Research Project

I've always toyed with the idea of knitting an Adult Surprise Jacket. However, the thought of having a "Coat of Many Colors" has never appealed to my sense of style. It just is'nt me.

With the arrival of Ravelry I was able to do a fair bit of intensive research on the subject over the course of a week.  

I was able to view the 7,925 different baby jackets and 287 adult versions of the original design and found a style that suited my sensibilities perfectly.

The bold graphic stripes, the shorter length and subtle wait-shaping of Herskein's interpretation was exactly what I was looking for. (Thank you Herskein for sharing.)

It was at that point I was 100 % convinced that I should knit one for Me, Myself and I, even though sweater knitting causes me a great deal of mental anguish.

I located a miniature version to explore the technique in just a few hours and watch a tutorial on You Tube to view the magic as it unfolds. 

I made a mistake or two thus it looks a little wonky.

 

That was so fascinating that I had to make another one to further my understanding of color placement

 

in the mysterious rectangle.

 

With that understood, I went poking about to determine how much yardage I would need. 

That was difficult, though I did landed on a reference to a long since out of print magazine. It was said that the magazine contained everything one needs to know about yardage and sizing for the Jacket. 

I placed an ISO (In Search Of) Ad and low and behold a very kind Knitter, who lives in Florida, was willing to sell her copy for a small fee! I bought it.

 

I can hardly wait for it to arrive so I may complete my research.

Ravelry is astounding! 

How on earth did Knitters manage before Ravelry?

Oh that's right, we were living in the stone age.

Comments

[Marion]

you are just so smart!!! Marion

[Robin]

I hope you enjoy knitting garter stitch b/c you have quite a project ahead! I just can't imagine holding all those stitches for the adult size bsj on circular needles!!! But that certainly is a lovely bsj design you've picked out :)

[TripletMom]

Ravelry has been revolutionary!!! I do a great deal of research there myself :)

[Sara]

I love being able to research before starting a project. It saves so much pain and anguish!

[Debbie Bourque]

I wonder how we got by without the internet! When I think of how I would try to get information before, my mind goes into overload. Rav has made my life easier in crafting in so many ways.

[AnitaO]

I agree with Ravelry, lol. I don't know how I found patterns or mods or anything before Rav.

Your BSJ sounds very interesting!

[trek]

The internet is definitely responsible for my sock knitting addiction.

[leah]

I really can't image knitting without all the amazing resources people have put together! It makes it such a joy to be able to go find several videos for all new techniques...it really helps the learning curve...and ravelry/blogland has help me find so many knitting friends!!!