The facts are these:
1. After finishing the body of my Venezia pullover, I have a good start into the sleeves. I have about 3.5 inches done on each sleeve.
2. I like how I've matched up the colors on the sleeves with the gradation on the body, and I've got it worked out so they should be on the same row and color by the time the sleeves are the right length.
3. I would like to wear this sweater to Rhinebeck, which is now 11 days away.
4. I think this is the most difficult sweater I've knit so far, and I would like to feel proud about every bit of it once it's done.
So, considering those facts, let me give you one more:
5. I have been knitting the colorwork on size 2 US needles, and the rest of the sweater has been knit on size 4 US needles. The sleeve fabric is denser than the body fabric (obv.) , and it's about 1/2 inch too short.
I thought about asking you what I should do, but in my heart I already knew what was right. Even though I really would like to wear this sweater to Rhinebeck (Fact #3), I think that in the long run, Fact #4 will be the most important one to consider.
So...
(quietly sobbing in the corner in sympathy)
Posted by: Anne | October 07, 2008 at 07:07 AM
Oh, no! Wel,, I won't be at Rhinebeck to admire it, so I can wait. But, well, serious bummer!
Posted by: Liz K. | October 07, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Ugh. I think ripping is the most frustrating and de-motivating part of knitting. But, you are totally right to do it- in the end, it will be a better sweater for it!
Posted by: stacey | October 07, 2008 at 08:14 AM
good choice good choice! you don't want to have regrets on a sweater like that after its all said and done.
You'll still have all of us to ooohh and ahhhh over it :)
Posted by: Kelly | October 07, 2008 at 08:16 AM
i just had my own visit to the frog pond, though yours is much more involved! you'll be infinitely more pleased to have it done the right way once it's all finished. plus, there's always NEXT Rhinebeck if you don't make it for this year. :-)
Posted by: heather | October 07, 2008 at 09:28 AM
I'm seriously impressed with #2 above - matching the colors to the body, so that it's the same one by the time you get to the yoke. Awesome! Frogging is only a small obstacle, you'll be back where you were in no time :).
Posted by: grumperina | October 07, 2008 at 09:33 AM
With all the work you are putting into it, you wouldn't have been happy with the sweater and the slight discrepancy. Also, if this year is like last year, it'll probably be too hot for a sweater. I am trying to find a silver lining here...
Posted by: nova | October 07, 2008 at 10:06 AM
It will get finished and you will be glad you went with your instinct! I can't wait to see it!
Posted by: Stephanie B | October 07, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Oh well. You did the right thing. And it's not like you have a shortage of awesome sweaters to wear to Rhinebeck. If it's really really warm you could wear one of your fabulous dresses.
Posted by: Kim | October 07, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Oh no! But, at least it will be perfect when you've finished it!
Posted by: tiennie | October 07, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Aaaaaahhhh!!!! Painful! But you will love the sweater that much more for all the work you put into it. Best of luck. :)
Posted by: Clumsy Knitter | October 07, 2008 at 02:53 PM
shoot. but yes. that is what i would have done, too.
it is going to be gorgeous!
Posted by: leslie | October 08, 2008 at 01:54 PM
You are a better woman than I.
Posted by: Jessica | October 08, 2008 at 03:11 PM
This pattern blows my mind...i am having trouble with an easy lace pattern scarf! you are my hero!
Posted by: cindy | October 09, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Good choice - painful and horrible but the right one. I've done it before. I feel for you.
P.S. I am so jealous that you are going to Rhinebeck.
Posted by: emma | October 10, 2008 at 04:59 PM