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What Do You Need To Be A Truly Fearless Knitter?
Topic: Hats
Hi Sandi,
I have a question. I've been kind of mulling it over in my brain ever since you posted about fearless knitting and I've decided that it might be best to go to the source.
So, what exactly are people afraid of? I can't imagine that people are actually afraid of knitting, it's just string and sticks. I can, however, think of several things they might be afraid of such as looking or feeling stupid, wasting time, wasting money (by ruining the yarn or not finishing a project) or not enjoying the new technique.
I'd be curious to see what it is that people are actually afraid of.
Sharon H.
Sooo...Are You Fearless or Fearful?
I have a friend (let's call her Peggy) who is learning to knit, and she keeps saying, "Sandi, I can't do this. I am never going to be good enough at this to knit like you do." As she's saying this, Peggy is knitting away on a very lovely bit of scarf. It's garter stitch, and soft, chunky yarn, and I bet she'll wear it every day next winter. And yet, Peggy’s fears about her knitting are getting in the way of her enjoyment of her knitting.
Back to Sharon's original question: What are we afraid of, indeed? What is the difference between a Fearless Knitter and a Fearful Knitter?
The main fear I hear knitters expressing is the fear called "I Can't": I can't be good enough. I can't knit something complex without messing up. I can't make a sweater fit me properly. To these folks, mistakes are somehow glaring evidence of a fatal flaw in their knitting abilities.
Fearless KnitterFolk, on the other hand, have enough confidence to look upon a knitting challenge—be it a new technique, a complicated lace chart, or a big honking mistake—not as a failure, but as a chance to learn something about their knitting, and about themselves as a knitter.
Confident knitters aren't necessarily experts who know every knitting trick under the sun. They do, however, have the ability and skills to move past obstacles in their knitting—especially when that obstacle is themselves.
That said, here's what I'd really like to know:
What are your knitting fears?
What would it take for you to become a truly fearless knitter?
How can Knitting Daily help you to build the skills and the confidence to become a Fearless Knitter?
See, here's the thing: I'm sitting in a building with a vast collection of books about knitting, magazines about knitting, and people who know stuff about knitting that would frighten fish. So: Tell me what you need to become a Fearless Knitter--tutorials? videos? classes? funny stories to make you laugh and realize you're not alone? photo galleries?--and I'll just see what I can do about getting you some Fearless Knitter tools, Knitting Daily-style.
Join me later in the week as I face my fear of failure in the form of a really big (and utterly stupid) mistake in the Gathered Pullover.
Choose next week's free pattern!
All right, folks. I can't make up my mind which pattern to release from our archives as next week's free pattern on Knitting Daily...there are so many to choose from! So I've got it narrowed down to three...and guess what? It's your call from there. Vote for your favorite! The pattern with the most reader votes will be posted next Monday as a free download here on Knitting Daily.
Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.
What's on Sandi's needles? Three projects, all of which have been "learning experiences" for me: the Gathered Pullover, which is now recovering after a visit from Cap'n Frog; a rather untidily grafted hood on my husband's pullover that might need some Knitting Daily magic; and the Secret Knitting Daily project, which also spent some quality time with Cap'n Frog. (Cap'n Frog is a very important member of my family by now.)
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Cecily BeanieDesigner: Louisa HardingTechnique: Embellishments, Pom-PomsSkill Level:
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Easy
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Comments
For me to becoem a truly fearless knitter I would love to learn how to be a great finisher. I would like to learn how to make perfect seams and sew in sleeves.
I realized something prety exciting as I read your questions: I'm not a fearless knitter! I feel like I can pretty much do anything I set my mind to. I might have to start over three times, or maybe the finished product will have a mistake in it, but it's all a learning experience. I truly feel there's no knitting technique or project I can't do if I put my mind to it.
I do think of myself as a fearless knitter...But sometimes taking the time to really read the instructions slowly and one step at a time just seams beyond me. I want to finish the guage swatch and get to the good stuff, fast. That is why I would love to see some videos on a special pattern. You know the old saying a picture is worth a thousand words. Keep up the good work, I love logging in and enjoying a knitting topic.
Well, I must be a fearless knitter, because I believe I can do anything! Okay, maybe not the first time, or even the second, but no pattern is going to get the best of me. If I'm afraid of anything, it's starting a project that seems too big, and worrying that I'll never get done. But, I guess that's what little (easy) projects are for.
I'm not afraid to make knitting mistakes, which is a good thing since I make soooo many! I'm afraid to join in at these knitting shops that have the sit-down-&-knit nights where you bring your own project & socialize. I don't know any of these people who seem to be so much more skilled & sophisticated than I (& have so much more money for these truly great yarns). I watch them when I browse luscious yarns, longing to join in, but feel too shy to just horn in with strangers! Debra in Norfolk, Virginia
I would love to see a formula or lesson on pattern modifications - particularly for sweaters. The only thing I fear in knitting is investing significant time and money in a sweater only to discover that it may technically fit (i.e. it covers the body for which its intended) but not that it has a long enough waist , big enough bust, narrow enough shoulders - not numerically but for the style of the sweater (which is what I am attracted to in the magazine in the first place) to remain intact. Should I make the waist band or the actual waist longer? This problem keeps me from knitting sweaters more than about once a year when I decide to try again and then ineveitably meet with disaster.
I've been knitting for half a century and teaching on and off, one way or another, formally or in-, for at least 30 years. It seems to me that the people who are most fearful are those with a wide perfectionist streak, who think that the sky will fall if they make a mistake. They're the ones who knit so tightly that they have to use needles several sizes larger to get the right gauge, and whose neck and shoulders get as hard as rocks from the tension. I just keep telling them to relax, they aren't on trial for murder, and knitting is supposed to be fun. It isn't required. Their first scarf isn't going on their transcript. The absolute worst thing that can happen is that, after giving it a try, they will decide that knitting isn't for them--and even then, they will have learned something.
But that's just my theory. I have no personal experience of being fearful of anything remotely related to knitting. I've never liked horror movies, and if it were scary, I wouldn't still be doing it.
My greatest fear is my own impulsiveness. I am so eager to try something new that I don't always take the time to adequately learn new techniques to do the project as beautifully as possible. :(
I want to be a fearless knitter. My fears are swatching, gaguge and nice (expensive for me) yarns. Swatching gets me. I can never get the gauge right. The sweaters I knit for myself don't fit. How I long to get it right so I can be worthy of some of the yarns at my LYS. Sigh...
I am a fearless soft, with a couple of gnarly edges I suppose(but kind ones,) happy knitter. I love to learn. I love to reach out and embrace new things and sometimes I want it now...but then, when I feel like that, I pull back & remind myself what I need to do to accomplish all my dream projects/goals - take some lessons!! I am quite proficient reading patterns, but there are times I need extra instruction. It's so much fun, so greatly satisfying, and I never want to stop!
I'm a "hesitant" knitter. I like to have a lot of information about materials and technique before starting a project. Right now I'd really like to get into lace knitting. I even purchased a book with lace knitting patterns However there are a few things I'd like to know before I start lace knitting: how to choose a good fiber for lace knitting? Are there some knitting needles that work better for lace knitting? How do I avoid common mistakes? What is the same about all lace charts and why some are written differently? Last but not least, does it have to be expensive? Fact is I don't really want to spend a ton of money for one project. I suppose some of these questions could be applied to other types of knitting projects too!
Lyn Wilson
I suppose wasting money is my biggest fear. I shy away from so many projects because I can't afford the yarn and subbing is so hard! Not necessarily in the gauge/math sense of subbing, but in the sense of never knowing that the sub yarn will have the same drape, sheen, texture, etc. I would love to learn how to sub fearlessly!
Making a good choice regarding which pattern to knit I think would be my biggest fear. Particular techniques or skills, feh! Those can be learned as you go, or practiced on smaller projects (or swatches!) But to have a better knowledge of what's worth trying redarding my body type, what's already in my closet, what I'll actually wear, or how to tweak a pattern so that it really works for me, that is a challenge for which I often feel ill prepared, and makes me rethink what it is I'll knit. I know that the more I read, the more I try to work with new techniques, the more confident I'll become about initial project selection, and adjusting it to work for me. I'm just sometimes frustrated by my learning curve.
I consider myself pretty fearless; I try to learn a new technique with each project (anything from a new cast-on or bind-off to learning how to translate those Japanese symbols).
But I've seen others who are not so fearless. For a long time I thought it merely a mindset, but after watching some people I think it's a matter of practicing basic skills and understanding how the stitches work, too.
I have a relative who's a wonderful artist (watercolors, other media) but who is hesitant re: trying more complex knitting projects. She's been knitting around 2 years now. I tried to encourage her to try more difficult projects, but then I noticed she's having difficulties with accidentally picking up extra stitches or dropping stitches (and not realizing it) while doing basic stockinette. I don't think she's ready quite yet until she really gets a feel for what she's doing.
I really don't like this "fearless/fearful knitting" theme.
I feel like people, and women especially, pile too many "shoulds" on ourselves and spend too much of our lives feeling guilty and unworthy.
I gather that "Be a fearless knitter" is intended to end that. But I think it reinforces guilt. To me, "Be a fearless knitter" says "It's not good enough for you to enjoy a hobby. You have to turn it into a self-improvement project. You have to be constantly vigilant that you have goals that are challenging enough, and that you are working hard enough toward your goals." "Be a fearless knitter" is yet another way of telling myself I'm not doing "enough".
2. Affirmations work, but affirmations need to be stated in a positive manner. The word "fearless" focuses the mind on fear and is negative.
Let's say "I am a joyful knitter," "I love to knit," "I love to learn new knitting techniques," "I love to try new projects."
Sorry Sandy, Cap'tain Frog is a permanent fixture in my house. Just like fish, after a while it stinks. LOL. Too many projects and the span of attention from one KAL to the other, is way to short, for me to do justice to either. So each KALs, who should have been finished by now, are languishing and bemoaning my lack of attention in their basket. So it is not so much fear of knitting, but fear of boredom that I am suffering, so I am attacking to many projects and end up being scattered in to many directions to finish a project. That or I do not want my project to leave home.
