I have a few hand-knitted items I've made over the years that simply don't work for me anymore. They no longer fit, or I just find myself choosing them less often than I used to (or sometimes not at all).
Rather than get rid of them, I've decided to rip them out and make new things from the yarn. This kind of remaking is a new kind of crafting to me, and it feels so good to deconstruct these pieces and imbue the fibers with new use.
I started by unwinding the very first sweater I ever knit (see below) some 11 years ago, and creating an 18th century- (and Outlander-) inspired sontag, which is a long shawl that wraps around the front and ties in back.
Here's the sweater! I was so proud (I still am). I wish I remembered the pattern and the yarn, but it was so long ago and I bought both in person at a yarn store in New Haven, Connecticut – the name of which I also can't remember. I do recall that I was shopping there with my mom and my aunt, and we'd all been taught how to knit together by my college roommate (one of the most special learning experiences I've had).
I wore this sweater a lot of the years, and even as recently as to Miles's 2nd birthday party. But after more than a decade of wearing (and washing – not 100% sure I should've put this yarn in the washer and dryer, but oh well), I felt finished with it. It didn't quite fit well anymore – it had shrunk and I had grown. Time to make something new.
(Watch my "Remaking" story highlight to see even more pics from the very beginning of the process.)
I ripped out the sweater and, on the advice of my wise friend Jack, wound the yarn into hanks, twisted them into skeins, and gave them a wash. After they dried (the fibers having relaxed quite a bit), I wound the skeins into balls and started on this pattern. But wait!
After finishing it completely, I wasn't satisfied with the i-cord edge. (In the pattern's defense, it called for a lighter weight yarn than what I was using, and despite sizing up my needles and knitting a successful gauge swatch, I suspect my gauge was altered.) I ripped it out, and decided to start again with a new pattern: this one. It was just what I was looking for, and I'm really so pleased.
It's historically inspired, but I've worn it quite a bit already, even over a sweatshirt (we're working on a few heating issues in the new house!).
I'm already working on another remaking piece. How good it feels to shop in my own wardrobe for knitting supplies!
