12.03.06
Kill-Me-Now Knitting
Although there has not been much blogging going on here at the Lickety Knit Corporate Headquarters lately, knitting has in fact been happening. Unfortunately, the knitting has been falling into one of two categories: holiday gift knitting (and therefore not bloggable) and kill-me-now knitting.
Seriously, people, I don’t know whether it’s that my standards are too high, or that my attitude is all wrong, or that there’s some sort of knitting karma coming around to settle some kind of score (maybe I invented fun fur in a past life?), but my knitting seems to have been nothing but a series of disappointments recently.
For starters, I have been working very hard on Matt’s plain brown sweater, mostly to get it over with (the “eat the vegetables first” theory of knitting). You may recall that this sweater has already tormented me in various ways that I will catalogue and index for posterity once the damn thing is finished. However, I have made some good progress and said damn thing, against all odds, is starting to look like a sweater.
In fact, just as I was beginning to think that my persistence with this cursed sweater was being rewarded, I made the delightful discovery that the second bag of Debbie Bliss Wool Cotton is, in fact, an entirely different dye lot from the first bag. Yay! Isn’t this great?? I’m making Matt an avant-garde, modern, asymmetrical stripe sweater — just the sort of thing he wears all the time — without even trying! I could not imagine a better turn of events. I’m not sure you’ll be able to see the color contrast in this photo, but it’s there. And if you zoom in, you’ll get a good look at how I’ve handcrafted each stitch lovingly so that each one is different. It may look like tension unevenness to you, but it is actually a carefully constructed fabric designed to convey an impression of high-fashion shabbiness. Plus, poor workmanship is all the rage on the Paris runways right now. Yup.
In the event that it turns out I don’t love how the sweater looks with the yoke and one sleeve in one color and the body and other sleeve in another, I will get some brown dye and try to overdye the entire thing. Unfortunately, there’s not a damn thing I can do if it turns out that I don’t like how the wildly uneven stitches look. Small chance of that, though.
To give me a break from the artistic genius that is Matt’s sweater, I decided to whip out a couple small projects. I had a lovely skein of blue Manos in my stash, and I decided to turn it into Grumperina’s lovely Odessa hat that I’ve long admired. I adjusted the pattern slightly to accommodate the heavier-than-called-for yarn, and, to my astonishment, it came out quite nicely! It was a fun and easy pattern to knit (I left out the beads), and I was pleased to have a cute little blue hat to go with my navy coat. Imagine my joy, then, when I pulled the laundry out of the washer last week and, in with the jeans and towels, found my Odessa hat. I have absolutely no idea how it got there, unless I accidentally mistook the washer for a hatbox the last time, I, I don’t know, dropped acid or something. With great effort I managed to get it around my head for this photo, but it’ll go to charity now. Sigh.
Still, the hat had been quick to make, so I bucked myself up, dug into my stash, and cranked out another one in Lamb’s Pride worsted. (“Cranked out” actually glosses over some real problems I had while knitting the second hat, wherein I wound up trying to drop down stitches through multiple YOs and SSKs and then reconstruct a good two inches of circumference. I did this in an effort to avoid tinking back about 4 rows. In the end I’d estimate it took me about three times as long as it would have taken to tink, with astronomically more frustration involved. Well, let’s just hope it built character or something.
In a way this Odessa came out even better because the yarn is more evenly spun. I marched Matt outside and made him take a photo of me before I could inadvertently felt this one. Nice, huh? Don’t I look happy to be wearing it? At last, a successful finished object. What a feeling of accomplishment. Wait, what the hell is that??
That is a stitch that apparently I missed when I drew the yarn through (in theory) all the stitches left on the needles at the crown of the hat. It has now laddered its way down about 8 rows, through lots of K2togs, YOs, SSKs, and who knows what all. It is definitely fixable, but I can’t say I’m overly motivated to tackle it right now. Hats: you’re on notice. Moving on.
