If something does not grow — or rather grows and then ungrows — can we say it is shrinking? This baby cannot get going!
The pattern is called Tea Leaves and is knit in Madelinetosh Yarn. The design is meant to highlight the hand dyed color variation and softness, which it really does. It is a simple pattern, but I can’t get it going!
Tea Leaves shown in Madelinetosh Vintage Worsted, Color Kale
I was well past the point you see here and was ready to split the sweater for the armholes. But my stitch count was off. Not just by a stitch or two mind you, but by dozens! I had missed an entire set of increases which were supposed to be done on the last row of the yoke. Oops. 
Okay. Rip back 5 inches of the entire yoke, which represents the back, fronts and both sleeves. I don’t mind. My mistake.
Now I am motoring along and actually get past the armholes and notice…a dropped stitch. Four inches back this time.
Okay. Rip back 3-4 inches of the back and both fronts. I do don’t mind. My %^^&&*^%% mistake.
This sweater is supposed to go fast. I should be done by now! But, it is hard to keep your mojo when you cannot seem to progress. I am not back to where I was and am finding it difficult to be interested. Ugh.
I’ll try to keep slogging, but one more rip may be the end of this one!
PS — Michelle asked, “The pattern said this is knit in the round? Is it steeked?”
The sweater is not knit in the round or steeked. Only the sleeves are knit the in the round.
Damn.
There’s really nothing else to say, is there?
Damn.
Comment by Cheryl S. — March 3, 2010 @ 10:38 pm
You know what? the color is gorgeous. The texture is wonderful. Not all of life is easy and knitting is… well, it’s like that. If it’s worth it, it’s worth the rip and redo.
Comment by Lisa — March 4, 2010 @ 12:04 am
OH, don’t quit! I just knit this and it is one of my favorite sweaters.
Your color is beautiful.
Comment by Eunice — March 4, 2010 @ 12:35 am
If it makes you feel any better, I have been racking my brain to remember where I saw a cardigan sweater with ruching in the yoke. Now I not only know where I saw it, I know the name and can favorite it in Ravelry. Thanks! (And I hope your mojo gets rolling again!)
Comment by kmkat — March 4, 2010 @ 12:56 am
Ugh, I know how you feel. I had to rip back Damson, that teeny, simple shawl by Ysolda Teague, maybe five times. Five! People were finishing them within days, and I couldn’t even figure out the ‘lace’ portion. Some time apart has rekindled our relationship, however, and now I’m speeding along. All that to say, maybe let the cardigan sit for a day or so and come back to it. It’ll click (and it looks great so far!).
Comment by Leah — March 4, 2010 @ 2:34 am
OH, do I empathize with the frustration. But please, please don’t stop! It is lovely, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Comment by Astrid — March 4, 2010 @ 7:19 am
Susan- If it can happen to a seasoned, if not hip and happening knitter like you- it can happen to anyone.
Comment by Lorraine — March 4, 2010 @ 9:48 am
I always think of it this way: If I was not (re)knitting this, and correcting my mistakes, I would be knitting something else anyway. I love the process of knitting almost as much as the finished product, and more in many cases.
Just re-frame (yes I AM a counselor 🙂 ) the process, thinking that you would be knitting something anyway. (we call this cognitive shifting)
It is and will be beautiful. Hang in there and embrace the frustration….:)
Comment by Cindy in Billings MT — March 4, 2010 @ 2:22 pm
this will be so beautiful when it is finished. the color of your yarn is amazing.
i have this sweater in my queue. now i wish i had your yarn.
Comment by dana — March 4, 2010 @ 3:46 pm
At least it is Madelinetosh you are having to reknit. That is some consolation.
Comment by twinsetellen — March 4, 2010 @ 7:28 pm
The pattern said this is knit in the round? Is it steeked?
Comment by Michelle — March 4, 2010 @ 9:52 pm
Sometimes they need to be put in a “time-out”.
Comment by Rebecca — March 5, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
I feel your pain! I’m still plugging along with the Green sweater, I think I’ve come to a better-fit solution. We’ll see.
Comment by Marie — March 7, 2010 @ 1:13 pm