As I began reading, I remembered back to the day I found out that I was expecting Kim. I was 22 and it had been years since I had done knitting of any sort and the sort I had done was pretty well limited to scarves and also scarves. So of course I ran right down to K-Mart, grabbed one of those little instruction booklets for baby layettes, bought needles (?) and skinny (?) yarn, raced home and started knitting the most complicated sweater pattern in the booklet. To say this first effort of mine was pitiful is probably an understatement. But was I proud of it? Oh yes! Back in those pre-ultrasound days, stores sold a lot of mint greens and yellows. Kim's sweater was yellow and, yes, she wore it -- once. Would I have gone ahead with the project had I known what I was getting into? With my ego at that age...? Hard to say....probably.
So it was with a sigh that I read 40 Favorite's Rule #1, which said something vaguely to the effect that it would probably be wise to make a copy of the pattern and then read through the entire pattern at least once before I begin knitting. There are times, even today, when, IMHO (in my humble opinion), that is nothing but a waste of precious time.
Here I am with a picture of this absolutely gorgeous shawl, yarn that is soft like butter (and we won't mention the cost), a new set of needles...(I don't know why), and I just could not resist those purple and gold stitch markers. The last thing I want to do is sit down and read. I want to create! I want to be actively involved with this pattern, these needles, this yarn. I do not want to sit passively and read!
But...on the other hand, if I read it first, I'm much more likely to see that there is more than one size. (Yeah, that's what's going on inside all the parentheses that are littering this page!) Do you have any idea, because I do, what happens if you keep repeating a set of knit instructions over and over and over until you use up all the numbers inside those brackets? It ain't pretty!
So on the copy I've made, I circle the size I want to use and then I go through the entire pattern and, each time that size is referenced (or should I say buried) in the midst of a line of numbers, I circle it again. Sometimes I'll use a hi-liter. I have found that yellow not only fades at times, but under certain light conditions, I cannot see it well. For me, it's hot pink hi-lites all the way.
Whilst I am making little pink polka dots on my pattern, I also try to find cues that things are about to change. Phrases like "at the same time" or "from both sides at once," if overlooked, can make for some really funky shaping. These phrases need recognition. What I find to be really useful are the little arrow-shaped Post-It Notes. You can use them as just arrows or, if you are into color-coding, they come in four colors.
Making certain that you don't skip lines of instructions during this first reading, and as you work on your item, is very important. I cannot stress this enough and anyone who has ever omitted a line or more, especially in a very complicated pattern such as a fair isle or lace, knows the angst this can cause. The further into the repeats you are, the worse it seems.
There are so many tools and techniques out there to help us "remember where I am." I have tried clickers, and clackers, and clunkers. I've played with beaded bracelets, and row counters, and computerized row counters, and chained and beaded row and stitch counters. I have tried using programs that kinda-sorta-maybe tie my knitting or crochet project to a particular website or group. I have used online cards. I have knotted string around my wrist. If any combinations of these work for you, that is great!
However, when push finally came to shove, I found myself right back at my Grandmother's knee with a notebook full of scribbled hieroglyphics and hash marks that only she and I could understand. I make a hash mark for every row and a cross mark for every fifth row. So easy!
If there is a sudden change in the pattern, I write it down right next to where I'm counting rows. If I have to duplicate that section, as, for example, in a sleeve, I just knit as I've already marked once and it's much more likely to match.
It's not high tech but it works for me and that's what counts (no pun...lol!) Find something that works for you and as you go along, you'll keep on tweaking it and customizing until it's the way you like it.
However, as we know, things do still happen. And if the dog jumps on your lap and all the stitches fall off your needles, then what? Next time we'll talk about frogging and tinking --- and that dog!
Now, want to see what's been hanging around on my crochet hook for the week?
Another "black and white" and this one has given me more trouble than I ever would have expected from a gang of lowly circles. I have persevered and they are about to submit to my iron will. Return Friday (or maybe Monday) as the final outcome is determined.Warmly,
Maddy
IMPORTANT INFO FOR YOU! Publication dates for Starry Knits have now been set for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week.
I would really enjoy receiving your comments and feedback. If you have any questions regarding your own knit or crochet projects, I would be more than happy to try to help you or guide you to the proper sources.
_____
*Information included in today's blog has been gathered from a variety of sources including but not limited to the Interweave Press LLC publication of 40 Favorite Tips & Techniques for Knitters of All Levels.
No comments:
Post a Comment