The one bright spot in all this is a lovely brioche-stitch scarf I knit out of two skeins of Misti Alpaca chunky yarn. I used size 13 needles and it took me about two days to make. It is not an exaggeration to say that this is the nicest-feeling yarn I have ever knit with. As it flowed through my hands onto my needles there were times when it felt almost liquid, in a good way. It has been a while since the process of knitting itself has been so pleasurable. I wasn’t even beginning to get tired of it when I reached the end of the second skein. I love how the brioche stitch looks feminine and simple and substantial and warm. There is only one problem, and it is one that I have been obstinately ignoring and will continue to ignore: it’s a little itchy. I was stunned to discover this. I mean, to touch this yarn with your hands is like stroking an angel’s wing. It never occurred to me it might be itchy. And in fact, when I first discovered that it made my neck itch a little, I incredulously touched the scarf to every part of my body for which it was hygienic to do so. Not an itch anywhere. Therefore, I think it is perfectly appropriate that I punish my neck for being such a high-maintenance little snot. Think you’re too good for alpaca, neck? Too bad! You’ll wear that scarf and you’ll like it!
Oh, I thought of one other bright spot! I took my swatch for the Gatsby Girl Pullover into a great YS that is L to my mom (Ewe’ll Love It) when I was in New Hampshire for Thanksgiving. The owner, whose opinion I respect, took a good look at it and declared that it would be fine for the sweater. Given that she stood to make some money on the sale of replacement yarn, I trust her opinion and am going to press on with the yarn I’ve got. (I expressed my gratitude by buying Misti Alpaca and some yarn for a baby sweater. And some books. And needles. And notions. Not my finest display of will power ever.) Anyway, thank you all for your commiseration and advice. Muchly appreciated.
michelle said,
December 3, 2006 at 8:22 pm
lol…It is good to know others have such days – talk about a string of bad luck. Remember they can’t keep a good woman down :-)
Shelley said,
December 3, 2006 at 8:44 pm
Woo Hoo! I’m the first to comment…yes, simple things amuse me, especially when I’m starting to freak out about papers/essays and assignments coming due this week and exams starting next week…
Anyway, love the scarf and the second hat (even with the little missed stitch that we won’t talk about). Sorry to hear about the set backs you have had lately with the knitting…maybe it’s all building up your knitting stamina for some super duper project you’ll do in 2007 and need to have extra something or other for…so if all of this didn’t happen, you wouldn’t be able to tackle that unknown horrendous project – which now you will do with supurb ease! Either that or you were just having a little “off” time with the knitting…
Liz K. said,
December 3, 2006 at 9:08 pm
Wow. You’re having some serious mojo issues, aren’t you? Poor thing. At least you haven’t lost your talent for writing and making me laugh.
First, the uneven stitches will block out. Trust me on this one. And have you tried rinsing the scarf with some conditioner? I’m trying here!
Ride it out. You can get the mojo back.
Shelagh said,
December 3, 2006 at 9:27 pm
Yeouch! It’s amazing you’re able to continue knitting. Such fortitude!
Mintyfresh said,
December 3, 2006 at 9:56 pm
the comedy of errors that is knitting for you continues to crack me up. is it ‘unlucky in knitting, lucky in love,’ or something!?
Carry said,
December 3, 2006 at 10:08 pm
Wow…that all does suck…the hat is (was?) beautiful though!
It appears that so far (knock on wood) my projects have evened back out. I hope the knitting mojo comes back your way too…though it doesn’t seem to be your ability in question…
hpny knits said,
December 3, 2006 at 10:23 pm
ouch for the hat! it hurts me to see it happen. anything with alpaca is fab, even just buying it…
:-)
Dave said,
December 3, 2006 at 11:13 pm
Well, what to say? Hmm. First … well, no. Second … ummm, okay. I agree with Liz K. Blocking is our friend. Or at least has been up to this point, and who knows what you’ll manage to do with it, given everything that’s happened, but let us hope the stars align once more in your favour and it will be your friend too. And I’m not going into the over-dying thing because I’m scared of stuff that might stain. So be careful. Because … well, you know.
Areli said,
December 4, 2006 at 12:20 am
Ha! I laughed so hard about your neck being a high maintenance little snot. The scarf is really pretty, I very much like it. Sorry, to hear about all your knitting woes, but I think the sweater looks great and not uneven to me, plus blocking helps set a lot of things right.
And the hat looks great, so I hope it can be fixed.
earthchick said,
December 4, 2006 at 2:13 am
Love the scarf, love the hat(s), love the brown sweater. Am sorry so much of it has been such a pain. Bah.
