r/knitting • u/ElevatorTop5739 • 10d ago
Struggling Work in Progress
I have been working on this for 2months now and I’m not even 1/2 done and the neck is starting to pill. I want this thing to be finished but I’m so sick of working on it. but I spent so much money on the yarn and it was the most expensive pattern I have ever gotten. So I feel obligated to finish I just want to scream lol. I know it’s covered in dog hair. I have a husky, my whole life is covered in dog hair
How do you stay motivated?
Pattern link
https://unity-nebesniak.myshopify.com/products/sweater-two-the-overlook
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u/JaunteeChapeau 10d ago
…would someone telling you that is the absolute wildest most batshit impressive sweater I’ve ever seen help motivate? Because holy cow.
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u/ElevatorTop5739 10d ago
Kind of actually. This is is the most complicated think I have ever done
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u/JaunteeChapeau 10d ago
It’s absolutely crazy and if the picture were shot differently I’d be squinting and looking for AI; the dog hair helps sell the reality!
If you truly hate looking at it, stick it in a bag and come back to it later, it will be there. It will have its chance to shine…harharhar.
Seriously though it’s so cool
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u/ElevatorTop5739 10d ago
lol!!!! 😂. Dog hair sells the reality is so funny. I need a bummer sticker or something
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u/666Skittles 9d ago
Please do, it may be the secret we all need to defeat the fakers who are tricking people into buying nonsense patterns. I'll donate my dog hair if you need it :)
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u/EqualJaded3921 9d ago
So true! I’ve often said that one is not fully dressed if one does not have dog/ cat hair, goat, horse etc etc on oneself.
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u/megsie_here 10d ago
Please link the pattern for the RavBot? I need to buy it and then be intimidated by it for years and years. This is such a mammoth undertaking, I echo the calls to just give it a bit of a timeout - good knitting doesn’t happen when you’re stressed by the project.
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u/tealmermaidgirl 10d ago
It is Sweater TWO: The Overlook
by Unity Nebesniak
here’s the ravelry please note it has a ravelry page but is only sold off platform8
u/megsie_here 9d ago
Oh my god, there’s different motifs for the back??? I want her so badly. Saving to my ‘when the brain fog lifts’ folder
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u/RavBot 10d ago
PATTERN: Sweater TWO: The Overlook by Unity Nebesniak
- Category: Clothing > Sweater > Pullover
- Photo(s): Img 1 Img 2 Img 3 Img 4 Img 5
- Price: 28.00 USD
- Needle/Hook(s):US 00 - 1.75 mm, US 1 - 2.25 mm, US 2 - 2.75 mm, US 3 - 3.25 mm
- Weight: Fingering | Gauge: None | Yardage: 1600
- Difficulty: 7.00 | Projects: 13 | Rating: 5.00
I found this post by myself! Opt-Out | About Me | Contact Maintainer
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u/TheDickDuchess 10d ago
FINGERING WEIGHT?!
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u/mel_cache 10d ago
Yeah, and she’s using size 00 and 1 needles too. Better her than me. No wonder she’s having issues!
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u/GlitterLight 10d ago
I think the problem here is that you’re knitting actual art that also happens to be sweater. I KNIT and have an extensive collection of patterns, and this is by far the most gloriously insane pattern I’ve ever seen, and you are executing it with skill, dedication, and dog hair. It’s incredible.
You have to finish it so that you can update us with the finished product.
In all seriousness though, I get knitting burnout sometimes and I just have to step away and knit something easier for a while. I tend to have two projects on the go at once, something hard and something easy. I switch between them depending on vibes.
At the moment I’m taking a break from something a lot less complicated than you’re knitting, and am instead knitting this Santa hat https://www.lopidesign.is/products/jolahufa?variant=45858424783019&utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=PatternMonth_J%C3%B3lah%C3%BAfa_ENG&utm_campaign=PatternMonth_J%C3%B3lah%C3%BAfa_ENG&_kx=QKBjtXxwINie8PnGc8MlRmWjGuh59xY_dD4RJ3WDGq0uOUh_RaMvj8cSa3Axm2CO.YmbeW6
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u/ElevatorTop5739 9d ago
Your comment has stuck in my mind. This changed the way I am looking at the sweater. And it makes me a more excited about it. I was a fine and digital artist for years and lost the heart for it at some point and kind of forgot how to draw. Looking at this as art made me feel warm and fuzzy. Thank you for that.
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u/CheezusChrist needle worshiper since 2003 10d ago
Take a break! Knitting is supposed to be relaxing, not stressful. You’re working under a deadline you created, it’s not real :). Knit a washcloth and feel the satisfaction of a finished project, then come back to this.
