Notes from the frog pond

Today the T-shirt Sweater went from this:

To this:

And finally back to this:

Isn't it much more beautiful now?  I have never ripped out an entire project before.  I feel like it was almost as big as an accomplishment as if I had finished knitting something.
Last week, as planned, I took out the seams and blocked the pieces.  I took the trouble to block it because I really was leaning toward reknitting the sleeve caps and putting it back together.  However, seeing it blocked clinched the decision to completely frog it.  I just wasn't happy with the gauge of the knitted fabric.
It seemed like a dreaded chore but once I got going I was excited.  It was like getting a gift of brand new yarn! 

And I think I found a better project match for the Malabrigo silky merino.  Previously, I had only been looking at Ravelry to find a new project.  But when I really decided to rip out the sweater, I delved into my own pattern bookshelf as well.  Happily, I found this:

It is the Neck Down Lace Pullover by Cecily Glowik, from the Classic Elite pattern booklet 9091 Alpaca Stories.  I've knit a gauge swatch and I think I have found a much happier second life for the silky merino.  This whole process has been vexing at times, and like anything else that fits that description, I can now look back on it and appreciate the learning process it provided.  I really mean it when I say that I appreciate the lessons learned.  Still I think I will now go light a candle and say a small prayer to the knitting gods and goddesses that I can get through one project without quite as much of a learning curve.  Wish me luck!