Theresa said,
December 4, 2006 at 5:46 am
You are definitely atoning for something. What knitting circle of hell is this>
Rain said,
December 4, 2006 at 8:42 am
Blimey! It really isn’t your week. Serious GAH! on the dyelots, but as you say, you can always overdye it. As for the wonkiness of it, it will settle when it’s washed.
The scarf is beautiful.
Angela said,
December 4, 2006 at 8:57 am
You are too funny! I just have to warn you, trying to punish your neck for being high maintenance will only lead to grief for both of you. I have a high maintenance husband, so I know this for a fact.
deborah said,
December 4, 2006 at 9:19 am
I’m feelin ya girl, you should see my first sock…
Ashley said,
December 4, 2006 at 9:34 am
Oh, I’m not laughing _at_ you–I’m crying woth you. Although I too think that Liz K is right–blocking will remove the stitch wonk. And yes, you can definitely overdye if necessary–and we can go through it together if you want–I have some bright pink stuff that I’m looking to turn dark red, or maybe brown or black–so Matt will not be stuck looking like a harlequin.
But the Misti Alpaca–good lord, am I glad to know I’m not the only one with that experience! I made a giant scarfy-shawly thing out of it last year, and never wear it because as ubelievably soft as it seems, it wreaks havoc on my neck. Which is, apparently, just as high-maintenance and snotty as yours. On the plus side, the scarf is really pretty, and you can always wear a turtleneck under it!
Pumpkinmama said,
December 4, 2006 at 9:37 am
That is a lot of painful knitting. Perhaps with all that you’ve hit your quota for the time being and will breeze right through your next set of chosen projects.
Sonya said,
December 4, 2006 at 10:41 am
Wow. Maybe you did invent fun furr in a previous life. Your face in the felted Odessa photo is the perfect blend of disgust and exasperation. I love the brioche scarf. I’ve been looking for a feminine but simple scarf pattern and I think I’ve found it.
I’m a little concerned about your neck’s snotty aversion to alpaca. I’ve been enjoying knitting with alpaca so much that I went out and bought 3 more CONES of the stuff. Now I fear it won’t be as good to wear as to knit with.
yecatsml said,
December 4, 2006 at 11:24 am
Oh my gosh. At least it ended nicely with the swatch and scarf. Poor little Odessa hat!!! I would try overdying – it may even it out perfectly.
JayJay said,
December 4, 2006 at 2:48 pm
Oh, no! I hope the Misti Alpaca chunky isn’t too itchy for a scarf! I am using it to knit a scarf as a gift for someone I like (those I don’t like get coal or fun fur).
Sorry to hear about your bad knitting karma! I’m sure you will get back in good graces eventually. Perhaps a sacrifice to the knitting gods is necessary?
Sue said,
December 4, 2006 at 7:27 pm
Oh you poor thing! I still love Matt’s sweater, and I am sure the uneven stitches will iron out with a good pressing. Maybe you need to finish that sweater and end your run of bad luck. Pity about the hat, but some lucky person will be able to wear a beautifully knitted hat, and the second one looks even nicer (even with the missed stitch). Good to know that you can still laugh about it too, and make me laugh as well.
Enjay said,
December 5, 2006 at 12:12 am
Hey there :) I really like Matt’s sweater, and if the color difference really bothers you, I’m sure it can be overdyed.
I too am always the one who shows up when everyone else has left, so I feel entirely comfortable in posting and answer here for a question you asked a few posts ago. Why do some yarns that are the same yardage per weight call for different gauges. Well, there are many contributing factors, such as fiber content, the way the fiber was prepared for spinning, the way it was spun, and properties of the fibers that are in the yarn. I know, spinning- not something you’re interested in, but to spin I needed to learn about the different types of fibers and yarns, what they do and what they’re used for, and it’s vastly improved my ability to match yarn to project. Clara at the knitters review has a good article geared towards knitters that covers some of the basics, if you’re interested.
http://knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=/review/profile/030703_a.asp at the end of the article she has a link to a different article that discusses substituting yarns. Personally, I think you’re fine with what you’re doing, although I have heard that the db yarn you are using will pill if not knit tightly. Hope you have a good week :)
Kristen said,
December 5, 2006 at 8:31 am
I’m wearing my Misti Alpaca Chunky pullover for the first time today (finally cold enough here!) but am wearing it with a turtleneck bought especially for it. There is no way I could wear it next to bare flesh, despite how soft it feels when knitting. I always do “the neck test” when buying yarn. Most of the scarves I wear are store bought polar fleece – I’m just a delicate flower, you know.