I'm with Marie H. I too would like to know how to modify a beautiful pattern to fit my happy Humpty-Dumpty shape (to look so not "Humpty-Dumpty" would be nice!) I've made a few sweaters that didn't come close to fitting & my girls wouldn't wear to rake leaves in, so I went back to afghans. Sigh...But I've been knitting madly on a Jezabel Red cardigan for my college-age daughter & it only lacks a collar to finish it. A few more days & I'm free - I'm going to try & make a cardi-coat type sweater for me! I've been saving up for a beautiful LYS yarn & I can hardly wait. (Now if I can find the right pattern...hummm.)
My fears are about wasting my beautiful yarn on something that won't fit and will end up in a pile somewhere. I can't tell how sweaters are meant to fit. Close? Loose? Depends on the yarn and the style, but how can you tell? Or I could use cheap yarn and not worry so much, but then I wouldn't like it anyway. I need lessons on how to decide on fit and measurements. Thanks. AM
I am most definitely a fearless knitter and always have been. The first thing I started in on after my grandmother taught me to knit when I was 11 was a tennis sweater -- sport weight, cabled, on size 3 or 4 needles! No one told me I had to stick with beginner projects so I plunged in to knit what I wanted.
I have written about this very topic on my blog the in the last week. You can see the posts here:
http://www.jung-at-heart.com/knitting/being_fearless.html
I'd rather look at myself as a "cautious" knitter ... oh what the heck! I'm scared silly at the mere mention of knitting socks! and lace, and cables. But I AM really good at garter stitch!
I'd rather look at myself as a "cautious" knitter ... oh what the heck! I'm scared silly at the mere mention of knitting socks! and lace, and cables. But I AM really good at garter stitch!
My 'fear' is mostly due to disappointment from past projects. Most resent disappointment: Hat for husband from p. 108 of summer 07 Interweave Knits. The "ribbing" looks nice but doesn't streatch at all. And although I swatched several times, it's too big! I get so excited about being able to knit something really nice for someone but usually it doesn't turn out to be as nice as my mind's image.
I cannot figure out how to answer the questions. charts are my worst nightmare and I always have my sister translate them.
When the message came out about "Fearless Knitting", it was funny because that is exactly what I was planning for the year. I'm a pretty fearless knitter, getting into things where "angels would fear to tread" but I had a fear of stranded knitting - and I really want to make a norwegian sweater. So I decided stranded knitting would be my goal for 2008 - and I just finished my first project!! you can see it at http://mickknits.blogspot.com . What I was afraid of is knitting too tight, getting frustrated, wasting yarn and money but mostly losing my dream when I realized I just couldn't do it. The hat took 7 tries to start, but I think I've got it!
Thank you so much for encouraging us!!
Sandi: I am a fearless knitter, in that I believe there's no pattern or stitch I can't tackle. It's finishing that scares me beyond belief. I can't seem to get things together in a smooth fashion. Maybe some videos, classes, knit alongs, whatever on finishing, from basics (how to plan for the finish before you begin) to showing how to attach sleeves, pockets, etc.? Carol B in Los Angeles
What I'm afraid of:
The math of knitting. I have a mental block against math and wouldn't you know it - I chose a hobby where math is a very useful skill. ::sigh:: So while I'm all about trying new techniques (cables and lace and short-rows and...), doing the math to make sure that a top fits my ample curves correctly and flattering-ly is so daunting to me that sometimes I just don't do it.
So how to get over the math fears?
p.s. to JannyW - seriously , you wouldn't believe how easy a basic cable is! really! reallyreallyreally! I've taught two relatively new knitters how to cable and they always thought "oh, it's so hard, I won't be able to do it". And then I show them and literally 5 minutes later, they're happily cabling away. I'll admit that socks and lace are a bit tougher, but try some cables for confidence-building!
I am always fearful (with many reasons as this has happened to me many times) that any sweater/vest I knit *will not fit*. I hate getting to the point of blocking and seaming and realizing that it. will. not. fit. me. :) Nicole
Last year at this time I thought "I'll never be able to knit a sweater." But since then, I've finished four and am nearly done with a fifth!
I call these fears "My/Your/Her Mt. Everest". Cables and sweaters were mine. Colorwork was a friend's. Psychological blocks that we just need to push beyond. Say "I don't believe you!" to those fears and anything's possible.
What I would like to see is the stuff that can be really troublesome - setting in sleeves so they don't warp, bubble or otherwise ruin a perfectly nice handknit (can you tell I'm having that problem now?), really detailed details on colorwork for neophytes, the real truth about blocking (do we REALLY have to do it with EVERY item?), etc.
What does it take to be a fearless knitter?
Time. Time to get old and realize that people who don't knit are going to think even your worst efforts are the product of genius and the people who do knit are likely to commisserate with your mistakes and ask for advice on how you produced something that really works. (Which will probably be the result of a screw up and you'll have no idea of how to do it again)
Time to learn to really love what you're doing and realize that it isn't other people's opinions that count.
Oh, yeah, I'm scared of the math too!
I'm fearful about spending a lot of money on a sweater that ends up not fitting or even getting finished because of "technical difficulties".
I'm fearful that handknit gifts won't be used by the recipients. I've had this happen with baby gifts. They say, "Oh, how beautiful!" and then never put their children in them. I know I probably shouldn't care, but I knit them so that can use and wear them.
L. Haley
I don't understand anyone being afraid in knitting. The area I'm interested in learning more about is twofold: 1)the process different designers use to design and 2) finishing prowess.
Until Knitting Daily came along, the one knitting task I could not face was ripping out a garment (a few rows, yes, entire garment, no). I have about a dozen WIPs that are almost complete but need serious reworking. In the back of my mind, I keep hoping there is a less radical, more elegant solution, and so my WIP pile grows.
I ripped out and reskeined the yarn from one sweater after the articles about Cap'n Frog were published. It was a very freeing experience, but I haven't gone after any other projects.
Do you have any other fix-it ideas other than ripping that you can pass on?
Knitting to fit is my big bugaboo and limits what and for whom I knit. But I'm always game to try a new stitch or an idea for shapings...so am I fearless or fearful knitter? Not afraid to rip and maybe that is an important point - many fearful knitters don't want to rip..it's a sorrowful, but necessary part of learning.
I like to think of myself as a "brave" knitter, as opposed to fearful or fearless, for isn't the definition of bravery "feel the fear and do it anyway"? I think that forging ahead into the unknown is a basic fact of life of knitting, because you can rarely be sure *exactly* how things will turn out, and that can either be exciting or scary, depending on the degree of risk.
Certainly the things that cause fear (but don't prevent me from knitting) are screwing up large amounts of expensive yarn, and wasting precious time. But I do think that educating yourself can help, and for that reason, I'd be all for videos, tutorials, funny stories, the lot.
Seaming is actually my biggest fear, mainly because I'm just not very good at it, so I would like to learn more about short rowed shoulders, three needle bind off, knitting from the top down etc. Anything to avoid seams.
Just thought of another fear. I have this beautiful alpaca sweater (yes, dpoll, I thought of you because we've had this conversation a few times) that only needs the remainder of a hoodie and two short sleeves. I am stuck because I am sure I will run out of yarn. I can't bear to go any further or check out how much yarn I have left because I'm worried, yes fearful, that I won't have enough yarn (bought years ago on ebay) and will have to rework part of it in order to get something wearable. And that it will fit. :) Nicole
I had to vote for the Hip Hop Coat, as I made it last year for my daughter CECILY. Yes, as in the Beanie. I knit that up in about a day and added the buttons, she loved it! I have some Hip Hop left, and need to do a hat for her.
My fears lay rooted in not wanting to appear foolish when asking for help at my LYS and in not wanting to attempt something I thought was outside my skill level in case it turned out UGH-ly.
Resources like Knitting Daily and Ravelry have gone a long way towards helping me be a more fearless knitter. The KD topics have answered some questions I didn't feel like asking at my LYS, and the Ravelry resources let me search pages and pages of info to find answers on my own. But if I can't find those answers, I know there are thousands of other friendly knitters out there in the world who'll help without making me feel dumb.
I tried my very first cable project in 2007 because of KD and Ravelry. I was afraid of messing up the cables before, so I left them alone. Now that I've tried them out, I find them very fun! I look forward to trying new techniques and stitches in 2008; and if I get fearful again, I'll look to KD and Ravelry to help me out. :-)
To help me a fearless knitter, I would like a sort of index of fixes: You dropped a stitch. Here are 3 things you can do (frog it, pick it up, hide it in your UFO pile) with short tutorials that we can select if needed. Another cool thing would be a cross-reference on knitting terms (kitchener stitch is also called grafting stitch) with a tutorial if needed. And a clear, easy to follow video tutorial about weaving in ends!
You know, I'm a bit dyslexic and suffer alot from dyscalculia (problems with numbers & math as my checkbook will atest,) but it doesn't stop me from trying new things. You just have to learn how to adapt your way of learning techniques to what you want to make. I make colored charts of my patterns on my Excel program so that it speaks in a way I understand it & mount it to one of those magnetic boards & use long refrigerator magnets to show only the row I'm doing at that time. I use a row counter for nearly everything, & I put little clip-type stitch markers every 10 stitches, etc., so I can help keep track of my patterns. I absolutely love cables (but still take it out alot when I've gotten 3 or 4" along & find I've flipped the cable needle the wrong way & have an "S" curve right in the middle of my pattern Staghorn because I got confused. Just the joy of watching the design take shape makes me feel so awed that I made this! It doesn't matter that I took it out a dozen or two times, (well, sometimes!) It's the satisfaction I feel in the creation of something with my own hands. I just love it!! Don't dispair, even if it looks funny to someone else, (& my family has given me some comments, believe me), it's what you feel when you make it that counts. If it gives you joy or peace or even the excitement of creativity, it's more than worth it. Keep knitting.
I guess you could call me a fearless knitter. If I want to do something badly enough, I'll always give it a try. What really does "inspire" me to do a project are photos of the item. I'm glad you mentioned that in your post, Sandi, because, for me, that's often the deciding factor as to whether I'll give a pattern the go ahead. I think out approach to knitting is often a "personality" trait. Perseverance is a must. If your not a quitter, you'll become a good (and fearless) knitter! Marcia
I try to be a fearless knitter. And I'm getting much better at it. The biggest help has been knitblogs. When I see that even the "superstar" bloggers frog projects, have problems with gauge, etc. I'm willing to accept that in my own knitting. Sometimes a given batch of yarn isn't meant to be the project that I thought it was meant to be. So, I do something else with it (or trade it to another knitter!). It's liberating to allow myself to change my mind.
