Ribs that go on for miles and miles
When I stumbled across the most perfect sweater pattern for my grandmother I did hesitate with the thought ‘but that’s a lot of rib’. I shared my find with some Twitter friends who likewise remarked ‘but that’s a lot of rib’, leading me to realise that my fears of row after row of K2, P2 were not only due to my own laziness (which is nevertheless quite prodigious) but because that was a lot of rib.
knitting 2x2 rib: it's more labour-intensive than ploughing a field. With a spoon.
Still, the sweater is so perfect for it’s very special intended recipient, my dear Nan, that I decided to plough ahead with the ridges and troughs because I know how great it will look on her if I can actually make it through. I have knit for hours and hours and hours on the first completed sleeve – I didn’t think that it was ever going to end, but now that first sleeve is blocking I have a second wave of excitement at the thought that one day, in the far and distant future, this ribbed and smocked sweater might actually be complete.
Pattern: Smock top Sweater by AudKnits. Rav page (with errata)
Nan: Irene, from London.
K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, remember it's for Nan
It will absolutely be worth it
What a lucky nan! Such a nice sweater, I am so sure it’ll be worth it in the end
You have a very lucky nan!
I’m sure she will love it! It is a gorgeous pattern.
I personally love the way 2×2 rib looks. My favourite ever, worn to death cardigan was 2×2. It was store-bought, and I’ve kept it even though it’s not suitable to go out any more, but I’m not yet brave enough to attempt to replicate it. One day, hopefully!
It’s looking good. Love the photo!
I’m sure Nan will love it and adore it all the more for the work you’ve put into it.
She’s adorable! And I’m sure she’ll be very proud to wear the sweater when your done.
I can see it now …
Some afternoon she’ll wear it on an outing with friends and she’ll brag that “my granddaughter made this for me!” And all the other grandmothers will ooh and ahh and turn pea green with envy. And your nan will feel secretly smug about that, but she’ll never let on to the other ladies because she’s too nice for that.
So, yes, it’s totally worth it.
… when YOU’RE done, rather.
Your Nan is the cutest thing ever. I almost want to knit her a sweater! But I owe my own Gramma one, first.
Also, I do not knit.
That is a LOT of rib, but your Nan looks adorable so she deserves it! I knit my Nan a scarf when I was first learning, but she probably deserves a cardi now too
Nan is absolutely adorable and it’s obvious she’s just as sweet. You will feel an overwhelming sense of ‘it was so worth it’ the very second she slips it on over her head and smiles. What a wonderful act of love on your part. Knit on!