October 27, 2004
Armed but not dangerous
As you see from the button, I have joined the scarf Style knitalong. I think its pretty cool how you can choose anything you want to knit from an entire book. There are many scarves in that book I would love to knit and I just decided to start with this one. It's the cover knit. And for someone who thinks sleeves seem to go on and on, I sure know how to pick a pattern (k3p3 rib) that is a bit much for someone with longer than average arms.
I made the sleeves a lot longer than usual and it's such a cozy length for me. My office is always cold so I know I will be pulling them down as needed only leaving the tips of my fingers out whenever I need to use the computer. I may have gone a tad to far in length for some, but I have loooong arms and growing up always looked like I borrowed the sweater of a younger sibling and sported the 3/4 length way before it was in style. I am really loving this length at the moment (secretly, I think it is the fact that it makes me feel as if my arms are shorter than average that draws me into that look). I consider this another plus in knitting your own garments. Can't beat the customization.
I was really excited about this knit when I first saw it in scarf Style. I must say that my initial excitement was squashed a bit when I voiced that I wanted to knit this. "Who would knit that" is what I got (at which point it no longer became a group knit with increased potential for unwanted banter). Can't we all just knit along, lol? So for anyone with similar thoughts, I already heard it. I try to make it a habit of knitting what I want and usually have so many knits going that I just tend to leave certain ones aside if I feel any type of negative vibe headed toward the knits. It's just not worth the dialogue to me. In my opinion, the cover pic is beautiful and if I am not feeling the shrug look, I could always sport the wrap scarf look. And if push comes to shove (knit comes to unknit); I'll just rip it. Uh oh, am I explaining. Darn and I so want to be a BadAss.
The funny thing though is that with every little stab at this pattern I got, the more I knit on it. However there are so many "who would knit that"'s that I have knit in the past that I really enjoy that mere words aren't going to stop me from cast on, finish, or wearing for that matter. Here are just a few of many:
I love these knits, lol!
Interestingly enough all three of these items are reaching the point of being worn out. I've already worn my leg, arm, and wrist warmers this season. And can't wait to wear my sweat pants. I am actually thinking of knitting them in a less bulky material.
Now this is not to say that all of my "who would knit that"'s have all worked out to my liking. Believe me, there have been some ripping par-tay's for some that didn't measure up to my expectations. I actually have a scary knit perfect for Halloween that I need to photograph. However, even without a finished knit I have learned something valuable about knitting or at the very least "what not to knit" or how to knit something a bit differently. And yes, I am happy for you who know without knitting and ripping, lol. There are just some things I gotta try first. But I have to say, I have never seen anything that has made me want to discourage a happy knitter to go happily along with their knitting way. I feel it just a matter of choice and we are all at different points in knitting at different times and I enjoy my own at whatever place it happens to be and the places where others are visiting in their knitting adventure as well even if they are not places that I will be booking a ticket to anytime soon if ever (how about that for the longest run-on sentence ever). I have a pretty good sense of humor and really don't dislike any of my loved knits any less with the "eww, who would knit that"'s or the "real knitters don't knit with chunky yarn" or the "that is so ugly" patterns that I adore so much . Why exactly must you say that? Next time I'll have to ask. I have to say that my personal favorite is "you won't be knitting long, you go for the quick knits deary". Deary, who says that anymore? Regardless, whether my adventure is short or long, I have definitely enjoyed every knitting minute of it. I've learned something at every stitch. But I have to say that I am stomped. What do you say to that? Or am I the only one that get's stuff like that. I am a bit tired of the "hehe " and the don't know what to say smile that I usually deliver. It's just not so funny anymore. Hope I haven't lost my sense of humor. Or maybe this has more to do with me trying to give up coffee. Is it making me grumpy? Don't answer that, lol!
Posted by froggy at October 27, 2004 05:33 AM
Sweetheart,you knit what you want and ignore the rude comments.taste is such a personal thing and no-one has the right to tell you what to knit or wear.I think you always look great in whatever you make.
It's hard not to take personal comments to heart,but just try and follow your own instincts.
as long as you're enjoying what you're knitting and wearing that's all that matters.
x
YAY Froggy! I'm so glad ot hear (read?) someone speaking up for the freedom to knit whaever we want!! WOOHOO - I agree wholeheartly with your sentiments. We should all knit what we want, how we want,with what we want...it's supposed to be fun! Right? Oh - I love your snuggly sleeves! :0
Froggy, enjoy your knitting and feel free to knit whatever you want. It is YOUR hobby. There are people who collect stamps, isn't that weird? But if they love it, they should go for it.