I am a fearful knitter because sometimes i just can't wrap my head around a problem and solve it. Then i've invested a lot of money and time on something that just sits on the shelf unfinished. Case in point - Stephanie P-M's "The very thought of him"sweater. It's the "mistake rib" pattern and decreases for the armholes. It says "Keep in pattern" but I can't figure out how, so it just sits on the shelf - UFO. I'm afraid to try the next thing because i think the somewhat simple-looking instructions will mess me up again.....arrrgghhh. So i am afraid of instructions that look simple but aren't!
I like to think of myself as a Fearless Knitter who has been knitting since age 10. Mittens on skinny double-point needles were one of my first projects. Now, over 50 years later, I love knitting socks on skinny double-points, blankets and afghans on circular needles, and sweaters that fit much better thanks to more attention to gauge and measurements. I love cables, lace, textures, two-stranded color knitting; am not crazy about intarsia or using very chunky yarns. I'm helped by schematics and detailed measurement specs, stitch charts, and technique diagrams. Keep up the good work! Barbara S, Richford, NY
I fancy myself a fairly fearless knitter, and I have a bunch of first-time-trying-a-new-kind-of-project test subjects to show for it. I think Knitting Daily could help by posting readers' photos of first-time sweaters or first-time hats or first-time scarves that maybe didn't turn out like the pattern photo (we all have some stashed away somewhere - admit it...). Being a fearless knitter, in my mind, means not only NOT being afraid to fail miserably your first time out of the shoot, but also unafraid to keep trying. My first sweater could only have fit a one-antlered moose, and my second sweater attempt - which my husband still wears to humor me - had one sleeve about 5 inches longer than the other and seams that were, well, less than tidy. My first scarves had wavy edges, and my first test sock would have fit over a fireman's boot.
Hi all – I guess I was lucky: Mum sat down with me and my brother one day, to keep us quiet while “the baby” slept – since we are born in successive years, that means I was either three or four – anyway, I honestly don’t remember learning to knit! And the other thing she taught me was that I could do anything. When I saw the pattern for the little short-sleeved fair isle yoked sweater, done in Kroy sock wool, and said “Do you think I can do that?” her answer was immediate: “Of course”. But it says to use a circular needle? I know, I have them (Anyone else remember? the ones with wire twisted on itself to form the cable)
The comments that I hear from folks who have joined our "guild" - folks who may not be long-time knitters, include: "Oh, I'll never be as good as any of you!" or, "I don't have the patience for that" or, "How can I (insert technique/yarn type/any other question here)?" ... and I'm worried that I might scare them off with some of my flip answers ("I've been knitting since I was 4, you might have a ways to go" or "And you think I do have patience? How do you think I got THIS patient?" - (anyone who knows me, KNOWS that's a joke!!) and, finally, "I’m stuck on wool, or wool/silk, or superwash sock wool - I don't know these other fibres, and I'm not interested"
There, now everyone knows I'm a yarn snob, and sarcastic to boot – (honestly I only THINK these things) --- but I think that's where the fear-factor comes in: no confidence! Doesn't matter how much these folks handle in their lives, how capable they are, suddenly, with a new craft - scary!!!
So how to raise the confidence level, without sounding like a smart-mouth? How to encourage folks, without being patronizing?
The other thing that does scare me – I know, you thought nothing would, right? – is when someone asks if I can teach them how to “Whatever” --- I’m scared to try to teach anyone!
If you are not the fearless type naturally, I think the best thing you can have to become a fearless knitter is a co-pilot: someone patient who is willing to spend time with you to answer questions, show you how to do things, and be general moral support. I AM a fearless knitter, and always have been. I taught myself how to knit in the 80s. I would see things in Vogue Knitting and just dive in. I didn't have any friends who knit, nor did it ever occur to me that someone in a yarn store would have the time to help me, or that I could take a class. I feel very lucky to be so fearless!
knitting usually doesn't frighten me but i am terrified of short-rows with the wrap. i would love to knit a pair of twinkletoes, but i'm afraid that i'll end up with a holey-moley mess. i've watched the online videos and have scoured the written versions for the technique. i've attempted it and failed miserably. the only reason i made a decent calorimetry was because i used a bulky yarn that could hide the holes! :)
My biggest fear is not knitting everything I want to! I overcome that fear by knitting on whatever is in front of me or order specific yarn for a specific purpose. I knit fearlessly with the mentality that "it's going to fit someone." I just hope that someone is me, though it's not the end of the world if it's the SIL or best friend, etc. I knit with too many people that need it absolutely perfect every time and I just can handle it! If knitting has to be so perfect all the time, where is the fun of exploring?
I've been knitting 40 years and the only thing that I fear is STEEKS! The anxiety of knitting an entire gorgeous sweater knowing that I have to cut it keeps me from even starting. Just can't do it! Is there something small - like a hat or scarf - that could be used as a practice steeking experience? Cheers, Denise Robinson, Piperlady77@msn.com
I think I am a fearful knitter. I want to learn to knit socks sooooo bad I can taste it. It is like I get to the edge of the water and just can't jump in. I have several different patterns and since I have 17 grandchildrens and 6 children with spouses that love everything I make for them size isn't a problem. It will fit someone. Please help me overcome this hurdle. Minnie in Texas
Only thing that really gives me pause with knitting some new thing is: how in the heck is this thing supposed to flow? top down, bottom up? two short row sections? twenty? what are the unusual techniques used? i guess i really wish all patterns came with some kind of overview section. like a map so i can get a feeling for where i'm going. i guess my inner control freak is showing.
Things that help me take leaps outside my comfort zone - a community to support me, challenges to stretch my imagination and give me deadlines, a gallery to see how non-stick people have made their knits work for them, and knittinghelp.com's wonderful videos that make me think I can do any of the difficult stuff :-)
I am a "joyful knitter" - I agree that maybe "fearless knitter" is a bit negative. I would love to learn how to create my own patterns. A co-worker said to me I knit so beautifully that I should sell what I make. I told her that I would have to write my own patterns as otherwise it would be copyright infringement. She was my secret Santa and bought me a book to learn. And yet, I read it and I must admit I'm intimidated. I'd also like to see (perhaps video) what is meant by making a twisted stitch (I knit continental style) or a twisted purl. I read the descriptions and it might as well be Greek. Probably as I'm mostly self-taught - my grandmother taught me how to cast on, knit, and purl, the rest I've discovered on my own. Some rather interesting results over the years LOL
Hi Sandy, I fancy myself a fearless knitter! (Could this be the first sign of insanity??) I have not made any incredibly intricate items, but only because they didn't pique my interest. I knit myself a sweater with a charted rose pattern when I was 14. I don't think I ever finished it (that was 47 years ago, after all), but that would have been due to short attention span, not fear. Right now the only thing I'm afraid of is that I will strangle the friend I am making socks for with the 2 circular needles I am using for them. I'm continually getting the two balls of yarn tangled, and the needles are all kerfluffel ever since I had to frog one of them.........sigh. Just keep giving us your wisdom, your tips, your patterns, and your smiling face! And how lucky are you to have a knitting hubby! Too bad you to are so far apart so much of the time; but I bet you cherish the time you are together. Eagerly awaiting the free pattern to see if my choice won. Linda
I thought I was fearless until I sorted my unfinished projects into separate plastic boxes. Then I cleaned out my garage, with the help of 2 great friends and there were several other old friends on needles, from another time. I am working my way through and I feel better, not great, not fearless, yet.
To be a fearless knitter, you must have a local yarn shop that reassures you that you CAN take the next step. "It's easy", they say. It will be if you feel comfortable enough to ask them for help if you should need it. It is all a learning experience that you and the local yarn shop benefit from. You grow as a person and they grow from your upcoming sales. Who knows? You may even develope some other rewarding benefits. Friends that have knitting in common!
I'm afraid of wasting... time and yarn. My free time is really precious right now, so I sometimes don't feel like there's as much time to experiment as I'd like. And the frugal Dutch aunt in the back of my head doesn't want me to waste nice yarn on the less than wonderful results that trying new things sometimes gives.
I think my biggest fear is fear of failure and that others won't like it.I made my Dad this beautiful ski sweater when I was in college(many years ago).I think I was fearless then.It was a Christmas present.When he tried it on,the cuffs hung down a foot from his hand.I cried!That picture has stayed with me and it has been almost 40 years.I think that Suzanna's idea of an index of fixes with video tutorials would be awesome in helping with fears.I has also been awesome to know that the superstars of knitting have problems also.
tutorials! I love tutorials. even about what some folks would consider very basic things!
I am already fearlessly knitting in 2008! This past weekend I taught my self to knit the "other way" in preparation of learning stranded 2-color knitting.
What am I afraid of? Wasting some really beautiful, expensive yarn on a project that doesn't turn out. That's really it.
What would it take to be truly fearless? Support from fellow knitters, by way of their own storie, stories from "average joes".
How can knitting Daily help? Publishing those stories for all to read, perhaps a weekly feature (average joe of the week)
Becky (chilly) WI catnurseknits.blogspot.com
i fear: fair isle changing sizes (i'm floofy) steeks
what will help? maybe something with "beginner fair isle" as the title? will that give me the push to try??? because, it will be, after all, for a beginner.... right?
I need courage. If I am to be a fearless knitter I need to remain confident that I can learn a new technique,pattern, method, without having to suffer the impatience of those who KNOW and make sure I know they know . I have to remain unperturbed when they roll their eyes. I have to run away from them and go into a corner and work it out myself. Your library probably won't work for me -although I wish it would
I worry that I'll get bored (or frustrated) halfway through a large, expensive project, and then I'll feel guilty for not wanting to finish it. I also hate hate hate measuring ANYTHING, which makes anything even remotely fitted a challenge. I actually am gaining confidence in my technical skills, but it's these other things that make me fearful of trying something larger.
