Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

It’s been more than a week since I posted that I would be working toward correcting the fit issues in my two most recent knit projects. As of last night, I expected to share a positive update — the body of the new version of the striped sweater is done!

But when I tried it on again this morning in the bright light of day, I saw some fit issues that I hadn’t noticed after my nighttime knitting sessions. Again, I think this is entirely user-error, not a problem with the pattern.

As much as it pains me to say it — and to do it — I’m going to rip it out and start over one more time. I’ve come this far, I might as well get it right! At least I didn’t weave in all of the ends yet.

On a more positive note, another change I’ve made is to the color distribution. For the earlier incarnations of this combination of scrap yarns, I made random stripes based on the varying yarn lengths I had available. Some stripes didn’t carry across a full round, while others were as long as seven rounds.

This time, each color is carried for three to five rounds. While the stripes still look random, due in part to some self-striping and variegated colorways, there’s a better sense of balance. And it’s amazing how much brighter the sweater looks as a whole! I’m definitely keeping this change, and will remember the difference for future projects.

What challenges have you been working to overcome in your making?