Am I the only person who feels compelled to change almost every pattern she sees? It’s not that I don’t like the original pattern completed, it’s just that invariably I see it with a slightly different ending. I recently began the Red Heart KAL. The pattern is Kate’s Shawl which is lovely. Very feminine with a charming pattern in the body of the scarf. First issue I ran across was the yarn I was using lost the pattern in the shawl proper so I started over again with just a plain garter stitch. The ruffled edging would be just as nice with this tweed pattern, I thought.
While knitting the requisite rows of the body, I gradually began to think about different edgings. The colors in the yarn made me think of woodlands so a ruffle just didn’t seem to be the proper edging for this slightly skewed project. I ran through my stock edgings, eliminating each one as I went for different reasons. The picot edging would be too small and out of proportion. The shell edging would be alright size-wise, but it didn’t seem the right shape for the lovely, woodsy tweed. Then it hit me…leaves! That would be the perfect edging for this shawl.
While looking through Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders edited by Judith Durant, lent to me by a charming friend, I found just the edging. I had a few iffy moments when I considered that it was in a sock yarn in the book and I was working with a much more substantial yarn, but all was well. I started my first leaf last night and even in dim light it looked pretty good if I do say so myself. What do you think?
So, I guess my question is, “Am I the only person who consistently changes patterns when she knits or crochets?” It would be lovely to know that I’m not alone.
Inquisitive Felines and Fibers 
You are not alone! A pattern is just a starting off point for me. Good thing too since they rarely work out for me EXACTLY. It’s a good thing I can make it up as I go along, be flexable and make a change here or there because I don’t think I have ever followed a pattern from start to finish successfully. Btw, the shawl is gonna be lovely!!
By: Ritaestelle Christiano on April 12, 2012
at 7:29 pm
Thank you. This yarn has been in my stash for about 4 years. Last winter when I decided that I really needed to clear some out I really started looking at patterns for the amount of yarn and project size. So far it’s working out well….I think. LOL
By: Mare F on April 12, 2012
at 7:35 pm
Neat! Looking forward to seeing it when it’s finished!
By: Ritaestelle Christiano on April 12, 2012
at 9:09 pm
That looks really light and cozy. I love the colours.
By: Lea Wisdom on April 12, 2012
at 11:39 pm
Thank you, Lea. I’m very pleased with the way it’s turning out.
By: Mare F on April 13, 2012
at 9:07 am
How to you say………………………..PERFECT 🙂
I love love LOVE it. Great choice Mare. I really think the ruffle edge would of been too “heavy”. The leaf in that yarn = perfect. I too am a pattern changer, that’s half the fun of it! I so can’t wait to see this in “person” hehehe
By: Jennifer on April 13, 2012
at 2:20 am
Thanks, Jennifer. I know that you are a changer, and you’re actually a great source of inspiration for me. You just jump right on into the fray and work your way through it. You’ve gotten me to color outside of the lines more. LOL
By: Mare F on April 13, 2012
at 9:02 am