I have 2 main fears: seaming and crocheting an edge around something. I will avoid patterns because of the crochet edge, and I tremble when it comes to seams. Maybe a class would help me, so I could see an in-person visual, right in front of me. Jane G
My biggest fear about knitting is that I'll run out of interest before the piece is finished. (It's a family trait) There, I said it and I feel so much better! The interest in knit clothing just isn't there for me, maybe because of all the finishing that has to be done. So I'll stick to things without much finish work, like shawls, scarves, hats.....
o.k. I have been a more fearful knitter up until recently. I cannot learn from visuals in a book but must be shown things which makes it hard to learn new stuff, BUT after mulling around in my head and even dreaming about it for 2 nights I finally decided to try to sew a sweater together and knit stitches on to a sweater front and back for sleeves. I can't tell you how many sweaters I have in my closet that are done except for sewing them together but I'm afraid to spoil all my work! I feel like I took a big step by biting the bullet on my current project and it looks pretty good, so far-shoulders sewn and 1 sleeve completed-I also need to learn how to pick up stitches for the neck. I'm sure most knitters here are way beyond this! I also want to learn to make socksBut books, videos, visuals won't help me. I need lessons which are not easy to get or find.
I would consider myself a fearless knitter. I've never thought I couldn't do something because I wasn't up to the challenge.
There are things I don't like to do (intarsia leaps to mind) and things that I am honing my skills at (um, seaming), but by and large, I'm not afraid to try anything.
Gang, its just knitting, a hobby, something most of us do for relaxation, self-expression, and to create pretty things we like to wear. Don't make it the big chore it seems to be... just because right now Knitting (note capital K) is the biggest thing on the internet and all the cool kids are doing it doesn't mean you can't do it your way. I think the concept of being a joyful knitter is spot on. Find what gives you pleasure, master it, seek out something you can do well (garter stitch, ala Brooklyn Tweed, for example) to expand upon and grow your skills at a pace that suits you. it's like bike riding, learning to read, learning to drive, or any other skill. You need to look inside yourself, figure out what you want to do and how far you want to go and then start down the path. When the student is ready the teacher will appear.
Sandi--I just wrote a detailed blog entry about this. I think that people are afraid to fail; as adults, we expect for some reason that we'll pick something up and immediately succeed at it. It frustrates us when we learn something slowly, like there's something wrong with us. I know my students have apologized to me for their first week's knitting--because they think theirs must be the worst knitting EVER and that I can't have ever seen another student who had such 'ugly' knitting. They seem to forget that I don't expect perfection from moment one, and that makes them 'afraid' to go forward.
If you want to read about it, my blog post is here: http://divinebird.com/wordpress/?p=77 and you can feel free to refer to it, link to it, or quote it if you want. :D
I don't know if I can exactly call this a fear, but I am tired of trying to knit garments that don't fit. I am in the process of knitting another jacket and am truly taking my time to check, check, check slowly along the way because I want this project to be successful. If I can get one successful jacket/sweater under my belt, I will be very happy. Knitting other pieces that don't need a guage swatch is not hard. It is harder with the fitted garments.
Sheri F from San Diego
I think I'm pretty fearless when it comes to knitting - I love to try new patterns and have knit sweaters to Father Christmas (really fun!). What I am afraid of is knitting something fitted - to me, a definite hourglass figure. I'd like to think I can wear the fitted sweater that looks great on the lesser endowed models, but I know that's not my reality. Also, I'm terrified of inserting a zipper in a one-piece sweater front - I'm talking cutting with scissors after having knitted my heart into a piece! Thanks, Sandy! - Cindy from Escondido, CA
One word: Steeks.
I want to make a sweater I can/want to actually wear. Often I make something and it's not nearly as nice on me as I would like...a big let down after all that work...the upside is I try to pick patterns that have something new to learn in them. Brenda
Knitter's Daily has already helped me a lot with my biggest fear - not getting the size just right. Please continue to send help in this area! I love to see the samples on different bodies and tips on fit or modifying for fit. My second biggest fear is seaming - I will do anything to avoid it. I love to knit in the round, bottom up or top down and adapt or re-write patterns to avoid dreaded seams. Whenever sweaters foil me, I retreat to knitting socks, they always come out just right.
Ok, my biggest fear is to start off on my own, designing my garment to fit me and to run out of yarn only to find out they no longer have that type, dyelot, etc. any longer. I am not the fastest knitter in the world, and this is truly one of my biggest fears and the #1 reason I don't branch out on my own!
I can't say whether I am fearless or fearful. I can identify, though, what I might need. Some imagination would be a great place to start--to imagine how a pattern on a model would look on me or someone I love. Then, the technical skills to adapt that pattern so that it just might fit. Some encouragement to get through the rough spots. And finally, I would like the confidence that whatever I knit will look great.
In order to be as fearless as possible I have to choose patterns that are appropriate to my skill level, which is somewhere between advanced beginner and intermediate. In order to stay interested I like to have one new skill in each new project. But to be really fearless I need to know that there is someone somewhere near me who can help me dig out if I get myself really in trouble. There is no LYS in Flagstaff so I rely on my knitting group members. At this time I am afraid of buttonholes, double-knitting, fair isle and patterns where the shaping comes from cables (even though I'm pretty good at cables).
I like to think that I'm not afraid to try anything...until...steaks. Don't have a good feel for how that would go; so I'm scared of them. There's also a Mandolin pattern that I'm afraid to commit to, because I have to choose the colour sequence; the lovely people at Philosophers are leaving it up to me, and I'm intimidated by that. Otherwise, I'm just afraid that someday I won't be able to knit and I'll still have a stash the size of a small boutique!!
I would like tutorials and videos. I learn much better with visuals. One of the areas I'm afraid of is maintaining pattern when shaping--arm holes, neck and other shapings--so most of my knitting is boring old stockinette. There are many other fears, but I am making progress.
I'm not a fearful knitter, but I find it difficult to get constructive criticism of my knitting because everyone wants to be so inclusive. I just started knitting 1 year ago and I'm able to read a pattern, I've made a large variety of items, but I'm certain there are things I could be doing better. I want the knowledgeable around me to share the details that make their knitting superior. How do they perfect their tension (all I ever hear is practice, but there must be something that would help)? What are the tricks they use for finishing that makes their items look hand crafted, not homemade. To me, it's the difference between being able to follow a recipe and really knowing how to cook.
I've been working with 18 college students in a geography of knitting class (http://geographyofknitting.blogspot.com/) this month - some with knitting experience, but many first time knitters. In our first 3 projects I've been teaching them to knit things in a size, shape, and style that they want. What I've noticed about the fearless ones is that they exude self confidence. They are willing to jump in, teach themselves, and rip out if necessary. Even though I encourage the timid ones with praise over the things they are doing well, they are still afraid of just trying things without me standing over their shoulder. I see the same kind of mental block about knitting that I find in students who think they can't "do" math or science. Maybe we should try hypnotism.
Sandy, Seems you've hit a nerve. I think the secret to fearless lies in NOT letting the results define the person. I can make mistakes, rework, rip out, even hate the finished product, but it doesn't make ME a bad person. Just a person learning a new skill. No one expects perfection while learning!
I note here a lot of questions about "what style, fit, ease etc. will work on me?" I wonder if you could do something about using fabric patterns to make a "mock up" of the design and check for these kinds of things BEFORE actually picking up needles and yarn. It works in sewing, why not in knitting too? Some information too, about using garments from our own closets to check fit, sizing, and ease before knitting... More information please?
To keep on being a fearless knitter, I need you to keep doing those galleries about FO's. It helps me think beyond the pattern and its photograph, and it helps me learn to picture the way the garnment will fit MY body. You have been of a great help on the fitting topic so far, keep on the good work !
HI Sandi, I am a left handed knitter and crocheter. I found it hard to learn how to do both at first. I was taught right handed and I just couldn't get the hang of it. Since learning left handed I am a way and can't seem to stop. As for fearless** YES I am! I never let anything stop me now. But I do notice some lefties are afraid of learning and think they can't do it. I would love to see some instructions for us lefties. It is a little different for us and I found easier to learn with left handed instructions. Tanya Saulnier
For some reason I was fearful of button holes, I felt jubilation when I completed my first button hole. Then I was fearful of socks. A video cured that fear. Now I am fearless, and I have just completed the wedding ring shawl. The project was a true act of courage. and dedication. http://www.yok2togrdh.blogspot.com Martha Frey
The whole reason I think I'm a rather fearless knitter is that you can frog without ruining any raw materials, unlike sewing. I would get sick to my stomach as I cut out a pattern, because once it is cut, you're done. With knitting, when you see a mistake, either frog back, or pull up loops. I've been working my nerve up to a crocheted steek, and I've searched the internet for video to help. BTW, THANKS (Amy at knittinghelp.com) to all of the people who post videos, for that is how I learned to knit. Videos never get impatient.
I have trouble finishing things. I think that may be because I am always sure what I am making is complete crap by the time I finish it. I suspect that may be a lack of confidence in my color choices, so some hints on that will help!
Fit, fit, fit - is the toughest, not just how to make something to my measurements, but how much ease it should have, etc.. KD's galleries have addressed this well for those patterns covered. I also need to know how to confidently substitute another yarn, since we Californians don't have a need for wool or for bulky yarns of any content. I'm afraid that many patterns just won't look good or last well in another fiber.
What really scares me is making a sweater that must be seamed together. I have made several raglans some knit from the top down, some from the bottom up; but I have never gotten up the courage to make a sweater that needs seams. I would love help and moral support on this one!
Fair Isle and intarsia, especially gloves and socks (little and in the round), are my bugaboos. I am trying swatches, but don't have the courage to make something. I think tutorials, especially videos, would really help. I know that I am a decent knitter as I can make things fit, I can do lace and cables and pattern stitches, just don't ask me to change colors!! Thanks for asking.
When I get the "can'ts", I remember a comment from the owner of a local yarn shop: "It's knitting, not rocket science!" What makes me fearful is thinking I have to do something EXACTLY the way the instructions say. When I don't, I think my knitting is inferior.
Having said that, I like to study knitting techniques. This can be text, photos, or videos. I guess getting multiple opinions helps me believe that variations from the "directions" are ok.
