Working On: re-learning a knitting skill
You may remember that a few months ago, I spun a sweater’s worth of yarn. (Well, I hope it’s a sweater quantity - it can be hard to tell with handspun.) In May, I cast on a cardigan with this yarn, and I’ve been happily chugging away on this project ever since. Seeing it come together has been positively joyful, and I can’t wait to wear the finished piece.
This particular knitting project has been quite interesting for me, as it’s the first time in a long, long while that I’m knitting from a chart. For those who don’t know this, there are a few ways to write a knitting pattern - you can describe in words what steps the knitter must take in order to achieve the intended result, or you can use charted symbols to represent the same process. Charts are often used for stranded colorwork, cables, or lace designs, because these patterns involve a lot of different stitches. Charting these stitches is a clear and straightforward way to show the knitter exactly what must be done (ie, a stitch crossed over another one, or a specific color of yarn used) and where. For an example, this knitting chart shows you how to knit a simple cable design:
If you are not a knitter, I’m not sure how much sense this will make to you, but basically each square on the chart represents one stitch, and the symbols on the grid tell you what to do. Typically charts are read from the bottom up, and you zig-zag from reading left-to-right on odd rows, and right-to-left on even rows. (If you followed this chart, you would be knitting the double cable motif that is seen in this pattern.)
As I said, when I started the Minou Cardigan (Ravelry link), it had been a long time since I’d used a chart. Actually, I’m not sure when the last time even was, and I’m sure it would have been a much simpler chart than the ones for Minou. In any case, I felt like I was re-learning how to knit from a chart when I started this cardigan, and there were a few false starts as well - I had to start over twice before I finally got it right.
Learning any new skill is kind of like learning a new language, but I find this to be especially true with charted knitting. Really, I suppose its like learning a code, and then reading it fluently. You have to memorize what the symbols mean, learn to read the chart properly, and then actually do the knitting correctly, too.
My chart sheets are full of notes and check marks, as I’ve mostly memorized the chart but not enough to keep track of where I am without marking it down. (The project bag I’m keeping this cardigan in is huge, as it has to hold the knitting itself, plus all of the pattern pages and charts.)
Oftentimes, I work on knitting projects that are relatively mindless - ie, plain stockinette - so I can pick them up and put them down on a whim, and work on them while reading books or watching TV. This sweater is the opposite of that. It requires focus. Sometimes I listen to a podcast or an audiobook while I’m knitting, but I also find that I can just sit and work at it in silence for hours. Ticking each line of the chart off is so satisfying, and watching the pattern cohere as I finish each row is mesmerizing. The stitch repeat is about seven stitches, so the work flows beautifully.
In fact, I find that working on this project does seem to put me in a flow state. Scientists have described the necessity of matching the challenges of a task to your skill level in order to achieve ‘flow’, and I’m finding the Minou Cardigan to be at the perfect level for me - it requires just the right amount of my attention. I’d been itching for a project like this, one that I could get fully absorbed in, and I’m really pleased to feel that I chose well when I picked this pattern.
I talk a lot about how much I love making the same things over and over again, taking the time to really perfect a project or a pattern, but I must admit that it’s good to be working on something new. Having the chance to challenge myself, to feel like I’m learning something, that I’m getting better with practice - it’s a bit of a thrill. (One of the best things about knitting, in my opinion, is that there’s always something new to learn.) And I do enjoy the blind-faith aspect of working from a pattern you’ve never made before: you simply have to trust the process and hope that it turns out the way it’s supposed to. It’s like being in the middle of a puzzle, putting two pieces together and knowing that it will form a picture in the end.
Perhaps I read too much into my knitting practice, but I think this sort of thing is good for me, mentally. I can be a serious overthinker, even a control freak, and having to let go and just follow the chart is a relief sometimes. Obviously, you need a quality knitting pattern for this to work, but I’m happy to report that I’m very pleased with this one - it’s clear, easy to understand, thoughtfully designed and well-constructed, but isn’t too wordy or over-explanatory either. I highly recommend it.
Of course, there are still the usual worries - I always fret that I haven’t got enough yarn, and I haven’t even begun to think about buttons. But when I wake up in the morning, this project is one of the first things that I think about. I am always looking forward to working on it, and I’ve been carving out extra time for my knitting recently, because I’m enjoying it so much. The completed cardigan will be lovely, and I’m excited to wear it, but at the moment it’s the process that’s really engaging me - and I even find myself thinking about casting on another one when I’ve finished.
Sometimes I think I ought to be less interested in my hobbies, maybe get more ambitious in other areas of my life. But I can’t help it; I just love making things. The satisfaction of knitting a complex pattern, or learning a new sewing technique - it’s the best feeling in the world. I’ve come to realize that I really would rather hone my skills in these areas than do almost anything else.
One last knitting thing: I’m also trying out this No-Heel Spiral Sock pattern, which is new to me. I haven’t gotten very far but I’m intrigued by the process and curious about the finished product. Apparently this is quite an old-school way to knit a sock, and I like the fact that it doesn’t really have a size, so could be good for gift knitting. Has anyone else knit socks this way? I would be curious to hear what you have to say about it if you have!
Anyway, that’s it from me for right now. I’ve been reading a lot and knitting a lot and am hoping to start on a sewing project soon - will be back next week with more. Talk to you soon!
Best,
I’d worry that the spiral socks have no reinforcement at the heel (although the heel could be ina different spot every time you wear them…) Interested to see the final product!
Your handspun looks so squishy!!!