Knitting hasn't been at the forefront for the last few days, but it has been interwoven here and there. Instead, this has been a week focusing on true friendships.
A long time friend was having a rough week this week. He needed several favours which I was happy to help out with. The longest one to complete was looking after one of his sons for a few days whilst he took care of other matters. His son is twelve. We had a good few days of it. Some highlights included an international trip to visit a Zoo, walking in a Santa Clause "Parade of Lights", going to church and listening to music in a local "Bias-free" (all sexual preferences accepted) bar.
During the same time, I was able to meet with a local knitting group for a few hours and get some help on the Cardigan. I ended up finding the help in the Errata page on Ravelry for the pattern. I got a fair bit done on the Cardigan, but now it's on hold as I await a couple much needed measurements from my wife.
On Friday evening, my boss called looking for help on an important issue, so while babysitting and going to parades, church, zoo's and a bar we worked together on and off all day Saturday and Sunday (today). My friend collected his son this afternoon and I spent an enjoyable afternoon and evening divided between talking with friends, working, enjoying a few pints of beer, as well as listening to poetry, literature and good music.
Despite the fact there was work mixed into the first few hours of the afternoon, it was a most enjoyable way to wrap up several very busy days.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Frustration in small measure
Today's work on the cardigan was a day of slow progress, frustration, and of learning. I attended a small knitting group at my work for an hour at lunch and completed "Separate the sleeves" without issue, and then was promptly stumped by the following decrease row.
The pattern did not quite make sense. Basically, it was vague and asymmetrical. So, I planned to visit a local knit night where several people gather at a local cafe to knit. My hope was to find out how I was misunderstanding the pattern. However, the discrepancy stumped even the more experienced knitters there.
On returning home, I looked over the Ravelry pattern page for the project and found a list of corrections to the pattern which the author has posted to her website. These corrections are not integrated into the pattern. The section I was having issues with appeared to have had a correction posted about two years ago which was not integrated into the pattern I purchased a few days ago. So, using these updated directions I was able to complete the decrease row. I wonder how many more of the "Errata" items are needed to successfully complete the pattern?
Ah well, time to press on and continue knitting the body of the cardigan. The trick will be getting a good fit when the recipient is not living in the same city. I think I'll be calling her and asking for a few more measurements!
There was learning. There was frustration! There was PROGRESS.
So, todays Adventure in Knitting leaves me wondering how other people handle it when the pattern doesn't work? Let us know!
The pattern did not quite make sense. Basically, it was vague and asymmetrical. So, I planned to visit a local knit night where several people gather at a local cafe to knit. My hope was to find out how I was misunderstanding the pattern. However, the discrepancy stumped even the more experienced knitters there.
On returning home, I looked over the Ravelry pattern page for the project and found a list of corrections to the pattern which the author has posted to her website. These corrections are not integrated into the pattern. The section I was having issues with appeared to have had a correction posted about two years ago which was not integrated into the pattern I purchased a few days ago. So, using these updated directions I was able to complete the decrease row. I wonder how many more of the "Errata" items are needed to successfully complete the pattern?
Ah well, time to press on and continue knitting the body of the cardigan. The trick will be getting a good fit when the recipient is not living in the same city. I think I'll be calling her and asking for a few more measurements!
There was learning. There was frustration! There was PROGRESS.
So, todays Adventure in Knitting leaves me wondering how other people handle it when the pattern doesn't work? Let us know!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
New Beginnings
I've knit on and off for years. More off than on. My first project was a cable knit scarf that I still use to this day. I've made three pairs of mittens. The mittens are nice and thick and are quite straightforward. (free mitten pattern).
Yesterday evening, after sourcing a pattern at FrenchGirlKnits.com, I'm starting on making a sweater / cardigan for my wife. We're separated at the moment, but I'd still like to give her a nice Christmas present, so I'm working on the Cardigan. For those who'd like to see some pics of the pattern, here it is. It's made with some very thick yarn, so it's coming along quite quickly. I hunted all over got the yarn and the over-sized needles at a local store called "Wool'n'Things". I'm almost done the "Yoke" and should be onto other parts soon! I never would have imagined there were so many increases at such odd points in the Yoke. Lots to learn!
Now then, I'd love to hear about your favourite beginner sweater patterns (mens and ladies patterns please!) as well as any advice you have on knitting a sweater with big wool.
~~Douglas
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