Sandpiper is a ridiculously easy little coverup. Basic increases at four points in a circle. The Euroflax linen, knit loosely, is a bit slippery. Thus lies the rub.
I started this with the only 16" size 8 (eeeek. yes, once again, I'm out of my needle-size comfort zone)---an addi turbo. I like addis. At one brief period in my knitting history, they were my go-to, favorite of all favorite needles. But slick and fast are not always a plus. On try #1, I must have dropped a stitch that fell into one of the 'ditches' (those yo's that are the decorative neck). I found a 'ditch' that didn't look quite right, but couldn't figure out why. So, of course, I knit on. DUH. Count your stitches between markers. OK. So I really did drop one. I laddered up...and was left with a better looking ditch, but stitches that were too tight.
On closer inspection, I could also see the exact point where I switched to a longer, wooden circular needle. The stitches not only became more consistent, but the knitting was much more pleasurable. Wonky stitches + funky repaired drop stitch = two reasons to rip. (ignore the one big reason not to--it was over half finished)---and off to the frog pond we went. (My rule...two reasons to rip, in the pond for a dip.)
Lessons learned relearned:
LOOK at your knitting as you go and STOP when something doesn't look right. If it doesn't look right at 1", it's probably not going to look any better at 10".
Wooden needles will always be my first love.
I guess the addi's are getting a run for their money- with such a speedy knitter as you are Steph.
The yarn and color is so pretty - you always knit such lovely knits.
Posted by: Camilla | 04/12/2015 at 09:18 AM
I always have trouble ripping - I'm trying to get better about not ignoring my doubts. Usually when something starts to go wrong, I shove it in a bag and conveniently "forget" where I put it.
Posted by: Mallory | 04/12/2015 at 10:10 AM
"two reasons to rip, in the pond for a dip", this is a perfect rule. I should probably stick to this one too. At least if you have a set rule about ripping it takes away the endless pondering on what to do.
Posted by: Tahnee | 04/12/2015 at 02:07 PM
I love ADDI needles, but every time I have a chance to use my bamboo needles of unidentified origin, I switch to them. The yarn looks absolutely gorgeous - love the color and linen is one of my favorite fibers to work with!
Posted by: Alina | 04/12/2015 at 03:25 PM
Oh, those sneaky, slipper stitches. I love my addi's too, but wooden needles do have their place.
Posted by: Tracey | 04/12/2015 at 03:33 PM
Learning on the go! Yeah, I am not too good at stopping, and I just charge, charge, charge ahead. For that type of yarn, wooden does seem to make sense. Anything non-wool is so slippery and drives me nuts....I mostly just knit with wool :)
Posted by: Nicole | 04/12/2015 at 04:07 PM
I have a problem with dropping stitches. So frustrating! When will we learn to look at our stitches?
Posted by: Caffeine Girl | 04/12/2015 at 05:52 PM
ack, lessons, how can we keep learning as we get older, I for one think I know almost everything but then a shoddy provisional cast on taught me otherwise. I adore the knitting :)
Posted by: karen | 04/12/2015 at 06:06 PM
I hate that. I hate that. I hate that. But I am doing better at either fixing my mistakes if possible or admitting that I just need to rip back. But I hate to do it.
Posted by: Jennifer Miller | 04/12/2015 at 10:22 PM
I share your love for Addi needles!
As for the uneven stitches due to change in needles, often blocking makes wonder!
I like your knitting rules! I should listen more often to them!
Posted by: DKnits | 04/13/2015 at 03:37 AM
I feel like needle choice is especially important for linen-the fiber's always been so temperamental for me. Sorry you had to rip (even if it's for a good reason-it always hurts!) and I'm glad to see you're making good progress again.
Posted by: Kat | 04/13/2015 at 08:28 AM
I love my slippery needles (like Chiagoos) but they are not always perfect for every pattern. I don't always count my stitches and I could smack myself half the time. I'm glad you are back on track and knitting right along!
Posted by: Donna | 04/13/2015 at 02:15 PM
If it makes you feel any better...this is a lesson I keep having to re-learn, too! As if being off by a few stitches won't matter....and I love how we are only not fooling ourselves.
Posted by: Gale (she shots sheep shots) | 04/13/2015 at 09:59 PM
Sometimes I don't know wether I'm encouraged by all the learning (or re-learning) that remains to be done or frustrated by it. Likely both. I'm with you, however, wooden needles all the way! Third time's a charm? xo
Posted by: Leigh | 04/14/2015 at 09:55 AM