Experimental Knitting Done

Remember the experimental knitting, the face cloth in chenille? It's done. I'll report the experimental results like in a real scientific paper.

Results:
Before washing/drying


After washing/drying:

Discussion:
Biasing of the knitted fabric was observed post-knitting; this was only slightly relieved by the washing and drying process. The yarn bloomed in a way deemed desirable by the intended recipient. Shrinkage was greater than anticipated, being closer to 20% than 10%.
Conclusions:
Cotton chenille may be a suitable yarn for creating household items such as face cloths. The use of a non-baising stitch such as garter stitch may help to eliminate biasing that would occur if a biasing stitch such as stockinette stitch were to be used. Blocking will not help the item retain its shape, being the item will be used in a wet and often steamy environment. Because shrinkage was about 20% of the final knitted dimensions, care should be taken to include extra stitches and length, so that the final results will be satisfactory.

Really, that's how scientific and medical papers are written, in such formal and stilted language. I'll make another when I have time, in garter stitch. I'll cast on extra stitches (enough to give another inch in width) and make it another inch longer. That should work (see- I even have a hypothesis for the next experiment).

In non-experimental knitting, I made another couple of bibs. I didn't mention previously that I began to use short-row shaping for these, to make the bottoms curve nicely. As easy as turning a heel!

Heartbeat bib
Peaches & Crème in Tea Rose

Swan bib
Peaches & Crème in Eggshell

For the swan bib, I used a dish cloth pattern with bib shaping. I've been lazy about making the bib ties; I've merely been crocheting chains for 14 inches and knotting the ends well. Too lazy to half-double crochet back down the chain.

On the job front: had an interview yesterday and was offered a job; part-time intially but should grow to full-time soon as the pharmaceutical industry brings more anti-cancer drugs to clinical trials. I still have another interview next week, and maybe a dozen more places to contact.