Aug 27 2006
R.I.P.
Beautiful yarn sitting in my closet - never again to be worn - simply gathering dust. There really was no other option.
Six months ago this was a near-perfect fit… no so much anymore.
I finished this sweater right before I started my weight loss regimen in February. Now, it will not even stay on my shoulders, and hangs in a very unflattering way around my torso. I have lost the majority of my weight on top - down three cup sizes, and several inches in my arms and ribcage - so there aren't many tops that fit anymore. Now to get some of that reduction in my hips…
No last rites - no swan song.
Just some scissors and the trusty ballwinder.
Yeah, it was a little liberating. Kind of the whole creator/destroyer aspect; "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of it!" 
Good news is that I now have some thousand yards of worsted weight alpaca/silk blend to do whatever I want. The possibilities are endless!
I was on a roll. The fun did not stop there.
I fell in love with the yarn, and the amazing color, and bought it all up at my LYS with my Christmas 2004 gift certificate. The Tempting pattern called for this same yarn, and in my opinion, it was not a good match. The yarn is too heavy for the sweater - even after one wear, the yarn begin to droop and sag, being pulled down by its own weight! In retrospect, I should have used a cotton or a blend for this pattern. As you can see, the sweater is a huge mess. Ribbing is supposed to be slimming, no? (There was a ribbon that was used to "cinch it" through the eyelet holes up top, but even that could not save this sweater, unfortunately).
While ripping this one out, I fell in love with the Cashmerino Aran all over again. It is beautiful and soft, and while it does "fuzz" a little with wear, it is really a great yarn. The most important thing however, is finding a pattern to support it. I actually got a crazy notion in my head… this Cashmerino would make a really nice Hourglass sweater…
I am happy with my decision to rip these sweaters. Although they may not be knit up again anytime soon (who knows?) I am happier knowing that there are possibilities for them. Plus, since I have not purchased any yarn for the last three months, it kind of feels like a stash enhancement!
I will be meeting up with some friends at the yarn shop this afternoon for some knitting… wonder if I can keep the yarn diet strong… only one more week (officially) left! We'll see what happens!
Fantastic! That kind of progress has to feel really good. What a great reason to frog those sweaters. Congrats doll!
There is something incredibly liberating about ripping back items like that. And all of a sudden you have all this yarn to play with again! Oh my, what will Lolly create with her “new” yarn?? Can’t wait to see! Good luck sticking to your yarn diet - you have much more willpower than I.
Wow! That seems so brave to me for some reason. I’m patiently waiting to see what you make to restore balance to the universe. Best of luck!
RIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPP!
Fabulous therapy and a great reward for all your losing weight efforts! Congratulations, Lolly!
Congratulations on your weight loss and your “new” yarn! I agree that this is the best reason to frog your FOs. Can’t imagine a better one :-).
Wow! That’s awesome L!!!!
Very very sweet. What a fantastic reason to rip back the sweaters. GO YOU!
You’re looking really fabulous! Congratualtions on the weight loss.
I’ve done that same thing with a green sweater I made last year. It’s like yarn shopping all over again.
Yea, good reason to rip out sweaters!
That is my reason for not knitting any sweaters right now. I am losing weight and don’t want to spend all that time and then have to rip it out.
Good for you!
Funny, I made my Hourglass out of Cashmerino Aran! And it is waiting to be ripped. My own fault, I didn’t try it on while knitting. It does knit into the most amazing fabric, I already plan on re-knitting it as either the Hourglass or a Samus from knitty.
Congrats on such a happy reason to rip! You look fantastic!
The best reason for frogging! Congratulations, Lolly. I’ve been meaning to comment about your progress…in several recent posts, your *transformation* has been quite apparent in your face shots. You look fabulous!
Now to the yarn…will you re-knit any of those sweaters or choose new patterns?
Awesome! I’ve been contemplating the same thing, just haven’t had the heart to yet.
Well, you look wonderful and are doing an excellent job on your weight loss. It was a litle sad to see those sweaters go - but it happened for such a happy reason!!! I’m so proud of you!!!!
Wow.
Way to go Lolly! You look marvelous, and I bet you feel marvelous too.
