Ideas beget ideas

On modifying knitting patterns, KAL & design updates etc.

ON MODIFYING KNITTING PATTERNS

Modification of patterns is a subject that often comes up in knitting circles. Some knitters do not to modify patterns. ⛔️ Some knitters love to modify things and put their little twists into a pattern.

Modifying patterns to suit their own needs is an essential skill for a knitter. Over the course of their knitting careers, one should look to develop this skill. Analyzing a pattern and planning the modifications, if any, ahead of time is a good way to avoid wasting time, effort and money and to ensure the wearability of the item in the future.

I am not talking about patterns that were poorly written to begin with. If that is the only reason you are attempting to modify a pattern, think again! ⚠️

For the scope of this discussion, let’s consider a very well written pattern that you like and intend to knit. Even that might invite a modification or two. Why⁉️

Because, a pattern is (a realization of ) an idea and ideas beget further ideas. All ideas good or bad, can be inspiration for more. It is just the way things happen.

I think of it like buying a home 🏡 that mostly fits our needs, but there are still a few “home improvements” that have to be done.

Modifying does not diminish the value of the original pattern. There are a number of valid reasons to modify.

• Maybe you like a looser fit on a cowl.

• Or you have more yarn and want to use it up.

• Maybe you have less yarn and don’t want to buy more.

• Maybe your yarn grows on blocking, so you want to reduce some length in anticipation.🧶

  and so on…

In reality a pattern is not an ultimatum. It is just one of probably a bazillion ways to make something. It is just ONE possibility, that a designer envisioned and persevered until they realized it.

I might have touched upon the same point in this earlier post: https://craftdoodling.substack.com/p/recommitting-to-the-joys-of-knitting

Have you modified something you are proud of ? I’d love to read about it. 💗

CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES

I am currently working on writing this pattern and grading it. Can you tell what it is going to be? 😊

Design in progress..

I don’t have a full-fledged design and classes calendar ready for the next year, but I know the next few things I want to work on. I will share more about them as soon as I am able.

This week many of you had shared your projects from the ongoing CraftDoodling Designs KAL, Indie GAL and Ansh KAL at Fillory Yarn. I appreciate the support and feedback from you and please know that it helps me keep going. 💗

Memories from Ansh KAL, ended last week at Fillory Yarn :)

FEATURED PATTERN

This week, I am sharing ‘None of my own’ hat as the featured pattern. It is currently receiving attention and being made by Indie GAL participants in Ravelry. 💝 I published it a few years ago, but still remains a favorite.

None of my own Hat

It uses one of those stitch patterns that employs simple stitches to develop a complex look. You can find the pattern here on Ravelry.

OTHER THINGS YOU MAY LIKE

1. Books I read recently

📚The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

📚The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli

📚Fairy Tale by Stephen King (Still reading)

2. I enjoyed reading this one by Luisa Skinner, here on substack :

   Writing around the edges

Until next time,
Kavitha.♡

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