Switchbacks, Stitches, and My First Cardigan

My biggest mountain to climb as a beginner knitter was knitting a cardigan.

Did I mention that I possess a healthy dose of self-confidence when it comes to new projects? Or perhaps "overzealousness" is the more accurate term. My brain, however, defaults to calling it confidence. One of my more questionable qualities—and occasionally one of my best.

Whatever you call it, it was enough to convince me that the perfect beginner knitting project was the Lakes Cardigan by Ozetta. Based on my extensive YouTube research, Ozetta is known for her clear knitting patterns, so naturally, I placed complete faith in a group of strangers on the internet.

Looking back, I can only laugh.

Between me and a finished cardigan stood several hurdles—or perhaps switchbacks would be a better comparison. Each turn revealed a new challenge that should have sent me running straight to Ravelry in search of a simpler pattern.

First, there was the saddle shoulder construction, a term that sounded far more intimidating than anything a beginner should willingly attempt. Then came picking up stitches to connect the shoulder sections, a technique that felt suspiciously like knitting magic.

As if that weren't enough, the pattern called for holding two strands together: Noro Madara, known for its delightfully unpredictable thick-and-thin texture, paired with Isager Alpaca 1, a lace-weight yarn so fine it occasionally seemed to disappear before my eyes.

For the final ascent, I took a brief rest before attempting to pick up the stitches for the collar and button band. By then, I had learned that some knitting challenges are best approached after a good night's sleep and a fresh cup of coffee.

None of these obstacles slowed my enthusiasm. In true beginner fashion, I assumed confidence could compensate for experience.

After all, how hard could it be?

Confidence, it turns out, is not a substitute for skill. It merely provides enough momentum to get you into trouble.

Yet, much like the trek to Machu Picchu, one step forward eventually becomes a mile. One stitch becomes a row. One row becomes a cardigan.

With enough persistence, patience, and perhaps a slightly unreasonable amount of confidence, I completed the Lakes Cardigan.

In all honesty, knitting the cardigan was considerably easier than trekking to Machu Picchu. There were fewer blisters, no altitude sickness, and significantly better access to snacks.

Still, both experiences taught me the same lesson: most mountains look impossible from the bottom. But with a little preparation, a willingness to keep going when things get difficult, and a healthy dose of confidence, you can often accomplish far more than you think.

Sometimes the summit is Machu Picchu.

Sometimes it's a finished cardigan.