One Too Many Mistakes

I started this Tulips and Rosebuds Baby Blanket for Ryan's newest family member. Though a bit complicated, the pattern is a fairly straightforward combination of yarn overs, increases and decreases. No big deal. And I've used Fiber Trends patterns before. This particular pattern, however, highlights one of my weaknesses: when the stitch count changes, I depend on the pattern to tell me how many stitches I should have at the end of each row. Granted, this pattern did warn that the stitch count would change, but that was the end of the helpful advice. When I finished with the tulip border and started on the first row of rosebuds (after a number of rows), I discovered the stitch count was off and actually even discovered the missing yarn overs. I frogged back to the last row of the tulip border, added the missing yarn overs, and patiently proceeded.

When I started the third set of rosebuds, I discovered my stitch count was off again, this time due to a missing yarn over in the last row of the second set of rosebuds. Quite a ways back. And something had gone terribly wrong in the side tulip border. About this time my patience failed and on a whim I frogged the whole thing. The boys just stared in disbelief. At this point I should probably add that I work full time, have two teenagers and take care of my elderly mother ... so don't have a lot of time to knit without distraction. This pattern, I decided, requires more attention than I can give at this particular time in my life.

I have to admit, I've been spoiled by Deb and Lynda of Cabin Fever. Cabin Fever patterns have a feature that I love, the Reality Check notes. After a change in the stitch count, the notes on the pattern recommend a reality check, telling you exactly how many stitches you should have before proceeding. The reality check feature has saved me much time and frustration.

I've also done quite a bit of reading on the use of lifelines. This technique would have certainly come in handy on this pattern and might be something to consider if I ever decide to try something this complicated again.