And to Mark, of course. I have mathsphobia. I know it’s stupid. I can actually count. I can multiply, and I can subtract. On some occasions, I can also divide without a calculator. I can work out correct change without a cash register, and have been known to split a restaurant bill, including tip. But ask me to change a pattern that includes increases or decreases, and I turn into a big girls blouse (not that there is anything wrong with a blouse, but it just isn’t me).
So Mark helped me. I may have been less than gracious, and a bit difficult to deal with. I was in pain, and I have this sore throat thing which makes it a bit hard to talk, and I wasn’t very able to explain what I needed, and what the limitations were. I think we ended up with a workable pattern, but then I took it to Rubi + Lana’s and stuffed it up.
Sally checked our calculations, and looked at my knitting, and looked at my neatly marked up pattern notes, and helped me to determine that while I had my rows checked off as if I had done them correctly, it wasn’t possible that I had done them correctly after looking at my knitting. I contemplated crying, but that would be embarrassing. Sally makes up her own garments as she knits. There were other very competent and wonderful knitters there. Pamela was there.
Pamela made this. There are much better pictures, and a thorough explanation of why it wouldn’t do to cry in front of Pamela here.
Meg suggested that I do it like an all in one garment – ie, in the same manner that I had started. She explained the basic concept, we agreed that the decreases should be a little less frequent, for a not so steep angle, and I was on my way. After far too many knits and rips…
Saturday, I finally got some washing on the line (thanks Mark!), saturday night, the heavens opened, and we finally have some water going into the dams. Hooray! I should wash more often.
Today, it was Courthouse day, and though I feel a little guilty for using a little emotional blackmail to get the crowds out today, it was wonderful to see so many people, and I thoroughly enjoyed my last Sn’B as an unemployed person.
Tomorrow, employment.
Disco Knitter 
What is this pattern that has you almost in tears?
I admit that decreases and increases – especially of the sleeve and raglan kind – are anathema to me but by making my increases obvious (Knit stitch front and back)I’ve been able to keep track of the little buggers.
Good luck with it.
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It’s the “Baby’s First Tattoo” from Stitch ‘n Bitch Nation – but I am knitting with Zara, and the pattern calls for baby yarn. I knew I would have to modify it, but I never expected it would be that hard. I have knit the first sleeve now, once the second is done I will join and cross everything and hope that it works out. If it doesn’t, I will cry.
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Of course the only reason it wouldn’t do to cry in front of me is that I’d only end up in tears too.
Mind you, I was the one who showed up on Saturday with a shawl which had all the lifelines still in place, and the remaining ball of yarn still attached even though its technically been off the needles for a while now. There’s confidence for you… 😉
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