In September, we became Great Grandparents. According to the Bear, he isn’t old enough but I am. Sorry, Dear, so are you! Shortly after the first was born, we learned that yet another grandchild was expecting, so in April we will have two little boys to spoil rotten. (Unless we get sucked into babysitting – it’s no fun to spoil when they’re gonna be with you all day, every day) At any rate, a Valentine’s Day hat was requested – and completed fairly quickly. A St. Patrick’s Day hat was next, also completed quickly, although I remembered why I’m not a fan of Fair Isle knitting – I can never totally hide the floats.
At any rate, expectant granddaughter requested a sweater for soon to arrive #2 and although I have a million patterns, off I went in search of another. I fell in love with this:
I learned to knit when I was 4 years old. I watched my mom, who always had a baby sweater on the needles, and legend has it that I just picked up the needles and went to town. I don’t remember any repercussions, so I’m assuming there were no mistakes made. At any rate, I got a little knitting kit for Christmas that year and there have been few times in my life when I wasn’t knitting something or other.
I don’t mind a challenge, although as I’m getting older I kinda prefer mindless, done in a few weeks types of projects. I didn’t expect this sweater to be difficult.
You know what they say about expectations. (Actually I don’t think they say anything about expectations except you shouldn’t live on them, but it sounds good, so I’m keeping it here)
First, I had to order needles, because I didn’t have circular needles of the correct size or length. I don’t mind that, one can never have enough knitting needles. However, I’m not a fan of magic loop and so I had to order shorter circular needles. Still too long. Fine, order the damned dp’s that I didn’t have.
I got it cast on, 8 rows of 1×1 ribbing done, on to the “decorating neckband” instructions. There’s a video link, so I went and watched – only demonstrated using the English method (which I can do so not a problem) BUT, the video doesn’t match the instructions. Okay, I can figure this out. But meanwhile, I went and did what I should have done before purchasing the pattern – read the reviews.
Here’s a hint – read the reviews first.
I’ll manage to complete the sweater before he outgrows it, And I’ll leave a detailed review. Meanwhile, I’m going to knit a bunny hat for Easter for #1.
Sometimes you just need a shot of booze and to wing it!
Suziecreamcheese Sings the Blues 
I admire talent like this. My mom could knit or needlepoint anything. She made a beautiful Afghan with 6 panels of the most intricate pattern I ever saw. Wish I knew what happened to it. I can crochet. Maybe.
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I taught myself how to crochet when I was 13. My mom was there to guide me but she had trouble slowing down enough to demonstrate! She made beautiful bedspreads and tablecloths from crochet cotton till she was in her 80’s. I no longer have the desire or patience for big projects- except for quilt tops and I gave up hand quilting
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UGH! How frustrating. I have never tried patterns sold on Etsy. When I look on Ravelry, I always go to the project pages and read as many notes as possible. There are so many wonderful patterns out there that it’s a shame to waste time and money on poorly written ones. That pattern looks like it has a tubular cast on which could be challenging if you have never done one before. Bourbon helps.
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It’s a beautiful pattern, hope it turns out the way you wanted. I like to do the Flax baby sweater by Tin Can Knits (and it’s free!). It’s pretty fast and you can make different designs on the sides of the sleeve instead of the garter stitch. I am able to use a 16″ cable with it, and an 8″ cable on the sleeves.
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I’m talking myself into working on the neckband. It’s irritating that the pattern isn’t what the video shows
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I’ve found patterns like that and it is very irritating and discouraging because the patterns were beautiful, makes you wonder how they did it.
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Google “Onerva shawl.” I think the pattern is on Ravelry – it is one hot mess. I attempted it in lace weight yarn – yeah, no. Tried again in worsted weight because by then I just wanted to knit it and see where the stitches were. It’s in the UFO pile and will probably be there when I die and if they bury it with me, I will haunt every person who thought that was a good idea! 🙂
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HAHAHA
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I just looked and the pattern is no longer available. Some day I’m going to rewrite the bloody thing and make it work – it’s also one of those that has a million posts saying how easy it was. Really?
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Did you try The Way Back Machine website to find the pattern?
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I thought of that but haven’t had a chance to
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Can’t wait to see your latest creations!
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I but the bullet and started the “neckband decoration “ last night. I have a feeling this sweater may be an Onerva Jr. 😂
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What is “neckband decoration”? Don’t think I’ve ever done anything unusual with any of mine.
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It appears to make a bit of an eyelet couple of rows, and let me share that yarn overs with ribbing are not a joyful experience
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Hmm, can’t wait to see what that looks like.
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Me too!!😂😂
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It is a cute pattern. I’m sure you’ll update as you progress.
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