In knitting, I want to learn new things. I want to very much. I see the beautiful work of others, and I want to be able to do it, too. So I read books, take a class, watch YouTube videos, or all of the above. And sometimes the yarn and the needles win, and I lose.
It's aggravating to be confounded by sticks and string. I would like to dominate these simple tools and make them create any object my heart desires, but alas, it is not to be.
I'm slowly beginning to recognize that what I want is actually ALL knitting knowledge. Like kids with ice cream, "all that there is" seems to be the ideal portion. I want an endless supply of creativity and skill (and yarn) so that every project I attempt will be beautiful and successful. I'd also like a puppy who doesn't poop on the floor, and other magical things, but let's stay on topic.
ALL knitting skill is not within my reach, but I'm working on it as fast as I can, which is roughly the same rate the Earth is falling into the Sun. I love the thrill of mastering a new technique (hello two color brioche stitch) and the satisfaction of completing something that was tougher than I thought. The sticks and string still refuse to give up their secrets on a regular basis (hello two color brioche stitch), but I have another glass of wine and start again. (I have a friend who puts her needles in "Time Out", so they can "think about what they did". I prefer the wine.)
There is still a ton to learn. Knitting and I will grow together for the rest of my life. I've barely gotten my feet wet in lace, or spinning, or double knitting. Knitting is a comforting and challenging companion. At the rate of one skill every month or two (my current rate of increase), I won't feel like a great knitter until I'm in my 90's. I've been knitting for 37 years already! Oh, well. Pass the multivitamins. I'll need 'em.
Showing posts with label needles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label needles. Show all posts
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year's Resolutions
Knitting in 2011 is going to be different for me. Resolutions have never been a process I've done, but I've seen it work for other people, so this year I'm in. In 2011 I resolve to:
1. Knit during classier TV shows. No more Ginsu Knife infomercials for me, no! I'm going to knit during Masterpiece Theatre and Inside the Actor's Studio. This will add an air of class and sophistication to my work, not to mention a pretentious accent.
2. Knit with more color. I knit with subtle, muted earthy colors now (brown and black), and nature has shown us that this is a losing strategy in evolution. Adaptability and bright plumage are what have allowed the alligator to make it this far, and I need to liven up my palate at least as far as the beautiful colors of the all-enduring alligator. I will branch out into green.
3. Knit every day. Right now I knit almost exclusively at night, and the knitting is getting self conscious about it, like I'm embarrassed to be seen with it or something. No more. I will knit proudly in the daylight every day. In my house. Alone. With the curtains closed. (Baby steps.)
4. Knit with white wine. White wine doesn't stain. Need I say more?
5. Knit with more recycled materials. Right now I knit with my grandmother's WWII era needles as much as I can, and seam up with her tapestry needles. (God, I miss her!) I have since learned from a girlfriend that if you go to yard sales, you can get a whole bunch of used needles and notions for the change under your car seat! New addi turbos are $15 a pop. That would buy all the needles in a whole town of yard sales! No more new stuff for me - recycling is in. Oh, and it keeps stuff out of the landfills.
6. Realize that size doesn't matter. What are we, men? We should not be so preoccupied about measuring things. Gauge swatches, palm circumferences, chest measurement, yardage... All that is nonsense. What matters is that I finish stuff. Who cares what size it is?
7. Come up with new knitting sayings. Everyone knows "close knit" and "spinning a yarn." How about "it's a wrap" - well, bad example. Or "balls to the wall" - crap. Or "stick it", "pins and needles", "coming unraveled" - um - on second thought, there are plenty of good knitting sayings. I resolve to use them more often.
That's it. This changes everything! It's going to be a wonderful year.
1. Knit during classier TV shows. No more Ginsu Knife infomercials for me, no! I'm going to knit during Masterpiece Theatre and Inside the Actor's Studio. This will add an air of class and sophistication to my work, not to mention a pretentious accent.
2. Knit with more color. I knit with subtle, muted earthy colors now (brown and black), and nature has shown us that this is a losing strategy in evolution. Adaptability and bright plumage are what have allowed the alligator to make it this far, and I need to liven up my palate at least as far as the beautiful colors of the all-enduring alligator. I will branch out into green.
3. Knit every day. Right now I knit almost exclusively at night, and the knitting is getting self conscious about it, like I'm embarrassed to be seen with it or something. No more. I will knit proudly in the daylight every day. In my house. Alone. With the curtains closed. (Baby steps.)
4. Knit with white wine. White wine doesn't stain. Need I say more?
5. Knit with more recycled materials. Right now I knit with my grandmother's WWII era needles as much as I can, and seam up with her tapestry needles. (God, I miss her!) I have since learned from a girlfriend that if you go to yard sales, you can get a whole bunch of used needles and notions for the change under your car seat! New addi turbos are $15 a pop. That would buy all the needles in a whole town of yard sales! No more new stuff for me - recycling is in. Oh, and it keeps stuff out of the landfills.
6. Realize that size doesn't matter. What are we, men? We should not be so preoccupied about measuring things. Gauge swatches, palm circumferences, chest measurement, yardage... All that is nonsense. What matters is that I finish stuff. Who cares what size it is?
7. Come up with new knitting sayings. Everyone knows "close knit" and "spinning a yarn." How about "it's a wrap" - well, bad example. Or "balls to the wall" - crap. Or "stick it", "pins and needles", "coming unraveled" - um - on second thought, there are plenty of good knitting sayings. I resolve to use them more often.
That's it. This changes everything! It's going to be a wonderful year.
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