Remember that swatch (the second photo) I was talking about a month or so back? Well, that pretty little thing has become a sweater. I must confess, even after reading the legendary Mrs. Zimmerman's book, I was still knitting with quite a lot of tears over this tiny sweater. I must also confess that I bit off much more than I could chew, but in the process learned quite a bit about designing, pattern writing and my own creative process. I am terrible at taking notes, thats the first thing I learned, definitely terrible at taking notes. Through all the knitting, re knitting, planning, pythagorean theorem-ing, and too many pages in my graphed paper moleskin notebook, something in me said that I could do this, along with two of my new favorite people, Ann and Allyson, who cheered me on from the knitting side lines.
The night I finally figured out how to finish the shoulders, Ann texted me, "If this came easy to you, it would mean you were't pushing yourself." I was so encouraged by her words, and I thought it would be helpful and inspiring to share with you as well. That is a great concept to apply to any area we find ourselves struggling in, be it mothering, in our jobs, or marriages, relationships or in our creative outlets. It is ok for things to be difficult, it is ok to struggle and wrestle through the things that are worth the effort. I think that message is lost, purposefully in some cases and accidentally in others, but lost none the less in our convenience driven culture.
Now for the knitting dorking out! (non-knitters need not read this hah) This brooklyn tweed is so gorgeous. I am a complete yarn snob, I admit it, but going back to synthetic fibers after working with this is nearly impossible. For me, it's all about the process, the feel of the wool, the needles, the smell even, that sheepy smell you get when you dunk your finished work into that bowl of soapy water, I love it! Adding to that, this yarn in particular is close to my heart because it is grown, dyed and spun in the US, on equipment that is quickly disappearing from the yarn manufacturing process (read about it here). This yarn really softens and fluffs up after a good soak and block, soft enough for a toddler, and that is saying a lot for 100% wool. Elizabeth Zimmerman's seamless set in sleeve recipe would have been much easier (it was indeed genius) if I had made a few more considerations as far as the placement of the lace and cables. I had to end two cables on the back piece to make room for the decreases at the underarm. I actually very much enjoyed that way that EZ describes her patterns, and her logic is easy to understand.
I've already sent this little thing off to Omi to wear with her "Pincess" dresses, but hopefully I will get a few more photos to share with you soon. There is already another little sweater for her in the works, (not yet on the needles) and this one, I am hoping to take better notes on in order share with the rest of you! What have you been working on?
As always,
thanks for reading!
K
