I've Never Thought of Myself as a Violent Knitter...
In keeping with my reduced functionality I have been working away on my Pinwheel Sweater during evening "Me" time. This has been a real pleasure knit because it's all knit stitch - about as much as I'm capable of by the time evening comes around! LOL!! So here I am, one evening, knitting away with my 36" circular and all of a sudden things start to get really slack on the left had side.... a quick glance tells me I'm in trouble because all I see are loose stitches!! Yes, I mean live stitches on nothing! Gingerly I lift my work and discover that there is no longer anything attached to the metal needle in my left hand! The stitches are now freely slipping off the end of the cord which is has broken off the needle!! Eeeeep!
After the initial scramble to recover the loose stitches, I realized that since the circ broke on the left, I couldn't even knit the stitches onto a new set of circs, not easily anyways. I ended up having to transfer them all backwards from the right hand needle. The only really bright spot is that I actually had a second set of 5.5mm needles to transfer to, except that they're only 29". I was afraid all those stitches wouldn't fit - but there is actually enough slack that I'll be able to finish the button band without too much congestion. In their defense, the 36" circ I was using is not new by any means but I certainly don't recall doing anything that should have caused it to break like that. Oh well, one new knitting experience to add to the book! LOL!!
In spite of everything I am now working on the button band of this sweater. I'm surprised how quickly it has come up to size! I have a really cool trim to use - I'll surprise you when the sleeves are done. It wasn't what I had in mind when I started the sweater but something discontinued I picked up from one of my business suppliers. I wasn't too pleased with the orange/brown/green/cream colors when I opened the box, but then I wasn't thinking about my sweater when I ordered it. Once I made the connection I was delighted. One of those fortunate flubs!
It looks genuinely strange on the needles (everyone asks if it's a bag or a hat - yes, really - a hat!!) I've measured it many, many times to be sure it's on track. In another round I'll have to decide where the button holes go - that should be really fun! LOL!! Another opportunity to play with the tape measure and the calculator!! LOL!! Maybe I should dig out some buttons first!! D'oh! Then off to the sleeves....
After the initial scramble to recover the loose stitches, I realized that since the circ broke on the left, I couldn't even knit the stitches onto a new set of circs, not easily anyways. I ended up having to transfer them all backwards from the right hand needle. The only really bright spot is that I actually had a second set of 5.5mm needles to transfer to, except that they're only 29". I was afraid all those stitches wouldn't fit - but there is actually enough slack that I'll be able to finish the button band without too much congestion. In their defense, the 36" circ I was using is not new by any means but I certainly don't recall doing anything that should have caused it to break like that. Oh well, one new knitting experience to add to the book! LOL!!
In spite of everything I am now working on the button band of this sweater. I'm surprised how quickly it has come up to size! I have a really cool trim to use - I'll surprise you when the sleeves are done. It wasn't what I had in mind when I started the sweater but something discontinued I picked up from one of my business suppliers. I wasn't too pleased with the orange/brown/green/cream colors when I opened the box, but then I wasn't thinking about my sweater when I ordered it. Once I made the connection I was delighted. One of those fortunate flubs!
It looks genuinely strange on the needles (everyone asks if it's a bag or a hat - yes, really - a hat!!) I've measured it many, many times to be sure it's on track. In another round I'll have to decide where the button holes go - that should be really fun! LOL!! Another opportunity to play with the tape measure and the calculator!! LOL!! Maybe I should dig out some buttons first!! D'oh! Then off to the sleeves....
Oh boy, that sucks! I'm glad you could get them all back on a needle. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Oh, we've all been there and done that. Try sending the broken needle back to the manufacturer, if you haven't ditched it already. They don't want the bad publicity, and we do talk to one another, so they may replace at no charge. You didn't mention the brand, but I'm sure they will appreciate the blurb for great customer satisfaction. I just wrote an email to Proflowers about the poor flowers Mom got for her B'day and they are replacing and with a $10 more item. It can't hurt to try.
I haven't heard of the pinwheel sweater. Is it the one with the circular back? I was in the yarn shop in Maine when the designer of the circular back was trying to figure it out. Yeah, I helped. If this is the sweater, have I got a story for you.
Doris
Doris I would LOVE to hear your pinwheel sweater story!! DO tell!!
EEEK, I had a circ cable come apart on me this week too! I only lost about 5 stitches thought when I caught it. Glad you got your stitches back on a needles... its a bit of heart thumper to look down and see that isnt it!!
No kidding!! LOL!! The last thing I needed with a house full of sick kids!!