Sunday, January 31, 2016

Knitting patterns are child's play......are they not??

A long, long time ago, when the woolly mammoths roamed upon the earth, my mum taught me to knit. She also taught me to read knitting patterns. Is it only me who found those vintage patterns of old, easier to read than some of those of today??

Way, way back then, one could sit and relax and read the instructions in each row. Each row contained all the instructions of the pattern for that row, without having to don one's explorer hat and slash through the jungle of the written instructions, in search for each section of the pattern within that row. Sometimes one needs to turn the page as the Patterns from A to 'Zee' are just too lengthy!! I mean really, my brain pan is muddly enough.

It's not that the patterns are misunderstood, it's just that my eyes and brain have to perform major calisthenic feats to tie in the individual patterns into the one row. Oh......and then, Pattern A might only consist of ten rows, Pattern B...16 rows, Pattern C....8 rows, Pattern D....24 rows etc etc, sometimes leading me to Pattern Zee.......forever counting, forever wondering what blasted row I am up to within that pattern!!!! I suppose the positive thing is with all the cranial gymnastics happening I won't slip down the path of cognitive degeneration anytime soon; that is of course if I don't go stark raving mad from the hyperactivity of it all and end it all by falling on my sword knitting needle.

All I want to do is sit and  pick up my two knitting pins, unravel a ball of wool and clickety clack my evening away in a relaxing manner. I don't really want to take 20 minutes to finish a row. But then, I suppose if knitting patterns were written in the manner I prefer, I would be overcome with back problems of gigantic proportions, carrying around a tome somewhat akin to those family Bibles of old! A note to myself......"suck it up Kim and just get on with it!!!!"

Anyway.........I have decided to knit a jumper in readiness for Winter. Although at the moment the weather is quite warm here at the bottom of the world, it won't be long till Old Man Winter sneaks stealthily around the bend in our country road, forcing me and all the other inhabitants of this rural outpost to be clad in our winter woollies to ward off  'His' bitingly, freezing breath.



I have chosen this lovely mint green, 10 ply Aran wool. The brand is Royal and it is wonderfully soft and warm.

The pattern for my jumper is a lovely Debbie Bliss one dancing with glorious aran patterns. Alas....unfortunately for me, it is a pattern where I have to gymnastically jump from one pattern to another to knit each row. Aaah.....such is my life.



To make my knitting days and nights a little easier I have written out the odd and even rows onto a piece of paper to help with the taxing of my peabrain! I also photocopied each pattern onto one sheet, soooo much easier than referring to the pattern all the time and turning page after page, adnauseum.

I don't know what it is but I always seem to select a pattern which takes an age to knit. The bask took a wee while, but persistence paid off, finally advancing to the FUN part; the myriad cable patterns.



My pea brain is a jumble of RT, LT, MB, C3, BC, FC, C4B, C4F etc etc........but I do love aran knits and I do love the challenge of them, even though they do take me an age to knit.





All that woolly texture is looking mighty purty, if you ask me.

Now then, you really didn't think I would not sneak in a rose or two, did you?? After all, it is the peak of Rose season down here and I again, wanted to impart a sense of summer to you lovelies whose tippy toes are a little chilly. I just wanted to warm the cockles of your li'l hearts.












Enough of this chit chat! Time to enjoy a little more knitting and a cup of tea. Time for some more mental gymnastics. Check back in about six month's time....perhaps, just perhaps this knitted woolly, oozing with aran loveliness, will be finished.....one never knows, sometimes, just sometimes, miracles do materialise in a small country town.


Until the next time.......


Linking up to Janine's, Wool on Sundays and Stephanie's, Roses of Inspiration.

61 comments:

  1. So here I am nodding and agreeing with your comments thinking about my knitting efforts and then - Wham! Bam! It's an Aran. Yikes - I'm thinking one row knit, one row purl. Aran was and will always be well beyond my skill set. Your jumper is lovely.

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    1. So, so glad I am not the only befuddled one in woolly land. You would be surprised, Ann, just how easy Aran knitting is....after of course, one ploughs through the instructions. My mum always said that knitting is just 2 stitches, knit and purl...."easy" she said..... and the one thousand and one ways you can use the knit and purl. Thank you for stopping by....I hope all is well up there. Kim Xx

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  2. I absolutely love the color of yarn you're working with! My knitting consists of knit and purl and I am at a loss in even trying to read any of the knitting patterns I've looked at. Your jumper is going to be beautiful with that pattern. The roses are beautiful too!

