the blue blog archives: not so bugly after all

The bugs on the second sleeve of the Dale ladybug sweater are looking so much better than those on the first. They're actually pretty smooth and the sleeve doesn't poof out over that section. Makes me want to redo the first one. M u s t r e s i s t .

I credit the improved tension to my having given up on the two-handed thing. Kathy mentioned in her blog that she's considering going back to using just one hand. And Teresa also came out as a one-hand-two-color knitter. So at least I'm in good company. The important thing is to get gauge, right? Who cares how you get there! I'm still using both hands to do the small color work, though: alternating one or two stitches in different colors. But the bugs are different every row and for some reason my tension just gets shot over larger floats and multiple rows with two hands. Maybe with more practice, I can improve my technique and really do it "right" again, but right now, I'd rather have a good looking sweater. Is that so wrong?

And speaking of good looking sweaters, check out Caroline's newly finished version of the volkswagen Dale sweater!

posted by alison at 7:41 am | in bugs!

Comments

I think they look great Alison. Honestly they both look really good. The sweater is going to look so good when its complete that hopefully you'll forget all about the bugly arm!

Posted by: Kerrie at April 7, 2003 7:27 AM

I gave up on two handed knitting as well. I spent at least three years trying to get a nice even fabric with the two handed method, but it always looked bad (I mean BAD!). Tried it one handed, and was happy with the results. I think everyone has different ways of doing things and sometimes what works for some doesn't work for others.

I love the way your sweater is looking!

Posted by: cindy at April 7, 2003 7:57 AM

The sleeve looks wonderful!

Posted by: Leigh at April 7, 2003 8:14 AM

i have only done a tiny bit of fair isle (the 2 inches or so i have done on my dubbelmossa) but i find that not only does it appear more even when i just do it onehanded, i actually go a little faster b/c my retarded left hand is not getting into the mix and messing things up! :)

Posted by: carolyn at April 7, 2003 8:16 AM

alison - this lady also has a ladybug sweater! http://douma.net/Karen/knitting/KidStuff/index.html

Posted by: carolyn at April 7, 2003 9:13 AM

The new sleeve looks great. I can't wait to see the end result. Of course the sweater will be amazing, I'm sure! :)

Posted by: ~Jo~ at April 7, 2003 10:38 AM

I think the sweater looks great. I really love it. I'm curious about the final result. :o)

Posted by: Melanie at April 7, 2003 11:05 AM

RESIST! Don't redo the other sleeve - it will all look great when it's finished :)

Posted by: Kathy at April 7, 2003 11:16 AM

I keep salivating over those colors. So purdy! Your boys must feel very lucky to have a such a talented knitter for a Mommy who makes way cool bug sweaters.

(I won't even tell you to resist because it would be hypocritical on my part. You just know I'm the kind who would have ripped out that sleeve already.)

P.S. The package has flown the coop and is on its way! (And doesn't that sound like spy talk?)

Posted by: Becky at April 7, 2003 11:48 AM

I'm another one-handed FI knitter. Like you, I use two hands only if it's a couple-stitch repeat; for longer ones, it's easier to just keep switching colors. I believe the esteemed Wendy J is also a one-handed FI knitter, so we're in good company!
Love the bugly sweater so far - how cute!!

Posted by: Caroline in NH at April 7, 2003 11:56 AM

It's not the path you take, it's the destination you reach. Or some such thing. :)

Posted by: Kerstin at April 7, 2003 12:32 PM

I am glad you are feeling more comfortable with your multi-color knitting. Have you considered blocking the first sleeve to see how it evens out?

Posted by: Melissa at April 7, 2003 7:53 PM

I'm a compulsive perfectionist and I know that in the end it won't matter what anyone tells you to do but via web pictures it doesn't look like there's enough difference to warrant a re-do of the first sleeve.

I'm SO much happier since I let myself knit the way that was comfortable for me - of course it took hearing Wendy's confession for me to give up the correct technique silliness!

Posted by: Teresa at April 8, 2003 10:17 AM

My sister loved to knit, then had a stroke two months ago which left her right arm paralyzed. Now I would like to find some books on one-handed knitting. Any recomendations??

Posted by: mableruth at August 31, 2003 11:26 PM