Finishing and getting the size right. I miss those two things every time. I can knit beautiful pieces and then screw them up completely in the finishing; I can measure and end up with a garment that makes me look a mile wide. What do I need to remedy this? I think a couple of sessions at my LYS with someone who can help me at critical stages in the project. But for now, I'm knitting a lot of scarves and afghans!
What am I afraid of? That's easy--Yarn! Well, not yarn, exactly. But I loooooove beautiful yarns, their textures, colors, and especially natural fibers. The problem is I'm staying home to raise my daughter and the budget doesn't allow me to purchase that beautiful yarn. But once a year, I try to splurge on something really gorgeous that I can put on my shelf and just enjoy it for it's beauty. I can't knit with it--I might pick the wrong pattern, accidently make something too small, wrong color scheme. You know the drill. So instead I find I knit with lesser fibers that aren't as soft as I would like but I can afford them and more importantly can afford to mess up with them. The relative cheap price gives me the freedom to do what I want. Only thing is, when I'm done with a project I'm not quite as satisfied as I would have been with the yarn I truly envisioned the project completed in. Anyway, that's me, Trish in Albuquerque
I'm a fairly fearless knitter - not always a smart knitter, but very nearly fearless. In the last two years, since discovering the Knitosphere and the wonderful world of socks, I've gone from "What, are you crazy? I can't do THAT!" to "I can do that". The turning point for me was literally the turning point - my first sock heel! Once you've turned your first heel, you KNOW you can do anything, and if you screw it up, you can frog it and THE YARN IS STILL YARN! That's the really freeing thing about knitting - you may have to give it a wash and hang it up to get the kinks out of it, but you can use it for something else. Can't say that about sewing - once you cut the fabric, it stays cut. My one fear about knitting is probably fairly obvious, then. The dreaded steek. The mere thought of taking my big sharp sewing scissors to the beautiful knitting over which I've laboured for endless hours just gives me the screaming abdabs. So Sandi, is there any chance you'll fly to Australia and hold my hand while I cut my first steek?
I wouldn't say that I'm not a fearless knitter, I've come to terms with the fact that my technique is always going to look different than anyone else's, and if I want to make something bad enough I'm going to figure out how. But when reading this article, one person did come to mind: my Mom. Even though she's been knitting for my whole life, and I've only been knitting for a portion of it, there are still many things that she thinks she can't do. So I have to wonder, what is it that makes me fearless but not her? Well, one thing is that I've been watching her knit for years. I've seen many projects go unfinished for long periods of time, get ripped out and restarted and I fully understand that each project is a process that may come with many do overs and a few choice expletives. So, what might help your readers is a little background on the birth and life of these beautiful hand knit pieces you feature. Was it so easy that the creator just whipped it up in a few days, or did it take a while...did they think it was difficult...and was it worth all the stress?
I'll tell you what I'm afraid of...I'm afraid of failing miserably on expensive yarn. I want to make my first sweater, but I'm afraid that it won't fit when I get done, or I'll look fat (or fatter) in it. I've got "fear of committment" for knitting a sweater!
Hi Sandy! I would consider myself a fearless knitter because I am so anxious to learn all I can about knitting, I don't believe I would back down from any new project. I am fortunate enough to belong to a wonderful group at my LYS that is very creative and supportive. I would love to see some articles on how to design. As a full-time mom, I would love to be able to design things for my children, and also turn my knitting into a possible career. Thanks for providing this great site! ps-- have you given any thought to an on-line community for users to learn from one another? thx again! Julie
I could be a much more fearless knitter if I knew how to adapt knitting patterns to my body type. I could say I that I hate investing time in something that won't look good or fit, but given my large number of UFO's lying around I'm not sure that is exactly true - I think I may be just afraid of more UFO's! I'd also love to be able to better substitute yarns. SWerner
Show mistakes good knitters make and how they fixed them. Tutorials on how-to-fix-problems techniques. Encourage exploration. It's only yarn; you can always rip it out and try again.
First and foremost, I'll say that I was fearful of signing up with you, in the fear of receiving a bunch of junk, but I've enjoyed every Email I've got from you, both the wonderful wordy ones and even the promotional ones. I thought I was a fearless knitter because I'm willing to try anything that catches my fancy. But after one day focusing on my fingers instead of the yarn as I was trying a "new to me" technique (kfb) and saw how my glaring, blindingly WHITE knuckles, I realized that I might indeed be a littttle fearful of doing this. LOL - I now routinely glance at my knuckles to see if I need to take a deep breath and relax. And from there I go on fearlessly. The absolute most helpful thing to me would be video tutorials that LOOP! I sit down with my knitting and try to emulate what I am seeing on screen and then it Ends! ... and I am still tangled up in yarn and needles how ever many steps back that I had to concentrate on my hands, yarn, and needles rather than the video ... and now have to make the descicion if I'm going to try and move and click the mouse to replay the video with my nose, elbow, or toes, OR (woe is me!) put down what I'm doing to use my hand to move and click the "Replay" on that tutorial.
I had just decided to become a 'fearless knitter' when you started talking about it. I knit way to much to keep on buying cheep yarn and making the same things over and over. So, my goal is to aquire patterns and instructions that are challenging! and purchase yarn that is worth my efforts. Kay
I think Knitting Daily has done a GREAT job so far of offering us tools to make ourselves better, less fearful knitters. But, I think it's impossible to banish fear completely from our knitting minds and fingers--to me, it's an up and down process. On some items, I'm fairly confident that I can succeed and produce something nice looking and wearable (socks, hats, small things). On other items (sweaters, summer camisoles), I begin to be fearful--not of stitches or seaming, but of things that others have mentioned above. For example, I am horrible at matching yarns to patterns. I can rarely afford or find locally the yarn preferred, so I substitute, often with disastrous effects. :) Also, I really appreciate all the attention lately to getting items to fit, because that's another area I am not good at. SO, to give recommendations--please keep up the great work so far, and also add some attention to yarn qualities and how to substitute yarns, in terms of drape and texture.
I've just reread the questions, and...looking at it from the perspective I had when I first struggled with knitting something other than the garter stitch scarf, I could offer a one word answer of --"encouragement." I have been knitting a only a very few years, but my experience has taught me that I can knit anything. For those who are just beginning, or have made a beginning, but various concerns have kept them from persisting at it, I can see where a lack of encouragement would be a problem. They need to be encouraged that they can knit anything. It can't be said enough that knitting is not hard. I come across this "fear" in some people when I teach them to knit. And, I admit it is understandable. They are poised on the edge of garter stitch, looking at my entrelac scarf, or latest sweater, and they are just plain doubtful. But, really nothing is needed but time. Time put into knitting and reading about knitting and you can really knit anything. Perhaps some simple illustrations of: "a year ago I knit this", and "now I'm knitting this." Er, assuming one could easily see progress between the two this's.
I've just reread the questions, and...looking at it from the perspective I had when I first struggled with knitting something other than the garter stitch scarf, I could offer a one word answer of --"encouragement." I have been knitting a only a very few years, but my experience has taught me that I can knit anything. For those who are just beginning, or have made a beginning, but various concerns have kept them from persisting at it, I can see where a lack of encouragement would be a problem. They need to be encouraged that they can knit anything. It can't be said enough that knitting is not hard. I come across this "fear" in some people when I teach them to knit. And, I admit it is understandable. They are poised on the edge of garter stitch, looking at my entrelac scarf, or latest sweater, and they are just plain doubtful. But, really nothing is needed but time. Time put into knitting and reading about knitting and you can really knit anything. Perhaps some simple illustrations of: "a year ago I knit this", and "now I'm knitting this." Er, assuming one could easily see progress between the two this's.
I've just reread the questions, and...looking at it from the perspective I had when I first struggled with knitting something other than the garter stitch scarf, I could offer a one word answer of --"encouragement." I have been knitting a only a very few years, but my experience has taught me that I can knit anything. For those who are just beginning, or have made a beginning, but various concerns have kept them from persisting at it, I can see where a lack of encouragement would be a problem. They need to be encouraged that they can knit anything. It can't be said enough that knitting is not hard. I come across this "fear" in some people when I teach them to knit. And, I admit it is understandable. They are poised on the edge of garter stitch, looking at my entrelac scarf, or latest sweater, and they are just plain doubtful. But, really nothing is needed but time. Time put into knitting and reading about knitting and you can really knit anything. Perhaps some simple illustrations of: "a year ago I knit this", and "now I'm knitting this." Er, assuming one could easily see progress between the two this's.
Thanks to Elizabeth Zimmermann and her videos and you, and Ann Budd with her books on basic projects in multiple sizes & gauges, I'm becoming more confident in my knitting. I'm a large size woman, and am willing to now try making something to fit me. I know how to adjust patterns to suit the gauge I work to instead of trying to match what someone else got, and seldom make a pattern (or a recipe) exactly as written.
I'm still somewhat fearful however. I can't figure out from diagrams how to do the various cast-ons and decreases & increases, and other stitch maneuvers--and more important--when and why to use them. Also, I'd like to do some Fisherman knit styles but cannot figure out how to manipulate the needles. Videos would help figure this out.
EZ suggested that a hat can be made to try to test out a pattern. Can you provide more information?
here's to fearless knitting!
Many knitters fear that, after spending all that money and time on an unfamiliar project, that the result won't fit or will look terrible. In short, the imagined fear of failure. Small projects build confidence. Also, "Knitters Companion" is my secret resource.
I've never thought of myself as a fearful knitter, but reading your posts made me realize that there are things I hesitate to do: knit a sweater for myself & steeks, for example. To be fearless, I have to just do it, not overthink it. I started knitting lace before I knew it was "hard," and it really wasn't. Maybe it's as easy as that.
My 'fear' is that I won't live long enough...like 150 years or so :) to get anything done. I will tackle anything, it is only 1 stitch at a time, a knit or a purl! Enjoy. Susan
I no longer have any knitting fears, but I do avoid knitting stranded colourwork that has three colours in one row. It's not that I fear it, I just really, really don't enjoy it.
I've been knitting for over 30 years and I'm now qualified for the title of "Fearless Knitter", but the key to becoming a fearless knitter is not the number of years you have been knitting, but your attitude during those years toward tackling new challenges.