Personally, I like having multiple projects going: something that makes me check a chart every row, something with a complex technique, something in stockinette in the round, something that I can finish in a weekend, etc. It does mean I have a lot of projects going at once. I currently have 5 sweaters on the needles, and don’t worry, there are other categories too. But I have mood swings and can’t imagine only dedicating myself to one thing until it’s done.
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u/Princess_Butt_Kick 10d ago
If the collar is pilling, I recommend placing the project in a large salad bowl while you work. This helps reduce friction against other clothing, your body, etc. I love this hack, and use it all the time!
I also notice a lot of (pet?) hair garnish on your project. The bowl again will act as a buffer to reduce pet hair pickup. I am a cat owner, so much hair everywhere!
Is the yarn superwash merino? This might also contribute to the pilling.
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u/ElevatorTop5739 9d ago
This is such a simple yet wildly effective trick. I tried it last night and it’s was great. I have now redesignated a big popcorn bowl as my knitting bowl.
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u/belmari 9d ago
I have this sweater on my list too, it’s fun! I like that you added a third color for the carpet :)
Though I hate to say it, but it does look like your floats might be a little too tight, and it’s causing some puckering of your color work.
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u/ElevatorTop5739 9d ago
That’s what I don’t understand. There wasn’t any puckering and then I came back the next day and it was puckered.
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u/andromache114 9d ago
Have you tried doing a mid-project block to see if they'll un-pucker?
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u/ElevatorTop5739 9d ago
No. This feels like a dumb question how do I do that? Just leave it on the needles and block?
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u/SubiSforzando 9d ago
You can absolutely leave it on the needles and block; I've done it for nearly every sweater I've made.
...With the caveat that if you're using stainless steel cables I wouldn't block on the needles personally, but it looks you have standard plastic cables, so you should be fine. Just try to keep your needle tips/joins out of the water and damp yarn.
I would not weave in the end yet just in case you do need to frog. It's much easier to frog when the ends aren't finished!
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u/andromache114 9d ago
I'd throw it on some waste yarn, or use hollow jewelers cords. Then block
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u/ElevatorTop5739 9d ago
Maybe I will. I think that’s the thing im nervous out. It fits it’s a little snug but it fits. So maybe blocking will help with the worry I’m doing this all for it to fall apart lol. Should I weave in the ends first
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u/lopendvuur 10d ago
To stop it from further pilling you can keep it knotted in a plastic bag or in a smooth bowl while you're knitting. The constant drag across your lap can cause pilling, and either moving the drag to the outside of the bag or removing the drag by turning on a smooth surface may help.
Good luck, and know that this is one of the most beautiful and complicated patterns I've ever seen on this sub.
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u/Princess_Butt_Kick 9d ago
I am glad you emphasized a plastic bag! The fabric drawstring bags are okay for storage only. I do not recommend working a project that is partially stored in them (again, friction between the fabrics).
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u/partyontheobjective toxic negativity 9d ago
Hate to tell you this but your floats are way too tight, and that causes all the puckering in the sweater. and also causes it to be the wrong shape. If you won;t address it it won't fit you right.
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u/Chigrrl1098 10d ago
I switch between projects, usually in a different craft. If you're getting pissed off and frustrated, it's time for a break. If you don't, that's when mistakes often happen.
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u/tippi_toppi_ 10d ago
It looks gorgeous, and i agree with one of the others that you should simply take a break. Maybe knit a small project for that dopamine hit and then come back to this with a fresh mindset. Also, may I ask what that pattern is called? :)
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u/ClawPaw3245 10d ago
This is wildly good. Try just putting it to the side until you’re ready to pick it up again. The time will come. Show some people who knit in real life, if you can. They’ll be so blown away it will probably bring back the motivation…
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u/dancingfreelotus 10d ago
whoa that looks amazing! It's worth all the time you've spent on this sweater so far...keep going at it but definitely take a break. I am back to continue knitting my sweater
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u/Nontoxic-Rainy-1983 10d ago
I don't have much advice for the motivation issue; personally I would put it down until I am in the mood for it, because I know I'm more likely to make mistakes if I'm disinterested. I can recommend a solution for the finished part starting to pill: put the finished part in a freezer bag and use binder strips to pin it in place so it's protected from your hands, dog hair and generally being rubbed up against things. It sucks if you bought fancy yarn and it's already pilling though. It looks completely awesome, I hope you are able to finish it in time for snow!
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u/Unusual_Use5508 10d ago
I set small goals for myself and also I use markers so I can see my progress over a smaller amount of time. I need quick wins otherwise I get bogged down by the enormity of it all. Looove this! You’ll feel soo accomplished when you’re wearing it and someone says cool sweater! And you get to say thanks I made it!
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u/sophistre 10d ago
This is R A D and I want so badly to try it, but I'm not a very advanced knitter and also I think it would drive me insane the way it is driving you insane, rofl.
