I'm embarrassed to say I started this in June when my neighbor had her son early. I thought no big deal, I'll finish it way before he can grow out of it ...
And now he is 7 mos old.
I'll be honest. I usually turn to the Baby Sophisticate for my old man cardigan. However ChrisKnits knits up a beautiful Gramps AND really likes the pattern. She found the shape better fitting for babies as well, which was well worth a try.
The pattern is not difficult.
So why was this so hard for me to finish?
1. My first road block came right after casting on and the set up row:
Row 1 (RS): [knit to 1 st before marker, m1, k2, m1]
4 times, knit to end [8 sts inc]
I was perplexed. Then I went to the posts for the pattern and someone else basically wrote what I was smacking the side of my head about:
I cast on the second smallest size. Row 2 tells you to knit until one stitch before marker m1, k2, m1.
There’s only 2 stitches before the first marker.
The response:
Right, so you will k1, m1, k1, slip marker, k1, m1
It's very hard to feel motivated when you struggle 2 rows or so after casting on.
2. The color I got really tired of this blue. I know, it's Manchester City Blue so I should be like yay!! But I'm a grumpy knitter. I do not have a reason for being tired of it other than it was stash yarn. I need to get over it, because most of the coming year is dedicated to a lot of stash knitting.
3. Halfway through the shawl I realized I hadn't done any of my ribbing with smaller needles AND, I forgot how to properly shortrow when picking up in ribbing. ugh. Thank you Googles.
4. Didn't like the buttons I originally picked out so I had to go to the ... STORE. Where I spent more money than I needed to because where there are buttons there are usually other things too, like fabric, crafts and yarn. (psst, I don't even sew!)
It all worked out.
I have another old man cardigan to knit for a 3 year old and yes, I'm going to use The Gramps pattern again, with stash yarn, but this time, it's a darker heather blue. Maybe I'll wait a few projects before I cast on. Still, feel free to wish me luck ;)
Good luck! You know you can do it ........one row at a time! Put something good on the telly and knit away.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dee, I'm still committed to this pattern. I do think the ribbed shawl collar was a nice touch.
DeleteIt turned out very cute and I love the buttons!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. I'm really pleased with the buttons choice, though sewing on buttons makes me squirm like doing homework when I was little and I wanted to play outside.
DeleteSuch a cute cardigan: I bet the baby looks adorable in it. Take a few minutes and write some notes to yourself about the trouble areas. Those notes should make the second sweater fly off of your needles.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy. I did do that, and I bookmarked the instructions I found most useful for shortrows :)
DeleteEven though you're grumpy, the cute factor has to put a smile on your face!
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I'm working on the grumpy beyond the knitting, I promise. I'm going back to the gym tonight ...
DeleteOh boy, I'll try to remember that when I make that pattern. It's one I'd like to knit for my nephews. I understand how it can be frustrating. Sometimes, a design leaves out every minutiae that one may need. I have issues with that because I'm a teacher by trade and am all about details down to the period.
ReplyDeleteWhat about putting notes on your phone? I have the notes app on mine and use it for other stuff. I have to use my phone anyways for the Stitch Counter app I use which is why I automatically use Ravelry. Thanks for the love, girlfriend. XO
Oh Stef, I have never considered the Stitch Counter app, I'm so old school! I will get on that for sure! I did save some notes and am trying to stay organized so I'm ready to go for the second pass!
DeleteIt was worth the trouble because it's the cutest thing ever!!!! That baby better be worthy!
ReplyDeleteOh he's absolutely adorable. Our entire household is in love with him. Thanks for the validation Araignee, you know I need it. hehe.
DeleteKnitted sweater + gift = heirloom!
ReplyDeleteHonestly even if it doesn't become a keepsake, I hope they get a chance and want to put him in it a few times.
DeleteIt is ADORABLE!!! I am so glad you stuck it out. And yes, stash yarn is boring yarn, but just remember the joy you felt when you bought it and maybe that will alleviate the boredom? Yeah, no, but it was worth a try.
ReplyDeleteYou're an influencer Chris!! Stash busting is included in this list of things I want to do.
DeleteI love it, it is just perfect. You did a great job and I am loving the color. Onto more stash busting, that is my goal this year too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mere! Stash busting is a good goal for anyone with a stash right? You've been keeping yours under control. I can't say the same. hehe.
DeleteI'm with you on the bogged down parts-sometimes the designer just thinks differently than we do! The sweater is beautiful and it will bring love and not the angst of the knitter all of the little boys use of this!!! lol
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what it is. The thinking differently. I self doubt so much that I think different is wrong or bad as in I am not smart, or a good knitter etc. It's silly. I feel like eventually bounced back. It's a good perspective you have.
DeleteI love the way your sweater turned out, and the color is perfect for a small kid. I do share your frustration with instructions that aren't crystal clear! I do not want to interpret knitting.
ReplyDeleteAs for short-rows, they terrify me!
Thank you! I found a good step by step with close up tutorial of short row. Sometimes the videos are not zoom enough for me. Email me if you're interested.
DeleteI love that sweater!!! it seems that I've been knitting for girls for ever! I'd love a baby boy to be to knit that up.
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny 2 years ago it was girls. I'm back to boys now. hehe. My own family. We only have 1 girl but her mother knits so I don't feel good about knitting for her. hehe.
DeleteDespite all of the headaches, it’s so stinking cute though! Love babies in grandpa sweaters. Hope the second one goes smoother.
ReplyDelete