Every now & then, I have a knitting flop. This project counts as two. I quickly started a pair of mitts for you a couple days before Christmas…with stash yarn. Always risky for anything that requires an equal pair. Sure enough- I ran out of both time and wool to complete the left hand. So I went back to the shop where I bought the wool originally- a few years ago- which they no longer carry. The store owner tells me the name of the yarn, I go to another store and got what I thought was the same, and clearly it wasn’t! Blah blah blah…
One month later, I have learned a few things:
1) Weigh stash yarn, and divide by two for mitts, gloves and socks. Do a top down (for mitts) or toe up (for socks) pattern if at all possible.
2) Listen to the gut! Stop knitting, figure out where you are at and go back to step 1. Or go buy enough yarn to finish a project in the first place.
3) Regarding gauge and yarn and needle size choice: using a thicker yarn with the same size needle creates a thicker, denser knit, not a bigger size. This was good to confirm. (Hope you enjoy the warmer right hand, mom.)
4) Sometimes, it’s best to call a project done, and move on. Otherwise, I will be buying more of yarn #2, knitting a second mitt, and unravelling the first. It’s an option that I am not excited about, though it is good to finish well. (Now I’m doubting point #4. Off to the Beehive I go!)
There are more points to ponder in this project, but that’s enough to share here. Further pattern and yarn details can be found on Ravelry.
(Oh, and I am liking the sparkly bokeh- my new lens is getting fun.)
One way or another, your hands will be cozy!
Love,
Kali
