Take control of your knitting pattern

Cilantro. One of the most polarizing and divisive food ingredients known. I first tasted it when my Mexican then mother-in-law served me her homemade salsa. I didn’t perceive it as soapy, as so many do, but more metallic. It was unfamiliar for sure. I did grow to like it very much, and still find myself buying a bunch nearly every week.  

But plenty of folks hate the stuff and will simply skip any recipe that calls for it. That’s a shame because recipes are just suggestions and not the law. If you hate cilantro, substitute parsley or just leave it out. The cilantro police are not coming. You have to do you.

It’s the same with knitting patterns. You are not obligated to follow it exactly. That’s kind of the beauty of knitting your own stuff. 

I am thinking about this specifically for the Luna pattern we’re doing for our KAL that kicks off Wednesday. 

Lots of people have asked me, “do I have to do that cowl?” 

Of course not. It’s a super simple modification—just don’t work the collar as long after you pick in the neckline stitches. 

I’m making some other changes as well. Not big ones, but little changes based on my own preference. It doesn’t mean the pattern is wrong, it’s just that I prefer tondo mine differently. 

It’s a little scary to diverge from the pattern. 

Will it still work out? 

Will it be a mess? 

How do I compensate for the changes I’m making? 

These are legitimate concerns, but as you make more projects and get more experience, you’ll figure out what you like and what you don’t. With each project you’ll gain confidence in your decisions a learn how to implement your changes. 

The Luna sweater KAL is a great place to start. Join us on YouTube for the kickoff this week. Can’t wait to get started with you!

Warmly,

Ellen