#mmm17

As I sat knitting in the office the other day, utilising the time of my volunteering between the slow archive scans, I noticed I had gone wrong. Instead of using the smaller needle for the ribbing I had worked with the size up. With a chuckle, I pulled on the circular needle, letting loose the eighty stitches and began to rewind the yarn.

"You're not starting again are you? You must be the most patient person!" Came across the room.

It's funny because I didn't see it as a big deal. In fact that hat got ripped back about 3 times and one of those was after completing it. And It isn't a matter of patience for me, more an issue of wanting to make sure my making time results in the right final product.

This blog is about those items that don't feel quite right. It's not a matter of the lack of design talent behind the objects, or the quality of materials, or even how much I like the designs and enjoyed making them. It all boils down to one simple fact: I don't wear them.

Item one -  Blank Canvas jumper by Ysolda Teague.

When I first saw this design I fell in love. It's that wearable type of garment, that I thought was exactly what I need. The styling on the pattern was something I could see on myself. But the reality is I'm just not really one for a jumper, at least not at this length. Majority of my wardrobe consists of quite high waisted skirts and trousers, and I like that focal point on my waist to give me shape. 

It doesn't help that my gauge ended up so wrong on this- despite swatching and trying to block it smaller. The loose fit just didn't feel flattering on me, and the sleeve length felt awkward with other garments I own. And I made a right dogs ear of it picking up for the neckline. 

To the bottom of the wardrobe it went and that is where it stayed. In the photographs I actually think it doesn't look too bad, but I just don't wear it. Now the time has come to unravel it, wash the yarn and decided my future plans. The yarn is limited - I managed to get this gorgeous navy long wool British yarn in a charity shop of all places. It's a great quality yarn and I want to make sure I utilise it! 

At the moment I have a few ideas about what to transform it into. The most prominent being the Rocquaine Jumper by Christina Danaee. Okay, I know I've just said I am not a jumper gal but this is a much shorter length through the front, and I love the uneven hem. I like the texture on the yoke section and think it adds a bit more interest to a staple design. I may have to go on a search for some more ideas though, as I do find myself drawn more to a cosy cardi.

Item two- Unfold by Yuliya Tkacheva

When I saw this in Pom Pom I knew instantly I wanted to make it. The subtle geometric design, and a pattern that required by to get my hook out was appealing. I wasn't sure which size to make this, and settled for the middle size using a slightly smaller hook. But again, to the bottom of the wardrobe, well knitted accessories drawer, it went. 

The problem is, I'm not sure exactly how to wear this. I tend to favour scarves that you can wrap close to your neck as boy do I feel the cold. This is too loose, and whilst it photographed beautifully in the magazine my personal needs weren't met in the design. The stitch definition looks great but when I pop it around my neck I hate how it droops over itself and you lose the integrity of the geometric texture.

I even made myself a pair of mitts out of the same cotton wool rowan mix to complete them in an attempt to make myself wear the cowl more. Welcome item number 3 - Imitation by Judith Brand

It didn't work. And whilst I have found myself wearing the mitts, I think it's only because they are my only fingerless option, and have become frustrated by the lack of warmth.

Now, I think this is my own fault for not thinking clearly enough about what I needed these gloves to be, and what I needed from the material. Since I have been rethinking about frogging both of these accessories, I have done a little bit more research into the benefits of a cotton blend yarn and what could potentially be useful for me whilst working with the strengths of the fibres. Another helpful tool had been looking on ravelry at how other people have used this!

I think perhaps I may make this yarn into a bag of some descript. I'm still a little unsure...

Finally item number 4- Pentland hills by Clare Devine. 

G got my two gorgeous skeins of Kettle Yarn co colour ways especially for this design. I love lace, and intricate feminine designs. Yet none of that is reflected in my wardrobe. Whilst this shawl integrates brilliantly with the tones in my wardrobe it's more the feel that doesn't fit. My wardrobe isn't very fussy. And I don't mean that negatively. I just tend to wear plainer things, and any detail I do tend to wear is there because textural or tailored design. 

Again this shawl was a pleasure to make, like the other items. But it just sits unloved and unworn admits my accessories. I do love a shawl though, and the chance to wrap yourself up. So I definitely want to use the yarn for that.

I've been looking mainly at striped shawls. And it is hard when you are not the biggest fan of garter stitch. Sorry fellow knitters but I prefer stockingnette as the basis of any design! I was thinking it would perhaps be a good opportunity though to learn how to do brioche - developing my skill set whilst reusing a yarn I love. So far the Making advances shawl is appealing to me, and the brioche design here called Briochette or the all about the brioche shawl. Decisions decisions!

I do now feel very sorry for the two skeins of laceweight yarn I acquired in hopes of making beautifully fine cobweb like shawls. Maybe those will just have to be gifted to someone who will actually wear them.