And: I LOVE your T-Shirt!!!
Wow. I can't believe people say stuff like that to you. How totally lame. I think you should just roll your eyes and ignore them. I really think that if anyone makes the effort to say something mean about your beautiful craft, it says a lot more about them than it does about you, especially when it's another knitter, who understands how much goes into it.
I have seen a lot of stuff out there that I initially thought I wouldn't like. At first, I thought Lara looked like a bathrobe, lol. But now that I've seen a few people make beautiful, feminine sweaters out of it, I have thought a bit about making it myself! But you know, that bathrobe thought? It didn't go beyond "wow, I wouldn't knit that...interesting how they have different taste than I do." Why would it mean anything to me if someone chooses to knit and wear something I don't like? If I spent time worrying about things people wore that I didn't like, I would spend a LOT of time worrying. Different people, different tastes--that's what makes the world go round, right?
Anyway, knit on. Enjoy your gorgeous shrug. And pttthhht to anyone who says anything stupid.
I would knit that! In fact, I picked up that book last week and that's one of the patterns that really caught my eye. I think it's very cool. So there.
"You won't be knitting long"?! Gah! It's funny, though, yesterday I started up a garter-stitch scarf for my subway knitting and felt a little silly, like I'd "progressed" so much beyond that. But, you know, some yarns are made for garter stitch. Some yarns are made for 3x3 ribbing. Our tastes are our own and bully to anyone who makes us feel bad about it.
Excellent post Ms. Froggy. People worry far too much about what other people are knitting. It's ridiculous!
I love the scarf you are knitting from that book. So cozy. I almost purchased the book for that pattern alone.
Regarding giving up coffee, you are a far far stronger woman than I am. I'm a total b**** without my coffee.
Go on with your Bad Ass Knitter self, Froggy! I 2nd everything you say! (and I don't care what folks say--I still want to knit leg warmers for my goofy, silly and very much loved baby sister--ok, ok, so she's 26 y.o., but she'll always be MY baby sister!) Happy Hump Day!
"real knitters don't knit with chunky yarn"
I have to admit DEARY...that one made me laugh.
I am all for knitting what you want when you want!
If they don't like it...poke 'em with your US17's!
One of the main reasons I visit you is that I love your sense of style.
Being an Individual often involves telling nay-sayers to f-off, and meaning it. Needless to say, I recommend this approach.
:-)
Right there with you (and all the peeps in the comments.) I love that scarf and would be making it myself but my physique won't stand for it. So go on with your Bad Ass Knitting self.
Wow, I can't beleive anyone would say some of those things! Downright rude isn't it? I don't understand why someone would make the effort to say something negative. Everyone has different tastes, and wouldn't it be boring if we were all knitting the same thing? Knit on! :)
These people are just jealous - that's all. I agree with Claudia - tell them to F off, or better yet, what I say to rude comments is "Sarcasm/rudeness is not welcome in this conversation". The response? "Oh, I'm sorry" or complete silence. I've no problem telling people exactly how it is.
I'll try to make this story short - My younger daughter has this big ass blanket that she carries with her everywhere. So, when we were in Florida last July, she had it ON her, when she was sleeping in the stoller. This lady, who was quite far away, screamed to me "Isn't your baby hot in that blanket?" I then said "You take it off her, and let's see how she takes it" And of course, I had the hands on my hip, and eyes rolling. I think she got the picutre.
Nothing to do with knitting, but rudeness never the less.
Have a good one Froggy.
I never got why a knitter would want to discourage another knitter from knitting what-e-ver they want to. It's just a little bit egocentric to think that your tastes are so impeccable as to invalidate another's. It's a generic mean-spiritedness that has no place in the knitting world.
My response to those types (and you see a lot of them on the forums) is that if your knitting is so boring that you have to go focus and criticize someone else's, who's the one who really knows what's up?
Regardless, no one should have to put up with it, period. You're not grumpy, you just have your head on straight. And that is why I luff you.
P.S. My boyfriend adores your shirt and the Armed but Not Dangerous title, LOL.
I'm a little confused about the sleeves. I guess I'm the only person who hasn't seen scarf style but, huh? They are sleeves? on a scarf. Is it a shrug? I don't get it. Knit on in your cozy sweatpants and gorgeous Sierra neckwarmer (I have coveted that since I got Rebecca 24). Screw those people who try to bring you down.
