Which way do I go? It's that time again...that time of the month, that time of MoDo angst. The roller coaster ride begins anew! It's new sweater decision time, pick the yarn time, pick the pattern time. It's make endless lists time, scribble and cross out time and start swatching time. It's time to pick a direction and go!
Believe it or not, I'm getting better at making sweater decisions. The main thing I've learned is not to get ahead of the process. Don't pick the next sweater until it's time to cast on. The pattern, along with the yarn, must speak with one voice and a clear path must be visible. If steps in the process are made too soon the result could be an unhappy marriage; wrong pattern with wrong yarn. A knitter, especially one on a 12 sweater quest, cannot afford discord in the stash.
There are multiple yarns in my stash that could become any number of sweaters. It's nice to have choices, but too many choices can lead to indecision, angst and, ultimately, an unsuitable choice. Reading blogs and spending time on Ravelry can be a big help, but it can also exacerbate the problem by offering even more choices. (GAH!)
Let's take, for instance, the book "A Fine Fleece". I bought the book and loved everything in it, but wasn't sure if any of the sweaters would be right for me, my stash and MoDo. Then Anne knit Harriett, Amanda and she's now knitting the Trinity Vest. Every one of them looks great and her experience has answered some of my questions, plus I have several stashed yarns that would be suitable. To complicate issues, Elspeth knit Espresso in another yarn that resides in my stash, Rowan Felted Tweed. This just might be "the one" for MoDo #4, however, I also love Lily from the Twist Collective (which may be my all time favorite knitting magazine) and Susan's Tempest. Beautiful yarns are in the stash to knit both. The only way to have a real idea of what's next is to start swatching, see which yarn sings out clearly and tells me which sweater it wants to be.
This list angst just may be a monthly occurrence throughout MoDo and that's ok. At least I now know the undecided-ness of which yarn and which pattern is all part of the process, my process. If this is the way to find the path, so be it. The trick is to not start the process too soon, and yet, be ready for the next sweater when the time comes. Think I'll start statching today.
When I first bought A Fine Fleece I wanted to knit everything in it! And yet I haven't knit a thing in it yet. Ravelry makes me forget about my books.
Posted by: Carole | February 26, 2009 at 04:54 AM
I can't wait to see what you'll do next. Good luck deciding...I know whatever you choose, it'll be wonderful (Do I sound like your mother?).
Posted by: Brenda | February 26, 2009 at 04:57 AM
I've found that Ravelry has helped me a great deal in avoiding a bad marriage of yarn and project. That's a good thing, since my knitting time is severely limited by work demands. On occasion, I've fallen in love with a sweater pattern, only to look at the finished object in Ravelry for that pattern and not find a single one which spoke to me. Mostly, Ravelry has helped me find the sort of yarn which to me is most pleasing for a specific pattern. Enjoy your process, Margene!
I'll be at SPA this weekend. I'll think of you as I fondle the goodies there. Maybe your inspiration will give me the motivation to get a sweater's worth of yarn while there!
Posted by: Dianna | February 26, 2009 at 05:09 AM
Are you really suffering or is it nervous anticipation? Follow your instincts,grrrl. You have an ability to be dead-on when you just follow your own instincts. One thing you might think about is that you only have one pullover in your post and the others are cardigans. Of course, my advice is worth every penny;-P
Posted by: cindycindy | February 26, 2009 at 05:11 AM
You have some lovely choices there!
Posted by: Kim | February 26, 2009 at 05:36 AM
I'm laughing myself silly right now. Why? My post for today is also about the next MoDo sweater, and I'm also considering something from a Fine Fleece!
Posted by: Kristin | February 26, 2009 at 06:25 AM
I wonder which one will call out to you this time?
Posted by: Wool Winder | February 26, 2009 at 06:32 AM
I'm not sure to be sorry or not for leading you down the path of temptation. I have enjoyed everything I've knit from that book tho - and I KNOW you've got good matches for yarn in the stash.
But you should knit what really sings for ya. (You know that already!).
Posted by: Anne | February 26, 2009 at 06:33 AM
It all just sounds like The Process to me. And I like it. I like all this talk of sweaters amongst the MoDoers. It's inspiring.
Posted by: Vicki | February 26, 2009 at 07:17 AM
I'm almost finished my Marta, and thought that would be "it" for a while. BUT I've spent this morning what to cast on next! I probably should finish my Ribby Cardi before I move on, but the heart and head are telling me to move on. :)
Posted by: Norma | February 26, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Maybe you should roll dice or flip coins... ;)
Posted by: Chris | February 26, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Hmm, my mind doesn't work that way at all, which could explain why you've knit so many great sweaters while I've sat here frogging! And, like Carole, much as I LOVE "A Fine Fleece", not one sweater yet! I am working on a Lisa Lloyd pattern (from Wild Fibers), though, and using the yarn I bought for Portland...does that count? Can't wait to see what you decide!
Posted by: Marcia | February 26, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Amen on Twist Collective. They have so many great patterns over there! Espresso is cute, too, though. Good luck. It's fun to watch all these sweaters coming up.
Posted by: Kim | February 26, 2009 at 07:47 AM
You know I LOVE A Fine Fleece - I don't think you can go wrong. I really like Espresso...
Have fun choosing!
xo
Posted by: Nora | February 26, 2009 at 08:07 AM
This may be why you do not have as many WIP/UFO's as I do. :)
Wonderful description of the thought process leading to the knitting process!
Posted by: Margaret | February 26, 2009 at 08:08 AM
come on board... i know you want to join the 'A Fine Fleece' cult. ;)
Posted by: lori | February 26, 2009 at 08:14 AM
I have a slightly different problem. I've already identified the pattern and yarn combos for a bunch of sweaters. I just don't know what to work on next. But it'll be a while anyway - I'm still not even halfway through Thermal.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | February 26, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Lovely! Can't wait to see your choice, but I'm leaning towards Espresso and the Rowan Felted Tweed...LOVE it!
(((Hugs)))
Posted by: Knitnana | February 26, 2009 at 09:01 AM
so many sweaters, so little time
Posted by: Teyani | February 26, 2009 at 10:08 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing what you pick for your next sweater.
Posted by: Cookie | February 26, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I can't wait to see what you pick next. If I could just step away from my wheel, I might be able to actually finish one of the three that are on the needles currently. Or even sew up the one that has needed seaming for quite awhile.
Posted by: Mia | February 26, 2009 at 11:34 AM
You are always so wise and thoughtful (and thought provoking). All of those sweaters are gorgeous and you can't make a "bad" choice. I look forward to watching the process.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 26, 2009 at 11:42 AM
I had to laugh about not getting ahead of one's self - that's precisely my problem! You're right though, thinking ahead too much just makes what you're currently working on a slog.
Posted by: elizabeth | February 26, 2009 at 12:39 PM
All the sweaters you are contemplating are beautiful! I really like those in A Fine Twist. I think I may have to get that book. Thanks for the enabling (tee hee).
Posted by: Kristy | February 26, 2009 at 01:35 PM
I love your approach to all the sweaters! me, I'd probably start by thinking this would be a good way to knit those sweaters I've always wanted to... but you are so right, the right pattern and right yarn need to speak to you at the right time. I do like the sweaters in that book!
Posted by: lisa | February 26, 2009 at 02:17 PM