help!

5 comments:

Heather said...

You're right, Sarah, it shouldn't be this tough! I wonder if it's just LOOKING too big because you're worried, or if you've been able to slip it off the needles and try it on? I would suggest knitting through the garter portion and trying it on after separating for the sleeves like the pattern says. I did some modifications, but knit the size S, and I'm a 36, so I'm thinking you'll be fine - remember garter stitch looks much, much different than nice, smooth, stockinette. I think it looks bigger/bulkier, even in a worsted weight yarn! Good luck!

Kozy Kitty said...

I would suggest trying it on at the point where you separate the sleeves at the size XS. I wouldn't actually join the front and back though. I would put the whole thing on waste yarn and pin it together at the place where you would join it. I did this for Fifi and it worked well. If that is too small then knit more and do the same for the S size. If that fits, then that is the size you would want to do. If you want it tighter on the body, then you could either follow the pattern directions for the decreases, or you could make decreases at the end of the garter section and do the math so that the number of stitches work out for the lace portion of the sweater. This would make the entire lace portion smaller and more form fitting.

Sarah said...

Thanks for the suggestions, heather and kozy kitty! I have tried it on, and it's definitely on the big size. But, I think I am 4 increases from the extra small, so I will try it on again at that point, putting everything on waste yarn. I feel better about this now that you both have given me a plan of attack:) Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

Mine ended up way too big, and I didn't like the turtleneck once I tried it on, so I frogged the entire thing and am making the cable luxe tunic. Same gauge, different style of sweater. Tree Jacket was a really frustrating knit. I have no plans to re-do it at this point. GRRR...

Lanora said...

I just don't think this pattern is friendly to chesty women. I'm a 36 and was knitting a medium and it was way too big in the arms. I decreased a few rows and it still turned out too big.