Allison said,
December 5, 2006 at 6:27 pm
Oh, it’s so tragic when your hobby turns on you like that. I feel confident that Matt’s sweater will turn out wonderfully. The uneven stitches will block right out, and the uneven color will be easily overdyed.
I love both the hats, and the scarf is lovely!
knitnana said,
December 6, 2006 at 11:14 am
oh. my.
All I can think of is…
((((Hugs))))
May your mojo return! (I love the scarf tho’ – be good, LK’s neck! How dare you respond to Alpaca in such a vile manner?)
Again…
(((hugs)))
Paloma said,
December 6, 2006 at 5:00 pm
You are histerical. I almost peed my pants at work reading your knitting furstrations.
I am sure you will be back in less frustrating times soon.
Wapsy said,
December 6, 2006 at 5:36 pm
My god–”The Hands of Fate,” right there on your head. No wonder you look so thoroughly consternated.
As ever , I feel for you, but I know you’ll work things out–as ever.
Love always,
–Principled (whatever the hell that means)
Debby said,
December 7, 2006 at 4:09 pm
It’s so comforting to read these knitting confessions…just this year my neck and arms rebelled and I have discovered I can’t wear wool near my skin. So I am investigating turtlenecks and trying not to scratch…
I’m wondering if somehow you crossed the knitting goddess on your last project, and she’s getting even?! If this is three problem projects (Matt’s sweater and your two hats), you should be OK now. :)
Emily said,
December 11, 2006 at 5:27 pm
I have a crush on the plain brown sweater (I can’t see the two dyelots from here, and have likewise turned a Blind Eye to any mention of Trouble related to it). I want Michael to have one. Or maybe I want one (sometimes it’s hard to tell which of those impulses is the real one).
Perhaps your beautiful scarf would also make a Lovely Sash. I hear they are coming back.
uglyagnes said,
December 11, 2006 at 9:06 pm
ok whats a brioche? how do i find one? i COULD just google it, but dang thats boring.alpaca is kind of itchy on the face, but feels nice on the fingers. as i felt up today.
Amanda said,
December 13, 2006 at 7:30 pm
Your disgruntled hat photo cracked me up – what a bummer though, why do bad things happen to good knits?
I’m glad you will be knitting on with Gatsby Girl – that pattern has been in the back of my mind for a while now and I’m eager to see how it turns out!
Isabelle said,
December 30, 2006 at 12:39 pm
I can see the difference of color on the photo… What a bummer! It is a beautiful sweater you are making though…
Your Odessa looks great too despite the “Uh-Oh” little nipple… But I am sure you were able to fix that.
Brioche-Stich Scarf?!! Yummy and very elegant! BTW, I also love the red sweater/jacket? you are wearing on the photo! Did you make it?
Another bright spot, you have been very prolific! :-)
Happy New Year!
New York Minknit » FO: Fingerless gloves said,
March 17, 2007 at 5:32 pm
[...] to alpaca though, so I find it slightly itchy. Which is crazy, because it is so so so soft. Lickety Knit wrote a funny post about how she knit this luscious alpaca scarf that made her itch. Damn you [...]
Lickety Knit » The Streets of Philadelphia said,
March 17, 2007 at 10:41 pm
[...] She’s wearing her awesome chevron scarf. I’m wearing my not-at-all-itchy-no-siree alpaca scarf. She’s holding her Jaywalker-in-progress. I also had a sock in hand, but it turns out I am [...]
New York Minknit » Adam’s Birthday Hat said,
April 15, 2007 at 1:12 am
[...] decided to ask The Internets, and I emailed Mr. Brooklyn Tweed himself, Lickety Knit (who also made an aran weight Odessa), and Grumperina for help. The internet, allowing you to hassle people you’ve never [...]