Amy
Lolly, you must be so HAPPY with your weight loss progress. When you post pics like that, it really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it! Plus you get all new yarn for all new projects!
That has to be a wonderful feeling. Stash enhancement and affirmation that the “plan” is working! Good for you!!
A girl after my own heart. I’ve got a couple other things that will likely be frogged because I am either a) not wearing them, or b) they were knit before I knew that I was knitting everything through the back loop, meaning twisted stitches. Looks like you’ve recouped some great yarn to add back into the stash!
CONGRATULATIONS! You look fabulous and it must have been so liberating to frog those sweaters!
Like Sara HB from the comments, I am putting off making myself a sweater until I reach my goal weight. It will be doubly rewarding because I have never made a sweater, although I am working on my very first one right now it’s for my husband, so it doesn’t count.
Keep up the great work! Keep us posted on what those sweaters become!
Congrats for so many reasons! First, congratulations with your weight loss progress! Second, congrats for having the courage to frog those sweaters! Third, congrats on the “new” fantabulous yarn. They both look so yummy!
Wow! Congrats Lolly. I bet that green alpaca would make a wonderful wrap that would fit any size girl.
it really is like stash enhancement!
Both yarns are so gorgeous. 
What courage! I have a Klaralund that I should really rip — it was big to begin with and it’s way too big now that I’ve lost some weight… I think I am just scared to add more projects to the queue!
[funny how everyone loses weight differently, eh? I've lost most of my weight in my legs/butt and a bit in my upper body, but I've actually gone down a band size and UP a cup size... gah!
]
There’s no better reminder for how far you’ve come on your fitness and weight loss program than seeing how big some of your clothes are. Plus you get some really nice yarn to boot. Congrats!
That is so cool! What a great reason to frog a sweater and now you have new yarn!
You know, I knew this was going to happen! Yay! I’m so excited for you. You look fantastic, and based on experience, I know you feel fantastic, too. That’s the best part, isn’t it?
And now you can recreate something gorgeous for your new bod. I love your creator/destroyer attitude!
Good for you!! And rather than the item just sitting in a closet collecting dust because it doesn’t fit, you now have “new” yarn! Such a great idea - I should go rummage in my closet….
It must feel great to frog complete sweaters for such an awesome reason! That cashmerino is some yummy stuff.
Congratulations on that weight loss! I go up and down in a 15-pound range, but I’ve never actually changed sizes. My same clothes are either a little snug, a little loose, or just right. (Snug, these days!)
Both yarns are pretty, so you just won yourself two future projects.
Super inspiring post! Anyone who has taken a sweater apart w. a ballwinder has got to know how good it felt, too
ooooh, that looks fun! I’m tempted to frog my first sweater– too boxy & made from alapaca, which I didn’t realize I was allergic to, but I just can’t! Sentimental, I guess.
Those pictures of your projects hanging off of you are so striking. I’m sure it must have been a great feeling to take apart those remnants from your past life
Have fun with all of the possibilities of the “new” yarn.
Woo hoo! Way to go! Ripping something down to nothing can be so liberating, whether it’s because the finished product doesn’t fit, or because it’s better off as yarn than as a UFO (my usual reason for unraveling something).
Technically, the last day of summer really isn’t until 9/22, but you’ve been so good about not adding to the stash, you should stop the fast on Labor Day!
WhooOooooOOT! very inspiring Lolly : )
OMG! I’ve just discovered an eastcoaster who blogs - and knits! I’m originally from Maryland - I’ve ‘been away’ for 12 years (I presently live in California). I got hooked on reading blogs several months ago. I’ve just today stumbled onto your blogspot and, it must have been fate, the first archive I pull up is about ‘Blueberry Waffles’ and right there, in my face, is a Maryland Blue Crab. I almost cried. I’ll be back frequently. Oh yeah, keep up the great knitting. I just celebrated my 1 year anniversary as a knitter.
Wow that feels so liberating!
Congrats on the “new yarn” - can’t wait to see what you remake them into.
So many great posts this week - work is keeping me too busy, haven’t been able to comment on all 
I’ll have to get back to you on the knitting memories - definitely have some! Glad you are enjoying Kite Runner - that was a great book & we had a great book club discussion on it last year.
