I am really enjoying this — the recipe format of the pattern makes me feel like this is really moving along. I’ve finished the initial decreases, and am about to begin the increases (again). I snapped this picture because you can see the wavy-ness that indicates that I’ve done a bit of frogging. I did 4 of the increase row pairs using a basic M1 — lifting that strand between the stitches, and there is just no definition. I think I’d prefer to make these increases look like those on a top-down raglan, as it looked a bit funny to have my seam just disappear after the decreases. Things like these remind me of how much I am learning each time I work on a project. Last year at this time, I would not have even considered sliding 106 fingering weight stitches off a circular, ripping back, and putting the stitches back on the needle — no matter what the reason. Today, the decision to rip back was a no-brainer: I can make this look better. Why wouldn’t I frog 10 rows and start again? As I begin graduate school next week, I think I am going to particularly appreciate how visible progress and growth are in something like knitting, as I think my own learning and development as a scholar and teacher will be harder for me to see while it is happening.
I’m headed out on vacation this week, and I’m bringing yarn and needles for my own BSJ. I’m using similar colors to yours, for one of the three baby boys I know being born this fall. Can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
Yes, so true (and I love any way that knitting can be made a metaphor for life!). The BSJ looks awesome…I’m going to have to make one one of these days…