Don't forget why you started knitting!

Shandeh · 04-05-2006, 10:50 PM

I've been knitting now for about 3 years, learning the stitches and techniques. I started out making those furry scarves that were all the rage last year. I think I sold about 30 of them! Now, I am sick of making those, and I completely ignore the eyelash yarn section at the craft store.

Recently, I started knitting the "Irish Hiking Scarf", and it was so satisfying to see the cables and texture of the yarn. Yesterday, I was at a restaurant, waiting for my husband to get there (he was driving from work). I was sitting on a bench at the front of the restaurant, working on my scarf, and several people came over and talked to me about my knitting. They were impressed with the cables and texture too.

Then it struck me.....THIS is the kind of knitting I always wanted to learn. THIS is the reason I started knitting in the first place!

So...I think I should make a decision to continue pursuing the "textural" patterns, since that's what gives me the most satisfaction. Following trends and "new" yarns has gotten me sidetracked. Time to get back to what I really want.

Ingrid · 04-06-2006, 03:52 AM

Absolutely! If you don't love what you're making, what's the point?

jamadian75 · 04-06-2006, 03:53 AM

Here here!!

I just love that this "craft" can still have new discoveries (or re-discoveries) to it even after doing it for some time.

Good for you! And thanks for the reminder!

KellyK · 04-06-2006, 03:59 AM

Sometimes I knit something to try a new yarn or technique....sometimes I just knit because I want or need something, or because I want to give a gift....but, I NEVER want to feel "stuck" or tired of it.

rebecca · 04-06-2006, 03:59 PM

If I don't like what I'm knitting...I don't knit it :D I won't even if it's a gift bc I don't give gifts that I don't like

I knit bc I enjoy it, I knit bc it helps me keep my mind off of pain from my disability...I knit for the JOY OF KNITTING :D

VictoiseC · 04-06-2006, 04:05 PM

That's very interesting... wow you sold about 30 scarves!? I want to sell stuff this summer but I was working really hard on that for 2 weeks, then all of a sudden I just went back to making things for me! Ha. We'll see.

I want to learn to knit visually as that one book out puts it. I mean just creating something without a pattern in front of me. That's a long term goal I guess.

I woke up the other morning and I suddenly saw exactly what I want to make and it's not in any book so that's fun.

:D

cozy · 04-06-2006, 04:13 PM

Yes, this was something that occurred to me, too. I have to love what I'm knitting, whether it's for me or for someone else. I mean, this is my hobby, not my job & anything I pursue in my off-time, I'm going to love. For me, I've probably tried at least 5 new things since this year started (part of me being more fearless where knitting is concerned) & everything has been enjoyable.

rebecca · 04-06-2006, 04:28 PM

:D Vic, what is this new thing that you want to knit?!

dustinac · 04-06-2006, 04:35 PM

I started knitting to take away my stress.. something to do when the kids were in bed so I could unwind... so when I do a project that makes me wanna pull my hair out or throw the needles out I wonder why I'm doing it... cause its not helping me unwind at all :rollseyes:

horve1 · 04-06-2006, 05:15 PM

I have to love what I'm knitting, or believe that the person it's for will love it. For example, I didn't love the sweater I just finished for my DS, but I loved making it because it was from the pictures he drew and I was very happy making exactly what he wanted.
I spend enough time every day doing a job I don't like; I'd go nuts if I didn't enjoy the process of my knitting.