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  3. The beauty of your photography is just amazing! Those roses look as if you could reach out and touch them! Have a beautiful week!

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  4. I so love Aran knits - just something warm and winterish about them. Such a gentle colour colour to wrap around yourself Kim - and I think you will be wearing your creation come winter time - you are cruising along beautifully with it!

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  5. Lovely wool will be a nice cosy jumper but I agree modern knitting patterns are confusing.
    Merle............

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  6. Oh my beating heart!!!!! Finally.....I am not alone. Three cheers to you for your honesty about some knitting patterns these days. I totally agree with you about the instructions....you need a degree in engineering and the sciences. lol There are so many patterns out there that are more along the modern feel and would be so yummy to make, and like you, I can't understand them. I have been knitting since I was a little kid and I'm now 53 years young....I have much trouble following some knitting patterns. Half the time there is no indication of how many stitches one might have to have on any completed section of knitting. Even the abbreviations are out of this world. When I see ssk I just shut the book. Why don't they say knit 2 together or s1, k1, psso? I'm gonna stop banging on now. lol Lovely knitting by the way, The colour and design of your knitting is just awesome and I can see why you'd want to get in early for the winter season. It would be quite a project if you were reading from an older understandable pattern (oops! lol), but even a longer journey on the path you're taking. If we don't hear from you in six months, we'll send a search party out for you.
    Hugs, Anita.

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  7. I love the color you chose, it is so pretty. I tried knitting one time and fail miserably. I than tried crochet and I was good at the single stitch. I guess my brain does not work well when it comes to those crafts.

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  8. Your wool is beautiful Kim .. I especially adore that gentle colour. Your pattern for the jumper is rather gorgeous too. Oh how I wish I could knit like that but I was not blessed with the knitting gene & a square cotton washcloth is about my limit. Your roses are still looking beautiful too ... our gardens here are succumbing to summers dryness. x x x

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  9. What a beautiful color! I don't knit myself, but it looks like a difficult pattern. It's pretty.

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  10. Oh my, oh my, oh my! The color and pattern are imply glorious, my friend! Do we get to see it on you when you're done? {{smiles}}

    How I wish I knew how to knit or crochet. Looking at your pattern is like trying to read German! :)

    Enjoy, sweet friend! Love and hugs!

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  11. I am always in awe of those who knit such beautiful things. I love the color and the pattern...such lovely work. The TOOTLES made me laugh.

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    1. Thank you, Linda, you are very sweet. Kim Xx

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  12. The problem with aran patterns is that it is difficult to knit and watch TV at the same time, at least for me. Love the colour wool, so pretty.

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  13. Wow, that is so impressive, beautiful! I can knit, and if I really concentrate, purl. What you are doing is so beyond my comprehension, gorgeous! I cannot seem to get the alphabet soup of patterns.

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  14. What a beautiful post! I've never learned to knit but do crochet a bit. I've never made a sweater but LOVE the one you're making. You're very clever to write out the pattern on one page to make it easier to follow. You should publish it! Those roses are gorgeous and such a treat to see. We're having warmer weather here today but snow is in the forcast for later in the week. Your roses brightened my day! Keep us posted on your sweater project. Zenda

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  15. You have chosen a gorgeous pattern, Kim. And I love the yarn. I usually knit or crochet in company or in front of the TV so I try to go for patterns that don't need constant counting :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  16. That pattern is beautiful and the color so versatile. (I always love your pictures) Happy knitting.

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  17. How gorgeous! I love Debbie Bliss patterns but have only made them for my kids : ) you are much faster than you think Kim. I will look forward to progress shots. If you were near me, I would have you in a comfy chair, sipping tea from a Hexie teacup, and knitting sample swatches! Payment would be done in yarn currency of course : )
    Blessings on you my dear lady. I am off to knit a few rows

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  18. Love, love, love that beautiful pattern and sweet color blue.
    I learned to knit at school and since then I have knit so many jumpers for my kids and myself.
    Hugs, Loes

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    1. Knitting for kids is such fun, isn't it. They are small and knit up ever so quickly. Thank you for visiting my little woolly part of the world. Kim Xx

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  19. Just found your blog, really enjoy reading your interesting posts. The roses are beautiful and your knitting is superb.

