In which I talk about finding a mistake in a knitting pattern and discovering that a designer is not only brilliant but a lovely person as well

My Kenzo, paused

After rushing like crazy to increase the chances of finishing Kenzo for my birthday later this month, I suddenly had to put it on hold. I discovered a mistake in the instructions. At first, I decided to give the instructions a try in spite of doubts. This sweater has a very unusual construction and the schematic didn't quite capture the shape of the section where I hit the snag - the final rows of the upper back. One of the pattern photos shows a portion of the back from the side, but I'd need a picture of the whole back to - maybe - grasp what I was making.

I retried it two more times, fiddling with the instructions, but nothing came of it.

So I messaged the designer, Olga Buraya-Kefelian, on Ravelry. I used to be shy about such messages. I mean, I honestly don't expect designers to have their patterns memorized like songs, but I thought that maybe some notes might have gotten jumbled in editing and she might be able to help.

It turned out a little more complicated than that. What's important, though, is that Olga sent me a really lovely reply and gave me the contact info for people at Brooklyn Tweed who could help me resolve the problem.

I got a reply from BT pretty quickly (thanks!). There is indeed a mistake in that section, so I'm looking forward to that getting resolved. I'll keep you posted here, on my project page. For now, Kenzo's waiting tucked away in a bag.

In which I talk about my reluctance towards end of the year evaluations, WIPs, and the challenges of pattern-writing

The women in my family impressed upon me that you need to take care of all unfinished business before the end of the year. So I remember the days between December 23rd and New Year's Eve as a frantic time, and, honestly, it was stressful and it didn't need to be that crazy. I'm entering 2013 with a full laundry basket (I hope that's not TMI!) and lots of WIPs. And I'm taking a deep breath to say that's OK.

I'm also in the midst of writing up the pattern for this cardigan:

Persephone's Plaits - pattern in progress

The cardigan belongs to a cycle of - so far - mostly sketches that re-tell the story of Demeter and Persephone.

To be honest, I'm find writing it up more challenging than I had anticipated. I also imagined that my project notes were better... clean up your act, past me! But I'm working on it, hoping to make it as clear and enjoyable for my test-knitters as I can. 

The sense of community that Ravelry, Knitty, and other online resources and meeting places have helped to foster is incredible. So much exchange, support, and inspiration! In lieu of a year summary or, worse, WIP finishing, I prefer to thank everyone who's gotten in touch or responded to my messages. Thank you for making knitting more interactive and adventurous for me!

Curious about the WIPs? Here you are:

Summer in a Bag

Summer in a Bag, or my take on Scallop of the Sea by Katie Canavan. I'm proud to say that I've won the pattern in a giveaway on Katie's blog, Under the Red Umbrella. I like the pattern a lot, I'm just taking it slow as new things come up. If you need a cute bag, this one's a great pattern!

Wrzosowisko

Wrzosowisko (Polish for "heath"). Pattern: Dogwood by tincanknits. (I have a tendency to read this as Tin CAT not can - analyze me, please!) Tincanknits had a great pattern giveaway and that's how I got the pattern for this baby blanket. I'm knitting this for my own selfish domestic needs, so this is more like a grown-up lady indulgence blanket, I guess. I'm waiting for more yarn to finish it.

Wintering [worsted]

Wintering, by yours truly, resized for worsted-weight yarn and knit as a gift. More to come on this topic soon.

And, as expected...

Kenzo.

There's also one UFO. One is not enough to take over the Earth so I'll keep mum.

HAPPY NEW KNITTING YEAR, EVERYONE!