the blue blog archives: phildar folly

The blue sweater grows and grows. I finished the back, started the front and even fiddled around with a sleeve when the raglan row counting got to be too annoying. And then I remembered...

I didn't want to make this pattern. I've been planning and replanning what to do with this yarn so long that I'd forgotten my last decision. In my excitement, I cast on for this sweater (yes, the same one Kerrie was working on) and now that I'm done with about half of it, it occurs to me that I initially wanted to make this sweater. I think that's the one Kim knit that made me want the yarn so much. The image of Kim's sweater popped into my head while I was working on holiday gifts and I decided that once I was done knit-gifting I was going to pull the yarn out and get started right away. But I'd slipped a copy of the other pattern in with the yarn at some point, toying with the idea of changing the sleeves from set-in to raglan. So I got out the yarn and finding the pattern in there was impressed by my organization, and knit happily away. Now I have blue sweater with raglan sleeves and a stockinette edging, which is rolling a little too much for my tastes.

Still, I like the sweater as it is, but don't have enough yarn to complete it according to the pattern (those bell sleeves!!). What should I do?

A. Simple, buy more yarn. That solves everything, doesn't it?
B. C'mon, be creative: alter the sleeve design, uh, somehow.
C. Use the same solution you always do, Alison: cut off the edging and redo it. But this time follow the right pattern - the one you have enough yarn for!
D. I hear someone's doing a rip-along going on next week. Hint. Hint.

PS - Did you read Kerrie's sad story about her Giboulees sweater? This pattern must be cursed.

posted by alison at 12:24 am | in phildar folly

Comments

Oh no, the curse of that Giboulees sweater strikes again! There must be something about it that attracts bad luck.

The sleeves were my all time favourite part of the design, so I would say don't change them! Were you going to make the neck? Removing that should save you a couple of skeins of yarn for the arms.

In the end though I think if you had your heart set on the other sweater then the only thing to do is add it to the rip pile and get rid of the cursed thing for once and for all! Good luck!

Posted by: kerrie at January 8, 2004 7:59 AM

i agree with miss kerrie's last point - if you are now thinking "dang, the other one is the one i wanted!" then rip out and do that one... (i mean, now that you seem to be really getting the hang of ripping!!) but maybe put the bell sleeves on it? :)

Posted by: carolyn at January 8, 2004 8:35 AM

Rip it. As a wise woman once said to me, "the longest way is the shortest way". My motto for 2004.

Posted by: claudia at January 8, 2004 11:07 AM

I like the intended sweater better.

Riiiiiiiiip!

is my personal suggestion. For some reason I can't get into that big flooopy collar in that shade of purple.

Posted by: Amber at January 8, 2004 11:09 AM

Err, purply BLUE that is...man my monitor is not color accurate.....

Posted by: Amber at January 8, 2004 11:10 AM

oh! oh! I've been looking for a banff knit along...where do I sign up? Or is it too late?

Posted by: Sandra at January 8, 2004 11:49 AM

Hey I thought it said Phildar "FILLY"...folly huh? Just rip it, you'll be happier in the end. The charm of Giboulees are those sleeves, so if that's not going to happen rip rip rip...Make a gorgeous sweater out of that gorgeous yarn sweetie darling...yes I'm watching the NEW AB FAB on Oxygen...

Posted by: Silvia at January 8, 2004 2:04 PM

Oh, I think I'd rip it. Although, I'm crazy about elven (bell) sleeves! I found a great pattern for one from Dale.
I like the intended sweater in that yarn better, though.
I feel for you! :-(

Posted by: Sarah Elizabeth at January 8, 2004 6:42 PM

Thanks for your input, everyone. Wow, you all sure do have the ripping bug! Funny thing though, the more I look at this post and see the little picture of the sweater I'm actually making, the more I like it. Now I'm really conflicted!

Posted by: alison at January 9, 2004 7:45 AM

Rip it--you'll feel better once you start knitting the new sweater. Also, how do I post to be part of the "Knit-a-Long/Poncho Project"

Posted by: Leslie at January 9, 2004 9:49 PM

Really nice design! Ralf

Posted by: Ralf at January 14, 2004 12:23 PM