The Crafting Journey (Part G)

I didn't make a lot of progress on my knitting projects this week, I did some frogging again too.

I spent the week looking for patterns that might challenge me in my knitting journey. I found a pattern for a blanket for cancer patients that has a lot of cancer type messages on it like courage, love, fighter etc. I thought I should make this blanket, and that I could continue learning and honing my knitting skills. I thought making the blanket might be fun until I saw how involved of a process it is to make a bauble. All the words on the blanket are done using baubles, which means knitting into 1 stitch 6 times then back and forth from one needle to the next, changing colors and more. The blanket would take me a million hours!

I also thought that after being a knitter for over 20 years, it was time for me to learn how to read charts. After researching charts and asking for advice from other knitters, I decided written patterns work better for me. I don't think in blocks and numbers and it seems a lot more confusing than I was hoping. Maybe charts are for another time. 

I love yarn, and I always buy yarn with a project in mind, even though, I must admit my stash is growing, the truth is, I shop faster than I craft! 

I am feeling discouraged in my knitting journey- all the frogging has really got me down. Last week, I gave the advice that it is okay to put down a knitting project. I need to take my own advice! 

Perhaps the hardest part is realizing that I frog because I can't count! I have tried and tried to make lacy shawls and without distractions, but I frog because somehow my stitch count always seems off! It just might be that I cannot focus on new techniques because I have not mastered the simplest one, counting properly. 

I am determined not to leave you on a negative note, because there is always something to be grateful for, even in the messiness of the journey; like I am grateful that I have the ability to knit even if it takes me a long time. I am also grateful for all of you that read my blog and encourage me in the journey. I am also rooting for you in your own crafting journeys! 

I hope you have a great week and keep on crafting- or take a break!

Melanie

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