So many of us feel that when we start a knitting project, the pattern must be strictly followed. Sometimes, we even feel the need to use the exact yarn featured in the pattern’s marketing. But I’m giving you permission to break the rules!
Now, if you're making a fitted garment, there are certain elements you’ll need to follow carefully. However, for other projects, if you stray a bit—embrace it! You’ve made it your own!
Here’s an example of my latest finished project: the Night and Day Cowl by Andrea Mowry.
I absolutely love this pattern and how it takes shape as you knit. It uses the mosaic technique, which looks complicated but is actually quite simple.
For my version, I used Malabrigo Arroyo yarn in the Umbria and Diana colorways. This pattern looks very different when worked in two contrasting colors, but I love how my chosen shades blend together.
The cowl is knit flat and then seamed. I followed the pattern almost all the way through—until I didn’t.
After memorizing the decrease section, I kept knitting without paying attention and suddenly found myself with only a few stitches left on the needles. That wasn’t how the pattern was written! Instead of frogging my work, I decided to embrace the mistake and seam it anyway.
And guess what? It worked out just fine! It may not be as polished as if I had followed the pattern exactly, but it’s still beautiful in its own way.