I think that a lot of knitters are less fearful when they learn to "read" their knitting and fix their own mistakes. That's when, in my mind anyway, they become real knitters. Until you can fix your own errors there will always be the fear of making mistakes.
I haven't ever thought about whether I was a fearless or fearful knitter. I'm more interested in what ever item I'm knitting looks when I'm finished. I don't even worry about whether it's finished or not, I can always come back to it at sometime, especially if I need the needles for something else and I'm feeling too stingy to buy more. Fearless knitting is a new concept for me. Being fearless to me means placing myself in a position of danger and hoping I won't be hurt, eg riding a bicycle on a busy road. I just knit and, after doing for over well 50 years, I'm still learning. So far, I have suffered not lasting injuries from knitting, just very minor ones like piecing the palm of my hand with a 2.25mm dpn while sock knitting. I continue sock knitting - does that make me fearless?:-)
I teach knitting, and the "fear" that I encounter most often is the fear of making a mistake and having to frog or tink it out. I actually had one student who went into cold sweats!! Her hands shock and she couldn't breath if I said she had to go back and fix anything! I include a session on the very subject and show my classes how easy (albeit BORING) it is to frog or tink, but some just never get over the fear of making a mistake. Being that inhibited about fixing errors prevents so many knitters from taking a risk to change a design or, heaven forbid, strike out on their own. ArleenDale
Like many people who posted here, I think I am a pretty fearless knitter. You know what I am fearful of? That I'll lose my temper with the negative knitters out there who try to bully the fearless ones. Some example quotes:
"Ugh, how can you knit with straight needles? Don't you know circs are better for everything?"
"Oh, I could never do that" ["that" being a basic cable, or plain stripes, or... you get the idea]
"Why do you have to put a pattern stitch in everything? Just grab some novelty yarn and get it done quick!" [this from a LYS owner -- really]
"Ugh, you actually like seaming? You're weird"
And so on. I fear that this sort of negativity (and I can encounter it in different places, from knitters I've never met before) more than anything to do with the actual stitching. I also fear the way that knitters who knit differently can get ostracised for knitting differently (enough!). Bullies out!
I love tutorials and videos and would love to learn more unique techniques like Latvian type things and different stitch patterns. Oh yeah, and tips and tricks on things about how to make my work look more proffessional.
to be fearless I would like to learn how to do steeks... yes - to learn to CUT my knitting!
Like Katherine H, I think the fears come from outside ourselves. There are way more people in the world to say that "you can't do things that way" or "that won't work" or "my way is better", than there are people who say "Why don't you give it a shot?"
I hate the word fearless. It implies that we must be willing to tackle anything someone else places before us, instead of working on what we like, when we darn well like to.
I also fear the negativity in the fiber community again crocheters/loom knitters/machine knitters/croknit etc., etc. Why people try to put other people down for trying other techniques is something I just can't comprehend anymore.
Any needlecrafter is a fearless one. If you are trying to do something yourself, you have a certain level of fearlessness - after all, you could just go up to Walmart and pick up a pair of socks for $1 - why trying knitting them?
Fearlessness is in everyone in different amounts. No one should feel like they are being forced by the hobby to do something they don't like/don't feel ready for/don't want to do.
Hi Everyone,
To me, being a fearless knitter means NEVER being afraid to tear it out and try again. About five years ago (maybe a little longer), I decided I would try not to buy any new yarn, and would work on using my considerable stash (incredible yarns that "I'd fallen in love with" over the previous 20 years). Now that I am down to two big tubs-full (yes, I did buy more in the meanwhile, but I've done well at using the stash), I have learned so much about myself as a knitter! I bought all that yarn because "someday" I would feel confident enough to make that lacey-cabley-chart-laden garment. Well, I've learned what I enjoy about knitting and what I don't. I've learned all sorts of tricks to help me with my particular knitting idiosyncrasies. An important one is to always have at least two (maybe three) projects going at any one time. This is important because you need something portable to take along, something simple so that you can have a conversation, watch TV or read, and one challenging project to expand your skills. I've also learned what gadgets work for me and what ones are a hinderance. Charts need to be laminated and uncovered row-by-row with a post-it. I like to count rows by tying knots in a piece of waste yarn safety-pinned to the project. Colorwork is much simpler for me than any kind of lace. Stockinette stitch is best for knitting at the movies. Making clothes for babies will help you get good at finishing techniques (baby clothes are small and you have to put them together with nice smooth seems). The biggest surprise was learning that I really like making socks! I love reading Knitting Daily and getting inspiration from Sandi and fellow knitters everywhere, Thanks!
I don't honestly know if I"m fearless or fearful. I know I"m capable of learning. But I"m sort of frustrated with having to learn new abbreviations. Do you realize there are way more knitting abbreviation's than crochet? I keep printing master lists and they are never enough always missing something. Then even if I know what they mean I have to go look it up. What about knitting being portable? Crochet is soo much easier for me because I can look at a picture and see what they did. Knitting I can't do that. Then there's the time. I can crochet in a 3rd of the time I can knit. IT also seems like even the "small" projects take forever. So I think what would help is a truely huge master list of abbreviations, all links to turorials on how to do the stitch, and a way to move faster. Ways to make a project move quicker would be great too. And a good list of books you can take with you that don't cost a fortune and aren't huge. What books does a newbie knitter need besides Stitch n' Bitch?
My next project is some mittens jsut to conquer my fear of dpns and to learn decreasing. :)
I think my personal fear (in knitting) can be put into one statement : I'm afraid of investing a huge amount of time into something that turns out a bizarre unusual and unusable shape or just that I hate. I have noticed I am quite adventurous on smaller projects (thanks to an amazing woman that taught me knitting), but it has taken me 5 years to FINALLY attempt an adult size sweater for me! And, guess what?! It fits and I love it!!!! I'd send pics but can't figure out how to do email to you.
Hi Sandi: I had a lot of unfinished projects because I always wanted to try new stitches or new patterns and in doing so, started new projects (I usually make baby or full size afghans). In order to satisfy my "need" to try a new cable stitch, or a lace pattern, or modular knitting (or whatever caught my eye), I bought a whole bag of worsted weight cream coloured wool (on sale $2.00/100gram ball). Now when I see a new pattern or stitch I absolutely have to try out, I do a swatch in that wool first to test out the actual pattern, if it turns out good, it becomes part of my sampler afghan, if not, capn frog gets it and we try another stitch/pattern. This way, I find out if I would enjoy knitting a whole project in that pattern but I don't waste yarn or precious time. My swatches are usually 12 x 12 or 14 x 14 so many patterns can be modified to fit that size. For those of you that don't like to sew pieces together, I crochet them together instead. That's my way of being a fearless knitter. I've also become quite comfortable with reading patterns with the swatches so when the time comes to make wearables, I'll be ready.
I think that I am a fearless knitter seeing how I taught myself to knit last January and I am currently working on a sweater, a tank top and an afghan, with 2 scarves finished and a different tank top completed over summer. I think people need to realize that everyone makes mistakes, and practice makes perfect. My family looks at me like I'm crazy when I frog something, but it was a good practice run, and the next time around (or the next or the next after that) I get it right because I can see where I made mistakes and can figure out how to correct them. I've used the internet constantly to find solutions to something I can't quite figure out, and I've found numerous places that provide easy to follow advice and directions. Really, it's all about trying new things and asking for help when you need it. There are no stupid questions, usually there is someone else out there wondering about the same thing. If nothing else, not only do I have friends envious of my knitting, but it has helped me be better focussed in my school work, as I know I *can* figure it out, and I *will* spend the time to do so. If I will spend 4 months making a tank top (with lace, and ribbing, it was my first project knitted in the round) learning countless things, I can spend a few minutes (or hours) learning a new concept in school. The only thing that will stop me from expanding my knitting horizons is myself, so if I see a pattern I just adore, I do it. It's a huge sense of accomplishment to finish something others doubted you could do, and something you didn't know how to do.
My knitting fears are as follows: -wasting beautiful yarn on a sweater that won't FIT my unusual shape (overly large boobs on a smallish frame). -MY GAUGE CHANGING throughout my projects and consequently changing the fit and style. -using the wrong yarn when I'm trying to SUBSTITUTE for the original(even when the sub seems comparable in weight and texture!) -combining COLORS THAT BLEED on each other when washed, thus ruining the whole project - INTARSIA and FAIR ISLE- fear of the hassle of knotting up the many colors. -Choosing a style that won't look good on my body.
Thanks for reading! Thanks more for writing to us!!
I am fearful that I won't live long enough to knit everything I want to!! And then I wonder if I will be able to knit in Heaven ...
Well,I messed up and sent the e-mail without finishing. I love the fearless knitting logo (hearts and needles). I wish you all would make sew-on patches of this that we could buy and put on sweatshirts or t-shirts. Thanks, Gay
Well,I messed up and sent the e-mail without finishing. I love the fearless knitting logo (hearts and needles). I wish you all would make sew-on patches of this that we could buy and put on sweatshirts or t-shirts. Thanks, Gay
Well,I messed up and sent the e-mail without finishing. I love the fearless knitting logo (hearts and needles). I wish you all would make sew-on patches of this that we could buy and put on sweatshirts or t-shirts. Thanks, Gay
The one thing I'm most fearful of is putting so much work into a sweater that won't fit me. I'm high-waisted and haven't been comfortable trying anything outside of drop sleeves and square body shapes. My femininity is crying out for curves!!
What I need to be a truly fearless knitter is videos of how to do the pattern of the stitches used in the piece being knitted. And most of all, uniformity of symbols used in charts.
funny stories. steeking frightens me witless, but the more funny stories i hear, and the more successes i see (and a few failures/quick emergency fixes) the more comfortable i get with the thought.
Although I am still a fairly new knitter, I feel that I too am fearless; So far I have been willing to tackle anything! The one fear that I do have is not having a support group, such as this one to turn to when I do have a question or am stumped. Sometimes the books and online videos just don't cut it and you really do need a real live human being to help you out! Dar in California
What am I afraid of??? Well, since I'm on a "teacher budget" I am afraid of spending a lot of money on yarn and a huge investment of time and ending up with something that is a total mess! I am a plus-sized lady, and I appreciate the way that Sandi shows a project on a variety of models. It has helped me with things to think about before knitting something for myself. Sandi, you rock!!
