When last we spoke, I was wrestling with decisions about seams. Alaris, my poncho-cape-shawl-wrap consists of a series of modules, all of which are constructed in the same manner and fit neatly together. In this particular version, the only variable is color.
Easy, right?
Indeed it is, so in one evening, the whole thing was seamed together and ready for the final stage (edging, weaving ends, blocking). The next morning, right on schedule, a little demon called "doubt" popped out from whatever corner it hides in, climbed on my shoulder and began muttering "maybes" in my ear.
Is it just me? I go through this phase on every project, questioning every decision from yarn type and needle size to stitch choices and color combinations.
In this instance, the main issue was module placement. I'd opted for a balanced approach and assembled the separate pieces in alternating colors (fuchsia, blue, fuchsia, blue). To test the look, I tried it on repeatedly, draped it every which way imaginable and concluded it worked.
Maybe, the doubting demon whispered, it would look even better if the like-colored modules were placed side by side. (Fuchsia with fuchsia. Blue with blue.)
You guessed it. After much internal debate, I buckled down and spent the next evening unpicking the seams freshly finished the day before, so I could rejoin the panels in the new sequence.
On one hand, this adaptability is one of so many things that make modular construction so appealing, because it's possible to add refinements and rearrange elements right up to the final stages.
On the other hand, a week ago I was sure this wrap would by now be completed and ready to block. Instead, it's still in the finishing stages, which can only be described as ... unseamly.
UPDATE
For those who've inquired, the Alaris pattern has been released. You can read more about it here. To buy it now, click here.
No you certainly are not the only one. I am in touch with two other designers and they say the same thing. It is part of the process and the creativity. It drives us nuts but in the end it leads to a better design. I know writers say they agonize over word. Personally I spend way too much time figuring out which clip art to use in the Mindless Knit Crochet group :>
ReplyDeleteWhew! Good to know I'm not alone in this. You're right, in the end it produces better results, but the process itself can be a bit crazy-making ;)
DeleteBit of a pain to have to redo it but I bet you'll be much more pleased with the FO once you're done. A bit like frogging I guess, sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and do it.
ReplyDeleteI do love the colours you've used, looking forward to seeing it finished :)
If it's niggling you then it's always worth pulling it out and redoing it - but I share your pain, I've pulled out great screeds of Kitchener because I knew I could do it better even though it pains me at the time!
ReplyDeleteIndecision! This is why I knit with one color at a time :-) I am sure it will look beautiful when it is done!
ReplyDelete