First…
Thank you so much all for your kind thoughts and prayers. I know that if anything in the universe can help, it is the good will of others and if that does the trick, then my friend should be home free :)
On to the knitting part of this program…
I have been wondering when, if ever, I was going to stop feeling like a dilettante. At what point could I say to myself, I’m not just fooling around any more. I’m not playing at knitting, I’m knitting. I mean, I’ve made lots of things (with both knit and purl stitches!), I’ve given away knitted gifts to people who seemed pleased to get them. I’ve learned to be somewhat comfortable with charts and have done this blog (supposedly in the pursuit of the pleasure of knitting) for a year and a half.
Am I a knitter yet?
Sometimes you come close - I did a few months ago when I finished the Peony Bag. It’s like that, isn’t it, when you’re really pleased with how something turns out? Is there anything like the feeling of competence? But then it fades as you notice the many dozen WIPs and UFOs you’ve got scattered around the place, despite which you can’t come up with a single thing you want to work on. Even worse, there’s nothing you want to start either.
I’m going through the same thing now with the shawl. It’s done and complete and even I can unabashedly say that it’s beautiful without also feeling that I need to apologize for something. But there are these bunches of unfinished projects that don’t seem to be going anywhere and look as I might, nothing trips my trigger, clamoring to be the next big thing. The horror, the horror.
Maybe this is just the way projects end - kind of a post partum thing? Geez, that would explain why I have so many unfinished things lying around my living room and in the yarn cabinets! Why finish anything if it’s going to send you into a tailspin for a week? And isn’t it supposed to be all about the journey and not the destination, anyway?
UFOs forever! WIPs rule!
Ahem....
But I’ll tell you something else. I’ve always wanted to dance. To me, that is the epitome of grace and elegance. Of course I’m a lummox with two left feet and no co-ordination what-so-ever. But lately, when I can separate my consciousness to observe, I notice the way the needles move when I am doing something complex, something with several different techniques or stitch types. Forward back, under and over, they and the yarn partnering in this continuous series of motions that produces a beautiful piece of fabric. And who’s choreographing that motion? Why I am!
So I guess I am a knitter - also a dancer :)
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So sorry to hear about your friend...sending positive thoughts your way. Enjoyed your post today. A dancing knitter....what a lovely vision.
Thanks Maureen :) I just had to understand that there are more ways to dance than with the feet!
I don’t know what defines “a knitter” but I DO know you definitely qualify, especially after that shawl!
Side note: The light saber spoon was a complete and utter hit. More on Monday!!
Knit on! =) I’d have to say that you are most definitely a knitter, and a talented one at that. And you’re right, knitting and dancing are similar - excellent comparison. We’re all creatively moving to the beat of our own drums.
Ryan - That’s nice of you to say. Delighted the spoon was a hit :)
Erin - “We’re all creatively moving to the beat of our own drums.” Nice way to put it :)
umm, when we come upon a problem in our knitting perhaps we are clogging with two left feet then!!
the dancing/knitting images are lovely though-
and, fwiw, i find that when i’ve completed a big project (which does happen, but seldom i admit) it’s easier to start over with something altogether new than it is to face all the finishing up of another item that has been lurking around-
stay happy-
Barb - Well, a least I’m in good company then :) Maybe it takes the mind (heart?)longer to let go the finished project (you’re right - it’s usually a big or involved one. I don’t get like this over hats!) than it does the fingers.
Hello, I found your blog while looking for anyone else who might have knit the garter elephant I’m just starting on (love your wee blanket for him btw). And here I am reading back through various entries, and having followed the mention of the peony bag to where you have a pic of it - wow! Could you tell me where the pattern can be found? Its lovely, though likely a bit beyond my beginner skills as yet, but would be nice to aspire to.
Happy knitting! :)
Hi Blue, welcome!
Thanks for the compliment on the peony bag but I’m afraid that I don’t have a pattern for it - I kinda made it up as I went along. Basically the base was a knitted square. Then I picked up the stitches all around the perimeter and knit the bag in double moss stitch interspersed with a cable in the middle of each side. Then the top was finished with crocheted shells and a monk’s cord tie. I may write it up at some point, but I’m afraid it won’t be any time real soon.