Lara A. in Houston
Hi Sandy, I guess I qualify as a fearless knitter, because I'll try anything and keep at it until I can do it competently. For me, the trick is to be patient with myself, because some techniques take a while to master. I do a little teaching and the new or insecure knitters I work with want to see a technique in action, that is being done in a video that they can watch, stop, restart, etc. I also like videos, for the same reason, that seeing something done is easier to understand than still pictures with written directions. That being said, books with patterns set up to introduce new techniques, incrementally, are also helpful. Think learning history or math. Logical progression, building on skills already learned are great.
I love this site! Keep up the good work!
I used to be a fearful knitter, I would stay clear of any pattern which involved knitting in the round, using circulars or dpns. I thought to myself about what I was afraid of, and it was just fear of the unknown. When I first learned to knit, did I stop myself from progressing from a knit stitch to a purl? No. When I studied knitwear technology at Uni, did I stop myself from progressing from needles to a flat bed? No. So why should I stop here. So, two years ago, gingerly, I bought myself some circulars and dpns and began to learn again and succeeded, which made me feel particularly proud! I am now learning a new technique almost everyday, magic loops, provisional cast ons, short rows, toe up socks, the list is endless, I also taught myself to crochet. With the help of blogging friends, online magazines such as this one, I now see a new technique as a new challenge because if I get stuck it's so much easier nowadays to get help. I'm proud to say I am now a fearless knitter!
I'm fearless knitter, but a very fearfull frogger. I hate ripping out and then having to put back on. Gives me the willies.. brr. I have been known to put something aside for a very long time before I will take it apart. (is 7 years long?) I have also been known to take it to my fav LYS to get help. Medrith takes it off the needles as I cringe, then she puts it back on after the both of us have taken the bad stuff out. scary stuff, but having a pro really helps.
I knit most anything, except large projects. My fear is that I won't finish. I want to do some lace shawl knitting, but the size of the project is intimidating. Edythe
I guess I'm a fearless knitter. I mean the knitting doesn't frighten me at all. My technique may need to be improved, but I love knitting. But picking the wrong pattern, investing a certain amount of work and then having someone not like it or have it not look "good" on someone, that makes me...N-E-R-V-O-U-S.
I am a fearless knitter, but I am very fearful of my stash. I love to buy yarn as much as I love to knit it and have noticed that I have bought way more than I will ever ever knit. I am fearful it is taking over....
I am a fearless knitter, but I am very fearful of my stash. I love to buy yarn as much as I love to knit it and have noticed that I have bought way more than I will ever ever knit. I am fearful it is taking over....
re: fearless knitting. Primarily I am afraid that I have spent $$$$ and lots of time to make something that I dont really like afterall and won't wear or that the person I made it for won't wear it and love it. other than that I will fearlessly jump into a pattern knowing that I will have to take it one stitch at a time sometimes. I also have a great local yarn shop to help if I get stuck and they NEVER make me feel dumb!!
I made a conscious decision lo these many years ago not to go into a shame spiral every time I had to frog my knitting. If it was fun to knit the first time, it'll be fun the second time around! This has made me the fearless knitter I am today. My only fear was Kitchener Stitch and you, dear Sandi, waved your wand at that and taught me to graft on the needles! Thanks! Betsey from Louisiana
What I really need to be fearless is a bigger yarn budget! But as for what Knitting Daily can do... I would love so much to have some more info on what will happen with individual fibers. Not WHILE you're knitting it, but AFTER you've worn it for two days. Will the Bonsai Tunic be down to my knees, or what? I don't want to spend lots of money on super-awesome silk yarn and then have the FO be no good.
I was so excited the other day when I ran across a worksheet for how to measure yourself and map out the measurements for a sweater for MY body (I wonder now where I saw that?) I'm going to find it again so I won't ever knit a sweater that is too wide and boxy for my body.
I also took a quilting class and came away with something VERY helpful - I don't HAVE to be continually learning and advancing my skills. My quilting teacher got to the level she was comfortable with, and stuck with it, making dozens of beautiful quilts and even teaching quilting classes. She wasn't interested in doing more technical, difficult things - she figured out what she enjoyed and stuck with it. This may be contrary to the idea of being 'fearless' at your craft, but what was revealing to me was that she knew herself well enough to know what she wanted, and that is so important to enjoyment.
thanks for all you do for us!
After having lived for many (won't say how many) years, I've learned that no matter what it is, I can eventually either do it (just about anything), or get over it (mistakes). I also know that if given enough distance, I can go back and fix most knitting and other mistakes. And if I can't, wellllll, oh well whoops! So yeah, I think I'm a fearless knitter, I just don't expect too much of myself at any given time!
When I began knitting in earnest, I said,"I'll never be able to make socks." Now, I make socks. I said, "I'll never, ever steek." One day, I took a deep breath and cut a sweater tube that had taken me three months to knit. It was perfect. The yarn behaved well and I wear the sweater a lot. I said," I can't make sweaters that fit." I read blogs, books, and asked questions. Now I make sweaters for myself, my granddaughters, and my daughters. I saw what I wanted to do, decided if "they" could do it, I could too, and did it. Yes, I ripped, tinked, and sometimes admitted that the finished object was really a knitting lesson, at the same price as a college course at the local campus. But I did learn, and the next time I tried, my work was much better. Knitting is a hobby, something done for enjoyment and expressing the creative side of me. If it were work, or done under pressure, I would go back to cross stitch or baking.
Hi! I don't really have any fears other than being limited to my stash-on-hand just when all the best yarn goes on sale! In terms of projects, I generally think "how hard can this be?" and plunge right ahead. Ignorance is no object! I find out how hard it can be after spending the money, time and resources to get started. Sometimes I finish, sometimes I go to something a little easier or that I have a deadline for. There are lots of projects I have lost interest in stored in my stash. I probably ought to finish them, but then I see this totally cool new pattern I just have to try! Audrey M. DeNeui
My biggest fear/problem is getting bored with the projects I chose, especially if they have lots of stockinet. so, some tips on not getting bored, throwing it in the WIP pile and starting a new project. Also, would like help on combining colors and different yarns. And lastly, designing your own projects- how to easily keep track of what you are doing (or Un/Redoing), how to chose the right yarn, what guage is best suited for the project, and maybe even some articles on selling what we make. Thanks for asking us what we want to see! =)
A friend of mine started hosting large (100+ people) parties complete with food. His attitude towards the worry was, "There's always pizza." I tell my students that with knitting, there's always starting over, or something can become a gift, or be felted, or returned to its original state: yarn, which can be swapped or, "There's always eBay!" It's not like sewing where once you cut, your kind of stuck. You're never stuck with knitting -- just make something else. So there's no need to be afraid of anything. When I first started to knit, I thought my projects looked like the dog's breakfast (in some cases with my pug Chester, they still are), but the more you knit, the more you're practicing and you get better, so keep at it. After seeing the neato tattoo image in this post, I am thinking that to be a fearless knitter, one should have that tattoo! LOL!
I am a structured learner. I would like to advance my knitting skills by making increasingly complicated projects. Each project would use previously learned skills, stitches, knowledge, and add a new one. The math thing, the yarn substituting, fixing mistakes, these things send me straight to my lys. The ladies their are constantly reminding me to ask for help. The sit and knit attracts more skilled knitters who answer my questions graciously. They care that I have a successful knitting experience. I feel part of a long line of women who knit. We trade stories about our family's knitting history. I do not have a lot of money to spend on expensive yarn so I prefer to see small projects. I have a short attention span also. I try to remember that I am not in a competition with better knitters. I too feel that the phrase about being a fearless knitter is not quite the ticket. Perhaps a statement about being a lifelong learner would be a better line of thought. It can be applied to many other parts of our lives too. Jan W
I always tell my friends and my sons that any task you under take is only difficult because you just don't how to do it yet. Once you learn, it is no longer difficult
I am a almost 63 year old woman and still have a problem to READ instructions. I feel that visual learning is the only way I can do it. Not just because I am over 60 but this has been the issue for most of my life. I start a project and then leave it and do not come back to it. I know that I have no confidence that I can finish it. Seeing the very short examples of how to do a stitch is not enough.
Just like a book if you had a video that would walk you through all the steps in a row to make a item would really help someone like me. I could rewind and go back until I understand what I have to do and then go on to the next step.
Have not seen anything like that so wonder now if there really is something that could be done instead of readying a paper. I know that there are so many projects out there to make, but what if there were those choosen few a year that came out in DVD. WOW that would really be nice.
Thanks for letting me VENT,
Teri Casteel
What scares me? Yarn. I can't figure out how to substitute yarn in a project. No matter how many times it gets explained - I can't figure it out.
I also can't afford to spend a lot of money on the "nicer" yarn considering this is a hobby I'm still figuring out (and have given up twice).
Friends keep me from fear. I wanted to knit for ages, and it was when a friend bought a book for us to teach ourselves, with some internet videos and teamwork, that it finally stuck. (The visuals are important for me.) And honestly, I didn't even realize I was holding myself back until I started looking around on Ravelry and the comments earlier this month and thinking, hey, i never finish anything either! and you know--since that, I've finished four baby sweaters and a pair of pants I had the pieces for (one was a cardigan--whew!).
I think my biggest fear is that I'll knit a sweater & it won't look right on my larger than avg body. I do not want to look stupid or like a "dumb, fat broad"TM :>) I love classic, beautiful clothing & I want to make part of it & have it look classy, not clunky.
My fears: * picking up stitches (therefore I have several UFOs lying around, because I can't get up the nerve to try to finish the neck...) * dropping stitches and figuring out how to pick them up again; generally, recovering from mistakes * frogging -- how do you pull knitting out and manage to pick up at a previous row and move on?
Things that might help me be more fearless (echoing Suzanne B): * an index of fixes, e.g. for dropped stiches -- with photos/videos or clear drawings * short tutorials on some of these kinds of things
Thanks for asking!
