02 October 2009

Good job you're not a surgeon!

I am making the Multnomah shawl for my husband's aunt as a Christmas present. I really like this pattern, easy and clear instructions (especially now I have got the "(yo, k1) 6 times" part straightened out) and very effective; and I like the fabric taking shape on my needles. So here I am sitting in bed happily clacking away, then, there's one stitch short, how come?! I counted back along the pattern, ah! found that I did one extra k2tog. So I unpicked the stitches to the culprit and started again... then, there's one stitch out, how come?!! I counted back along the pattern, ah! found that I did one less yo. So I unpicked the stitches to the culprit and started again, this time counting each stitch as I went... then, there's one stitch out, what the *$%#! "Agh...!!!" I shouted. My elder son came running in "What's the matter? What's the matter?" "Oh nothing," hubby said reassuringly "it's just your mum getting her stitches twisted again." (see, I do have understanding husband!) Anyway, I retraced the stitches one by one and found the REAL CULPRIT - I'd inadvertently dropped a yo on the returning row. So I unpicked the stitches once more and remedied the situation with my faithful crochet hook, "There! All done!" I said in triumph and happily resumed my clacking. "Good job you're not a surgeon!" chirped hubby cheerfully, "imagine telling your patient you'd messed up with the stitches and having to redo them, three times in a row!"

He does always know how to comfort me.