Preparation is key.
Ensuring success in my latest project by taking my time...
INSIDE: A timely reminder not to rush through instructions, current knitting works-in-progress, and a huge pom-pom…
It’s essential I thoroughly read instructions and take my time when working on a new sewing project.
Unlike knitting, where if I make a mistake I can unravel the yarn, making an error in cutting out a pattern piece is a whole different story!
The instructions for the Chanterelle Pants are comprehensive. There’s guidance for some techniques in pictorial form and the written instructions are clear.
So, there are many pages to read!
It was bamboozling at the beginning to absorb it all. I’ll be re-reading sections as I come to sewing particular sections of the pattern.
As I went through the pages, a little voice was saying, “gosh there’s lots you don’t know, will you be able to sew these pants?” Ahhh, my inner critic crept in and if I went down the path of self doubt, I’d have given up before even trying!
Slowly, slowly, gently, gently, I said to myself.
I read everything and then read it again, this time, thinking about how much I’ll be learning and what an achievement my finished pants will be!
Will I make mistakes? Probably, but I’m not letting that deter me.
Will I make sure I’m prepared as I can be? A resounding yes!
By the next Fiber Friday, I’ll have more of my progress to show you. Exciting!
My latest yarn tasting is Aloft by Knit Picks (a blend of 72% Super Kid Mohair and 28% Silk in lace weight.) It’s like knitting a cloud!
The design is the Welted Cowl by Jane Richmond for Sweet Georgia Yarns. As she wrote about it in the description:
“This very simple cowl features horizontal welts by alternating Stockinette and reverse Stockinette stitch. A piece like this is perfect for the transitional seasons of spring and fall, and would be equally useful on cool summer nights. I love how such a whisper thin fabric can be so effectively warm and cozy. But what I like most of all is the ability to scrunch up a scarf like this and stuff it into a coat pocket to make it disappear when I’m not wearing it.”
I’ve knitted this design before with a hand dyed mohair silk yarn by Rosehip Island. I wanted a simple project as I’m finding the sewing project complex!
I’ve finished a child sized beanie using up the City Tweed DK yarn. It’s delightfully soft. The Merino wool, super fine Alpaca, and Donegal tweed blend is beautiful to knit with after blocking the fabric is gorgeous.
I created the pom pom with the leftover yarn. It’s larger than I thought it’d be!
I plan to donate the finished beanie to a thrift store, so I hope whoever wears it enjoys its warmth and texture.
And another question for you: what are your favorite tips or tactics when starting a new project? (Bonus points if you’ve learned from a past mistake!)
Press reply or leave a comment!
P.S. Coco & Pepper have some great reads for you this Sunday…
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
Before you go…
Your mohair knitting looks so lovely! ❤️ Waiting to see your sewing adventures. 🤗