My usual MO is to find a pattern, look it over and see if I think I can make it, then go buy some yarn to use and begin. Yarn selection follows pattern selection. So I felt adventurous when I purchased some yarn that looked very pretty without a clue of what I would make with it. I used a rule of thumb from a friend that says I should be able to complete a woman's sweater with about 1200 yards of yarn.
Next I began to look for a pattern. I decided to make something for myself since this yarn was deliciously shades of blue. I receive many electronic newsletters with numerous photos of various knitting patterns and I found one that looked unique and rather summery. Liking the photo (and secretly hoping that maybe after making it I would look like the young lithe model in the photo) I purchased the pattern as a download. When I began to read the pattern, I found it not as straight-forward or defined as most. There was no gauge to insure the sizing, there were no final measurements. I guess the pattern assumed that you were experienced and could work things out as you went.
I was surprised at the anxiety I felt as I knit. It was like driving somewhere new without a map...or GPS. Was I doing it right? I felt like I was flying blind or at least in a fog. But in time, I relaxed and started to rely on my instincts. I have made many knitted items over the years with some very complicated patterns. I discovered that I do have a wealth of accumulated knowledge and experience if I just relax and let it come to me. And what is the worst that can happen? I might have to unravel it and begin again...it is not the end of the world.
I began to see how I often am looking for the perfect pattern and the "right" answer as I approach life...and that after all these years (shhhh) I have an inner resource that I can depend on. I remind myself that I can switch off that worry gene and just trust my instincts. So the sweater is finished and I am pleased with it. Unfortunately, I do not look like the model who wore it in the picture, but it is fine!
 |
| Braided Cable Sweater |
Very pretty sweater...and model!
ReplyDeleteThat is one beautiful sweater! Funny how the trim detail is similar to the Manana pattern I just finished.
ReplyDeleteI just downloaded the Ysolda Teague Little Red in the City and she has extensive chapters on choosing yarn, pattern, and fit to get the proper sweater after all that work of knitting. I decided it was worth the investment after the second sweater was not fitting as I had hoped.
BTW, what is the yarn you used? It is so pretty. e
I am embarrassed to tell you, Erin. You knit with such luscious yarn. It is Caron Simply Soft Paints...Spring Brook. But...I am waiting for an Ebay order I just placed for some Classic Elite yarn!!!
ReplyDeleteAs a novice-knitter, I'm impressed by your skill! (I do knit now and then as a relaxing exercise and make small items). You model your creation well - beautiful!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty pattern. Suits you very much!
ReplyDeleteI just came back to drool over your cardigan... and saw your comment. I should have been in my new classroom, trying to make a floor plan that works... but instead I took the Red Line to Dorchester... Stitch House was having a 40% off sale on Cascade!!! I have plenty of sweater quantity yarn but I got yarn to make two new sweaters, four scarves for Christmas gifts and I also picked up some Knitpicks extenders for my circular needles. I had planned to to go to Cambridge for an event at Gather Here tonight, but I done spent too much on yarny goodness in the past thirty days.... I hope to blog about it on my Squee Sunday post.
ReplyDeleteI don't have your email and the linky thing here won't work. I also don't have your ravelry name. I wanted you to go to my blog post about Versatile Blogger- I nominated your blog as one that I love to read and that brings me inspiration. Go to it here.http://knittinginbeantown.blogspot.com/2011/09/versatile-blogger-award.html
ReplyDelete