I’m on my A-line shape thing again.
To enable the effectiveness of crochet patterns for jumpers and cardis for women with big (_|_)s, the first step could be said to be—
INCLUDING A MEASUREMENT FOR HIPS.
That’s a chart for a really nice (existing pattern) cardi. Had it a third column, of hip measurements, it would show clearly that my top part is in the range of one of those sizes but my lower part within the next one. :(
Here’s a sketch from a pattern I once bought:
“April Sweater” – Originally Lovely pattern
Amazingly helpful info., except for the missing hip or bum measurement.
ANYWAY .. The extraordinarily productive and helpful Dora Does has put out an eBook called “How to Crochet Clothes that Fit (and you actually Want to Wear)”, a very appealing title ! The key to the whole thing is, as I have already realized, GAUGE. And here is where my insuperable problem raises its horrid head ..
I have never in my crocheting or knitting life been able to achieve gauge, and it’s always for the same reason: my ROWS get there without trouble, but my number of STITCHES is always, always too many. If the gauge is meant to be 7 rows by 6 stitches (within a 2″ square), I will never do better than 7 rows (√) and 8 stitches .. 14 rows and 16½ stitches and all I can come up with is 14 rows (√) and 19 stitches. I am cursed !!! Of course if I make my stitches wider, they always become, as well, higher. [sob !]
So that although Dora’s eBook has some wonderful calculations meant to allow you to work out how to alter the size in various different parts of a garment, the calc.s won’t work for me because my gauge is out of whack.
Thus I’ve had to give up that idea, and simply do my own increasing. I’m currently on a sweater the pattern wants me to fsc 88ch for, which will end up with that same number at the top; I’ve started with 98fsc and am decreasing by 2 sts every 5 rows, starting with the 15th. I shall hold it up against me when I’m down to 88 and then continue to that “measured” distance.
But I am full of angst ..
ADDITIONAL – next day
The wonderful Dora has adjured me to forget the rows and concentrate on the stitches part of the gauge. Makes sense: especially for patterns wherein the measurement of the pieces’ height is not critical.
And then, as well, the amazing PDX Knitterati repeated exactly the same instruction (it applies to knitting as well as to crochet).
So: once I have achieved the relevant horizontal gauge, I should be hot to trot with Dora’s calculations ..
DOWNUNDER WITH BOODZ 
Go at it from the other direction; figure out your gauge and then make alterations to the pattern to make it work for you! For me in knitting, the stitches per inch (horizontal) is more important than the vertical. You can always work fewer or more rows to make the item as tall as it needs to be.
It gets more complicated if your pattern is telling you how many rows to work, instead of the “work until armhole measures 8 inches” which is way more helpful. But if you know how tall that armhole is supposed to be; you can work as many rows as it will take to make it that tall.
PS: There aren’t any hip measurements for your pictured sweater, because it’s the same as the bust measurement! But you can change that. It’s math…you are definitely on the right track.
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Thank-you, Clever One ! – input from you ALWAYS gratefully received ! :D
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Your stitching come to your aid again, M-R. Isn’t the blogging community wonderful! I have always struggled with increasing gauge and adjusting stitches in my knitting. My grandmother taught me how to knit and was so helpful, but I can now recall how I tuned out many of the added lessons she was trying to convey. I have lamented for years that I didn’t pay more attention. I do find many helpful tutorials on YouTube, and sometimes that helps! Look at all you’re learning with your questioning. I look forward to seeing your finished project. :-)
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Some really good people out there crafting, beautiful Debra – lucky for me ! :D
As for the finished project .. if only I had the right yarn, I’d be almost there by now. Sighh ..
I think I’ll have to go in to [gasp !] TOWN ! Aaaarghh ! Melbourne CBD is like an ants’ nest that somone kicked over ..
Mebbe I’ll find a yarn supplier in the ‘burbs .. Oh it’s all very exhausting. WHINGE ..
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