I'm not going to lie, I don't always love swatching yarn for a sweater, but historically when I haven't or I haven't trusted those little swatches I usually end up with a sweater that is too big.
One thing I have learned is needles can tell their own story as well. See these swatches? The two in stockinette were both knit with size 9 needles, which is a size smaller than is recommended, but both swatches are still a bit big, with the first one I knit with a pair of circular needles being a whole stitch larger than the second one done with another pair of circular needles of the same size.
I'm going to drop down to a size 8 to see what this gives me, but knowing the I knit Helvetica with only a size smaller than the recommended needle with the same yarn substitution makes me a bit leary….but this is why we swatch, and why I always recommend buying that extra skein of yarn to sample.
I will be making Elizabeth Doherty’s Elorie and I really want this to fit well so this will all be worth it in the end.
The Woolen Rabbit 
It will be SO worth the swatching-time when that sweater ends up fitting you Just Right! What a lovely pattern — and it will be perfect in your lovely yarn. XO
LikeLike
Swatching always feels like a waste of time when you are itching to start a new project but it’s worth it to get the fit right and I know you will. I swatched for Dale’s hat and, while I’m trusting my swatch, I still have doubts and wonder if the hat will be too big!
LikeLike
That is one beautiful sweater and I love the color you’re using. Swatching will be key as you’re changing fibers content. My fingers are crossed!
LikeLike