Love/Hate

Being a beginner, I want to learn as many skills as I can in a short amount of time. With every project I take on, I have the goal of learning a new skill, be it shaping, colourwork, or knitting on 4 needles, I always try and set myself a new challenge. However, these challenges seem to be insurmountable at times.

Not the mittens, but a similarly frustrating scarf
I attempted as a Christmas present

For example, my most recent project was a pair of mittens, in which I was going to learn shaping. I have no shame in admitting that many, many tears were shed because of these blasted things. I don’t know why, but making mistakes in my knitting turns me into a spoilt toddler. On more than one occasion, I threw the half-knitted mittens at my mother (a much more experienced and serene knitter), declaring with teary eyes that “I can’t knit. I hate it, and them. I don’t even want these mittens anyway.” I then proceeded to storm out the room to go scream into pillows and slam doors until I felt better. I don’t know what it is about knitting, but I always come crawling back, willing to start again. And, I hasten to add, apologising to my poor ma. I have been genuinely concerned about the amount of crying I have begun to do, which strangely coincides with learning to knit. Explaining to non-knitters (henceforth known as “nonners”) the grief of seeing an evening’s work being undone is like explaining to a toddler that drawing on the walls is perhaps not the best use of their time [tried and tested metaphor]. The poor nonners in my life are subjected to all sorts of knitting trials and tribulations, and I’m no stranger to the glazing over of their eyes as I express my distaste of acrylic wools and the hardship of sewing in. Knitting is truly an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s hard to convey this to someone who hasn’t walked the long, hard path as well. 

There’s something irritatingly addictive about knitting. I love being a knitter, that fact is undeniable, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend anyone who is nervous to try it to bite the bullet and give it a go. What I can’t promise you is that it will all be easy. It drives me round the bend, but somehow has this alluring power over me that always leaves me wanting more. 

 

My most recent experience, though turbulent at times, has left me completely hooked. Working hard through all the problems I encountered to finally reach a finished product (photos to follow soon). The emotional rollercoaster that I experienced has left in its wake an adrenaline junkie who cannot wait to start her next project. Looking at all the things I can’t yet do can be incredibly intimidating, but looking back at all the things I’ve managed to master is rewarding and exciting. The relationship between me and my hobby is tumultuous and strained at times, but ultimately it’s comforting and inviting too. It’s the only thing I want to do with my evenings these days, and flicking through the odd pattern book makes my fingers itch with the glorious possibilities that lie ahead.

I’d love to write more, but I’ve got a project on the go that is calling my name…