I am never knitting a sweater for a gift again!

blueeyes28 · 11-27-2007, 08:37 AM

I decided to make my MIL a sweater for Christmas so I found a pattern and found (with the help of a sales person at my LYS)a substitute for the yarn called for I have started this sweater over 3 times with 3 different patterns and 2 different yarns and I think I am ready to jump swan dive style off the deep end!I am not crazy about the color anymore I think it is going to way to big, but all I have left are the sleeves and I don't have time to start over again.Has this ever happened to any body else here?If so what did you do? My MIL is great and I know she will appreciate the effort regardless but I hate having something not turn out the way I hoped.

knitncook · 11-27-2007, 02:02 PM

You may be too critical of your own work. She see the struggle and the hours of work and it not being as perfect as you imagined. One of the things that helps me is to see a pattern done in a variety of yarns. If you are on Ravelry, why not search to see if others have made this sweater and what yarns they used and pics of how their projects turned out. It might make you see your sweater in a different light. And I am sure your MIL will think it is most excellent!

bethany · 11-27-2007, 02:59 PM

I hope you feel better when it's done. She will love it regardless because of the work you put into it. As far as the color--well, you don't have to wear it! I knit a purse for my mom that I really don't like, but she LOVES. I can't bring myself to do the darn straps because I dislike it so much. But it's for her, so....

Good luck! Labor of love!!

GiddyKnitter · 11-27-2007, 03:32 PM

I agree she will love it knowing you have knitted it especially for her... all that time and effort you have spent making it will be worth it when you see her face when she opens it xx

Limey · 11-28-2007, 02:02 AM

Try not to let this put you off knitting cardies and jumpers. It's difficult knitting for adults (especially if they're 'delicately' ample, like me).

I've been knitting myself the same cardigan for two years now but meantime have knitted tons of stuff for my little grand daughter.

When you come to tackle an adult sweater again (which you will) just don't set too much of a firm deadline - it'll get done when it gets done. I'm sure your Mum-in-law will love what you're making and appreciate all your effort. You can always 'take something in' by making bigger seams and it's much better than making the sweater too small.

All the Best

Ellie
http://www.countonknit.com

blueeyes28 · 11-28-2007, 03:21 AM

Thanks everyone for all the kind words.

Lady Violet · 11-28-2007, 03:36 AM

i took an art class in college 4 or 5 years ago. i really didn't think i was that good despite the fact that every other person in my family is incredible when it comes to drawing. my mom even teaches art. i found my sketchbook from that class about a month ago. i was hesitant to flip through it, but i'm really glad i did. the drawings that i didn't remember as turning out so great were actually really good. i just needed some time away to come back to them with a new perspective, able to see the big picture instead of all the smaller parts i had to put together. i tell you all that to say, your mil will love it, and because of that you will look back on this experience with fond memories. and you have now learned something that i myself learned not too long ago. if you're knitting something that will require you to use a new skill, practice it with cheap stash acrylic first, then when you comfortable dive in with the good yarn.

fibrenut · 11-28-2007, 03:37 AM

O man can I ever relate..... (it's funny now but not then). I wanted to make a lovely sweater for my now hubby and I found a beautiful pattern in a mag (it's in my yarn porn stash ) I t was all fairisle on the bottom but only prob was that it was only written to XL. Sooooooo, not having anyone to talk to about it (no lys's or internet at that time) I figured he's a 3X so instead of using #7's like the pattern called for I would use #9's hmmmmmm BIG BIG mistake literally, I measured and the gauge looked ok etc. etc. but the yarn was acrylic (red heart I think) and uh huh wouldn't you know it. It stretched soooooo huge that one looked like an orangutan. It could fit one of them big giant wrestler dudes (big show I think it would have been big on).

So I cried for a while cause I just knew he hated it.... but as it turned out it's one of the nicest n warmest nities ever. LOL!!!!! And he did say he appreciated the effort n all but well I've made him sox n hats since LOL rofl!!!
This too shall pass hun and it'll all turn out ok!!

Knit on sistuh!!