Sep 30, 2011

Lazy or Timid?

Lately I've noticed that many of you wonderful knitters are working on sweaters and cardigans. I've seen posts about this cardigan and this sweater and this pullover.  Frankly, I'm in awe. I've been knitting for a fair number of years now, getting more skilled and confident with each WIP and FO.  But I'll admit that I'm still mainly an accessories knitter.  I love knitting cowls, hats, leg warmers, mitts, shawls, and scarves, and my stash has been built up around my ever-growing queue of these types of patterns.


After admiring so many beautiful FOs among you, I had to ask myself:  am I lazy or timid?  Am I avoiding cardigans and sweaters because the thought of setting in sleeves or knitting in sections makes me sleepy? Or am I putting off casting on one of the many sweater patterns I've queued because the thought of starting makes me so nervous?  


I'd like to think that I'm neither lazy nor timid but if I had to honestly choose one, I'd say that I'm timid. When I begin to read a cardigan or sweater pattern, I get really excited and can easily imagine casting on, knitting, purling, even cabling -- stitches don't get me shy.  But once I finish reading the pattern, my head starts to swim and I start to wonder if I'll have the stamina to actually finish the whole thing. 


So I suppose I'm writing this post for encouragement and, yes, more inspiration.  



I've got an ever-growing stash of beautiful yarns, many perfect for the various sweater patterns I've got waiting to knit. And I know that I just need to pick a pattern, pick up my needles, and get going.  So, I promise to do just that .... soon .... and I will choose a top-down simple cardigan/pullover to start with (like this one or this one or this one).  Wish me luck!



9 comments:

  1. Oh Evelyn, once you jump in and start your first sweater, you'll never look back! I can't stop making them even though my drawers are full to bursting (-:

    Good luck, top down raglans are very easy if you have one of those in your queue and a pullover in the round goes very fast and means no seaming! I know you're going to enjoy every second once you start.

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  2. You are one amazing knitter, and very prolific. You won't have any trouble with a sweater (though I also mostly knit accessories). And, remember, you have your amazing knitting mom to help you with any finishing questions!

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  3. You are a good knitter, and you just need to take the jump in trying it....even if you feel you can't do it, its a challenge for learning skills! I think you would be amazing at making jumpers :)

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  4. You have the skills! You have the focus! You have the stamina! Cast on a sleeve and think of it as swatching. I love the Goodale, and perhaps you have heard me go on about my love of Everyone Knows, but I never have made it. I never could get row and stitch gauge. We could do a KAL together on that one if you want.
    Jump in! You will love it!

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  5. Knitting a sweater does seem overwhelming at first because there seems to be many steps involved. But it is actually very easy and so much fun. You chose some great patterns. I think that a top down raglan would be a great first sweater project. Just dive in and enjoy the process!

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  6. I don't think you are necessarily lazy or timid because you aren't making sweaters. I find that making clothing is a long term project and I don't maintain my interest as much as with accessories. So don't beat yourself up about it!

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  7. I think you should try a cat, or a dog...just spotted this! http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2011/sep/09/knitting-cat-crafts-best-show

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  8. Just a quick look at your projects shows you're definitely not lazy or timid. Have you thought perhaps that sweaters just aren't your "thing" at the moment? (Like me and socks...) You can do it, but perhaps you'd rather be knitting accessories? There's nothing wrong with that at all. But if you are going to knit a sweater... do Campus!! I think you'll look fabulous in it.

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  9. I think you should go for it! Your existing FOs don't seem lazy *or* timid - I think any sweater you made would be gorgeous :)

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