Hooray for your knitter's manifesto, dearie! I'm with you all the way ~ including the extra-long arms. The option to choose is one of many appealing aspects of knitting. Stitch on!
We shouldn't care what anyone else thinks. We are not knitting for them...we are knitting for ourselves!!! Asking an opinion how it looks is our perogative if we want to. That's different.
I love the orange sleeves. It's a beautiful shade of orange. I like longer also. As for the kind of knits that we ask ourselves...why would I knit that?...I plan on making fingerless gloves for me and leg warmers for my 2 granddaughters this fall!! They are just fun and cool as gifts or otherwise. :-)
WHO is saying these awful, ridiculous things to you?! I've either been lucky or I just look like the type who would stab a stranger with a needle because no one's ever made a comment to me like that. And yes, I have happily knit some "questionable" items. I can't wait to see your finished shrug (makes me want to buy that book and make one for myself, actually). I always make my sleeves extra-long for coziness. I'm with you on that.
knit with your heart, don't let nay sayers get u down. you've got a great eye for style! 9and i'm not just saying that because we like the same things:) btw, laura @ http://individual.utoronto.ca/cosmicpluto/2004_09_01_ did the shrug, and it looks great. keep up the great knits.
Hey Froggy,
I liked that scarf, even ordered the yarn to make it (in green, though). Can't wait to see your FO. Tell those hatin' knitters to go to hell. :)
Froggy! Knit on Strong Woman! KNIT!!!
That's ridiculous for anyone to say something so ignorant and selfish!! See, I usually knit stuff for myself that's muted in color (usually gray *lol*) and very simple in lines, but that's because that's what I like to wear. But I just *love* making things for a few of my friends, because they love bright colors and eye catching designs and things that walk slightly on the spazztic side. I love them for being that way, and I love that I get to knit things that I normally wouldn't get to knit and that someone will love them.
And I'm with you on the extra-long arms and sleeves. I enjoy having my hands completely hidden until I roll up the cuffs ;) Any store bought sweaters are either 3/4 length on purpose or 2 sizes to big in the torso so that they are the right length in the sleeves.
Miriam
I have to say, I agree with what has been said. I'm one of thoughs selfish knitters. Mostly this is due to not every one liking my style. And the people receiving the item, aren't always as understanding about hand knitted items as they could be. I don't like the idea of spending my time making something that isn't going to be apperciated to the fullest. Those that are gracious and easy to please are the ones who get knitted gifts from me. My sister and I live together, and we have very different styles. She makes fun of what I knit, and I make fun of what she knits. But that's sisters for you. We do agree with some patterns, but never in the same colour. And we can apperciate the time and effort that went into those knits. Knit what you want, when you want, with what you want. Why not knit with chunky, if it gives the effect you want? Individuality rocks, and the personalization of knitting is the best part in my mind. I Love knowing I get to wear something no one else will have. Another reason I don't like to give stuf away, lol.
Do what makes you feel good, it won't hurt anyone else.
You knit beautifully and obviously enjoy what you knit, too. Consider the source! Knitting (or any art) is about pleasing the self. It feed your sense of style and artistic need. Knit on..and enjoy every stitch. Living well (knitting well)is the best revenge!
People are whacked, aren't they? Knit what you want when you want. I thought I "should" be making more "interesting" knits--more colors, more stitch patterns, more elaborate, etc. But guess what? I LIKE simple stitch patterns. I LIKE simple designs. I LIKE solid colors and not too many of them. (If I wear more than 3, I start to feel a little queasy.) Does the BadAss Knitter mantra include not explaining to ones self? ;-)
Excellent post, you BadAss Knitter! I'm apalled that people would say (or even imply) things like that to you! Poke 'em in the eye just for opening their mouth. I just bought that book yesterday at lunch and that shrug is going on the list of to-dos! I'm all about turtlenecks and long cozy sleeves--it's made just for me (and you, apparently).
Great post!!! You know, I just realized that if you knit all the "who would knit that" stuff, then you'll never find yourself wearing the exact same thing that everyone else on the planet is wearing! And that can't be a bad thing! I'm always afraid of that - of running into someone who's wearing the same knitted thing I just finished, and of course theirs will always look WAY better than mine! So you knit on girl, and if anyone makes fun of your choices, poke 'em in the eye with a big 'ol 15! :-)
Snotty comment: "Who would knit that?"
My Response: " I would...I am looking forward to choosing the yarn and working on it."
