Knitting Fail

I am trying to learn how to knit. Currently I know how to cast on, I know how to knit stitches and I know how to purl stitches, but that’s pretty much the extent of my capabilities. My goal is to end up being able to knit one of these sweaters. Don’t they look cosy and lovely? Given my lack of skills and experience I thought I’d try a smaller, simpler project before attempting a complicated, time consuming (and relatively expensive) sweater. So I attempted some baby bootees, thinking they’re tiny so they must be fairly simple, right? And a number of my friends have babies or are pregnant so I’m sure I’ll be able to find someone to give them to. Guess how much of the bootees I’ve been able to accomplish? Take another look at the top photo. That’s how much I’ve done. Zilch. Nought. Nothing. I was struggling heaps with the rib pattern of the bootees and after just a few rows would end up completely bamboozled and with the wrong number of stitches on my needle. So I unraveled it all and started again. Several times. After my fourth failed attempt I decided to try a different pattern. Perhaps a little baby hat would be better? I can use the same wool and needles that I’ve already bought, but the pattern uses a stocking stitch so that should be easier than the rib stitch. Except for all the shaping. After several failed attempts at the hat I’m back to square one. All I have to show for my hours of “knitting” is ball of wool that’s getting a bit crinkly from unravelling and re-knitting so many times. So why am I sharing my failed attempt at knitting? Because this is often what learning a new skill looks like. It’s normal to stuff things up and get things wrong and get frustrated and confused. I was getting so upset at not being able to knit that there were tears. Yes, tears. BUT, I’m not giving up. Now I’m going to attempt a baby vest (stocking stitch and not much shaping) and if that’s too hard, well I’ll just buy some new wool and try a scarf to begin with. I’m also going to ask for advice from some people I know who can knit. It can be so disheartening when you want to learn something new and it just doesn’t work. But that’s really no reason to give up, it’s just part of the learning process. So I really want to encourage you to not give up. Whether you’re trying something new in the realms of craft or sewing, or perhaps you’re learning a new skill for work or study, it’s bound to be tricky to begin with. This is when we have the opportunity to persevere, to ask someone for help or advice, try a different approach, to do some more research and just keep trying! Are you trying to learn anything new at the moment? I will keep you posted with how my knitting goes! © 2012, Angela. All rights reserved. On reposting any images contained herein you must provide link to original post. Please don’t repost entire posts without my permission.