This Waffle Pullover?
The MDK choice for this year’s Bang-Out-A-Sweater?
I gotta tell ya . . . it is some Badass Knitting! (No cap.)
True confessions: When the pattern for the Waffle Pullover (a sweater that is totally “me”) first came out last year in MDK’s Mosaic Field Guide, I could not WAIT to begin. I ordered the Field Guide, found some suitable yarn in my stash, wound it up, found the needles, and sat down to review the pattern.
And said . . . Ummmm. No thanks.
Because pretty much right out of the gates, things get real complicated real fast. Like we’re talking a tricky slip stitch pattern WITH yoke increases AND German short row shaping ALL AT THE SAME TIME. It’s the nastiest sweater-start I’ve ever considered knitting, that’s for sure.
And I just didn’t have the “headspace” at the time to think that hard.
So I put the pattern aside and packed away the yarn.
But I kept dreaming about that sweater. Because really. It is the PERFECT sweater for me. (I am a total sucker for grids . . . )
So when I heard that the same Waffle Pullover was the BOAS selection for 2026, my Spidey-senses started tingling. And then I heard that MDK was sponsoring a special workshop series with master teacher Lorilee Beltman. And then I learned that some of my blogging/knitting pals were joining in, too. Well . . . I knew the Waffle Pullover was back on the table!
(This time around, though, I ordered fresh new yarn in my favorite colors.) (The other yarn is still wound up and waiting in my yarn closet. Y’know. In case I decide to knit another one someday.)
So. after a 3-hour Zoom workshop with Lorilee . . . and hours of swatching . . . and an hour and a half of the most intense short row knitting I’ve ever executed . . . I am OFF to the Bang-Out-A-Sweater races.
And (just sayin) I feel like a total . . . Badass Knitter!
==========
To be clear, the short row shaping on this sweater is pure magic. It is totally do-able . . . even without a workshop full of helpful tips. It just takes total focus, a careful reading of the directions, and . . . well . . . suspending all judgment, making zero assumptions, and doing ex.act.ly what the pattern tells you to do (for about an hour and a half). That Amy Christoffers? She knows her stuff. Trust her.
==========
How about you? What are you making this week?
Your knitting looks beautiful!! I, too, was on the Friday zoom – very helpful. I can tell I’m a bit overwhelmed by all I learned – but I know I should start knitting and put that learning to use, while it’s still fresh in mind. It seemed do-able on Friday; I want to start doing!
I love the sweater – totally my style, too.
ps: your colors are stunning.
Banging out a sweater isn’t really for me, but I’m glad to see so many badass sweaters! Congratulations on knitting in pattern, doing yoke increases, and German short rows at the same time. This strikes fear into my Hitchhiker-knitting heart, but your sweater is looking great!
Sweater is looking great, bad-ass knitter! I used to knit these kind of patterns when I was younger, but I find I am not as interested in that kind of knitting these days. However, I know it is going to be a fabulous sweater, Kym. I am having trouble focusing these days since I am suffering from an extreme case of cabin fever. You would think being iced in would be great timing for knitting and reading, but no. I just want out. LOL
If you can believe it, I’m actually knitting a garment. I finished a vest last fall and jumped right in for another. I’m in the last stretches of the race and loving it. Your sweater is going to be so very fun and so beautiful! Love the colors.
What fun colors for your sweater. Every time I see someone’s BOAS start I fall in love with the colors. They are ALL gorgeous. You are such a Badass Knitter – go you!!
You go, girl! That “at the same time” stuff is tricky, but if you can set aside some time when you can focus and just take it one row at a time, it’s totally doable. I am only knitting on my socks this week, but when I’m done, I’m looking forward to getting back to my Shakespeare in Love sweater — talk about a project that will take some focus!
Woohoo, get on with your bad-ass self & your bad-ass knitting!! I love that color combo, too!!
What great colors. I’m enjoying watching these waffle sweaters come to life. I can’t help but smile at the admonition to suspend judgement and just follow the directions. I am not good at that because I like to understand how patterns work. Still these designers know what they are doing, especially this one. Knit on my friend.
I agree with everyone else. Them’s bad-ass colors! Can’t wait to see a whole sweater full. Taking it row by row seems like an excellent suggestion for anything overwhelming. (I hope I’m listening to myself.) Please feel free to send us frequent progress pictures, Kym:).
It is quite exhilarating to knit such a complex section of knitting… that is pure genius… I am fan girling like mad over Amy! She is my new Knitting Queen! (and I love your color choices as well!)
Great colors for your Waffle Pullover! Thanks for helping me power through my short rows. I love that we can cheer each other on as bad ass knitters!