So, without this sounding like a complete cop out, I'm at a crossroads...I've just finished my first chart D and I have a big decision to make. My gut tells me that I am not going to wear this knit. As much as I love it, I'm fairly certain that it is going to languish in my closet for eternity. It won't be large enough for a blanket in the light fingering yarn I chose, and it will be too large for a table covering if I complete the pattern as written. But right now, without doing chart D for the second time, I can still do the border and have a beautiful heirloom linen that I will use. Alot. If I weren't knitting with all of you, the decision would be easy and I would start my edging. I kind of feel like I'm cheating if I quit now, though, after encouraging the rest of you to knit along with us this year. Sigh. What to do what to do? I would love some input ~ have you all made circular shawls that you've worn before? Do you love them? I will gladly continue on if I hear great things. Any thoughts are welcome. For now, I'm going to set this aside and ponder. Ponder, ponder. And Tanna, if you read this, I'm so glad you stopped pondering ~ I would feel awful not making the full size if I had been able to convince you that you would love the circular shape.
28 January 2013
please weigh in...posted by Melissa
So, without this sounding like a complete cop out, I'm at a crossroads...I've just finished my first chart D and I have a big decision to make. My gut tells me that I am not going to wear this knit. As much as I love it, I'm fairly certain that it is going to languish in my closet for eternity. It won't be large enough for a blanket in the light fingering yarn I chose, and it will be too large for a table covering if I complete the pattern as written. But right now, without doing chart D for the second time, I can still do the border and have a beautiful heirloom linen that I will use. Alot. If I weren't knitting with all of you, the decision would be easy and I would start my edging. I kind of feel like I'm cheating if I quit now, though, after encouraging the rest of you to knit along with us this year. Sigh. What to do what to do? I would love some input ~ have you all made circular shawls that you've worn before? Do you love them? I will gladly continue on if I hear great things. Any thoughts are welcome. For now, I'm going to set this aside and ponder. Ponder, ponder. And Tanna, if you read this, I'm so glad you stopped pondering ~ I would feel awful not making the full size if I had been able to convince you that you would love the circular shape.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
My opinion is if you aren't ever going to wear it, then why not make it into something you will use? A tablecloth really would be an heirloom piece that could be enjoyed year round. It's not cheating Melissa, it's taking what you have and making it work for YOU! It's a beautiful knit, turn it into whatever you want and love it. Knitting should be a joy, not something to fret over. Big [[hug]] to you.
ReplyDeleteI had this exact same dilemma with my only other circular knit...and added into the mix: I was using purple yarn (that had looked red when I ordered it online)which is not my favorite color
DeleteI did end up modifying it to a smaller size and I am so pleased with how it turned out...and it looks lovely on my table with a vase of flowers in the center!
thanks for the input, Tracey! I can't wait to see your pi shawl and your next poncho!
You are so sweet and considerate to think of everyone dear melissa. But hakuna matata~no worries! It is not a cop out by any means, it is the beauty of knitting to have the opportunity to make something that is just perfectly you. I say continue on with e chart (my favorite!) and enjoy your beautiful knit!
ReplyDeletep.s. I am wearing mine right now at work. :)
I can't wait to see yours, Lori ~ I'll probably wait to see your photos before I make a final decision...I do love this pattern and wouldn't mind finishing it as written
Deletehakuna matata ~ I need to make that my mantra...I do tend to worry (too much?) about things ;)~ if you learn one thing about me during this whole kal, that will probably be it!
If you're going to put the time, energy and money into a handknit, it should be something that you think is perfect when it's finished. I say follow your heart.
ReplyDeletethanks, Kelly ;)
DeleteFollow your gut! I say knitting should not be stressful. It should bring please. If omitting parts of the shawl will make it a useable piece, go for it. (Oh, and I swear I will finish mine. I just realized my kiddos need legwarmers, slippers and mittens before we leave for D.C. in 3 days!)
ReplyDeleteokay ~ I'm beginning to feel a little better about this
Deletethanks, Heather!
have a safe journey ~ I miss the D.C. area (my family was in Md until I was 12 and I have wonderful memories of weekend trips to the museums and brown bag lunches and learning about all sorts of historical things!)
I wish I had a lifetime of knitting to know all kinds of ins and outs., but I'm learning. I do know that one idea can turn into another, kal or not. Knit what and however you want. We want you to love and use it.
DeleteKel
And I'm almost half done with chart E!!!
Deleteof course you are, you speed demon
DeleteAhhh... You are a wise woman to hear your own whispers and to know yourself... I think your cohorts in this will support your decision... whatever that may be. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeletethanks, Tanna ~ you were a wise woman to listen to your own heart ;)
DeleteCheater cheater pumpkin eater! Hee hee. I always make modifications to the original patterns I just can’t help myself, but I am just about done with my second round of D and I love it. You might want to see some finished LoG before you start E. If you do decide to not do round 2 of D that is no big deal it will be fun to see all the variations of the pattern.
ReplyDeleteack ~ it does feel like cheating! I have a hard time straying from patterns ~ I'm getting better about it but it doesn't feel right sometimes...like now!
DeleteIf you will not wear it and it will not be a table topper and it will not be a gift, I say "rip it out!". It's okay to be honest with yourself.
ReplyDeleteSend it to me before you rip it out!!! I'll pay you for the yarn.
Deletegoofy girls! there'll be no frogging for me (unless the unforseen happens like it did to Andi) ~ I will love this (tremendously) as a table topper
Deletebut I'll keep you in mind, Kelly, if I decide to pass it along ;)
I just hate to see so much work taken apart, that's all ;) You'd think I have none of my own knitting, as I've asked two different people to send me their project in the same day! LOL!
DeleteGo with your gut indeed. Knitting should indeed be fun and you are by no means cheating by modifying that patter to suit your needs.
ReplyDeleteKnit on with your bad self!
gut check ~ yup, table topper
DeleteI've done my final rows of knitting and the decrease row and now just need to decide if I'm going to bead chart E....hmmm (I've had that eminem song in my head all day, too, thank you very much! slim shady...hehe)
Go with your gut feeling! Modifying to fit you might be the right thing to do. It is stunning in person! The magic moment will be blocking and seeing how pretty the yarn you chose is. It's already pretty!
ReplyDeleteAnnette
thanks, Annette
Deleteyou should show everyone your progress! it's a wonderful color and it's looking great!
I think the only requirement is to be true to the art and not a slave to the pattern. It's a perk of being an adult learner. YOU get to call the shots and make choices deciding what is useful for you. It is not cheating. It is taking ownership of your time and your craft.
ReplyDeleteI think the only requirement is to be true to the art and not a slave to the pattern. It's a perk of being an adult learner. YOU get to call the shots and make choices deciding what is useful for you. It is not cheating. It is taking ownership of your time and your craft.
ReplyDelete