I was using a much smaller yarn and needles than the pattern recommended. I did a swatch and made some adjustments to the pattern.
I'm not entirely sure when I started to think that something wasn't right. But I kept knitting, trusting in the edits I had made.
Finally on Saturday I decided I had to try it on. I moved the cowl from the needles to waste yarn. I used a crochet hook because I was traveling and am certain that tapestry needles are not allowed in the carry-on luggage. For the record a crochet hook works, but it's much easier and faster to do this with a tapestry needle.
My suspicion was confirmed... my cowl was huge. :-/ The finished cowl is supposed to be about 12 inches long from the top to the point. At the time of this photo it was about 18 inches and 75% complete. So frogged, it has been. :-(
Finally on Saturday I decided I had to try it on. I moved the cowl from the needles to waste yarn. I used a crochet hook because I was traveling and am certain that tapestry needles are not allowed in the carry-on luggage. For the record a crochet hook works, but it's much easier and faster to do this with a tapestry needle.
My suspicion was confirmed... my cowl was huge. :-/ The finished cowl is supposed to be about 12 inches long from the top to the point. At the time of this photo it was about 18 inches and 75% complete. So frogged, it has been. :-(
The Bandana Cowl is a lovely pattern. It is exactly what I wanted... very simple but with enough short-rows to keep it interesting. I enjoyed working it and am sad that I did not do this pattern justice.
I will make a few more adjustments next time. Or perhaps, I will just use the recommended yarn and needle size. ;-)
Please be certain to head over to Wisdom Begins in Wonder to see the wonderful-ness that everyone else has been up to for Fiber Arts Friday.
I'm starting to think there is no such thing as peaceful knitting. Huge cowls are totally in style right now, though, so you could probably still rock it!
ReplyDeleteLOL. Perhaps, but it's absolutely not my thing.
ReplyDeleteAwe, that's too bad, it looks like it has promise, is there anything to be done?
ReplyDeleteAt this point only starting over since I have already ripped it out.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm sorry to hear it was frogged, but you've got to like it or it just won't work.
ReplyDeleteOn to more peaceful knitting? :)
Think of it as spending extra quality time with the lovely yarn, works especially well if you are a process knitter and would enjoy the learning process more than the finished product.
ReplyDelete@dV - yes, I have started a different very simple project. :-)
ReplyDelete@Vivian - I like the way you think. It's a nice alpaca yarn that I really enjoy working with.
I do enjoy the process, but there comes a point to where I "need" to have things finished... hence the bummed-out-ness about the result. :-/
:(....the same thing happened with my last cowl.
ReplyDeleteThat darn gauge gets us every time. Argh!
ReplyDeleteI hate when that happens!!! And I agree..there is no peaceful knitting. Sorry it didn't work out.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the frog pond!
ReplyDeleteI sorta thought your cowl was a cornucopia .... :/
Would like to try the Banana Cowl, perhaps with some handpainted yarn?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the restart. I try to think of it as learning when stuff goes wrong. In truth I usually think of it as an unprintable stream of rude words :D
ReplyDelete@Spinster Beth - I thought the same. ;-)
ReplyDelete@Carol - I think the bandana cowl lends itself to a painted yarn. You should give it a try.
@ALittleBitSheepish - I will definately take your advice. LOL!
My friend had the same problem with a cowl. Her gauge was a little off and the FO stretched all the way to her knees. It keeps her very warm as she can wrap it around her neck so many times.
ReplyDelete