6×6 Cardigan – Design Journey OVERTHINKING

Here’s how it starts in my head (read this really, really fast because that’s how it sounds to me in my head): I should give the knitter an easier version, yes, I could do that, I’ll knit a chunky version, that will be faster, fast is good, it could have a garter stitch neckband, yes, that will work, that’s easier, and where am I going to add in the extra bust stitches that I and lots of knitters need (?), where can I put them … under the last set of double ridges (?), right that would work, I could add in more double ridges and then that would give the knitters some additional control over where that last double ridge lands, yes, ok, I’ll do that on this chunky weight version, that will look great.

And then I start because how long can one listen to all that chatter and not cast on?!

And I hate it.

I’m not enjoying the knitting. I don’t like the garter neckband. I don’t like the garter buttonbands. This looks really plain to me. I had a fancier cardigan in mind, something summery, with stitch pattern panels running vertically down the fronts. The garter stitch is not doing it for me.

On the positive side, I do like the yoke with more double ridges. And I tried adding extra stitches on the Fronts for extra bust width and that worked too. So I’ll be adding those options in the Mods Pages.

And now, don’t look, it’s getting ripped out.

The good new is there is progress on the yellow cardigan. It’s bright and cheerful and a pleasure to knit.

I do have some thoughts on where I want to go from here. Some sort of panel of vertical stitches running down from the double ridges.

Here is some chat about where I am on this cardigan.

Now that the fog has cleared, I’m on to deciding on a stitch pattern. Haul out the stitch dictionaries, here I come. Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-Free patterns by Deb

deb.gemmell on instagram

Unknown's avatar

Author: debgemmellmods

I'm a Knitter. The capital K means every day, everywhere. I started designing as co-owner of Cabin Fever with my sister Lyn. We have published over 160 patterns and 11 books. I'm also working on a new set of patterns for Any Gauge or Gauge-free knitting so you can dive into your stash and cast on for a Top Down sweater that fits, or an accessory to use up those odd balls of yarn.

6 thoughts on “6×6 Cardigan – Design Journey OVERTHINKING”

  1. You’re funny! I overthink everything. Ha! You know eyelets would be perfect for warmer weather. I have a great book, “Need a Circular Yoke,” that has some very pretty lace and textured patterns. Maybe you’ve heard of it??? I’m inspired by it often when looking for fun pattern work or just to make a good fitting pullover.

    Cheers!! Linda Say in Idaho, USA

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Love it! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who can design an entire sweater — what the heck! An entire WARDROBE of sweaters! — in my head and whose brain won’t *S*H*U*T* *U*P* about it (them!) until I sit down and cast on … and then realize, a few hours in, that, nope … it’s not gonna work. Not in this yarn. Not at this gauge. Not in this stitch pattern. What was I thinking?

    Enjoy your trip to the frog pond! I know you’ll hop right back to the “thinking log” and come up with something wondefrul. Can’t wait to see it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad to know I’m not alone. They are so great until they’re not working. Oh, well, back to thinking 🤔. Cheers.

      Like

Leave a comment