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| Original kit -- yarn and pattern |
According to an internet source, second guessing yourself is a form of anxiety brought on by needing to be 100% certain you’ve done the right thing. I have that form of anxiety. I vacillate over decisions, and it’s frustrating, especially when it just isn’t important.
No matter what project I start, I begin to have second thoughts. Is this what I really want to do? Would another pattern (or another recipe) work as well – or better? Do I even want to make this little dress – or bake a pie (or cake) for dessert, or crochet this afghan? I try to keep all this indecision to myself. After all, I don’t want to let on that I have trouble making decisions lest someone else make them for me. I prefer to make my own decisions. I tell myself: “It doesn’t really matter; just decide and get on with it.”
When granddaughter Emerson was born, I took advantage of the opportunity to make a doll from a pattern I’d had in my collection since daughter Hallie was small. Before I finished cutting the doll from the fabric, I knew it wasn’t right for Emmy. It was like a door had closed. I gathered the pieces and put them away. Somewhere, I still have them, but I don’t even think of it as an unfinished project.
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| Wattle stitch |
And actually, I do like working with this simple stitch. I can crochet while I watch TV without constantly having to read directions. I simply started with a chain that’s a multiple of three, like 210 or 300, and I was on my way after the first-row set-up. I’ve made a good start. I started with 210, but naturally, I decided it should be wider, so I started again with 300.
Quilting / Needlework websites are now saying, “Start now to finish by Christmas.” Which Christmas, I ask. Dare I hope to have this blanket finished and ready to use by Christmas 2023. We’ll see. KW
[Update: Since writing this post, I discovered that my base of 300 stitches was wider than needed, so I took it back to 210 stitches. I will undoubtedly need more yarn. Thankfully, that's doable.]
Oh goodness you made me laugh with this post! Which Christmas indeed! (-: Decisions are not my strong suit either. At least part of the time. Your afghan looks like it will be a good warm blanket, keeping you warm even while you work on it! Meanwhile, I spent time in my sewing room closet this afternoon (while my cleaning lady cleaned my house!!) and tore apart one kit I ordered years ago, all the while wondering WHY I ever ordered it. Another may soon be meeting the same fate. Much more work to be done down there. Stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteHi Chris! My fear is that this blanket won't be large enough to keep me warm until summer, and then I won't want it on my lap.
ReplyDeleteYears ago, I ordered an afghan kit with a pansy design. I really wanted to make it at the time, but I was working and had interruptions and just never started it. It's constructed of afghan stitch panels with cross-stitched pansy design. I still deciding whether to make it or use the yarn for some other purpose.
I look forward to hearing about the work in your closet. I'm sure you are revitalizing your sewing life.
Whenever I start a crocheting project, I have to start and restart at least three times to get the stitch and the gauge right. That said, your kit looks lovely, but I think I'd have about a dozen starts with it since each section has a new stitch. I endorse your plan to change course and do whatever you want.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your affirmation, Hallie. I just updated the post to report that I have started over once again with fewer stitches in the row. I will probably still need more yard, and I'm thinking I'll make it striped to add some color.
ReplyDeleteI used to hate to start over, but I'm under no pressure to finish, so I don't mind experimenting.