How knitting teaches us about humility....

Sometimes you think you've done everything right, controlled all the variables for a predicatable outcome.  You did your swatch, read all the pertinent information, and proceded onward, full of confidence for a successful outcome.

On the left, a lovely corregated rib mitten cuff from Charlene Schurch's Marvelous Mittens book in the classic Brown Sheep Naturspun Sport.  I didn't get too far, so it won't be too bad of a rip - I slipped in on and it is way too big around my wrist - need to downsize.

On the right, a Scandinavian Sweater of the Elizabeth Zimmerman variety, ie, design your own as you go, in Bartlett Fisherman Yarn, natural sheep colors.  The pink is the knitted in hem, which is curling badly.  Problem here?  Quite a significant difference in my flat swatch gauge and my knitting-in-the-round-while-carrying-colors gauge.  My hoped for 40" chest measurement is closer to 36".  This rip will be more painful that the little mitten, but it will happen.

On the bright side, I would rather go up a needle size on Scandinavian anyway, because the fabric is so dense and the knitting is hard on my hands.  A longer circular than what I am using will help.  So I will treat myself to a new Addi, 29", size 7.

Sometimes, our need for a quick product, or even just for blog content, causes us to lose site of the lasting nature of what we are creating.  We plow onward, knowing that there might be significant problems that will haunt us later.  This time, I think it was the yarns and these timeless patterns that caused me to do the right thing and start over.  I hope to have these mittens and this sweater when I am an old woman.  So, let's get it right from the beginning.   

Comments

[jody]

Great post! I am sure most of us have struggled with this very same issue. Pressure to finish, pressure to hit a milestone, justification for the "need" to buy more yarn, fodder for the blog. I had this inner dialogue this morning on the way to work when I admitted to myself that the work on my sock last night needs to be fixed before I move on.

Your last paragraph is seriously worth quoting, and worth printing out and taping to the wall (or keeping in our knitting bags) to remind us of what we're really doing here -- creating a lasting representation of our work that envelops us with love, skill, creativity and patience.

[katiedid]

I love the colors on your mitten and the sweater work is just gorgeous. And, once again, a great thought-provoking post. I'm in the midst of a fixit project because I didn't rip when I should have so this is perfect.

Thanks.

[Rebekah]

I agree with Jody that was a great post. I too need to take more time with things and make sure I do them right. Too many times I finish a project and it's not right, has problems, and thus never is used. Thanks for such a meditative post.

[Beth S.]

That's an admirable and excellent sentiment. :-) And I'm particularly glad you told us about it because I am getting ready to start my first big Norwegian colorwork project. Now I know I need to be especially vigilant about gauge!

[Cassie]

Oooo, the Scandinavian sweater looks absolutely gorgeous. Sorry about the ripping factor, but you're right about doing it right from the beginning. It hurts at first but is better in the end. Can't wait to see how it goes.

[Kathy]

So well said, Mary Beth. Some things are okay to fudge a bit, but lasting projects should be done with that in mind. Look forward to watching these projects evolve.

[Annie]

What? When did these projects come about? You didn't blog every minute detail of the experience. I feel left out! ;)

Both projects are gorgeous. And I agree with Jody, your last paragraph will become my knitting mantra!

[Debi]

Great thought provoking post! To me what you described is a sign of my knitting maturity. In the past I might just abandon the project in a fit of pique but now I wan't the project to be the best I can produce and I'm not a "failure" if it takes a few tries.

One thing I found interesting...do people actually press on denying that nagging voice just to have blog fodder? The thought never occured to me! Surprising :)

[erin]

The blue and brown mitten cuff is a gorgeous colour combination. I'm beginning to respect that little voice in my head and listen to it early too. I have a couple of too wide / too short sweaters in my cupboard to remind me.

[PJ]

Found your blog through Zeneedle...love the Arts & Craft movement/Mission look, love the post...need to get back and read your past posts! What a great point about the true point of our projects ...and not get lost in our need to finish.

[Stacie]

I agree 100% with what you said and I couldn't have said it better!

[MJ]

Loved your post, Mary Beth. Love your new blog skin, too.

I got your email on the knitalong and I'll update the post and my sidebar.