Can you love all finished projects with the same fervor?  It is not necessarily the feeling of happiness I wanted.  I am not saying I am not happy.  Maybe, more undecided.    I have asked myself, what would I change?  How could I make it better?  or more to my liking?  more exciting?  And, I do not come up with any answers.  And, yes, if I were not satisfied I would not hesitate to rip the entire project out and start, again.  (I am remembering a time I ripped out an entire sweater AFTER wearing it a bunch of times.)

I must explain that I am not necessarily enamored with yarn and feel like I MUST knit with the latest fiber that has been introduced to the market, nor am I taken with the latest most popular design (not at all), or I MUST follow a particular designer (even though I do have my favorites).  I follow my heart.  And, that is what I did with this project having fallen in love with the pattern some 25 years, ago.  Yup, look at the date, Vogue Knitting Fall/Winter 1988.  Maybe, it was the wording on the pattern or the beautiful model with her striking pose, but imagine an image staying with you for 25 years to the point where you finally find time to work that project up!  And, then imagine having some consternation over it.  ugh

Not such an outlandish pattern, as you see above, nor is it your basic cardi with its elongated body meant to be 36 inches at the longest part in back for the smallest size; it does sport a curved front, high v-neck, and knotted buttons.  Having a nice open tweedy eyelet lace over-all pattern, designed by Carol Covington, I thought it classic enough while offering a bit of a twist of interest to make and wear today.  And, so I did.

I did eliminate the knotted buttons for a few reasons:  durability, changeability, and I did not like the method of knitting the band while picking up stitches along the outside edge.  I felt the ribbed band would gape in spots and when I attempted it, I did not like the way the two were joining.  I knitted the band separately with an edge of garter stitich (knitting every row) to form a selvage.  I then sewed the band into one giant loop, marking shoulder seams and side seams.  Placing right sides together, the band seam at one shoulder, and with the band slightly taut, I easily sewed (crocheted) it to the outer edge.  Now, if I want to change the buttons at a later date, I will easily be able to do so.  Also, to keep the band from stretching over those large buttons, I sewed snaps under the buttons rather than made buttonholes.  I am pleased with this method as it will keep the band much more durable than otherwise.

Tomorrow, the temps are to drop to the lower 60’s and I will wear this outfit.  Truly, the test of success (as much as my hubby might otherwise think it’s really HIS opinion that counts!)  And, after wearing a few times,  I will let you know how she goes!