I've been knitting a pair of socks. Not very well. Not very dedicated to the task. I have been VERY frustrated by this pattern. Looks so simple, yet... somehow... seems like the hardest pattern I've ever made!
It's toe-up. Usually I knit socks cuff-down. The toe didn't even fizz me, and that's the part I expected to have trouble with.
I started the sock, frogged it (rip-it! rip-it!), started it again, and then once again. I still wasn't satisfied. It didn't look bad at all -- rather pretty, in fact! Want to see it? Of course you do!
Kind of pretty, eh?
I think so, too. BUT, it is VERY difficult to knit -- tight, bunches, broke two needles, just not pleasant!
I put it away.
Knit 10 other things in the mean time.
1 sweater (crocheted)
1 poncho
2 other pairs of socks
1 pair of slipper socks (pictured below)
1 purse (crocheted)
and a few other odds and ends.....
I decided to pull it out again this week. I can't let this pattern beat me! (and besides, I'm supposed to be finishing up all my "started" projects) I knit two sets (with frustration)... then put it down. Having nothing else to work on, I re-read the pattern for the sock.
LIGHTBULB MOMMENT
I hadn't been following the directions! Although I usually read through ahead of time every pattern I work on, it would appear that I did not in this case! I was knitting every row in chart. The directions clearly say "chart only shows odd numbered rows, Knit all stitches for even numbered rows"
I immediatly pulled out another set of needles, the second, untouched, ball of thread, and started again. To my amazement the sock that came forth is lovely, soft, easily knitted, and loose :)
What a wonder it is when we follow the directions - COMPLETELY instead of barging ahead, thinking we know better!
Would you like to see the "new" sock? It's not complete, but I'll give you a peek anyway.....
The pattern does look different! It's much softer on the foot, and nicer to wear. I'm inspired to finish it now!!
And the lesson I learned today.... How often do we not follow God's directions completely? We are in such a hurry to accomplish something that we jump ahead, thinking we know what He wants and how to do it. Do we remember to stop, listen, read God's Word and completely consider what He is directing us to do?
Read ALL the directions. All the way through. Take note. Don't pick up your tools until you know what you're doing. If you don't, the only think you'll end up with is a lot of frustration and wasted time undoing the damage! However, if you do, the result is beautiful and worth the effort!
10:37 PM, Thursday, August 3, 2006
.. Posted by kateyz
Your sock looks great!! I wish I could knit, but I can never get the right tension and then I get frustrated and I quit!! Good for you for persevering!! Have you visited rene's blog? She is a knitter too and is also posting some things she has been working on!
Kathleen
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11:09 PM, Thursday, August 3, 2006
.. Posted by DanielleW
Wow, I'm impressed. Those socks both look warm, snuggly, soft and inviting. And this is saying alot when it is midnight and 80 some degrees and still sweaty out. LOL
So Pretty !
11:18 AM, Friday, August 4, 2006
.. Posted by Canadagirl
I just learned how to knit socks this last winter and yours are very fancy ! I want to try these sometime soon. I too have ufo's unfinished objects. Thanks for visiting and giving sweet comments. God Bless.
In Him,
LOVELY!
1:18 PM, Friday, August 4, 2006
.. Posted by angela
What beautiful, beautiful yarn! I'm so glad to see you using it!! I want to give that pattern a try, too. I'm so scared of "toe-up" patterns, though. How's the heel instructions?
Wow!!
4:46 PM, Saturday, August 5, 2006
.. Posted by StormySkies
Your sock is beautiful!! And I love your comments about following directions. I know I've leaped without looking myself a time or two, lol.
Stormy
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7:09 AM, Sunday, August 6, 2006
.. Posted by shadowbear
Beautiful socks. And a great lesson about following directions.....that is something I would do for sure, think I've read it and come to find out I am missing something very important.
Shari
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10:40 PM, Sunday, August 6, 2006
.. Posted by mom2ZAW
They look so cute and very comfy. I would love to be able to do that. Thanks for sharing that bit of wisdom, too.
Wow!
12:27 PM, Monday, August 7, 2006
.. Posted by BarbaraFrank
I'm impressed! I can knit a little, but nothing like that. And I love the object lesson you've found in all of this.
Thanks for your anniversary congratulations. I see they're in order for you and your dh, too---Congratulations on nine years! May you have many, many more :)
Barb
Wow...I'm impressed...
10:13 PM, Monday, August 7, 2006
.. Posted by picketfencemom
You are very talented and I love the socks! I am a beginning knitter and was determined to make our new baby (who was born in April) an afghan before he came. I wasn't very good, but I was determined. But our two year old got hold of my work and pretty much ended that project. Afterwards, I didn't have the energy to start over...and then baby came early anyway. When I gather my courage, I will try a new project and this time I will remember to put it away between work sessions!
LIGHTBULB MOMMENT
