Poor Folded had serious problems this week. Someday I'll learn to go with my gut instincts. I didn't think I had enough yarn, so I decided to stripe the yoke--and make the sweater a "bit" shorter. I ran out anyway. The good thing was that String Theory doesn't have a dyelot and ordering more was no problem--and their delivery was incredibly fast.
I got some church charity knitting in while I "patiently" (anyone who knows me and knitting knows that I'm really being generous to myself here with the word patient!) waited. (Precious baby jacket in Gifted by Mags Kandis.)
So now I have an additional 400 yds of yarn, and only a couple inches of the striped yoke left to knit. Folded looked seriously short. I tried it on. It was ridiculously short. I'm sure you all know that when you knit something from the bottom up, you can't just rip out from the bottom where you cast on and remove the ribbing. You must CUT the ribbing off and knit down. Yes, scissors cut. (The principle is the same that Lori used when she so amazingly demonstrated her afterthought pockets. It's a wonderful tutorial. You can stop reading right now and go see it. Go on! I'll wait. The first time I cut my work, though, I added a glass of wine. She recommends something a bit stronger!) Anyway, what you must also keep in mind with this kind of adjustment....whether it's making sleeves longer or shorter---or the body longer (great for kid sweaters) or shorter....you are NOT going to wear the garment as it is. If you make a horrible mess of the project (which you won't) you are not going to wear the garment. So you absolutely cannot lose--if it works (which it will!!!!) you have a sweater you love; if it doesn't, you are right where you were before you tried the fix. (Yes, I can rationalize most anything.)
So, you take one little snip, then c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y unknit one stitch at a time while you place these live stitches on a needle. It takes a bit of time--especially when you have over 200 stitches to unknit and each "unknit" stitch has three yarn passes through each one, but eventually they all get on the needle--and then you pretend you've been knitting the whole sweater top down and continue until you get the length you like. Easy Peasy. And you CANNOT tell you've made a major correction. Perfect.
(This picture is AWFUL--I took it during the storm over the weekend--and yes, this is my bathroom--where the only full length mirror lives--I should have croopped the potty out, sorry.) But, Folded isn't a bad length now!
I'm rather happy with it.
Folded-----folded.
(If you haven't seen this video yet---you MUST!! This is SOOO me--and you, too, if you've been reading this blog. Afterall, we're knitters!!!!)
I'm so sorry it has taken me this long to comment Stephanie, I had to wait for the tears to dry first as I have been laughing so hard! [Don't tell but I almost wet myself :)]...the video is too funny and I had to watch it twice since I loved it so much!
Now, about cutting your knitting...I am so not there yet and I think I have a hive just thinking about doing it!
Posted by: Tracey | 03/06/2012 at 08:04 AM
I have to admit, that even after all that work at the top I would still probably rip it down to a point on the body to make it longer rather than perform knitter surgery. SO SCARY!
As always, beautiful work Steph. Are you happy with the result?
Posted by: aCallToYarns | 03/06/2012 at 08:27 AM
LOVE the sweater!!!! And you match your bathroom :) I really love the yoke detail, you are quite clever and resourceful---YAY!
Posted by: swanski | 03/06/2012 at 09:13 AM
Oh, just the THOUGHT of cutting knitting makes me tremble. The sweater is lovely, though. I'm going to bookmark the video on how to cut...although I don't think I'll ever have the guts to try it.
Posted by: Shannon | 03/06/2012 at 11:06 AM
Had to pop back in to say thanks once again for the video, it has made my day!
Posted by: Tracey | 03/06/2012 at 06:18 PM
Of course you're happy with it, it's lovely :D
Posted by: Annie | 03/07/2012 at 06:10 PM
Steph, all I can say is 'wow' (with wide eyes too) to your bravery. You're right...you can't wear it as-is so I suppose it's better to go ahead and lengthen it that way. Love the stripes at the neck - it really changes the look and adds interest. And your little baby cardigan is such a wonderful color, and I like the tie off to the side.
Posted by: Ellen | 03/08/2012 at 06:37 AM
LOVE your folded. LOVE. I have it queued, but now must make one just like yours, the stripes are brilliant. Beautiful knitting Steph, my goodness, you are amazing.
Love the baby sweater too, it's adorable. And the video, I've seen it and each time it gets better. So fun!
Posted by: Lori | 03/09/2012 at 02:33 AM