Sunday, May 4, 2008

Everything I know about patience I learned knitting socks

I once again have half a socklet. I know, I had a half done last week. That was before I ripped the whole thing out and started over. Imagine my surprise when I realized that my sock didn't look like the pictures I've seen . . . because I was knitting it inside out.

I went on the internet and typed in "inside out sock knitting" and read with increasing unease the descriptions. Most said that knitting inside out was ok at least until one reached the toe. Ok, I thought, I can deal with this. I was a little concerned when several people stated that certain rows or stitches might need to be reversed. OH NO, wait a minute. That is why my heel looked so funny - that little curve was reversed so the wrong side was right side! Just that one spot.

At that point I determined that I needed to start over and knit right side out. The needles are positioned somewhat differently, so I had to get used to how they felt all over again. Other than one minor mishap when I had a brain fart and slipped back in to knitting inside out and had to frog several rows, I'm making good progress.

Learning a new skill is a lesson in humilty. I'm not sure I needed one, but no lesson in life is wasted. Helping me unravel and roll the yarn at least modeled patience for my beginning knitter daughter. She has now finished her sunglasses case and is heading in to hat territory. This is going to be a fun adventure for both of us.

And I'm still excited about knitting socks.

3 comments:

Amy Lane said...

Excellent!! My first sock could fit Big T--if it wouldn't cut off his circulation and cause amputation first. I let it float around the kids toyboxes-- it's a really hideous acrylic yarn--every now and then it comes out and reminds me that I NEVER get it out the first time. I'm so glad you're keeping up on it--that's awesome!

Donna Lee said...

I was so very proud of my first sock. It was self striping yarn (which I didn't know anything about at the time) and I was so impressed at the stripes! I kept showing it to everyone, I was so obnoxious. I adore making socks. I love wearing them and I love making converts of folks who think there's no difference between the socks they buy and the socks they are gifted. You'll get it. And you'll be lost....

Em said...

I have faith that you'll get this figured out. I'm fascinated by how you knitted it inside out, though. How does that work? I have a fascinating new mistake I am probably making but never knew about...