I finally found my 40″ circular needles, and transferred this never-ending beret to them. Spread out, this is an ugly item! Too much open space between verticals and cables. Too many stitches. Way too big even for the 40-inchers! Maybe I’ll felt it.
Despite that, the progress has been educational. I think my original pattern with a lot of cables would be far more interesting to look at, though admittedly I am rather tired of them right now.
For the last couple of weeks knitting has wandered in and out of my day, along with my sourpuss attitude. This latter has, I hope, been vanquished, even if temporarily.
I’ve been really frustrated by this pattern, so decided to try it from the bottom up. And, it began to make sense. The pattern has changed rather considerably, but the lacy mock cable and top down construction remain. I’m not doing as many cables – considerably less. Where I had planned a number of cables, I am now using simple a line of knit stitches on a purl background. All knit stitches are now knit through the back loop except for a couple, which will be seen in the pattern.
The most interesting element is just how much simpler the pattern is, and so much easier to knit as it grows more organically once a certain level is reached in the stitch increases.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 