Help with knitting choices again :}

Indecision time ha! Do you ever go through periods where you want to knit/sew, but you feel uncertain about what to choose? Or you suddenly second guess your choice?

That's me currently.

I purchased yarn for a shawl knit-a-long. I have always loved this shawl so it's not that I don't love the design. But I'm not *feeling* it. The KAL caught my attention immediately and yet, I don't feel a heartfelt connection to it either. Ya know? It's not a loss of knitting mojo, it's just feeling uncertain about whether or not I really want it right now. Wondering too if secretly I'm wanting the shawl in neutral color like deep chocolate...

Photo 1 is the yarn and color I'm using. The shade is Cinnabar, and it's a gorgeous, fiery heathered cinnamon red-- like Red Hots.

Photos 2-3 are the shawl. (I''m knitting a solid version not striped.) I knit the matching cowl last autumn, which is identical to this shawl, just a smaller version. So in a way, I already have this item. This could be part of my reluctance to knit the full shawl.

I don't have a lot of either shawls or cardigans/sweaters, so using wardrobe need isn't a clear guide. The yellow cardigan would be nice to throw over my chiffon blouses and sack dresses, so in some ways, more versatile.. But the red blouse would be relaxing to knit due to the predictable ribbing and would be killer for my body shape.

Any votes? Any thoughts?

Angie, you voted for the red sweater when I posted about my knitting plans for 2024, and I haven't forgotten

Sharan, do you have any sewing/knitting words of wisdom

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5 months ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I just LOVE the yellow cardigan for you (in your chosen colour). I think it will look fabulous over your dresses. Personally I think it would be more useful than a shawl, but YMMV.

Ket

Brooklyn, I do think a cardigan will be more useful than a shawl. I find a shawl very warm to wear, but sometimes not enough for arm warmth, especially with sheer chiffon blouses.

Staysfit

I vote for the yellow cardigan pattern. Very nice, plus it looks like it has a fun mix of cable, lace, bobble and stockinette stitch and interesting wavy edges. Lots of variety to keep your interest up and at least for me not something I would knit while reading or watching a movie. Needs some concentration. If you want a more mindless knit, than the red sweater would be my pick.

RobinF

I also like the cardigan. Since you have basically already made the shawl, the cardigan would be more interesting and new. Plus it is super cute!

Runcarla

I love the look of the red sweater, but don’t think the yarn you chose would be a good match for the style. It needs something that’s not variegated - whatever colour you choose.

The cardi gets my vote. I find shawls fussy, and they don’t stay put when you are doing - IYKWIM.

Jenny H

I don't have an opinion about what you decide but wanted to say that I can relate to the indecision/not feeling it. I'm trying to pick out yarn for a weaving project and am having a lot of trouble deciding on a path of action. I'm not even sure whether I'll be weaving a clothing item or a home decor item-- I keep deciding but then changing my mind.

April

I say either set the decision aside until you feel ready to make it (seems to be what you're already doing) or start something and listen to your gut on whether it feels right or not. Don't get super far into the project, just take the first step.

DebD

Active Member

Okay, I'm going to be the spanner here and say that the red ribbed sweater with the sun rays neckline is a show-stopper! And how long have you been thinking about it? Since last fall, at least. I can already visualize how stunning you will look wearing it with a pair of tailored pants, a flowy skirt, or over a slim-fitting dress. Also, I'd knit it in the red color pictured and save the Cinnabar yarn for another project.

You should decide whether you're more in the mood to knit a practical piece or one that makes your heart sing this time around. (If you go practical, I'd vote for the cardigan over the shawl, but I still say red sweater!)

Staysfit, Robin, I've had this cardigan on my wishlist for 2-3 years at least. So I'm glad to see others are loving it!!

Carla, you have such insight! I really agree: I'm not sure the current cinnabar yarn is a good fit for the red sunray top. To my eye, something about the heather texture kind of disrupts or distracts from the sleek ribbing.

Jenny, I appreciate you sharing your own indecision! I'm not alone I love that you weave. I learned to weave and was part of a weaving and fiber arts guild for many years. Weaving didn't really grab me, not sure why. But I appreciate weavers and woven arts so much!

April, you are so wise! I think that's probably part of all of my problem: nothing is speaking to my gut or heart per se. I need to knit a little baby sweater to gift someone. It's probably a good break until I decide what to do next.

Deb, you have such a memory! Yes, I put it on my list last fall and here it is.. nearly fall a year later ha! I really do want to knit that red sweater, even though it's not overly practical. Probably more than the cardigan after sleeping on the decision. I'm just not sure how it will look worn over my sack dresses, for instance. I own 3 pairs of jeans/pants (really need more), and a couple of pencil skirts that I didn't wear much. (For whatever reason, every lump and bump on my bottom was visible in the scuba material skirt even when worn with Spanx, and I found it horrifying!) So I think I'm worried it won't look great with absolutely everything. BUT... I'm not always great at visualizing things in my mind's eye. You can see it and that gives me some confidence!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ket, I'm sticking with the red sweater

HA! I had no doubts, Angie

Jaime

The red sweater - in red - would be smashing, but the cardigan is a great option too. You are clearly not feeling the shawl so why even consider it?

Jaime, you are so right <3 I love your forthrightness! I am considering a RED yarn for the sweater!!

Hooray! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to see the finished product!

Firecracker (Sharan)

I am not sure about the shawl or the cardigan for you. The shawl, for the reasons you mention, and the cardigan because I think a v-neck would be more flattering and chic looking with your dresses.

I love the red pullover for you--it's a striking design worthy of your smashing beauty. Really!

And I can relate to the lack of inspiration or the indecision. I feel it with sewing right now. I have fabric waiting to be made, and I have alteration projects waiting to be started. I am not in the mood to sew when it is so nice outside!

Sharan, I was wondering what you would say! It's funny... While I've had the cardigan on my wishlist for 2-3 years, I have actually never found myself "reaching for it" when it comes to casting on a project. While I wear turtlenecks really well, high necks like this one usually aren't my best. I think you're right about the higher, closed-in neck kind of obscuring my dresses. SO... I think the red sweater it will be! I know many Fabbers have voted for the cardigan, and I do love it. But I just don't feel it in my gut. Maybe I'll look for a similar cardigan with a v-neck!

So sorry you're feeling the non inspiration and indecision too btw! It is really nice summer weather! Sewing and knitting are so much nicer the other 8-9 months of the year when we're stuck inside. I did order some velvet chenille yarn to finish a throw for our new living room. I got down to the last ball and it's still a bit too short to be a comfortable throw for my tall family. So that will be a nice, mindless, yet satisfying knit. It's on huge size 13 or 15 needles.

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