The number one reason I don’t finish projects is that I get stuck. Usually, I don’t know what to do next, like when I put together part of a quilt before I’ve designed all of it (a mistake I have made more than once). Sometimes, I don’t know how to take the next step. Daunted by the unknown, I let the project go fallow instead of tackling the challenge.
My love of knitting socks comes in part from the fact that there are rarely surprises there. The majority of my socks are made from a pattern I have memorized. Thinking is only required if I make a mistake or the yarn turns out to be unsuitable. So I do not stall out on sock projects.
But when I go to the trouble of picking out a new pattern to try, I have to be ready for challenges. I may not know how to block the piece or, as is the case with some slippers I’m making, I may not know how to sew them together.
The patterned parts of the slippers are knit in the round with steeks. I did the knitting and even got up the courage to cut the steeks. But that’s where I stopped. I’ve been more than halfway done for over a year now, so why don’t I finish? Because the next step, being unfamiliar to me, seems too hard to face.
However, it’s important to do new and difficult things. This is how we learn and grow, and this is where we get satisfaction out of life. Even when it comes to playing, it can be valuable to put in some effort. We can spend the evening watching TV because it’s easier than playing a board game or learning a new language, but we also reap fewer benefits from taking the easiest path.
I found the slipper project while I was cleaning my studio and am now determined to finish them. I know they are going to make me really happy once they are done and I can wear them. How can I get past this daunting step? By getting help. I will ask the experienced knitters I meet with every week for their advice. Getting their input will help me decide how best to move forward, and I’ll be able do take the next step.
Do you get stalled out on projects? How do you overcome the steps that stop you in your tracks?
Project details:
Pattern: Frost Slippers by Emily Kintigh from Knit Picks
Yarn: Rauma Tumi 50% alpaca, 50% wool in Light Gray, Dark Gray, and Deep Blue
Did you get them finished? The colours look great.
Not yet! I still haven’t had the courage to tackle them. This comes from not having ever done this before… and I think I cleaned up because I don’t know where they are! (The story of my life). I should find them and get them finished. They would be handy to have right now.