I just ripped out Tempting this week as well. There was just no bra in the world to make my girls look good in that sweater! I agree that it is better to rip and reclaim that leave perfectly good yarn lying around in a sweater you can’t wear.
Wow - well done on the weight loss
WOW!!! What an inspiration!
I am also losing weight and not making any tops for myself right now because of it. The best part is now that 1. It will cost a lot less to make them, 2. It will take less time to make them, and 3. There are so many more patterns that we can make!
You go!
You go! Frog those sweater! Reclaim that yarn!
Oh my! You really have lost. I remember both sweaters when you finished them. Good choice. I redid a sweater after weight loss and it is now one of my favorites to wear.
WOW Lolly, you are looking amazing! You really give us perspective when you put on items that we’ve seen you in “pre” regime. What a difference! Glad to see that you were able to reclaim some of the yarn from past projects. Keep up the FAB job, we are all cheering you on.
Way to go - and I can tell you’ve been keeping up the workout routine! You are such a inspiration! I agree with Margene - making a new sweater that fits the new you will be really rewarding!
THREE CHEERS for ripping out old projects that just don’t work anymore. Some folks are too scared to rip anything, but not YOU!
Comparing the fit of your green sweater now with the way it fit when you had just finished: what a change! Would you, please, for me, pat yourself on the back?
Wow, what a great problem to have! Your weightloss results are so dramatic when viewing the before and after hourglass photos!
So sorry to see your sweaters having to be frogged but a big congratulations on your weight loss. You look FABULOUS!
You are going to look HOT in the new version of the sweater! Sigh. My weightloss goals are not going as well as yours, I’m afraid. I’m just not being serious enough about it.
That is fantastic! And, I have to tell you, rather inspiring. Both on the weight-loss, which is something I need to do, and also making that hourglass sweater.
Lolly!! It’s too bad you had to frog the sweaters, but it’s FANTASTIC that you have gone down so much weight that they are literally FALLING off. Way to go!!!!
I just finished an hourglass sweater-and will probably end up ripping it in a few months!
A fantastic reason to rip out a sweater! You’ve lost weight and gained some yarn!
Lolly–what a great accomplishment. You are an inspiration!
WooHoo! You go skinny girl! That’s wonderful and I am truly inspired by you. Pilates machine/treadmill here I come. Thanks so much for your honesty and words of encouragement.
I am almost more impressed with your yarn diet than your actual diet. You have show remarkable restraint. While I know you had alot to choose from already (I have too much too and I don’t seem to be able to give any away) you still were so completely dedicated. I am somewhat in awe and a little envious of the freedome it must have allowed not always looking for what’s next on the must do must buy must knit (must be added to ever growing list of things I’ll never get to) list. Thanks again!
AmyDe
Wowza! Way to go Lolly! On the weight loss that is. You’re a real inspiration. And the ripping — while sad in a sense, I think you’re being very zen about being able to create something wonderful out of the yarn again.
Congratulations on ripping those sweaters! I know that usually sounds a little strange, but what a reason to “have” to rip!!! That is so great!!!
And I was being very good about not buying yarn on the Summer of Stash until two weeks ago, and now I’ve used up both my exceptions! But it was for great stuff, I swear!
congratulations on the weight loss and the reward of yarn (despite the loss of 2 sweaters….)
you know this may sound weird, but the other night I was thinking about your hourglass and how it probably didnt fit you anymore. strange, I know, but hey here you are posting about it! ripping the sweaters is like saying goodbye to ‘the old you’ for lack of a better phrase.
I hear you on losing cup sizes and around the shoulders but not the hips. I’m in the same position. You could have sent those sweaters to me, though. They would have fit me, I think.
Congrats on the weight loss regimen and all. You’re doing fabulous!
Congratulations! I can definitely see how it would feel like stash enhancement rather than loss of sweaters! You’ll just get two new sweaters that fit instead of two that no longer fit - a good trade, I’d say!
Wow, Lolly, how great for you! It must feel so good…I mean 3 months without yarn! (wink)…Did I tell you? You look maaavaaaalous!
