I had hoped to stay true to the pattern but it wasn't meant to be. I had to modify the lace section above the bust area as the stitch design just didn't work regardless of how many times I tried to master the technique. Calling for a combination of p3tog and YOs, I kept dropping stitches and/or wrestling with them on the next row. I promise I made at least four attempts to get this right -- frogging back each time I struggled -- but in the end, I was so fed up that I stopped following the pattern at this point and improvised.
I'm pleased with the simple slip stitch, YO, combination that I came up with instead and like the way this looks.
It still has an open weave, lattice design which is probably a bit more dense than what the pattern called for, but I think it works and looks faithful to the original.
I don't know about you but it seems to me that a lot of knitters modify patterns whether it's because of personal preferences or because of fiddly errors or complexities. Is this something that you've noticed, too?
Wow, that was really quick!
ReplyDeleteI have definitely modified stitch patterns to make it less fiddly, but not always to such a great success. You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteI think once knitters gain confidence they often prefer to modify every aspect of a pattern, taking it as a guide rather than a set of strict instructions. It's very rare I knit a thing exactly as the pattern specifies, and I mostly resort to designing my own pieces. I like the look of your modified stitch :D
ReplyDeleteYour adaptation looks great! Well done you! P3tog can be really hard to get the needles around. In the past, I've resorted to using a cable needle to do them rather than my regular needle - seems to provide more flexibility! I don't think there is a single garment pattern that I knit faithfully to instructions (with the possible exception of shawls)... there's always a minor mod (or major!) in there somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI don't think of patterns as strict guidelines rather I treat them as suggestions to making the project MINE.
ReplyDeleteEvelyn, your blouse is looking GREAT. You will be so happy this Fall wearing the wonderful color and keeping warm.
hugs
Sometimes modifications have to happen! And in this case it still looks good :)
ReplyDeleteI hate p3togs!! how impossible are they! Its looking lovely, your mod is going to be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteTo me, it seems mostly b/c of personal preferences. I usually knit the pattern the way it's supposed to first so I can get an idea of how it works and then be able to say I tried it and didn't like a technique.
ReplyDeleteThat colorway has such character. It's awesome! Glad you figured out an alternative.
girlfriend you are a fast knitter! it looks fabulous!! can't wait to see it on!
ReplyDeleteI agree, you're so fast! It's going to be lovely when you're done! I can't wait to see.
ReplyDeletebtw - have you seen this: http://www.purlbee.com/cap-sleeve-lattice-top/
very similar to the westwood pattern... I love both!
I love this pattern and your color choice is so pretty. When i was a new knitter, i used to give up on things if I couldn't get a stitch just right. That was before I knew about Ravelry. Now, I get so much advice on modifying from other knitters that I rarely stick to pattern, and I think it strengthens my understanding of knitting to use a plan B.
ReplyDeleteI love how you changed the lace pattern. I think it shows the skill of a knitter if they can look at a problem like that and find a whole new solution!
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