My love for top down knitting knows no bounds. I am struggling to think of anything I’ve made recently that doesn’t arrive on circular needles. And yet, I actually don’t mind seaming stuff. I know many people consider it a giant ball-ache, but I find it quite satisfying.
What I don’t like is keeping track of different bits and pieces. Even worse is the casting on, which is surely the devil’s work. I never get the length of the long tail right on long tail casting on techniques and I NEVER remember how many stitches I’ve done. A pox be upon it.
Gosh, this update is becoming positively mediaeval in tone. Verily!
Again, you beady-eyed types (why do you have beads for eyes, is what I want to know) will note that I clearly ran out of yarn for Cecily’s Bracken. She has red sleeves and collar. She didn’t mind, bless her beautiful heart.
This is such a fun, quick pattern to make. I know a lot of people have problems with the neckline and it does take a while to get your head around. But, in fact, my problems have been slightly different. First the neck is just very tight even with a stretchy cast on. I actually ended up completely re-making my youngest’s Bracken. I tried to unpick it from the top neckline (ie what is actually the “bottom” of the knitting), got horribly confused and just had to weep gently while I frogged the entire thing.
And second, I ended up with a very strange line of yarn across the front of the neckline where the extra stitches get cast on. I finally worked it out when I made my first one recently. I’ll share that exciting drama (and more!) in an upcoming post about the new one I’m making.
For anyone stuck with the neckline instructions, I can also attempt a tutorial. I know you’ll be on the edges of your seats until then!
The details
- Pattern: Bracken by Annie Rowden
- Yarn: Sirdar Crofter Chunky.