Carrie + frog

Is there anything sadder than completing a project only to realize that you have produced an extremely unflattering item of clothing? Alas, I am now experiencing this dreaded feeling for the first time…

When I bought Stefanie Japel’s Fitted Knits, I fell in love with almost every pattern. First on my knit-list: the Boat-neck Bluebell Sweater in a dark grey, worsted wool yarn from Knitpicks. I decided I was going to extend the ribbing all the way to the end, because I had my doubts about the peplum-y bottom. When I finished it, though, I discovered that the boat-neck was ABSURDLY huge. I also didn’t like the way the under-bust horizontal ribbing was widening my ribs, and the ribbing to the end just looked unfinished. Disappointed, I threw it into my ‘fix later’ pile.

This year, I all but eliminated the ‘fix later’ pile. Most projects entered a ‘block later’ pile (which no longer exists thanks to the blocking frenzy of March 2013 – yay!), while others entered the ‘line-this-bag’ pile (still pending while I overcome my fear of sewing machines.) Finally, I was left with the boat-neck sweater.

First, I tackled the ribbing: I unpicked the cast-off and knitted three horizontal welts, resulting in a more finished-looking sweater. Then, I unpicked the neckline, frogged it to the stockinette, and re-knit the welts while simultaneously decreasing until I had a more wearable neckline.

Well, it still isn’t flattering. Those under-bust welts will haunt me to the end of my days, and there are so many other things I could create with this yarn. And thus I begin to unravel it…

Carrie seems like a good movie to watch while I do this. The remake is coming out this year, and some part of me feels ashamed that I have neither read the book nor seen the original. It also contains enough action to distract me from my macabre task of destroying a sweater I spent so much time making.

Thoughts on Carrie:

• Carrie’s classmates seem awfully invested in this volleyball game. “Eat shit” – a bit excessive, no?
• Aaaaaaaand there’s full frontal nudity within the first three minutes. Game of Thrones ain’t got nothin’ on this.
• WOW. These Where is all this hate for the poor girl coming from?
• OO JOHN TRAVOLTA IS IN IT!! And of course he is dating the horrible girl. Ugh! – more like John Trevolting!
• Carrie’s mother is remarkably calm about this whole telekinesis thing! I wouldn’t have expected her to take it lying down. Perhaps she is plotting something for later…
• This tuxedo-shopping scene is the best thing ever – for once we see guys stressing out about what to wear, and I’m loving it!
• Oh Tommy, I hope you and your angelic golden afro have nothing to do with whatever horrors are coming…
• DO NOT MESS WITH TELEKINETIC PEOPLE.

Well. I can’t decide how much I liked it. But I did like it!! And I also got my frogging done. So well done Stephen King for writing the story the movie is based on!

And RIP boat-neck sweater

This has been transformed into 3 balls of yarn FULL OF POTENTIAL!!

 

New year, new project!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I have been knitting A LOT in the last few weeks; I made three hats and a scarf in December – all gifts for others. I also finished knitting the two clapotis I was making for Valerie and Donna. They turned out huge, but gorgeous. Now that holiday knitting is out of the way, I can start on my yearlong goal of knitting one garment from each knitting pattern book I own. 

First up, the Soho smocked dress from Modern Top-Down Knitting by Kristin McGowan. The minute I saw this pattern, I knew I had to make it. It’s gorgeous!!

 

After weighing my color options, I decided I would make this in emerald green. I’m using KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Everglade Heather. The photo on the website really doesn’t do the yarn justice, the color is so much richer in person! I began knitting last night during the Golden Globes, and stayed up until 5am (thank you True Blood + endless stockinette) because I didn’t want to stop until I had connected the sleeve components in the round. This is my first top-down project, and the instructions were rather intimidating, but it’s shaping up beautifully!! I am about to start the bust decreases… Hopefully they turn out all right even though I am planning to omit a few rows. Fingers crossed!!

Tying up loose ends

Before I cast on the first stitch of my knitting challenge, I am requiring myself to finish all the projects I have going on right now:

• Blue Clapotis – finish & block
• Lilac Clapotis – finish & block
• Braided cowl – sew the braids together
• Gentle Teresa – finish front, sew together, pick up collar and sleeves, & block

When these are done, I shall finally embark on the odyssey through my pattern library.* I suspect I will get in a lot of knitting/movie time this weekend/early next week, owing to the Frankenstorm which is scheduled to terrorize the East Coast. I’ve already begun putting projects from my books into my Ravelry queue – makes it easier to pick if I know which ones I want to do – so a quick yarn survey will determine which garment it will be.

Wish me luck!

*I am not even going to THINK about the sad case of my blanket… so much effort, all for nothing. My heart is broken. Also not thinking about the umpteen bags that need sewing up and lining…

Determined to knit!

I have a huge list of movies to watch.

I have a huge list of projects in my knitting queue.

I have decided to combine these two great loves, and write about them not only to keep track of my projects but also to spur myself to knock items off these lists! Also to show off my hard work ^_^

My goal for 2013 (starting today) is to knit at least one item from each knitting book (and perhaps magazine) I own. They just sit there on my shelves, full of potential, as I watch my prolific friends finish and wear their gorgeous sweaters, hats, cardigans, gloves… My knitting envy has finally come to a head!!

So stay tuned for lovely photos and updates of the things I am making, and reviews of the movies and TV shows that keep my attention off of the occasionally mind-numbing repetitive parts of the patterns. Enjoy!! ^_^