Free

Soundtrack. . .

I finished my Guinevere cardigan over the weekend.  (Here's my Ravelry link.)

 

I complained about this cardigan. . . as I was knitting it.  In fact, I complained rather a lot.  It turned out nicely.  I loved the yarn (Queensland Collection Haze).  It's easy to wear.  But, oh my!  The pattern was a mess.

 

The first lace chart was really goofy -- and turned out to be in error.  There are several annoying glitches and inconsistencies within the directions.  The front decreases for the arm and neckline are charted -- without the option of following complete written directions instead (and we're not talking about anything tricky going on here).  I was able to work through the pattern issues without any problems. . . but that's because I've knit lots of sweaters already.  If this had been one of my first sweater projects, I'd have had some serious problems!

Mostly, I just got grumpy with this knit . . . because I paid $7 for the pattern. . . and it was full of mistakes and errors.  I have a sneaking suspicion that maybe this designer didn't use test knitters?

Another little grump -- in the pattern description, the designer says that "very little finishing is required."  To this I must simply say. . . bullshit.  The sweater is knit in 5 flat pieces -- a back, 2 fronts, and 2 sleeves.  Standard seaming is required.  Futzy standard seaming!  Because you're matching up a ribbed lace pattern, a regular lace pattern, AND setting in cap sleeves knit in 1x1 ribbing.  There may not be any stitches to pick up. . . but there is far more than "very little" finishing required.

 

I actually did even MORE finishing.  The fronts rolled so persistently (despite two good blockings), that I hand-stitched some ribbon to the inside of both fronts.  This really helped with the rolling problem, and gives the sweater some welcome structure.

 

The pattern calls for snaps (with buttons sewn over the top) for the closure.  I'm not a big fan of snaps, so I tried something different -- crocheted button loops.  (Jury's still out on this . . .)

Oh well. . . it's finished.  Maybe I'll even get over my grumpiness and start liking this sweater . . . eventually.  In the meantime, I can let it go.  Because. . . like the song says. . . I shall be free!

Comments

[margene]

You're a saint for sticking with the knitting and all that finishing! The sweater looks darling on you and I hope that helps you get over the grumpiness.

[Cookie]

I love you!

You turned a crap pattern into a lovely sweater. I think you are allowed to be cranky about the pattern and the designer. Just try to be understanding toward the sweater. It isn't her fault that her designer is a bit wanting.

xo

[thea]

worth the trouble!

[thea]

PS -- don't be too hard on Neoknits. Sometimes it takes a while for all the kinks to get worked out. Not everyone has test knitters as amazing and reliable as you!

[Linda]

Kym, The sweater looks great. It's good you're an experienced sweater knitter. Thanks for the "Guinevere" soundtrack. It's a song I forgot existed but when it began playing I knew all the words.

[Michelle]

How I hate when that happens! Nobody is perfect but is sure is frustrating when designers market & sell their patterns knowing how much time, money and energy are put into a knitted piece, prior to giving it the once, twice, thrice over! Anyhow you look great!

[Kay - From the Back Yard]

It just looks darling on you!

[Marilyn]

The sweater is adorable! Worth the effort.

Buyer beware on that pattern apparently. Too bad.

I like the crocheted button loops. I vote keep them.

[denise copeland]

Hoping Erin had a spectacular birthday and sending best wishes for a fabulous new year to her....

The issue of errata and test knitters is one that I am very passionate about. I have absolutely no tolerance for designers who do not knit the entire design in the recommended yarn. Additionally, I have no tolerance for designers who do not have multiple test knitters knitting the ENTIRE design in the recommended yarn. I believe that it is quite arrogant and cavalier to publish something without taking the proper quality assurance steps (knitting the entire desing as well as having test knitters) that would reduce the possibility of risk for all concerned. When a designer knows that a garment is going to be made stitch by stitch by a knitter, it becomes a matter of integrity and character. I so much appreciate the designs of Anne Hanson for that reason - she has multiple test knitters, a technical editor and everything is completely knitted before release. And given the steps she takes, if there was an error, I could easily forgive it because she consistently practices all the quality assurance steps to avoid flaws.

[denise copeland]

Almost forgot, love, love, love your cardigan. It looks terrific on you!

[Patty]

Despite your frustration the sweater is beautiful and you wear it well! I vote to keep the crocheted loops too. It works!

[Diana Troldahl]

I love the finished results.
I don't always use outside test knitters, but then again, I write the pattern outline while doing the math then, then knit through it (making copious notes) myself, then often let it rest a week before going through it again. I knit it the third time in my head, and often, at least for the tricky bits, double check with really knitting parts of the pattern to check it a third time. Sometimes an error slips through, but I am glad to say almost all of my patterns have wound up without errors. My very first one had a miscount, and a recent scarf had the written directions correct, but 2 purl stitches not indicated on one line of the chart (cringe). Otherwise, they have going though with no mistakes, to my knowledge.
I use test crocheters and knitters when I can, but it is not always practical, as I add to the pattern even on the third time through :-}

[Diana Troldahl]

Re-reading my comment, I should have had a test-poster!

[Sue]

Love the sweater and thanks for the tip about ribbon, I have a cardigan that this might save from the frogging basket!

Ah Crosby Stills and Nash. One of my all time faves.

[Pam]

The pattern may not be that great, but it's a beautiful sweater -- looks like something you'll enjoy owning even if you didn't enjoy knitting it.

[Carol]

The sweater is really pretty and looks great on you. Maybe you'll change your mind soon.

[Vicki]

Wow, it sure is cute!!

Just curious (if you know) as to whether the designer has been responsive to the issues and whether corrections/updates have been made to the pattern.

[Helen]

thank you so much for the song!
I love that song. Always have... and somehow have let it slip and haven't heard it for years.

(off to the CD rack with me, to get that puppy on the iPod!!)