Lately it seems like both my sewing and knitting projects have been a steady stream of failures and disappointment. Occasionally this is to be expected when you're a designer, not everything works out on the first try. But it becomes very frustrating when EVERY project is a flop.
I've been working on a new knit collar necklace, and twice I've knit the whole thing only to hate how it looks. Ripping out a project with several hundred beads is not fun, and I've put it aside for now. I sewed a practice (muslin) dress, only to find that the fit is horrible. I should have listened to my inner voice warning me when I noticed on the finished measurements that there was 4" of ease in the bust, which is fine for some designs but not for a dressy, fitted A-line dress. I made the whole thing anyway, and I think two of me could have fit in the bodice.
So I put both aside and moved on to a sweater design I've had in my head for awhile. I always forget to try to design a couple months ahead of the current season, so even though we had a recent heat wave, I plowed ahead on a long sleeved henley. Finally, some success!
I've been working on a new knit collar necklace, and twice I've knit the whole thing only to hate how it looks. Ripping out a project with several hundred beads is not fun, and I've put it aside for now. I sewed a practice (muslin) dress, only to find that the fit is horrible. I should have listened to my inner voice warning me when I noticed on the finished measurements that there was 4" of ease in the bust, which is fine for some designs but not for a dressy, fitted A-line dress. I made the whole thing anyway, and I think two of me could have fit in the bodice.
So I put both aside and moved on to a sweater design I've had in my head for awhile. I always forget to try to design a couple months ahead of the current season, so even though we had a recent heat wave, I plowed ahead on a long sleeved henley. Finally, some success!
I love bright colors! For now I'm calling this project Sunshine and Rain. The yarn is lovely hand-painted sock yarn from keepinknitreal on Etsy. I originally bought the yarn with a cowl design in mind, but I realized that the colors paired together really well, and I'm much more likely to get more useage out of a sweater than a cowl.
I'm working this design as a top-down raglan, which means I can try it on as I go--yay! It doesn't look like much so far, but I've made lots of progress.
I'm working this design as a top-down raglan, which means I can try it on as I go--yay! It doesn't look like much so far, but I've made lots of progress.
In fact, I've aggravated my carpal-tunnel-thing and ended up with eye strain. I think staring at the bright stripes for seven hours last Thursday wasn't the best idea. But it has helped me improve being able to knit without looking down at my project. I'd like to use some sort of two-color pattern for the cuffs and neckline. I'm debating between, fisherman's rib, brioche, and a pattern I read about in Knitting Daily called twig stitch. I'm sure lots of swatches will ensue. So, hopefully in a few weeks I'll have a lovely new sweater to share with you.
What do you do when you become frustrated with your projects? Take a break from everything? Focus on a different craft? I'd love to hear everyone's advice.
What do you do when you become frustrated with your projects? Take a break from everything? Focus on a different craft? I'd love to hear everyone's advice.
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