WIP: teensy retro cardi

this is my progress on the retro cardi for an 18" doll by SockPixie.  i confess it has been a challenge, but like all challenges, it has taught me a LOT.  (remember, i am a mere beginner knitter and this is by far the most complex knitting project i have ever tackled!)

what i have learned so far:

1. how to adjust a pattern to my knitting.

i decided to stick with the size 4 needles i had on hand (even though i ordered some awesome knitpicks needles.  they arrived too late, although they arrived within a few days.  i was too impatient to begin!) also, i had heard the pattern ran a little large.  some people suggested dropping to size one needles, others suggested casting on 20 less stitches.  i ended up casting on 36 less stitches based on my swatches and the measurements of the previous little sweater. in other words, lots of adjustments, a lot of math and so far, it is working out.  i kept the placket and the lace bits the same, so the loss of stitches is most noticeable up at the shoulders.  i am counting on the sleeves improving all that! 

1a. charts help!

my friend, addreamy, charted this for me and it was very helpful for adjusting the pattern and keeping track of my changes.

2. for sanity's sake, do not just frog lace when preparing to rework an area.

no, no, no. instead, UNKNIT EACH STITCH.  it takes just as long, but you will be in complete control as you go.

3. love your yarn.

i started several times and landed on this gorgeous knitpicks yarn in tidepool heather and it makes me so happy to look at as i work.  a previous yarn was a kroy sock yarn that was a bit scratchier and variegated blue green--but with the inclusion of a few dusty colours that made the work look faded and sad. i didn't know those colours were in the skein until i got to them. the couple of black yarns i tried made me realize it would be way easier to knit in a colour and then dye the finished project black. when you are about to learn through frustration, loving your yarn gives you a boost of determination!

4. find more pictures!

search for other knitters' finished photos of your project and scrutinize them. it helps a lot to have a thorough understanding of what your line by line stitches are actually adding up to be. 

5. find a quiet, well lit place to work.

happy progress will follow!

6. sometimes, frustrated tears are just part of the creative process.  

actually, as an artist, i already knew that! ;-)