Alternatively-I have tried the gentle hint approach--"Since I am certain that you do not mean to insult me by implying that I do not have good taste, perhaps you would be willing to tell me what it is about the pattern/design that bothers you." This can be a forum for discussion, sometimes it is just that they are reacting to the color or responding to the fact that it would not look good on them. IMHO, color is a matter of personal preference so really nothing can be said about that. We all have different body shapes and what looks good on one body type may not look good on another so IMHO, we should be driven less by fashion and more by what will look good on our particular frame.
Okay, I am getting off of my soapbox now :)
if it makes YOU happy... that is all that really matters:)
storm
I have met SO MANY of those ignorant knitters at the yarn store I worked at, you wouldn't believe it. I don't think they have any idea how ugly the face is that they invariably make when they say this. I usually say I'm going to make it and rhapsodize about the virtues of the style, even if I'm not making it or don't like it... I'm inherently perverse and hate that kind of close-mindedness. I really love the piece you're making, it looks awesome so far. I've been trying to figure out a way to make that garment work for me. :)
First things first: I *love* that scarf/shrug! I really do! I am a sucker for things that have multiple uses. I may have to check that scarf book out!
I am apalled that people make those remarks to you. I am fairly new at knitting and don't find many chances to knit in public, but I'm sure I would hear the same things. I have heard similar things regarding other forms of art I have tried. Some people have to tear other people down in order to feel better about themselves. It sucks. It's so shallow. They just don't "get it", if you know what I mean. I would tell them to f*** off....But that's just me. Maybe use a more polite way of telling them that ;)
It's a matter of preference. Take Knitty's summer edition, for example. Interesting stuff, not everyone's style. No harm there. I think it's about the way a comment is given and its intent. If someone gave my knitting a rude comment, I'd be inclined to return it with a zinger. And then smile ever so sweetly. Knit on Froggy!!!
I am so happy that you talked abou this! I don't understand why anyone would be negative about someone elses knitting. If you are happy, you go for it! Phlert (a big raspberry) to those who are being ugly.
i can't wait to see your "scarf" finished. that one is on my list after the ruffles. i heard the same things about it and that's why i picked ruffles first. are you using the recommended yarn? (btw... thanks for your comment on my ruffles!)
Knit it, Girl!
(Ooooh, who's hosting the scarf style knitalong? I want in!)
HALLELUJAH! What a great post. Thank you so much. I don't get the knitting snobbery (yarn, patterns, blogging, shops, etc,), and I hope I never do. I saw a comment where the person said that they only wanted to knit things that other people would rave about...I was afraid to blog because I figured I'd be subjecting my perhaps not-blogworthy knitting choices to derision. :-) But, hey, who cares! Let's all knit what we enjoy, and encourage each other along the way. Thanks as always, for the inspiration!
Wow you've benn a busy little lady!!!!
Love those sweat pants!!! I fell for this pattern when I first saw them but i'm wary of knitting them because i'm afraid they won't flatter my figure!! But they look awesome on you!!! Great job!
I really like that scarf book as well! Just may have to buy it and get in on the action! ^_^
What an awesome shrug! Well, you've convinced me to buy that book. Bad, Bad.
Great post. I cannot believe another knitter would belittle anyone's knits, especially when they know how much time, effort, money and love goes into each project. It is awfully churlish of them and I would suggest ignoring these comments. Choose whatever the hell you want to knit! If you enjoy the process and it feels 'right', who's to say that it isn't? Knitting is a very personal experience. I have yet seen one person holding a right needle and another person holding the left and knitting together, so it is not something that is shared.
You have been an inspiration to me and I have come to appreciate all your projects. Hey, you got me on that crazy 'green spree' I recently had! Anyway, what I mean to say is that you have motivated others who can see the true value of your knitting/writing, so poo-poo to those who obviously have wool over their eyes :-)
You knit whatever you feel like, Froggy! ^_^ Don't be discouraged by naysayers (who says these things, anyway?). Where would art be if, say, painers never moved on from the style and formats of the past? We'd never have modern art, that's for sure. Likewise, us knitters should encourage all forms of advancement in our art... whether it seems frivolous, ridiculous, or even counterproductive. People should remember that just because they don't like something, or see use in it, doesn't mean it isn't valid. It's like colour choices... I may absolutely hate certain hues and combinations of colour, while others love them. Our only option is to just knit what we like! ^_^
I think the sleeve scarf is brilliant. It sounds very convenient for your situation, and it's just so novel! ^_^ A scarf and extra sleeves in one package. How cool.
