In which something bites the dust

Back when I took up the needles again (about four years ago I think, how time flies!) after a considerable break, I knitted a beautiful cardigan called ‘Elfin‘ from a pattern I found on the Rowan website.

Undaunted as I occasionally am by ‘a challenge’ I knit and knit, put in the HOURS of making the Kidsilk Haze ruffles that go down the front and round the arms, and generally was pretty pleased with myself. Especially once I’d worked out how to fudge the missing two inches of Kidsilk Haze collar which appeared once I’d sewn ‘Elfin’ up.

It is a beautiful cardigan. But, sadly, it never really did look beautiful on me. For one thing, it was too short (now I know I should have measured myself rather than relying on the pattern, I like things to finish at least 6ins below my natural waistline). It never really fastened properly across the front (probably needed some bust shaping). Finally, the sleeves dangled in every damp substance I went near. This is fine (probably!) if your substance of choice is a G&T, but not if it’s the little chap’s Weetabix and associated detritus. Though I have never done the experiment, I admit.

So, because I have barely worn it (I don’t think it’s ever been washed, or needed it) and because the Felted Tweed is no more (sob!), and because I never will wear it again, I’ve decided to give it a second chance at life and will be unpicking and ravelling this week. The Kidsilk Haze will of course not make it through this process, but we can’t have everything can we?

I am thinking the soft grey felted tweed will make a nice cabled or ribbed ’v’ necked tank top (that’s a vest, for any American readers). And – using all the bits of knowledge I now have which I didn’t have four years ago – I’m going to set myself a new challenge; the pattern is going to come out of my brain (but I doubt it’ll be that original!) I’ll be knitting it top down, with some shaping, and trying it on as I go.

 

And then hopefully I’ll have something which fits me!

Advertisement