Let me start by saying that I am a completely amateur knitter. I do things my own way and am not by any stretch a perfectionist when it comes to knitting or sewing or probably most things. So with that disclaimer out of the way, I can share the perils of combining knitting and Netflix.
I know there are many knitters that can combine these 2 things with ease and come out with a perfect knitted item. But alas, I am not one of those knitters.
The Perils of Combining Knitting & Netflix
I decided to make a pair of fingerless gloves or hand warmers for my daughter. I pulled out some teal yarn that I had leftover from another project and got to work. The first hand warmer came out perfectly (or as nearly perfect as I can manage.) I was using what I call an “ish” pattern. I can’t recall where I got the original pattern from, but the only part I follow is the number of casting on stitches (or variations on it for different sizes) and the part for the thumb gusset. I make up the rest as I go based on how long I want it to be, how much coverage I want in the hand, what sort of stitch pattern I want to use and so on.
I will admit to adhering to this type of “ish” pattern following in many of my hobbies. I follow the basic directions or the “skeleton” and then I modify the rest as I see fit to fulfill that creativity fix I need. If I’m really honest with myself, I can admit that this probably springs from my independent streak flaring up. I want to do things my way.
Anyway the tricky part about my method is that I usually don’t really have a plan. I just keep knitting until it looks long enough. Most of the time I’m too lazy to measure and just eyeball to see if it’s about the right size. The really tricky part comes in when you have to make the mate to the pair of whatever it is: other glove, sock, sleeve, etc. Matching an “ish” is extremely difficult at the best of times.
But I decided to make it even harder for myself by binge watching my shows on Netflix while I knit. Now if I had been watching Gardener’s World (love Monty Don and that show!) on Britbox, I probably would have been ok. The gentle sounds of birds and Monty and other presenters talking about their gardens and plants–no problem–I can keep my focus. But when I am binging one of my crime shows on Netflix or Hulu, I am in trouble.
Actually, I’m not even sure how I managed to do that one since the thumb gusset is the one part that I try to follow the pattern.
The good news is that my daughter is not a perfectionist either and as long as I don’t show her the defects, she might not even notice. She will wear them and I will have the satisfaction of making something for her by hand. I like to tell myself that NEXT TIME, I will get it right, pay more attention, and not watch TV while working on a project.
But I know that NEXT TIME I will do the same thing. I will make all kinds of mistakes, get distracted and fall short of perfection yet again. I’m pretty sure I’m ok with that though. Part of the joy of creative pursuits is creating something out of nothing and so what if it’s not perfect! While not exactly beautiful, I still made something useful and I can live with that.
“Ish” Pattern for Knitted Hand warmers
I usually use sz 6 double pointed needles for a size medium and sz 8 needles for a larger size.
CO 32 stitches. Join for working in the round (swapping the first and last stitch when joining for working in the round made such a difference for me!). Knit 1 round. Work K2 P2 for as long as you would like the rib to be. Then switch to Knitting every round for as long as you want them to go up your wrist (or arm).
For the gusset: Knit 16, place marker, increase 1 (I increase with a knit 1 front knit 1 back ), K1, place marker, knit to end of round.
Round 1: Knit round slipping marker. Round 2: Knit round slipping marker. Round 3: Knit to marker, slip marker, increase 1, knit to next marker, increase 1, slip marker, knit to end of round.
Repeat rounds 1-3 until there are 13 stitches between the markers. Knit 2 rounds. Then Knit to first marker, bind of next 12 stitches removing markers. Knit rest of round. Next round you will need to join the stitches you bound off for the thumb (use the swapping first and last stitch technique for a more solid join). Continue knitting rounds until reaching desired length. I usually had another couple rows of K2 P2 ribbing at the top for added stretch in the hand. Bind off all stitches and weave in the ends.
