Saturday, March 20, 2010

Patience and Patterns

Choosing just the right pattern for a new project is not something to be entered into lightly. Sometimes, despite your most fervent wish to knit up something which you find absolutely perfect, it all goes wrong. Such was the case with my original plan for the Regia Silk that R brought back from Myrtle Beach last year. On my first attempt, my mood and the colour just weren't getting on so a cheery pink was brought in. Last weekend, I brought out the Regia for another attempt. Several rows into the pattern I messed up and for the life of me, couldn't find my way back. Sage advice would have been to put it aside for later but I ended up pulling out the needles in frustration and ripping out all of my work. It happens to the best of us. Deciding not to be bested by the situation, I set out to find another pattern on Ravelry and discovered 'Twinkleberry'. Being lace, it will be perfect for this wool which has a summery feel and also has the attraction of looking deceptively difficult but is really quite easy! My only concern is that it doesn't have a cuff of sorts but in the photos which others have posted they seem to be staying put on the wearer. The Heiress has some medical glue that she would use to keep up her socks during competition when she was in Irish dancing. If I have a problem with slouch then I'm not beyond giving it a go! So this project has been aptly labeled 'Keep Calm and Carry On' for my Ravelry account.

11 comments:

  1. What a fabulous name and beautiful patten!

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  2. I second verity...I love the name of the project. I should have remembered the phrase myself when I had a similar frustrating experience knitting my first beanie. I had finished about 6 inches and was beginning to decrease when it all went horribly wrong...I pulled the hat off the circular needles and chucked it in the trash while being too close to tears (luckily I have been using fairly inexpensive yarn for my first projects). I am glad your new project is coming along more favorably:)

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  3. Actually that is a perfect thought to keep in mind when working on a needlework project--especially when things don't go how you want them to. If I don't pick out stitches when I notice a mistake it may sit years (literally) while I ignore it--depending of course how bad the problem is!! Sometimes there is nothing for it to start all over. Good luck with the new project.

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  4. That sure doesn't look easy to me! And must remember to keep calm and carry on, too. I've just restarted the same project three times...ack.

    K x

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  5. Lots of sympathy on having to frog and start over, but what you have is absolutely gorgeous. And I love the color - I've worked with Regia silk before and it's lovely stuff.

    I've just finished a baby sweater I designed, and I don't like the collar. I can't decide if I should just frog back a few rows or throw the whole thing out and try again.

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  6. verity, Why thank you!

    Book Psmith, Funny things start to happen to wool that has been ripped out a couple of times so the bin is your only option sometimes. Knitting is a character building sport!

    Danielle, Sometimes, just sometimes, I try to ignore a minor error but find myself staring at it. You're right, there's nothing for it but to set things straight and move on.

    Kristina, You could make these socks! Best of luck with your project...keep calm and breathe.

    makedoandread, Oh how lovely! I hope you can salvage the collar! Perhaps tuck your project away for a few days until you feel differently. Here's hoping it shows up on your blog or Ravelry, I'd love to see!

    A Bookish Space, Thank you, it is nice isn't it!

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  7. 'Twinkleberry' - what a wonderful name for a luscious pattern.

    Jeanne x

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  8. That looks so pretty, and as you said, nice and light for spring/summer. I love the name too!

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  9. Cottage Garden, I'd love it if the designers provided a little back story about how they chose a pattern name. It is a wonderful name isn't it!

    skirmishofwit, The first of the pair was off the needles as of Tuesday evening and they're gorgeous. They could very well be a favourite!

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  10. Hi!
    I have an award for you at my place. Have a great day!

    Sherrie
    Just Books
    http://sherriesbooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/beautiful-blogger-award.html

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