My two goals for 2022 were to learn how to make sourdough from my own starter (read about that here) and learn some new techniques in knitting & crocheting.
I am a self-taught knitter & crocheter, for the most part. I’ve had friends and family help me troubleshoot some issues I’ve run into, but I’ve learned mostly from following videos & patterns.
I have made many hats, scarves, dishcloths, and other small items over the years, but have never tried to knit or crochet a larger piece like a sweater. I made my goal for the year to knit a sweater for Samuel. I figured the small size would make it a quicker project to complete, and it wouldn’t be such a daunting task.
I spent one week in January knitting, frogging, knitting, frogging, and knitting again, then after many groans of frustration, I completed my first sweater. I followed A Modern Homestead’s pullover pattern, and the instructions were pretty straightforward. I’m sure someone with more experience would have had this sweater worked up in a matter of just a few hours, but it took me just under one week to complete as a beginner.
This sweater was knit in Briggs & Little Heritage wool, in the colour Khaki. When I knit another sweater, there are a few things I’d do a bit differently. First, I probably should have chosen a wool/acrylic blend to be a bit softer on Samuel’s skin, but there isn’t much variety in our small town for yarn, and I wanted it to be warm. I’m going to try a couple of different techniques to soften it up (without shrinking, hopefully).
Secondly, I wish the sweater was just a smidge longer. It’s not too short for Samuel, and I actually worked up the next size up to make it a bit bigger for him to grow into, but it’s still a bit shorter than I would prefer. Next time, I’ll just add a few more rows to lengthen it.
All in all, I think it was a great beginner sweater project, and I am proud of it, despite its imperfections. I think in a way, that’s what makes it even more special. Samuel knew it was for him, because as soon as it was off the needles, he wanted to wear it. He’s proud of his new sweater from mama, and that’s all the encouragement I need to keep on creating.
