In the process of conquering Balsam

I can do it, I can knit Balsam!!

So, when I started this project there were a few snags. First when I was doing my long tail cast on, I had to redo it 3 times. In my infinite wisdom I thought that I was just way too good to measure my tail. So I would just guess. I got to the 80th stitch and would have to rip it all out again. Needless to say this was horrible on my like for the project. After the third time I was in such a fluster I got the garter stitch edge wrong. So ripping out had to happen... again. This was it. I was so disappointed I just couldn't do it anymore. Once I had about three rows on the needles it was shoved to the bottom of my knitting bin. I loved the yarn (Blue Sky Alpacas organic cotton) but I couldn't get myself excited to actually make it.

After getting the two Center Squares done and a scarf for my brother I was out of options. I turned back to Balsam. I was much more relaxed this time. Now I am about 65% through it! I love this pattern. I have made a couple mistakes and it's not perfect, but I am not ripping it back a 5th time. That would just break me, and the yarn would end up at the bottom of the harbor. Since I don't want the yarn to "swim with the fishes" I will just have to live with the couple snags. In truth I am enjoying it now. I may decide to make another one, in a different colour, in maybe a year, once I have really come to grips with this project. Once the pain is all really gone.

Here is Balsam... with some errors...

I have made some minor changes to the pattern already. I would like Balsam to be more of a summertime shoulder poncho. So, I only did the neck pattern once then I will continue on the increases until it is the correct size. I have also used a more summery yarn, with a looser feel so it isn't as warm, and more cool. I am excited about the colour and how it will turn out...

Oh and I have started stash additions... or rather a stash. I was at Tangled Skeins on Saturday and on a whim picked up some Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton in Azul for Latoya. I have been oggling this pattern, and also I just wanted more yarn. This is not good. I have a whole load of yarn coming from Knit Picks for the sweater for Dave... It is just taking way too long! I can't seem to control myself...