Have you ever had one of those projects where there is just too much bad about it to overcome? Here’s one example for me.

Rowan Tilt

Back in September of 2014, I started a Rowan cardigan design called “Tilt” by Lisa Richardson.

It looked like a great project and I went out of my way to find enough yarn to make it. It ended up requiring that I order yarn from two different places to get enough of the two colorways.  I couldn’t wait to knit this cardigan so I could wear it in style.

The sleeve shaping on the back of the cardigan was as far as I got before I stalled and it’s been sitting in a bag waiting to be finished for about 4 years now.

I picked it up recent to see if I wanted to finish it (I do) and if I wanted to continue it as designed (I don’t).  I took some time to inventory what was wrong with this project.

Bad Project Inventory

1. The two yarns are close enough in color that the Fair Isle/stranded patterning don’t show up very clearly.
2. The two yarns are close enough in color that is difficult to follow the patterned knitting and remember where I am when I put it down and pick it up a few days later.
3. Furthermore, the needle I chose for this project (square shaped Kollage needle SUCKS)…the cable that connects the needles is WAY too limp and flaccid to move stitches across and I find no comfort or benefit in working with a squared needle
4. The project is knitted flat/in pieces and requires stranded knitting on the purl side (which I HATE)
5. Yarns are a mix of cotton and cotton and wool and I’m not a huge fan of cotton

Therefore, despite having put a lot of work into this project 4 years ago, I decided I couldn’t continue as is.  I further decide I couldn’t just switch to an Addi Turbo or Lykke Interchangeable needle and be happy with this project.

So, I decide to rip it all out.

And even ripping this project was a pain.

Remediation Plan

But here’s my plan:

1. For the darker yarn, I plan on adding plying a single ply of dark charcoal yarn onto every ball of the the yarn (I have a cone of fine lace-weight wool that should be perfect).  This will make the darker yarn slightly darker, giving it a bit more contrast.
2. Re-design the cardigan and knit it in-the-round with a steek for the front opening and arm-holes.
3. Switch to my Lykke Driftwood needles so that it’s much more enjoyable to knit.

Others commented about this, and I realized they were correct…life is too short to not enjoy your knitting projects.

Current Knitting

I joyously finished the Briyoke sweater this past weekend and I’m quite pleased.

It’s quite roomy, and squishy, quite warm and soft!  I’m still a bit concerned I look a bit like Ruth Bader Ginsberg on her way to give a dissenting opinion because of the contrasting color of the yoke.  But I’m about to turn 60 and figure I can say “fuck it” and wear it with confidence and grace.