The meditative, almost hypnotic rhythm of garter stitch has proved to be restorative. Going back to basics was a good way to feel good about my knitting, a good way to build confidence in my skills and a good way to let the process flow.
As happens often when I near the end of a project, a feeling of fear creeps in and I start second guessing what I'm doing, what's been knit. Confidence dips, hopes fade and dread takes over. Usually the feeling passes quickly as I look back at the many successful projects knit over the years, but this time I nearly panicked. My emotions are often near the surface, worn on my sleeve, and sometimes it isn't easy to calm down, abate the fear and move on.
Saturday afternoon, as I worked on Frida the fear struck because she looked like a huge, bigass blob in my lap. The second skein of Turquoise Shepherd's Wool was almost gone. OMG, do I need to buy even more yarn, is this shawl going on forever, are the tails more like tentacles, is this thing big as a blanket, (will it eat me alive)?!?
After pulling all 750+ stitches off the needles and trying it on, I thought it might be okay, but the fear was still strong. I folded it up and tucked it into my knitting bag (it fills the whole thing up) and decided to asked the best knitting consultation group in the country, the SnB grrls.
Each grrl is an accomplished knitter and they all have large portfolios of finished projects. But, above all they are caring, honest, good friends. I knew they'd tell me what to do. Shelley tried it on and I had to admit the shawl looked great. To a person they said it was perfect, it shouldn't be any smaller, and to finish it as it was. Later that night I put all the stitches back on the needle and knit to the end of the turquoise ball. Tonight I'll bind off while watching the movie Frida. It will be the perfect ending for my trip back to the basics.
Smith and I thank you for the warm and heartfelt good wishes. We feel very blessed to have many good friends and each other.
Knitbuds are the best and your new shawl is amazing. Love your mods. It will provide a wonderfully big hug for you after you bind off. Can't wait to see the modeled shots.
Posted by: Manise | January 27, 2010 at 08:37 PM
Your shawl is lovely, and I feel peaceful and warm just looking at it.
Posted by: Joyce L. | January 28, 2010 at 08:35 AM
It looks perfect from here. Warm and bright and cozy - particularly to these sun-starved winter eyes...
You slipped all those stitches off the needles? Brave woman, you!
Posted by: gayle | January 28, 2010 at 11:54 AM
This project is fairly plain yarn + basic pattern= extraordinary! It turned out beautiful.
Also, my belated wishes for a happy anniversary; 30 years is beautiful on you two!
Posted by: Trista | January 28, 2010 at 12:00 PM
The shawl is truly lovely...and aren't you fortunate to have such loving, honest knitting friends? :) I can't wait to see you modeling it...smile and all!
Sorry I missed your "Big Thirty"! Congratulations and best wishes for another thirty...forget the knitting for you are so lucky in love!
Posted by: Maureen | January 28, 2010 at 05:28 PM
I am so delighted with how it is turning out... much like what Frida would choose, maybe! It is sometimes too easy to let fear get the best of us; glad you have strong grrls to help you through.
Posted by: Birdsong | January 28, 2010 at 08:47 PM
oh yeah - I know that omgosh feeling. and in fact, just made myself that one that swallowed me. hah!
I'm so glad that your snB pals confirmed that it is wonderful.
the cheery bright blue will bring sunshine on cloudy days.
Posted by: Teyani | January 29, 2010 at 09:34 AM
In a way I'm glad to hear that such an accomplished knitter as you are has doubts about her projects (not that you need to!). You are fortunate to have such good friends that give honest advice. I now feel a bit more confident to try out new colour combinations, your shawl is so lovely.
Posted by: willemtje | January 31, 2010 at 07:52 AM