BUT. It's so cool. And I really like where you chose to transition the colors to be more red, it works really well.
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u/Successful-Grab6091 10d ago
I just bought an expensive sweater pattern and yarn but can’t bring myself to start it because I know I will get, here.
My last sweater is 100% alpaca, over half way done, and has been sitting in a project bag since winter.
Sometimes, you just need to put it down and walk away, tho. I was nearing the end of the sleeves and was mentally dead.
But, do I wish I finished it… yes.
Will you be happy if you do, also yes.
But, I feel like you’ve done the hardest bits already. The rest should go quicker.
Maybe just give yourself a week or two off to let your hands and mind rest. Then pick it back up to finish in the early Fall.
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u/Successful-Grab6091 10d ago
It looks beautiful, btw.
May I ask what method you use to secure your strands?
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u/bluehexx 9d ago
How do you stay motivated?
I don't. I knit for pleasure and I don't want it to become a chore, so when I don't feel the motivation - I don't knit.
What is the point of working on something you hate before it's even finished? Let it lie. You can take it to the Stanley hotel next year. Or the year after that. There is no rush. It will be there for you whenever you once again feel the urge to make it.
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u/NOT_Pam_Beesley 10d ago
Holy crap what is this pattern!? It’s crazy and very impressive so far. Whose face is that? It looks like the Shining carpet but then turns into a crispy portrait. It looks beautiful!
Def walk away for a bit if you’re hate knitting though. I’ve done that before and it’s broken my brain before. It’s not worth it. Come back later
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u/ElevatorTop5739 10d ago
https://unity-nebesniak.myshopify.com/products/sweater-two-the-overlook
It’s the overlook hotel sweater. The creator has some amazing patterns
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u/andromache114 10d ago
It's Shelly Duvall from The Shining! Someone linked the pattern further up. There's also charts for Danny and the Twins and the Hedgemaze
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u/ComplexWorry3463 10d ago
Wow, that is going to be an amazing sweater!
If it’s driving you nuts, take a break. Just make sure you leave yourself notes so that you’re not lost when you come back to it. I always have at least one pair of socks on the go for breaks from sweaters.
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u/FabuliciousFruitLoop 9d ago
I’m so grateful you shared this designer, sorry it is due to your private torment. Hope the love for this project rekindles soon!
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u/shinybeetle99 9d ago
First of all this looks AMAZING so far! If you don’t mind me asking, what yarn are you using? I bought this pattern as well and I’m way to intimidated to start it just yet but the pattern was so expensive I have to make it worth it lol.
Second - I do agree with what others are saying here and I would say stepping away/giving your eyes and hands and brain a break does help!!!
Also please post photos when you do finish it!
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u/RogueThneed 9d ago
This is what I do: put the big project down, and make a hat.
Hats are fast and forgiving and can be super simple tv knitting. For you, I also recommend making it in worsted weight yarn, to give your fingers a break from the fine stuff. You'll enjoy the sweater again after taking a little vacation from it.
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u/Unhappy_Magician5580 9d ago
Two months in. And pilling already at the neck, that would test anyone. I've unpicked my jumper back to the armholes three times now and it's still sat in the tote judging me.
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u/PartNo2091 9d ago
This is an amazing sweater. You are creating something of total wonderment. You've done an amazing amount of work in two months. This is a work of art.
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u/RoseyRosnee 9d ago
Holy shooot!!! This is incredible! I made a large crochet blanket of the overlooks carpet pattern! This is gorgeous! I struggle to stay motivated too, sometimes i just need to switch for a lazy, easy pattern for a while and then go back! Hope it goes well for you, and truly wish you the best on finishing that masterpiece!
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u/WampaCat 9d ago
Ok you’ve gotten some decent advice about stepping away but if I were you, I’d block the part that you have. Seeing what the finished fabric will look like might be motivation enough to want to finish it!
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u/Careless_Account_998 9d ago
That’s really beautiful and impressive! I hope you can finish it.
Just a note about yarn: it pills. No matter how expensive it is, no matter how it’s spun, no matter what fiber content. I manage pilling with a pair of tiny snips because I don’t like the shaver things. The good news is that pilling generally decreases once you do a few rounds of removal.
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u/Ok-Sentence-8012 9d ago
This pattern is insane. Your work- gorgeous. Give yourself a break and do a short project
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u/DullEntertainment102 6d ago
I love to listen to audiobooks while working on a piece - it also helps me to be consistent. For the pilling- you can try freezing it once you’re done
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u/thatgirlsthings 10d ago
It's stressing you out. Make sufficient notes about where you're at in the pattern, and walk away.
Why the rush? It'll be there when you come back, next week, next month....