TTT KAL Finish- Lessons learned

My title my sound positive, but the reality of it is that I have decided to frog this project. I am about 3/4 through and I have known for a while that this is not going to end well. It's simply not turning out the way I envisioned it.

What went wrong? 

Here's what I think. 

Lack of proper measuring on my part mostly. In determining which size to knit, I simply based me choice on the bust measurement, and nothing else. I started knitting and blindly followed the pattern without any additional measuring. This approach usually works for me, and I have obviously been very fortunate with fit thus far. This is a very simple top, and fit is that much more important when you are making such a sleek item. I should have made it longer, narrower, shortened the lattice portion and decreased the neck-opening. Lots of fellow knitters made the Cap Sleeve Top during the KAL, and almost everyone made some modifications, so the next time I attempt this, I will certainly read more notes, measure and try it on constantly.

Here's to learning from your mistakes!

Tanks, Tops & Tees KAL

I have not had a chance to post about my latest project. Though short on time I decided to join Shannon from luvinthemommyhood and her lovely group of knitterly friends in yet another KAL. All of the knit alongs organized by her are incredibly fun, mainly because of the great chatter taking place on the ravelry discussion board. It is a great place to get advice, find support and encouragement as well as get a few laughs.

My project was not off to a great start. I chose to knit the Cap Sleeve Lattice top, a free pattern by the Purl Bee. At first I could not decide on what yarn to use, but in the end settled for linen. I ordered my yarn, it took forever to arrive and I got slapped with a rather steep duty charge. Then I had a hell of a time achieving gauge. A little discouraging you have to agree.

But I kept on going, even though the changes of me finished on time are slim, and I am halfway through. And it seems we are getting an extension, which may just mean that I get to finish. I hope.

Though I still second-guess my yarn choice, as it is turning out rather see-through, I will continue and see how it turns out. I will trust in my new friends to give me advice on whether it's a keeper or not.

Imogen Cowl- a finished project

Only a few days ago I blogged about a wonderful Knit-along organized and hosted by the lovely Shannon of the luvinthemommyhood blog. This is the 5th of her KAL's that I have signed up for. Why so many? I simply can't get enough of the fun conversations all the participants have, of the inspirational stories some of these ladies share, of the helpful advice and the encouraging words. The more I get involved, the more I realize what a wonderful, warm and kind community the knitting community is. And yes, I am also aware that I have said this many times before.

But enough with the mushy stuff. Let me introduce you to my finished project. As I mentioned last time, it is called the Imogen Cowl and to me it was the perfect Downton Abbey inspired knit. I did not expect to finish it on time, and the only reason I did, is because I decided to shorten it, to forgo the loop. I don't think it takes away from the beauty of the lacework though, and I am happy with the result.

After days of being stuck in the deep-freeze and suffering through gray skies, we had a beautiful sunny weekend that allowed my to properly photograph it. Once again, I have to thank my husband who patiently followed instructions and took tons of photos until I declared, "Ok, I think we're done". 

I also have to mention the yarn. It is the first time I used Quince & Co and I simply adored knitting with it. It is wonderful to work with, it's wonderfully soft, and once blocked it really makes the pattern pop. I cannot wait to choose more patterns to try this yarn with.