Woo! (practically) new yarn and getting rid of sweaters that don’t fit anyway because you are a sexy beast. Yay! Those are beautiful yarns, though, and I hope you can put them back to good use.
congrats on your weight loss/yarn reclamation- that must feel FANTASTIC! you look mahvelous.
this is great motivation for me- just rejoined weight watchers for some accountabilitah.
keep up the great work!
You look great! Congratulations on the weight loss! Now you can make 2 new fabulous sweaters!
Hooray for recycling! and for the incredible weight loss. I meant to mention something but I’ve been really lax about making comments. You are looking marvelous.
Yea! Rock on, Lollly! Congrats on the weight loss. Can’t wait to see what you create with your ‘newfound’ stash!
Hey there beautiful and big congratulations on your weight loss and staying healthy. Guess what we just saw coming back from the Poconos a few days ago? We saw about eight tall windmills up on the mountain just like you were talking about in a previous post. It was an awesome sight to see. Here you were being so good sticking to not buying yarn all this time and now you get to break that while I am now trying to make as much as I can from my stash. LOL xo back at ya!
What an amazing and wonderful feeling! Clothes that no longer fit (in a serious non-fitting way) and great yarn back into the stash!
I lose weight exactly like you do - top down! My thighs and hips hold on to every last ounce though - Pilates helps.
Wow - you really can’t wear those at all anymore! good for you! You lost weight and gained more yarn - awesome.
What a great reason to rip out a couple of beautiful sweaters! And a great way to get some new yarns added to the stash without breaking your yarn diet. I don’t know how you did that for three whole months!
You look great Lolly!
Oh. my. goodness! I remember when you made both of those. I know you are proud of yourself. It’s was a good idea to rip those sweaters since you never plan to fit into them again. Now you can reward yourself with new sweaters.
way to go! recycle and reuse that gorgeous yarn!!
You are awesome! When I met you ( MS&W ‘05) you were wearing Tempting :o)
As sad as it is to rip, it’s a great inspiration to me to see how well you’ve done so that you actually have those tops swimming on you and have to make something smaller with the new/old yarn. Way to go!!!!
Now that’s the spirit when it comes to ripping! If you have to rip it, at least it’s for a very motivated and positive reason. Good for you!
And alpaca/silk blend? Be still my heart. Both yarns are such great colors too.
that must have felt SO great! you look fantastic and you’re really an inspiration to all of us stuck in ruts. and now you have so much more yarn!
Debbie and I have discussed how we’re going to rip our Temptings, too. I’m afraid to rip the first (and only) sweater I’ve ever made, but it’s just unwearable. hey! I finished the Odessa since you saw it Saturday. Night In + Knitting + Wine + Chick Flicks = One complete Odessa. I’ll show it off at the next comps meeting. Also, today is my very first day at the new gym…no more excuses!
Wow. I think I need to sit down. I feel faint…. Are you going to niddy noddy the yarn into hanks so you can soak it/hang it to get the kinks out?
I am so impressed - you really look fantastic - what a great job done! isn’t it something very liberating about ripping the sweaters like that - beautiful fiber - I am sure your hands will bring new magic to them!
The best way to do stash enhancement!!! How wonderful that those sweaters hang on you like that!!! That pink would look beautiful as an hourglass to show off your new hourglass!
Plus, it’s a pretty quick and satisfying knit!
You go girl!
Woot! Grats! Having the strength to lose the weight and rip the yarn is a remarkable thing. I hope you’re proud of yourself. Can’t wait to see what you’ll do with all that yarn!
Good for you! Reusing/recycling some gorgeous yarn is a beautiful thing indeed! And grats on the weight loss too! I’m down 18 pounds and a bunch of inches myself .. I’ll measure again next day or so and see, but it was 10+ last time, and I’ve been walking more.
Great job on the lost inches and pounds!
Knitwear is awesome for recycling and stash enhancement!
Wow! Excellent job on the weight loss congrats and also beautiful yarn. I started buying sweaters and ripping them out. Problem I have I never think to rip it out and directly start using the ball winder so I end up with a ton of knots.
congratulations on your weight loss! that’s fantastic - and as disappointing as it must be to frog the hours of work that went into the sweaters, it’s probably miniscule compared to the gratification of WHY you are frogging! how liberating! awesome.
