Lost in Translation

Anytime you create a custom pattern, it is necessary for a series of trial and errors. I forget this and just assume the translated design will be knitted flawlessly and all will be well in the world. First off, the Apple logo I have designed is completely and mathematically accurate. Hooray! Secondly, knitting with silks and bamboos on a size 4 needle AND trying replicate the ideal logo is apparently harder than I had previously assumed. Oh, and bonus! I think I knitted an extra row in the purple section meaning my first trial is most likely fucked. Super bonus, it's also being knitted for a guy and there is this old wive's tale, a myth if you will, that once you knit something for a guy things will inevitably unravel. I knitted for one guy prior, but he's my best friend in NY and there is nothing either of us can do that could possibly damage our friendship. Believe me, we've tried. SO there ya go. Stressed over this stupid Apple and I'm three colors in and so far, not impressed with my knitwork. I am impressed with my design though.

Edit: (10:55pm) After some brief thought, I think I'm going to try to do a swatch of the pattern using Cascade 220 superwash, which I'm more used to knitting intarsia pieces with. This bamboo and silk, while very soft and nice, just isn't keep the stitches secure. It looks flimsy and fucks with the edges of the Apple. I'll report back tomorrow. Or later tonight. Demands how motivated I feel.

Coming Along Nicely...

The worst part about knitting an image into a pattern is that it takes a lot out of me. I'm concentrating much harder than a basic knit requires and I find myself tugging too hard and the image gets a bit fuzzy on the sides. I just hate how human knitting can be. How flawed. But at the same time, I love to knit. It's one of my favorite things to do.

So that's why it took me so long with Soulbot. He was coming along nicely, but taking a lot of effort and I was getting to the point where I almost dreaded picking up my needles. He wasn't hard, he was just tedious and time consuming. It took a lot longer than I had hoped, but the front of the sweater is finished! I'm currently working on one of the sleeves, and after one more and a collar, he will be complete. Then he will be rushed to his owner and hopefully he will be as loved and cherished as he is in my hands. Possibly more.

Someone suggested to me that I sell or release my image patterns for Fair Isle/Intarsia knitting. I would be so disgusted if someone wanted to knit this piece. Not because it's a terrible one, or that I'd be jealous of someone stealing my thunder, but because the love and time I put into this is worth much more to me than being recognized for it. I'm half regretting posting pictures of it, but I am so proud. And I want to remember just how long it took and how funny all the pieces were before they were sewn together. It won't be mine for much longer.

The Difference Between Intarsia and Fair Isle is BEYOND Crucial...

I am an idiot. Wait, no, I just failed at the front of my sweater because I never bothered to read the chapter on Fair Isle Knitting in my SnB Handbook. So, yeah, I guess you could consider my actions idiotic, but this doesn't happen too often. I'm learning my lesson.

So yes, as you must have assumed, I have unraveled the front to start fresh, meaning I lost three days of knitting. This sweater MUST be done by the end of the month, and it's already the fourth! I have to finish sleeves, and sew seams, and make an attempt at BLOCKING! I have to buy fancy wool wash and write a card! Good thing I don't work tomorrow so I can stay up until five making up for lost work. Oh wait, I do have that tattoo appointment tomorrow. Well, Heather won't mind if I take a nap during it.

WARNING! Intarsia in progress...

soulbot in progress
Originally uploaded by drxgirlfriend

This is my workspace: my bed. Pay no attention to the Little Mermaid fleece throw: it was extra cold last night and it's the only extra blankie I had! Don't judge me! You can't see all the bobbins, they're underneath the sweater front, but trust me, it's a jumbled mess. It's such a hassle I can't even bring it to work! That means it's going to take me longer to get it finished, and I want it done in LESS THAN A MONTH!

All I can think about is knitting this thing. Work will be super long and boring today!