The Pitfalls of Designing

Katie and I were grading papers yesterday in Borders, surrounded by stacks of knitting magazines. We were both taking stock of our latest knitting exploits.

I recently finished a new summer cardigan, only to realize that it needed major pattern adjustments. When I think about it, I’ve wasted lots and lots of time knitting things that haven’t turned out, mostly because I insist on designing my own things and also like to wing it.

So I’ve resolved to actually knit some patterns for once. I think I’m going to start with Veronique and Fifi, both from French Girl. I bought French Girl Knits while at Borders yesterday, so I just need some yarn for Veronique and I’ll be ready to go. I’m using some Knit Picks Shine in a French blue for Fifi. I think it’s appropriate. I’m probably going to put sleeves on it,like this one by Dyann, because there’s really no point in wearing anything remotely wool-ish (even if it is cotton) in North Carolina in the summer.

I also stopped by MIchaels last night to get a few supplies (Fray Check, which they didn’t have?), and could not resist these:

I am not a scrapbooker, by any means. But look how cute!!!!

And, I also saw this little Paton’s pamphlet:

I might make the sweater on the cover. I didn’t know Paton’s was catching on to top-down sweater making, but I guess this is a good thing!

Wish me luck. I find it really really hard to follow directions, but I’m going to stick to it in the hopes of avoiding some frustration, at least for now.

I’m still going to work on the summer cardigan I’m designing (and a few baby projects, and a winter sweater), but I want to have some less risky projects to keep myself motivated.