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    1. 'Tis lovely to meet you, Cheryl. Thank you for your lovely comments and it is a delight to have you visit my little part of the world. Kim Xx

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  20. That yarn is beautiful. I admire your skill. I'm currently knitting my very first jumper. I started a couple of weeks ago so that I would at least have a chance of finishing it before winter :)

    Your roses are beautiful.

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  21. aaah - my idea of bliss. A lovely piece of knitting (albeit a very complicated one) and beautiful roses. What more could a gal want? (well chocolate and coffee should be on that list, at least IMHO!!)

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  22. Darlingest Kim, that is soooo very very beautiful. The colour, the cables...everything. But if I had to knit it, I'd break out in a cold sweat. Knit one, purl one. That's me. By the way, that teacup you sent me? It's my favourite and my darling girl makes me my post prandial tea in it (with rose petals and vanilla if you please) every night. Thankyou dearest. Mimi xxx

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    1. Sounds as if that teacup is being used for some very exotic tea, Mimi. So happy you love your teacup. I may break out in a cold sweat also, before I finish knitting this woolly. 'Tis lovely to have you visit. Kim Xx

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  23. A knitter I am NOT. Perhaps the only hand craft that actually BEAT me. But I do so admire the work others do and this is going to be lovely... "in 6 months or so" LOL. It will be winter by then and you will need it... I do love the picture with the window and the hydrangeas. Old windows and hydrangeas... you can't beat them.

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  24. Oh Kim this is just beautiful, I do agree with you though I get so frustrated with the new patterns too, but I have never tackled that stitch before, I don't know if I would have the patience but like you said to keep your mind active is what they say we need to do so you are doing it my dear. That is my favorite color of green also. Looking forward to seeing it completed. Your roses are lovely and it sure is something nice to see when everything here is dead and cold. Have a wonderful week!

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  25. This is just gorgeous. The cables are wonderful and your yarn is a most beautiful shade. I agree that old patterns are much easier to read. You've done a very good job of getting this one organised :)

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  26. Gorgeous pattern and colour, in my opinion you're doing a masterpiece, my darling Kim, bless you !

    May your week be filled with so much joy, good work, sweetest friend of mine !
    Sending so much love to you
    Dany

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  27. That is going to be one GORGEOUS sweater! I don't know about older patterns, as I only learned to knit in the past few years. But I do hate to have to turn pages when knitting a pattern. It would be better if we had a third hand, right? I only like to put down my knitting needles to take a sip of tea ;)
    Beautiful roses too of course Kim! Enjoy your week.
    Wendy

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  28. Quanta delicadeza nesse trabalho! Adorei o tom da linha.
    As flores também estão belíssimas.
    Vamos aguardar cenas dos próximos capítulos...

    Abraços,
    Márcia.

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  29. Good grief, this is incredible beauty! For one thing, I love the color. And then all that cabling! Just gorgeous.

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  30. Ohh its absolutely gorgeous! My favourite colour too! I'd say you're well on the way to finishing it before winter's arrival! All those cranial gymnastics are worth it!
    Have a wonderful time!
    Christine

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  31. what a BEAUTIFUL pattern in the sweater, so many intricate details. the color is so soft and pretty and i like how you prepare the pattern for easier knitting. please share when it's done, what a beauty it will be!!!!

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  32. What a lovely colour your wool is, and as for the pattern...wow!

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  33. Well, my pea brain has a hard time understanding anything other than a simple knit one, purl two! Your creating something quite beautiful dear Kim! Why am I not surprised?? Your talents are unending! Your beautiful roses are such glorious colors and they look stunning beside your mint green yarn. Happy February!

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  34. Good morning Kim,

    Wow, this post IS inspirational! Although, I do not think that I will ever knit a stitch. It really seems overwhelming, and I am deeply impressed by the courageous souls, such as yourself, who brave the daunting task of knitting sweaters and the like.

    I do so love the roses, and the color you have chosen for your jumper.