Although I have a number of WIPs that I am "scared to deal with", in general, I would characterize myself as a fearless knitter. I try new techniques and knit from poorly translated patterns all the time, and this is why:
I would like to encourage knitters to take a class and/or join a knitting group. My Silicon Valley knitting group formed about 20 years ago (long before it was the hip thing to do -- yet the median age of our founders was about 30 at the time!), and it has been a wonderful resource for me over the years. Thanks to them, I learned that there was such a thing as a knitting conference where you can take classes from designers and great teachers, I learned techniques that completely changed my knitting (3 needle bind off, the correct way to do mattress stitch -- so stripes line up!, the difference between SSK and K2 tog, etc.), AND I realized that very experienced knitters STILL MAKE MISTAKES.
I have found that we can all learn from each other, no matter the relative experience level. About twelve years ago I had a knitting designer as a house guest. In the evening, we both pulled out our knitting. I was working on a saddle shouldered Aran sweater and wanted to knit the sleeves into the body rather than sew them in later -- she showed me how. She was designing a top down Aran knit in the round for a class and couldn't figure out how to convert one of her stitch patterns from flat to every row on the right side -- I work best from charts, so was able to help her out. I got SO much confidence from being able to solve a problem for someone who clearly knew much more than I. (Thanks, Beth!)
As a postscript, I would love to see a video and accurate drawings for how to do mattress stitch. I have been very disappointed over the last few years at the number of knitting books published with the WRONG technique. Far too often, the writers of the finishing sections of knitting books don't seem to understand that in order to line up accurately, row 1 & 2 from side A need to be sewn to row 2 & 3 of side B (then 3 & 4 of side A and so on). I have given a number of on the fly classes on this technique since it is so often misunderstood. How about a video and drawings with a 2 row stripe to help more knitters understand? In my experience, once you understand how to do mattress stitch, Kitchener stitch, and 3 needle bind off, you are 90% of the way to great finishing (picking up stitches -- 2/3 or 3/4 -- and a decent crochet edging are the rest).
Most of the reason people think I'm a terrific knitter is because I've mastered the basics of finishing. I still make lots of mistakes, and I don't always discover them/admit to them until I'm almost finished (which is the reason for about half of my many WIPs), but I DO complete over 50 knitted projects per year (over 70 in years when I ignore other crafts). Yes, this is a large output, but I try to knit every day (it helps me stay sane) and about half of the projects are quickies (hats, scarves, simple socks, simple purses).
Get out there. Knit in public. Share your knowledge. Be open to learn from others.
Thanks for another great, thought provoking topic, Sandi!
I knit for pleasure and relaxation, and I knit simple, straightforward items that don't stress me out. I don't worry about deadlines, I knit when I feel like it, and I buy yarn when I can afford it. I've bought many wonderful books that are helpful when I have a question. I try stitches and patterns when I'm ready and don't try to push myself too hard. If I want to knit a mindless strip, I buy some soft, pretty yarn and knit a ribbed scarf. I see so many beautiful patterns that I dream of trying, but I am willing to wait until I'm ready. I recently learned a new cast on and a new way to make an increase for a lacey look. When I'm ready, I'll learn more. I don't think fear is an issue with knitting--it is a pleasant pastime with plenty of challenges for everyone, which can be completed when the time is right.
Making a sweater fit properly is a concern for me, perhaps even a fear because I am procrastinating on starting my first adult sweater.
I also have the issue of time to knit because I have two little ones to chase. And I don't want them to pull apart my projects!
Wasting money by not using yarn is another issue for me. And this concern was solidified this week when I inherited a retired knitter's yarn stash. There was more in her stash than I could knit through in a life time. I thought this would be a blessing, but now I feel a bit burdened to use it or lose it! Granted, it's harder to knit through yarns that don't excite me (I don't have time for that!), but it made me think really hard before I buy more stuff. And I've been in major finishing mode for all of my quilting and knitting projects before this even started. I guess not being wasteful is important to me!
I have been knitting for many years but more often than not, I knit for other people. I am afraid of knitting something for myself as I worry it will not fit in the end. Your tutorials about pattern modification have been helpful but I still lack the confidence to try on my own. I am not afraid of techniques (entrelac, intarsia, etc.) but am afraid of looking like a big lumpy blob in beautiful yarn.
Tutorials and videos are very helpful. I've taken on a lace shawl project with a provisional crocheted cast-on. After trying and failing several times, I went to KnittingHelp.com to watch the vido on how to pick up stitches. Voila! It worked! I'm off and running on my lace project, and excited about it. Sometimes just breaking a technique down into simple steps is all it takes to feel comfortable enough to take it on. I hate being intimidated by "good" knitters, and want to be one of them!
What I need most to be totally fearless is access to instruction that is visual, showing the actual movements. It can be from another knitter or some sort of video tutorial. Static pictures just don't quite do it for me. I also had to get over the idea that mistakes are bad, rather they are sometimes good because that is how you learn. So knit on and frog as much as you need too. What works in other aspects of life is pretty much the same in knitting.
Recently I gave someone a cabled scarf knitted from a fine Merino wool, and the first thing the person did was ask about what appeared to be loose ends. I had carefully woven in the yarn ends, but one or two had popped out and were visible. Now, this person wasn't being mean-spirited, but was concerned about whether the scarf was already coming loose at the ends. Many of the items I knit I make with a particular person in mind and I worry that my finished gift isn't professional-looking enough. I would like to learn more about finishing techniques. Just how do we weave in an end when there is no "wrong side"? Are there secrets to knitting the edge stitch of a scarf or baby blanket so that the finished item has more edge definition? I have only been knitting three years so I still have lots of questions.
What I'm afraid of, what I dislike, is waste. I hate knitting things that never get used. That one screwed up repeat in that sweater I was too lazy to go back and rip out? I never wear the sweater. That mohair that I was perfectly willing to rip out got all...mohairy and won't let me rip out. That pattern I followed exactly to gauge, exactly to size, exactly to measurement, doesn't fit right because pattern designer doesn't realize that *some* of us don't have our boobs just below our necks.
What would help? Pattern 'honesty'. Front, back and side view of a sweater, with the model's hair out of the frickin' way.
Oh, and some help on intarsia. It's the only thing I've never tried because I so fear the dreaded *hole* at the color change that I'm in stark terror that I'll knit an intarsia something and never wear it.
I feel pretty fearless with all the books and people out there on the web and at my local yarn stores. They are a little out of the way though and so i would like some videos of finishing and sizeing to fit. I don't mind frogging but i want the finished project something that will be worn.
Dear Sandi, Even though I am a very capable and talented woman most of the time, there are times I am fearful and lack the confidence to proceed with my knitting. Fear of failure, fear of making mistakes, fear of doing the wrong thing; fear of not knowing what or how to knit something; it all adds up to something rather over-whelming. To become a truly fearless knitter, I think I would need lots of examples of those who are now "scions of knitting" back in the days when they still made BIG mistakes or didn't know ANYTHING at all about knitting. As you said, funny stories to make me laugh, stories I can identify with, stories that encourage me to try new techniques and more advanced methods and patterns.
Knitting has helped make me more fearless. It makes me come to terms with mistakes made and then what can be done to correct them - even if it's starting over! With that said, I do enjoy the inspiration that this column provides and the guidance to help me prevent the mistakes. Just because I don't fear making them doesn't mean I want to. ;)
The thing I fear most is "not getting it", as in trying something new and not being able to wrap my brain or fingers around it. Right now I'm in that place with reading charts for Bavarian Twisted/Traveling stitches. That feeling that it has to be able to be done...why can't I get it? And once I hit that place, I want to find out NOW what the secret is. What am I missing? To that end, online tutorials RULE! Video is best, but good photos work well, too. I'll be taking a twisted stich class in April, but until then, I remain not a fearless knitter, but a frustrated one!
What helped me become a fearless knitter is a great circle of people who encouraged my exploration of new techniques. The joy and excitement of learning something new fed my desire to look for challenges that have taken me from a hat and scarf knitter to lace, entrelac, cables, and garment shaping.
Knitting has taught me a lot of courage. I have loved the process of knitting and learning to knit. I have learned that it's ok to make mistakes. I learned self confidence from the benefits of trial and error I don't have to be brilliant from the git go--a life lesson that transfers well.
But BUT BUT! I am stuck, terrified of starting a sweater: that combo of GAUGE! +FIT! + EXPENSE! I 've read a lot. I'm focusing on gauge as I knit, making those swatches, but it's not yet failsafe. I appreciate Knitting Daily and its discussion of fit, but I'm still not sure. I could try a baby sweater (but I just don't want to). I know I should learn by doing, but what if it doesn't fit and then the project so expensive. It's not so cold where I live so a quick heavy sweater would not be useful. Making a sweater is my huge knitting fear.
I'm less afraid about my knitting as being ridiculed for choosing to fill my time with a productive, creative outlet, and/or being pigeonholed into some stereotype of frigid/frustrated spinsters who would rather have needle-time than cuddle-time. I'm 27, single, and people seem to think that I knit because I'm in a holding pattern, just waiting for Mr. Right to magically appear in my life. I'm not. I knit because I love it. I knit because it's a creative outlet that gives me something to show for time spent, gives me time to think while I knit, or listen, or talk, row after row, round after round. I'd hate to think that I'm missing something by choosing one activity over the other, but at the end of the day, I'm a knitted item to the good, so can I really be missing THAT much?
Permission to make mistakes >;-) I'm teaching my 7 yr old neighbor to knit & one day, while knitting intently, she said "OHHHHH, I made a mistake!" to which I replied, "is it a mistake you can live with?" Her eyes got very big and she said, "Can you do that?" In response I showed her some socks I'd recently finished - pointing out a mistake no one would ever see unless I pointed it out, noting it didn't change the way the socks fit in any regard, and that it would be hidden by my shoes... I also explained one can't be sloppy, there need to be the right # of stitches, and gauge needs to be correct, but there are some mistakes which we can live with. She took all this in and a little bit later exclaimed again, "Oh, another mistake!" I didn't say anything and then she visibly brightened and said with confidence, "This is a mistake I can live with." She was knitting a coaster we were going to felt, and when she finished knitting and the felting was completed, no one would have ever known there had been a mistake made...
Being a fearless knitter requires discernment about what mistakes must be attended to, and wha