Remember the blue Springtime Bandit from last Wednesday's post? This thing is not cooperating! Well okay, many of the problems are because of me, but still...
Problem #1: Pattern error. The pattern calls for the left half to be a mirror of the right half. But remember how I didn't like the way the two sides were looking? It's really supposed to be knit right to left then right to left again. So last week at the KAL, we ripped out our shawls.
Problem #2: Knitter error 1. I restarted and got far enough to see that I had the same problem. I had gone ahead and mirrored again!!! That's what I get for talking while knitting. Sigh... Ripped again.
Problem #3: Knitter error 2. Did I learn not to talk while knitting this pattern? No! Trying to knit while talking to a friend before the beginning of a play isn't a good idea for me. I missed a YO and didn't realize it for several rows. How in the world did I not notice that?! Ripped out several rows.
That's where I am now. But I'm not loving how it looks and I think it's because of my gauge.
Potential Problem #4: Gauge error (AKA Knitter error 3). The pattern calls for size 9 needles and for the gauge swatch to be blocked. With 9s I get the correct gauge but before blocking. I really prefer the look of the shawl with 8s but I followed the crowd and used 9s. I guess I should knit and block a quick swatch to see what happens when the yarn is blocked then decide what to do. I have just enough yarn to knit this and I'm afraid I'll run out if my gauge isn't right.
But in the meantime I think I'll start a chemo cap for a friend. Maybe that's what I'm supposed to be knitting right now. What do you have on the needles, on the hook, or otherwise in progress? How is it going for you?!
Haven't I taught you anything? Socks are for knitting and talking!
Posted by: Carole | May 26, 2010 at 08:11 AM
oops, it's one of those projects :( It WILL sort itself out when you come back to it after the cap!
Posted by: erin | May 26, 2010 at 10:37 AM
I think the chemo cap is the right way to go for today. Maybe a new day will give a fresh look to the shawl. I'm in the same Frog Pond as you apparently. Do you use the Typepad Dashboard? I commented under my other account this time. ;0)
Posted by: KM | May 26, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Sorry to hear about your springtime bandit woes. I have toe-up socks on the needles, a cabled sock, a baby cardigan and a much neglected sweater for me on the go at the moment.
Posted by: Ruth | May 27, 2010 at 08:09 AM
I think sometimes we have to give projects a short time out -- even a day or two helps because with lace you are always having to stare so closely for hours at a time.
I am thisclose to finishing the button band on my purple sweater (and the sweater itself!), but have been too busy to actually do it. I'm making decent progress on my skirt, but am worried about the decreases and modifications coming up.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Posted by: Debby | May 27, 2010 at 11:38 AM