Hey Froggy
You are a badass and don't let anyone tell you any differently :) I love you warmers/sweat pants - I want to make some leg warmers for my niece but she's only 4 so i'm having a tough time with the size hehe
Knit whatever you want, whenever you want, whereever you want. I have little tolerance for people who criticize people for what they choose to knit. Knitting is different for every person, and thats what makes it so amazing!
Well, you already know how I feel about this one, but let me say for all to read that I love the scarf with arms and think it's great. I may even knit one in solidarity. (Plus it's much more practical than one might think. If I'm wearing a tee shirt and want to go outside I toss on my armed scarf and down vest hanging by the door and don't have to run upstairs to get a sweater. Can you beat that?) Keep up the good knits. Perhaps mouse will make us a button that bans judgmental knitters?
And just in case anyone has doubts, project size and yarn size are not related to knitting longevity, dearies. I've been knitting for 13 years and have made intricate Alice Starmore sweaters on size 2 needles and silly (but great) cat beds on 10's. Neither has slowed me down.
Well, you already know how I feel about this one, but let me say for all to read that I love the scarf with arms and think it's great. I may even knit one in solidarity. (Plus it's much more practical than one might think. If I'm wearing a tee shirt and want to go outside I toss on my armed scarf and down vest hanging by the door and don't have to run upstairs to get a sweater. Can you beat that?) Keep up the good knits. Perhaps mouse will make us a button that bans judgmental knitters?
And just in case anyone has doubts, project size and yarn size are not related to knitting longevity, dearies. I've been knitting for 13 years and have made intricate Alice Starmore sweaters on size 2 needles and silly (but great) cat beds on 10's. Neither has slowed me down.
I was just telling some other knitty girls last night how much I LOVE your style. I think you rock, Froggy, and you can make whatever the hell you want--It always looks great on you! :)
Love those pants. Those are the Homespun pants from IK? Hmm... I was thinking about those recently...
Have a lovely weekend!
DEARY? [Makes gagging noise.]
HEY! What matters is that you knit what you like and that you enjoy the actual process of knitting it. No need for intricate patterns and/or years of knitting experience to call oneself a true knitter, I say. Peh. That's all bushwah. Anybody who creates a fabric with a coupla sticks and string is a REAL freaking knitter in my book. It doesn't matter of those sticks are US1 or US13 and the yarn is fingering or bulky, ferpetesake. [US1 and fingering doesn't a real knitter make. Get a clue, dearie!]
By the way, I've recently seen a model wearing a sleeveless top with a detachable collar and unattached sleeves in the latest Irlandais. You're ahead of the trends!
You know I want to knit the cove of scarf style too and my hubby said "thats so ugly..who would wear that in florida?!" i would im always cold and im going to knit it any way so never pay any mind to what other people say.
I would knit it and have considered knitting it because it's unique. The only thing I don't care for is the turtleneck only because I don't have many crew neck tops.
Can't wait to see it finished. BTW, what yarn are you using?
In fact, it reminds me of a similar pattern by Rebecca.
Holey Moley, people are morons! Your style isn't my style, but who cares? Your, and other people's blogs are interestig to me, precisely because they are all different. I don't want to see the same stuff all the time, I want to know what EVERYONE is doing! Keep up the great knitting!
I love the pants and those sleeves are looking very promising. Knit what you want and be happy!
Are you kidding me? I'm considering buying the Scarf Style book ONLY so I can knit the cover scarf!! I love it, I've been dreaming about it, and I want to knit it. So you go, girl -- can't wait to see it finished!
Hey Froggy - I totally wanted to make that cover knit too but when I showed it to my friend she said something like, "woohoo - that will certainly show off your boobs!" and now it's gone to the bottom of my list... I've started with Blue Collar and plan to make the ruffled scarf after that. And then maybe the capelet w/sleeves... there are just too many delicious patterns in that book. By the way - your sleeves look great and I love that color. ;-R
I couldn't agree with you more, and you are so not grumpy. I really hate that mentality...I say, knit with hot pink acrylic yarn on size 35s if you want, just have fun with it! Nobody's dumbing down anyone else's craft, deary. It's negative people who make others not want to knit.
You are fabulous and so is your blog! Yay for Froggy and her fabulousness!
Froggy, you are the embodiment of a Bad-Ass knitter. Knit what you want the way you want it, and wear it with pride.
