The reluctant knitter - a dilemma

For this project, at least. Do you get those, when you hit a sticking point where you just can't go on? Having completed Hanami's 31 row repeat seven times, I was anxious to move on to the simpler straight knitting with y/o's disbursed at a reasonable rate.

It was easy enough but I didn't like it one bit, the y/o's leaving little ladders to form above each eyelet. I know I'm speaking knittish, so if you're here to catch up you might as well move on. This is heavy knitting content.

Paid a visit to Ravelry, that blog quasher, but very helpful in this type of dilemma. Most every Hanami pictured, especially those made with drapey silky yarns, had a severe laddering issue in the eyelet phase. Even the designer's photo illustrates the problem.

Frogged back a ways, about three hours worth, and to tighten things up a bit, tried a twisted stitch directly above the eyelet. Meh. the fabric is so slippy that the background tends to slide into chronic occasional unevenness.

Someone tell me what to do, it's exhausting and headache provoking. I go from picking it up thinking it's not so bad, and it really isn't, to maybe I should stick to the dreaded basket weave for the entire piece. Then I put it down and walk away.

Then I come back with a solution - I'll step up the frequency of the eyelets so there isn't as much contrast against the stockinette. Then I think, maybe I should bite the bullet and buy that new camera so you can really see what I'm taking about. I know, I should follow my husband's advice from way back, when I was his student of stained glass, "The artist is her own worst critic."

Did you know that one definition of dilemma is an equally unpleasant or undesirable choice?

Comments

[Chris]

I have no solution, other than to say, we often see more in our work than others. And really, once it is wrapped around you, how annoying could the ladders be? But, there again, we must be true to ourselves and our knitting. If it's going to bother you, try something else.

Gee, that was a bit of writing all to say, I have no idea what you should do!

[Bobbie]

But Li this is exactly the charm of Hanami. Visual cherry blossom petals falling through the air. What little ladder there is gives some indication of movement. And then there's the oft said EZ comment that all stitches look better behaved after a good soak. ;)

[Angie]

Can we look at it like tear drops or oblong petals and appreciate how well it mimics (imperfect) nature. If you really hated it, you wouldn't have chosen this pattern. Is it time to start the platitudes: Can't be seen by a man on horseback galloping past/ a blind man would love to see it? I personally think it's charming and a design feature rather than a mistake.

[L. Haley]

Hi! Saw your Herringbone Rib Scarf pattern on Ravelry - gorgeous! May I please have the pattern? Thank you so much!

[Lynn]

I think the stitches will even out after you soak it for a bit. I'm running into something similar with my project, the eyelets are a little wonky, but I know they will be fine once it's blocked out. I would finish it and if you STILL don't like it, you could give it to somebody who loves it.

[Rebekah]

I like Bobbie and Angie's comments, and I agree with them.

Did you know that "stressed is desserts spelled backwards." So I think the shawl is telling you to eat some desserts. :-)

[LisaK]

I think you need that new camera. It would help you realize you don't mind any laddering.

[Jane]

It doesn't seem so bad from here, and I agree that it will probably even out when you soak and block it. But I'm glad you brought the issue up, because one of these days I'm going to knit that shawl, and now I know not to panic when I see it happening to mine.