I finished it. My first adult-sized knit cardigan. I started this project in early October with some early birthday money that my dad gave me. The hub took me to a local yarn shop (turns out it wasn't as local as I thought) and I bought 5 skeins of this Dried Plum Berroco Vintage yarn. This was an exciting project for me all around because it was only about my second time at a real yarn shop and my first time buying more than 2 skeins of yarn at once.
I am also happy with myself because this is the first project since we lost Timmy that I didn't cry after I was finished. I think that I would cry because I felt like all the time that I spent while I was knitting, being content just to sit there with my needles and work on a project while my mind steadily analyzed my feelings, was just a waste of time. I was happy while the project was in progress, but once I was finished it didn't change anything. I still missed my little boy and there was nothing I could do to make the raw pain go away.
But this time I didn't cry. This time I was so excited to have a cardigan that I knit myself. I've been wearing it every day with a smile since I finished. It was quite a surprise to me that I actually felt happy to be done. I expected the sadness to rush in again and overtake my accomplishment, but it didn't this time. I am grateful to my glorious Lord for providing me this strength and filling me with peace. I decided to make this cardigan to comfort to myself. Whenever I wear it I will think of Timmy. Whenever I want to think of Timmy, I will wear it.
I used the free Buttony pattern on Ravelry for this cardigan. The asymmetrical button band adds interested to an otherwise boring stockinette cardigan. I love that it fits me just right because it was made just for me. I was able to try it on while I worked so I could make sure that I had my measurements just right.
I tried to add a stockinette neck to the top, but it just didn't look right. I couldn't get the moss stitch that I included on the very top to lay properly, so I folded the neck over and stitched it in place. This gave me a taylored collar kind of look and I love it.
It has been a lovely and peaceful birthday. I hope Timmy is smiling at me today. I love you, pumpkin.
yarn name: Berroco Vintage
yarn type: 50% acrylic, 40% wool, 10% nylon
colorway: Dried Plum
yardage: ~900 yards worsted
needle size: US 8 (5.0mm) circular and double-pointed
I think it looks fabulous and I love the offset buttons. I am sure it was therapudic as well to have the time to contemplate while knitting and I am sure Timmy is smiling ;)
ReplyDeleteI like this A LOT Shel! I think the color looks amazing on you, too! It looks soooo warm. I know this sounds crazy, but I wish I had something warm like that as the weather cools here in Phoenix (I said it would sound crazy!)
ReplyDeleteOk, that looks store-bought! You did amazing! And I loveeeeee the color
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Michelle, I am so impressed. I am struggling to finish a child's hat :) Thinking of you.
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