Not the sock I knitted...but see how cute the pattern is?
Another 10 rounds later, and I still didn't like what I was seeing. Crap! What to do, what to do...I wanted to make these socks, but I also wanted them to look like what was pictured - and mine weren't. I was trying to trust the pattern, but my gut was telling me that this just wasn't working out and I should cut my losses - I loved the yarn, but I didn't love how it was looking in this pattern. Plus, I still had the matching sock to knit, and I knew I wouldn't want to make a second sock if I wasn't happy with the first one.
I put the project aside for a bit. I read more on the pattern, and then knit a few more rounds. Nope. It still looked sloppy. So, I put in an afterthought lifeline (meaning I captured a row of stitches just above the heel on a separate piece of yarn, or in my case, dental floss), took the sock off of my needles, and ripped out the pattern. All of that work, for nothing.
While I was sad to not be knitting that pattern, I knew, deep down, that I was never going to be happy with those socks, had I continued with them. Something was just not meshing between the instructions, my brain, and my hands. I ended up knitting these socks in a plain vanilla pattern, and you know what? I loved them. The yarn itself was bright and pretty and in the end, the self-striping was just enough for me.
My Fruit Stripes Gum Happy Stripes socks!
Not everything turns out the way I plan. Life has thrown me a few twists that I never could have anticipated, but usually I'm fairly willing to accept and adapt to them. Knitting is just another version of this, on a smaller scale. Who knew I'd be learning even more life lessons from a hobby?
I love your comparison posts with knitting and life. Very well written and so true.
ReplyDeleteLove how life shows us lessons in the smallest areas :)
ReplyDeleteGreat lesson!
ReplyDeleteCute socks! I think you made the right call no sense in making
ReplyDeletesomething your not going to be happy to wear.
love your socks. I've got to start another pair.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I checked out the pattern! What a clever thing to do--just using a spiral rib to make those diamonds. Have you thought about just using that technique on the cuff, and knitting the rest of the sock with one of your tried and true patterns?
ReplyDeleteI like your analogy. You know I like it when my life is following the tried and true pattern. Going with my gut and changing is hard. Its easier when I have someone to discuss the change with. Great post! You got me thinking :)
Ok, I love the socks!! Super adorable :)
ReplyDeleteI am just super impressed with your knitting skills and how far you've come!
ReplyDeleteSometimes trusting your gut is the hardest part of all!
ReplyDeleteI have never regretted following my gut instinct but have often been sorry when I didn't listen to my gut!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I have learned so much about life (really, about myself) from knitting, too. It honestly shocks me.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a bummer though, when you think you are going to love a pattern, and don't? I started a pattern for dishcloths I thought I would love and didn't dig it. I kept going though, since they are for a silent auction - maybe someone else will love them!
So true! Love your socks!
ReplyDeleteAn important life lesson that I have recently been learning. Thank you for the refresher! :-)
ReplyDelete