    I look forward to seeing your finished project :)

    Happy knitting~
    ♥Hope

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  35. Wow! The pattern you chose is absolutely stunning Kim! And the color adds to its attractiveness too. I haven't picked my knitting needles for eons now. Completely taken by crochet :)

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  36. What a chuckling delight it is to visit you dear Kim! Oh your new sweater is going to be absolutely fabulous! The color speaks to my heart, oh how I love aqua! I know nothing about knitting, but it gave me a headache just to hear about having to read those patterns, oh my! Good luck my friend, and I hope you are able to finish in time before ole' man winter shows up :)

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  37. No one has the touch of putting colors together quite like you. Your post are always so bright and cheery. You are on the start of a beautiful knitted sweater. Such talent you have; in so many ways!

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  38. Look at those cables! Beautiful knitting!

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  39. Haha! Yes, there is definitely a fine line between an overworking brain and raving lunacy! That pattern is gorgeous and looks like you did a great job simplifying it. The yarn is so soft and lovely, Kim, you must feel happy just looking at it.

    -Soma

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  40. Oh my gosh, did you ever warm my heart with those roses! We are buried in snow here still. The groundhog did not see his shadow. That means an early spring, but he's not convincing me. lol! Knitting is child play for you, but I only tried knitting once as a teen and have never learned to read a pattern. :( That yard color is absolutely gorgeous!! Can't wait to see it completed.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  41. Well, it is certainly turning out to be the loveliest of sweaters! The color is wonderful - like a Robin's egg and against those gorgeous roses, I think I could easily say this post is the most beautiful eye candy! It looks like you have worked out the pattern quite nicely despite the difficulties. xx Karen

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    1. Thank you so much, Karen, for your lovely comments. I must admit I am loving this lovely soft wool and colour and the lovely texture of this aran knit. Kim Xx

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  42. I love that Duck Egg Blue Colour, very pretty!

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  43. What an intricate pattern !!!! But so beautiful !!!!! And the color ? Perfect !!!
    Gorgeous roses...
    Have a lovely day !
    Anna

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  44. Hello Kim! Your knit is fabulous! I love the color and yarn! The pattern is absolutely amazing. I also love to knit and without any doubt is a good way to relax and an excellent mental gymnastic. Visiting from Roses of Inspiration Link Party.
    Have a wonderful rest of week!
    Hugs and love from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  45. Oh my, gorgeous! Love the colour and I have always loved doing cables. You make me want to start an Aran right now! Although I am participating in a mystery cable challenge with my local woolly friends, something to decorate our town which remains a secret until it is put up. Look forward to seeing where my knitting ends up! Happy knitting; it is looking amazing.

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  46. Oooh....your mystery cable challenge sounds rather intriguing. I can only hazard a guess as to what you are up to. I can't wait to see your town resplendent in cables. Thank you for visiting, Jayne. Have the most wonderful weekend. Kim Xx

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  47. Beautiful color and pattern!!! I love these type of sweaters...I mean jumpers.

    I have learned to make my own personal "cheat sheets" with newer patterns...my poor little pea brain can only take so much stress!!!

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    1. It seems, Oliva, that there are a few of us with pea brains who need to write out our own "cheat sheets". They certainly help the mercury on the stress barometer stay low. Thank you for your lovely comments. Have a great, great weekend. Kim Xx

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    1. How lovely to have you visit, Soraya. It is a delight to meet you. Kim Xx

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  49. Oh, dear Kim! You had me giggling throughout...you do know how to write things that will make others smile - just what I like! I love the jersey you're busy knitting...and that colour is simply gorgeous! I am looking forward to cooler days when I can pick up my knitting needles and start clicking away...not quite sure what I want to make, though as my skills are not what they ought to be!
    Sending you a great big hug...enjoy your weekend!
    Oh, and I am celebrating this delightful month of love with a little giveaway and thought you might like to join in the fun, should you wish to!
    Hugs!
    Kelly-Anne

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  50. Hi! Kim! My name's Nina, visiting you from Portugal . I found your blog by chance and I'm so happy I did. Your writing is absolutely fabulous! My pea brain is unable to read those knitting instructions, too. So my knitting is a very simple one. But I reaaly enjoy your writting.
    Lots of hugs
    Nina

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  51. So happy to have you visit my little part of the world, 'tis lovely to meet you, Nina. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Kim Xx

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  52. My sentiments exactly which is why I don't knit large items. I'm constructing some fingerless mitts at the moment and knitting them in tandem on the same set of needles so I only have to traverse the pattern once. No flies on me!!. Hugs ValeryAnne. p.s. You don't know how long I have been waiting to be able to leave commnets on your lovely blog!!

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