So there's this thing with knitting a sweater... There's this giddiness when you first get a glimpse of a new and very stylish pattern. And then you think, the woman in the picture, she looks great. And comfy too. You commit. You buy the pattern. You find yarn that will work. It's in a dk weight, so it should go fast. Then you knit, feverishly, all through February. And then, magically, and finally it is complete and this is when the heartbreak always commences.
I bought this pattern fresh off of the press. Why oh why didn't I wait for my cyber - knitting-mentor to complete her experiment first?! Side note: if you are a knitter, new, old or thinking about starting, head on over to Felicia's space right now!! There is a wealth of knitspeak over there that is very, very useful. Not to mention plenty of other inspiration to keep you busy.
I don't mean to be tough on little Lila but if I were speaking to you in person about her, you might detect a bit of pitch change in my voice as it rises higher and threatens to whine.
There are so many things to love about the concept of this sweater: the high-low hem, the garter cuffs, the beautiful neckline that just graces the collarbone... But there's something about the fit that's off. It can be demystified - Felicia's got the potion. But it's too late for me, for she is no longer on the needles. And she's too big. Even after a lengthy spin in the dryer... The arms and the body are too wide. The torso is shorter than I'd like. I wanted it to fit like this - casual through the torso with well fitting arms.
All of that said, I have worn her every day since I finished. I think that the test of whether or not a new garment will get worn takes about 24 hours. This test goes for ready-to-wear too, excepting special occassion wear. But especially for the handmade. If it's right, after all of that work, you'll be reaching for it within the first 24 hours. If not, it's possible that it's not right for you. There's some room for improvement.
Full Ravelry notes are here for the strong at heart:) What are you knitting on these days?
Thanks to Frontier Dreams for offering a space to share today.
