Being afraid has stopped me from doing/trying so many things. I mean I didn’t knit for so long because it looked like it was something I couldn’t do.
You are probably thinking but “GG you just made the sweater with the heart and the cardigan” and you are right! I was able to make them because even though I was so afraid, I just kept knitting.
Karin from Periwinkle Sheep was kind enough to give me the most beautiful yarn and I wanted something special. I searched Ravelry and found myself back on Amanda’s page. The Peppercorn Pullover fit the yardage and was mostly stockinette. I could do that right?
Fear said “no GG you can’t” and my grandmother’s grand baby said “who you talking to? Imma make me a sweater” All the while shaking in my orange chucks.
I made a swatch 😱 right I made a swatch and got gauge. Here’s the thing, not only was I conquering my fears, I was using a yarn different from what the pattern required. 👀 This was also my first top down sweater, hell if I’m gonna do might as well go for it!
I used Aran weight yarn and US11 and was able to get gauge. Woot woot!
The weekend
I started on a Thursday and by the time the weekend was here I was cooking with gas. Here is what I know now, I LOVE a top down sweater! Why? I can try it on as I go and make sure the girls are good! The girls demand respect and this technique falls in line.
This could have been a weekend sweater but them damn sleeves gave me the business. I had to modify slightly on the body, because the girls! Lol! I knit a good 5 inches more to make room for the twins.
I still think the sleeves could have been longer and did I say that DPNs drive me crazy? I was over it by Sunday night so I walked away to avoid making a mistake.
Monday was a new day and although I was sure I couldn’t, I did it and it felt damn good!
So to all of you that are like me and harbor a little self doubt, wether it’s about your weight (I always thought I too fat) or your skin (I always felt ugly because I’m dark) or your craft (I promise I swore I couldn’t knit a sweater). I say, take your time and prove yourself wrong.
Knit on my fiber friends….knit on
GG
Great job. You conquered your fears. On to the next project!
Lol yes!!
Love the pattern and the colors. Keep doing it – you give me the courage to do my crocheting. Thx.
Sandy get those hooks and do it! Thanks for reading
I love that you’re falling in love with sweater knitting 🙂 And the best thing about knitting is that anything can be modified! So your girls can always be respected 😉
You know praise from you just gets me pumped! I am in awe of your work so thank you!
What a superb sweater! Seeing how you rock it makes me want one. Thanks for the photos and encouragement!
Thank you Pat!
Thanks for this—everything I feel about starting my first sweater! There are so many things I want to make, and I too said I would never knit a sweater! The fear of sizing correctly is strong. Going to gauge swatch today! You are a joy—thanks for all the inspiration❤️
Yay! Go Julie Go!
Honey, you could be a model…you are gorgeous! and you are rocking that sweater:)
Thank you Rose 😊
GG, never doubt that you are beautiful! And talented! And funny – I LOVE the photo with the sunset dramatically highlighting those bobbles, what a riot. When I finally work up the nerve to try a sweater I’ll have to come back here & find out what exactly you did to the sleeves to “respect the girls,” because I suspect I will need to do the same. Knit on!
Lol thank you!
Love the sweater!!!!!
Thank you Maureen!
Brava!! And it looks gorgeous on you!!! I love how comfortable you are in your skin. You inspire me so much! Sending you an e-mail hug!
I love hugs so thank you! 😘😘
This is a beautiful sweater and beautiful writing. You inspire us.
Thank you
You are an inspiration to me! I just found you a month or so ago. I think it was a Kristy Glass podcast. You are beautiful, and look so great in orange! My favorite color is red, but I have red hair, so have to be careful. This sweater looks wonderful!
I’m happy you found me! Thanks for reading
Beautiful!!
Thank you!
You = AWESOME!!!!!! Great job!!!!
Thank you!!
So beeeyoootiful! And so are you in that loveliest of all the colors. You give me the courage to decide to just wear my stuff, not wonder what people might think.
And bobbles! Have you seen Kat Davies new wrap/shrug/wrapigan pattern? It’s called Rowchoish (and I have no idea how to pronounce it) but it’s lovely.
Thank You! I have to check that pattern out
Just discovered your blog and I love it! That sweater is gorgeous and looks beautiful on you. Now I’ve got to try top-down knitting!
Yes top down is my new favorite thing! Thanks for reading
Oh my goodness, I’m impressed by every. thing. you. do. WOW! So lovely to read about your struggles and your inspiration and your perseverance. Thank you so much. And, she’s a beautiful sweater, you’re a beautiful you!
Love,
a new friend,
Tammy
Hey new friend! Thanks for reading and all the kind words!
That orange is GLORIOUS on you – congrats on a beautiful sweater!! 🧡🧡🧡
Thank you!
Thank you for this post, GG! I have knitted since I was little but have always been afraid of sweaters! I’m going to do it this year for sure, though. Top-down sounds like a good way to go. Also, you and your sweater are *both* really beautiful! You are inspiring me, thank you.
Yay! Yes do it! The year of the sweater
And thank you for reading and commenting
You are such an inspiration!! Love you, Gaye.