Wow!
That is some great FROGGING news! Congratulations! You are looking fabulous!
That’s amazing! It’s always wonderful seeing your ‘old’ clothes with your ‘new’ body to really revitalize and encourage more weight loss! Way to go!!
What a fantastic reason to destroy clothing!!! I think frogging can be sad, but this is definitely the good kind of frogging! You really are looking great. Everytime I check your blog the first thing I notice is how completely thin and different your face looks! Congrats on the frog pond party.
look at you go! congratulations on your progress. you should absolutely re-purpose those yarns into some new and fun items! i love the cashmerino too - it’s an amazing yarn. fall is coming, so i’m sure you will come up with some great ideas for your ‘found’ yarn!
Wow! Look at your fantastic figure! You know, I think your old sweaters might fit me. If you ever feel like you just can’t rip something, feel free to send it my way!
I can’t think of a better reason to rip out a sweater! And then, to have more yarn to play with - it’s like a win-win!
Awesome Lolly! Great way to recycle, plus feel great about your progress! You are looking so good! Definately a fun frogging for sure!
Wow! So sad but yet hugely satisfying, I imagine. Well done!
You know, my first thought is that just sucks that you have to rip those sweaters that you spent all that time knitting. But then, losing weight is the one reason where you just might not mind so much. Congrats to you and all your success. Now go knit your self a sweater for your new figure!
sucks to rip out your sweaters, but wow! you’ve been doing so well with your exercise! i remember the green sweater and how nicely it fit before, now i can’t believe it’s the same sweater! Good job, you’re looking great!
At this point, ripping and possibly reknitting the sweaters is definitely not a worry, but a benefit. You’ve really done a great job with the weight loss. And now you get to reclaim more yarn. Knitting Tempting in a cotton yarn isn’t a good idea either as cotton loses its memory and has a tendency to bag out, unless you knit it tighter than what it calls for. A friend knit it in Cotton-Ease and it didn’t turn out so well later. My tempting was made otu of a ribbon yarn, which was really the wrong choice for Tempting as well. I plan to rip it out and reknit it into something else a bit later on.
I am so inspired by your awesome weight loss and creative use of your old sweaters! I am glad you can still use the great yarn for something new.
Keep up the great work!
-jody
Whew…I don’t know how you did it. Ripping always makes me uneasy! If it’s not being worn though, it really is a good idea. Besides, both of those colors look great on you and deserve to be knit in to a new great fitting garment!
What a great post Lolly! How invigorating to be able to visually see how dramatic your transformation is! Can’t wait to see what you make with all that new yarn!
[...] The "jury is still out" for me on KnitPicks. I have worked one line of their yarn, Andean Silk (for my dearly-departed Hourglass sweater) and I was impressed, but I have a nagging feeling that something is not quite right - how do they get their prices so low? I sincerely hope that they are abiding by fair trade practices in South America, where the majority of their yarn is made. Does anyone know more about this? Please share, if so… but I gotta give it to them for their recent Telemark ski sweater design. I think it is quite brilliant! [...]
[...] The sweater is a basic raglan pattern, with picked up stitches for a simple collar neckline. I liked the addition in the original of the three buttons, but in the end, I decided to leave them off of my version. This sweater can easily be dressed up with a skirt or some nice pants, but is also a great casual sweater - perfect with jeans. I love the versatility. It was not until I finished the sweater that I noticed its striking resemblance to the Hourglass sweater (now departed from my wardrobe!). The main difference is in the finishing - Hourglass has sewed hem, while Cherie has ribbing. Hourglass is also knit in the round. I was planning to knit another Hourglass with some stash yarn… there can never be too many of this classic shape! [...]
[...] In August 2006, I ripped two sweaters that were "gathering dust" in my closet. Both no longer fit me, and I wanted to reuse the lovely yarns. I ripped my Hourglass sweater, only completed in February 2006, and worn on a few occasions. My Tempting sweater was second on the list to rip, finished in spring 2005. As stated above, more ripping is probably on the way… [...]