Mega Backwards Knitting Project

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to be part of something big. Literally big, not figuratively. A client at work needed a large knitted panel for an instillation, of an oversized scale (we are talking 25mm needles here!). Partly thrilled by the idea that I could do it, and partly wary of sending such a project to an unsuspecting knitter of ours (the deadline was tight!) I took it home and took it upon myself to work on the panel.

The “needles” were originally 1 long dowel rod purchased at B&Q, which my husband sawed in half. Then we took it to someone who could sand and shape the ends in to tips. They turned out quite lovely, and were definitely up to the task.

The knitting started roughly; I had to figure out just the right way to sit on the couch so that the ends of the needles were supported by the floor and held in place by the friction of the rug, with a pillow on top to prevent sliding. When watching tv, poor Trent was confined to a tiny corner of the couch because this project took up the whole area. He was very patient though.

The panel grew quickly, and I made sure to document its growth in pictures.

This image gives you a bit of an idea how large the scale was. It wasn’t tiring on my fingers; rather it was a workout for the arms, shoulders and upper back.

I had just the week prior figured out how to knit backwards, which was perfect. This beast proved too inconvenient to turn at every row’s end, so I was able to knit right to left, then at the end of the row, knit back left to right. I took a video of it because it was pretty funny – I hope to edit and share the video soon. I wore out quickly (knitting something like this a few hours every day for a week straight will do that to a person!) and had to pass it on to a very generous friend who completed the final metre and cast off.

The piece was monstrous when we brought it back in to work, but we managed to keep it clean and orderly while steaming its mass. Steaming helped regulate the stitches and plump up the wool.

It was really fun to be part of such a random and huge project. I’m inspired by how easy it was to make the needles, and am tucking this idea in my back pocket for a future rug or blanket!

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