Time to Knit - Charity Challenge 2018 Part 1

Time to Knit - Charity Challenge 2018 Part 1

I often take my knitting with me when I go out so I can get some work done without distractions. Whilst I was at a coffee morning having a cup of tea a gentleman spotted me knitting.

He asked if I ever knitted for charity and I responded on occasions. He asked if I he gave me a pattern would I knit some items for premature babies for the local hospital. I said I would and he gave me a pattern.

Natural DK Dollymix

The pattern was for a small premature baby top which was to be knitted from the top down. So I toddled off to my favourite knitting establishment Knit Nottingham for some wool. We decided on Dollymix DK

Cast on 37

Since I do not have a lot of time with my back log of projects I decided that I would time how long it would take me to knit. I therefore started the timing when I cast on.

Incidentally I started this project at 23.25pm. Not the best time to be starting an entirely new project but the temperature was so high I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep.

Row 8

I decided the best way to time would to be to finish one section then write down how long it had taken me. I marked after Row 8 as the next Row was more complicated. This section had taken 23 minutes.

Next Timing

I cannot remember exactly what Row this is because I cannot read my own writing. However at this point I think I should mention although I am timing it may not be 100% accurate.

The pattern states that this garment should take between 22g and 25g of yarn to make. Now the ball of yarn I am using is exactly 25g. In order to make sure I do not run out I am making my tension a little tighter. This means that I am knitting slower than usual.

Cast off 18

I noted another timing here as it was a very distinct section. I had to cast off two lots of 18 stitches to make the arm holes. This was after Row 25 and up to this point I have been knitting for 1 hour and 55 minutes altogether.

I decided that this was more than enough for one night and I would pick it up again on another day.

Small Top Cast Off

As you can see in the photograph above I have now finished the knitting part. This took me approximately 1 hour and 15 mins. This brings the knitting time up to 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Button Addition

I sewed in the loose ends and I found a couple of nice buttons off out local market and sewed them on. So I reckon if I said that the whole thing took 3.5 hrs that would be a good basis.

I am going to make another one only this time in Green. I think Eleanor said it was an Aran but don’t quote me on that.

Baby Top Natural Neck Width

I just wanted to get an idea of how big this top has come out. So I measured the Neck and it was roughly 5cm.

Baby Top Natural Bottom Width

Next I measured the bottom of the item and it came out at 13.5cm

Baby Top Natural Height

The Height from top to bottom was roughly 12cm. I will be able to compare these measurements against the Green Top.