Gromit Knits!: Lessons Learned

Evening In Eden Wrap Key Statistics:

Design: Lynda Gemmell of Cabin Fever, the beads were my own addition and are not in the original pattern.

Date Started: February 27, 2005

Date Completed: April 6, 2005

Finished Size: 19.75 inches by 61 inches

Yarn: 6 balls of Katia Granada in color #12, 64% Polyamide, 36% Polyester, 140 yards/50 grams

Yarn Source: Frou Frou, Berwyn, PA

Beads: Lots of Czech glass "E" Beads, 6mm(?), purchased at A.C. Moore. Haven't calculated how many I used.

Recipient: Unknown, I hope they pay a lot!

In most companies any project is followed by a critical examination of what went well, and what went wrong. At many of the companies where I've worked, people were quick to take credit, but even quicker at tossing the hot potato of blame onto someone else. More often than not the process degenerated into more articulate versions of this familiar childhood refrain: "But he started it!"

Praise or blame is then assigned based on the prevailing political winds. Little is ever institutionally understood about what worked, and what didn't. Could that be why so many of the companies I've worked for have ended up in bankruptcy, or being purchased in industry consolidations?

Thankfully, knit blogland is more advanced. Any number of knitters describe accurately and effectively what worked well, and what didn't, in their projects. Others learn from this and avoid making similar mistakes. Here is my attempt to contribute to this higher level of discourse.

Lessons Learned -- Evening in Eden Wrap:

1) Beads slow you down--a lot. If working on a deadline, double the time estimated, and then add a fudge factor. You can make up the fudge factor, just use any trick that fools you into giving yourself more breathing room.

2) Don't work with a slippery tape yarn on addi turbo needles

3) If knitting with a synthetic ribbon yarn, make sure you take good care of your hands. Even if you can't feel any rough spots, the yarn will catch on any callous, dry skin or other unseen imperfection.

4) If knitting with a slippery yarn, on slippery needles, do not, under any circumstances, hold up your work to admire it late in the evening and then let go of one side of the needles. See Mystery and The 17 Row Solution to understand the consequences!

5) The ends of synthetic yarns can be finished by melting them. Do this very carefully, you don't want to send the whole thing up in flames...well sometimes you do.

6) Dry cleaners are your friends when confronted with a blocking challenge.

Later:

7) Beads add a lot of weight, don't overdue it!

8) Plan where you are going to put the beads ahead of time, or be prepared to rip out several times before you are happy with the results.

9) Show the work to friends and yarn store patrons while in progress, the accolades will keep you going.

I leave you with a blurry close up of the wrap where, for once, the beads are visible!

Comments

Thanks for the tips! It looks so nice; I hope it sells for lots at the auction!

Posted by: Diana | April 12, 2005 at 09:43 AM

Wow! That is beautiful! I love the shine of the ribbon yarn with the beads. I'm sure it's even more stunning in person. You did a great job. I hope it fetches a heavy price at the auction!

What were your blocking issues and how did the dry cleaner help? You got me curious.

Posted by: LouVFS | April 12, 2005 at 10:01 AM

It looks beautiful. I have a shawl that's been sitting around 1/2 finished for months now. Just because I dread working with the stupid sequins that are in it. They are so time consuming.

Posted by: Christina | April 12, 2005 at 10:15 AM

For everyone that reads this blog - this is GORGEOUS in person. You did a hell of a job Anmiryam!

Posted by: Hope | April 12, 2005 at 11:53 AM

I second Hope's comments! I, too, was lucky enough to see this masterpiece in person. (I told Anmiryam she should have kept it for herself and donated one of her other very fine creations!) It's beautiful!

Posted by: Anne | April 12, 2005 at 12:22 PM