Working on 4 ply projects is no different from most relationships.
I fell in love with the pattern when I saw it on Dodie (one of the Rowan consultants at Liberty). She had changed saffron to forgo embroidering by substituting with beads. I wanted it, no, I M-U-S-T have it. Once, I got going, I was flying. No one, ever said it was going to be easy or fast. It involved beading and you beaded on the purl and knit rows. It was 4 ply cotton, worked on 3mm needles.
After a constant flurry of knitting, I was making good progress. One sleeve was done. Then, I thought, why not do the body in one pieces. More quick progress but suddenly the project stalled.
This particular project has been on the needles for over 2 years. Whilst I still like the yarn, the pattern, the beads and can wear the garment , the fact that I didn't figure out the side seams properly when knitting it in one piece bothers me. Obviously, me and purple yarn, don't seem to rub along too well. I'm just short a sleeve, so I might finish it just for the sake of finishing it, I haven't decided yet.
Yes, I still love it, but the side bothers me. I might mattress stitch it, to hide the lack of patterning better.
What made me unearth this 2 year old UFO? A little discussion with my husband on stashing this morning. I thought at least one or 2 of your partners would understand.
Quote from the husband ...
... it's not the stash that's worrying, it's the satellite stashes that end up hidden in all corners of the house, they grow and grow until it is pointed out (by me) and then they merge into the main stash... and I'm even going to talk about the unfinished projects that get stuffed into the bottom of the drawers and when you least expect it (like when you're looking for a missing sock or something), a knitting needle or a giant safety pin appears from nowhere and attacks you.
and if you have a free moment go say hi to Rowanette Yvonne, that latest Rowanette blogger to hit the net. Just be gentle, she's a great knitter, but just starting to come to gripes with all this new fangled technology.
Just fixed the link to Rowanette Yvonne. I must remember to test all my links. Thanks to Colleen and Nic for pointing out that bad link! I sometimes struggle with this new fangled stuff too ;-)
I love the texture of the Saffron sweater... do you mind if I ask where the pattern could be found? I tried to Google it, but only found a couple of entries of someone working on it, with no links to a place to buy the pattern.
Thanks!
Posted by: Leisel at May 18, 2005 11:57 PMI was going to suggest the Zimmerman idea as well. It's beautiful. You really must finish it!
Posted by: Wendi at May 10, 2005 01:52 AMPolly,
I've been enjoying your blog for ages but I'm not much of a commenter....but that sweater is beautiful!! I'm a fairly new knitter and I feel silly recommending something but I do have a book by Elizabeth Zimmerman called Knitting Without Tears and it has a wonderful lesson on fake seams. I'm sure you've seen it, is it something that would help you feel better about the sides? It's just so pretty!
That is beautiful. Go ahead finish it, it will look gorgeous. I've been mulling over what I would do for the sides, I've come up with a couple of goofy ideas, 1) sew a ribbon down the side that matched the yarn and beads (least favorite idea). 2) realize that with your arms down at your side no one will see the lack of patterning - but it might still bug you 3) hmmm, I like the idea of putting a fake seam in. That's the one I'd go with.
Posted by: Rebekah at May 9, 2005 04:54 PMI was laughing at the stash quote, very similar to discussions we have around our house!
I'm in the middle of working on a 4-ply project in the same purple (#104 isn't it?) that I abandoned back in 2001. I'm determined to finish this, the back and left front are done, and I've just started the right front. All mistakes are being left in and will be worn with pride.
Posted by: Anmiryam at May 9, 2005 03:22 PMI will say that the colour is gorgeous and my I please second the HOLY SHIZER does knitting Martha in 4ply Cotton take.... EONS.
However, I will finish this cardigan if it kills me :)
Posted by: stinkerbell at May 9, 2005 03:03 PMI also love it! You have to finishit, it's gorgeous! I have had a roll collar pullover sweater for my husband on needles for two years. I'm stuck on the pattern directions! I am a novice knitter with just a tiny stash so far...but it's growing!
Posted by: Jill at May 9, 2005 02:48 PMMy husband would certainly identify with that quote. My stash is very small by any means but those satellite stash/WIP are really getting everywhere.
Posted by: Siow Chin at May 9, 2005 02:58 AMFunnily enough I have about 3 bags of yarn in those colours and can't seem to get enough of that colour. It's gorgeous.
Our husbands are destined to be friends, they think and speak alike. Except that mine adds that he thinks he will die one day opening the wardrobe and all my stash falling on him and crushing him to death. A. x
Posted by: Amelia at May 8, 2005 09:28 PMSatellite stash, I must try that one!
Posted by: Tracy at May 8, 2005 09:09 PMYou have to finish it , it looks great and is a fab colour.
We had the stash discussion chez moi this morning too, only it was the fabric that was scaring my husband, it was taking over the living room as I was sorting it.(looking for something) Fabric usually stays in the boxes but yarn does tend to migrate more, my take is it needs to be accessible, for creativity purposes!
Nice to see that even the experts have difficulties, you have done great job on ot though and am very grateful for the link as she has been hiding.
Posted by: Nic at May 8, 2005 06:30 PMI love it Polly, though I'm not sure what the problem is with the sides? You forgot to do the shaping altogether? You did it, but not in pattern? I can't see anything wrong via my monitor. If you forgot to do it, and just _must_ have shaping, why not sew in some darts? (says dawn, who doesn't sew).
Love the quote about stash! I have it hidden all over too, fooling myself into not believing that I have so much. Chris complains more about wool sewing needles on the floor, thin dpns on the sofa and scissors and wool cutters lying all over the place. I also hear him swear when he knocks over the under-the-desk stash when he's on the computer (finely balanced but no leg room!)
dawn
Lovely WIP.
And I had a laugh at the husband quote too. ;)
Posted by: Thomas at May 8, 2005 05:36 PMLovely WIP.
And I had a laugh at the husband quote too. ;)
Posted by: Thomas at May 8, 2005 05:36 PMI'm with everyone else on this - I hope you finish this - I think it's going to look fantastic!
Posted by: Katie at May 8, 2005 05:15 PMI think the beading detail is absolutely gorgeous! You must finish this!!!! I know how hard it is to finish long-term projects.. but you can do it! Good luck, can't wait to see the FO.
Posted by: Dani at May 8, 2005 04:21 PMYou have to finish it Polly its gorgeous , there must be a way to sort out the knitting problem. Can't wait for the link to Yvonnes blog is up and running
I love it! LOVE. IT.
I think that it was this Yvonne who very kindly shared her Yarn Shops in London list with me when I was traveling last year (way back when I was blogless). There's something wrong with the link, but I look forward to visiting her blog.
Posted by: Colleen at May 8, 2005 01:35 PMThat is stunning. Please finish it! I'm sure you'll come up with a satisfying solution for the sides to make it work for you. It is too gorgeous, and you are too far along to give up on it.
Posted by: valentina at May 8, 2005 01:28 PM