One of my favorite parts of knitting--probably my very favorite part, actually--is choosing my next pattern. There's a delightful giddiness about it. Like a kid in a candy store, there is limitless opportunity ahead of me, innumerable possiblities, and I love them all. I can choose any project, any yarn, any color. I haven't committed to anything and the whole world of knitting is wide open before me.I always try to put off picking a project as long as possible. I like to go through my Rav queue, look through old knitting magazines, peruse my books. I try to draw out the process as long as I can while I wait for inspiration to strike. Today I held out a good 15 minutes.
My next sweater will be based on this one. It meets my current requirements: soft wool, simple shape, lots of plain stockinette, and totally wearable. Sometimes I knit a project just to experiment with a neat shape or a cool stitch pattern, knowing that I'll probably never wear it. But that's not what I want right now. After Buggy, I feel like making something cozy and simple that I can wear to death.
I've been looking at this one for a week now. I even picked up some yarn from a Rav destash just for it (Berroco Ultra Alpaca, which, to my shock, I've never used before). I would have just knitted it from the pattern, but when I went to order it this morning, I discovered it is only available in hard copy, and I am not waiting four or five days for snail mail to kick in (impatient much?). Besides, it's such a simple design, it really doesn't require a pattern.
My version will be almost the same as this one, only with garter stitch edges, because I like garter stitch edges, and with more buttons, because I don't care for winter sweaters that don't close full length. I plan on making it a modified A-line, with a little extra shaping for the waist. I'm going to work it bottom-up in one piece to the underarms, with button bands knitted along with the body, do shaping for set in sleeves, work the hood in one piece as part of the body with short row shaping for the top, and pick up and knit set in sleeves in the round with a short row sleeve cap. That should limit my seaming to just the top of the hood and the tops of the shoulders. I think I can live with that.
I've already wound the yarn, swatched, and washed the swatch. Now I'm just waiting for it to dry so that I can get a final gauge measurement and work out the numbers. I'll be casting on tonight!
So tell me, how do you choose your next project?
7 comments:
Washed and dried the swatch? You are a diligent swatcher!
I pick my next project at the last minute, so I don't have time to change my mind and not use whatever yarn/pattern I buy. Otherwise it would be a parade of abandoned objects, half-knitted.
That's an awesome looking sweater. I might have to give that one a shot. Although I am surprised as well that its not available as a download. Bugger...
Make it!!!!! Make it now!!!! I was a test knitter for it, and I want you to know that it is a great pattern. And I have a pretty sweater to show for it.
Check out my ravelry projects and you will see it.
Knit it! It's yay!
I love it that you can make up a pattern from something you've seen. I have to follow the pattern religiously otherwise it all goes horribly wrong. This is a lovely pattern. It is a shame that it is not available for download. I would definitely have bought it. I look forward to seeing you WIP.
this pattern caught my eye too! can't wait to see how yours turns out.
yes...searching the right pattern! :))) Thanks for your kind and sweet concern on that nasty sting.
Now I know it will at least be for a week or so. Thanks! Do you still have a mark on your foot? alteration in pigment or color?
you will have serious warmth and a little halo. That's what I know about that yarn.
Me? I am a spontaneous knitter- which is, I guess, why many things go unfinished!
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