Today's Lessons

1)You can always change your mind
2)There's nothing wrong with changing your mind.

I started knitting almost two years ago. From the beginning I knew that I wanted to learn how to knit socks. After all, that's what knitters do, right? Yes, I made the Cabled Socks but those don't count. They aren't sock socks. They're more slipper socks. I wanted to make socks that you could actually wear with shoes, the kind of socks that had millions of little stitches and cool patterns and colours. You know. Real socks. So I decided to make these for mom (because as much I love the mix of colours I would never wear them. Well, probably never. Or possibly never):

They're supposed to be ankle socks. (Actually, not even up to the ankle. The ones that sit just under the ankle - what are those called?) Leg looks a bit too high for anklets doesn't it? I also knit into the back of the stitch instead of the front. Why, you ask? I don't know. I just did. Now my stockinette is not straight, my stitches are really tight which makes it harder to knit and makes my hands hurt. I telling myself that I'm almost done, I'm almost done. But I'm not, am I? I haven't even got to the decrease for the toe yet. And I can tell you now - I am NOT knitting a second one. One more for the rip pile.

And then there is this. I love the yarn though it does make for a thicker sock. The ribbing adds a little interest. I'm almost to the toe decrease. I will make the pair because they're meant as a gift (yes, the other ones were going to be a gift too but she's getting an afghan. Someday.), but its going to take a long while. Why do socks take so long to knit? (Other than the fact that I wouldn't see any progress at all so I'd get discouraged and put it aside. I know that can't be the only reason.)

I have changed my mind. I don't think you have to knit socks to be a real knitter. Knitting socks is tedious work that numbs my brain and makes my hands hurt. I don't want to knit socks. Although it might be better if I try a lace pattern?

Shawls are nice. I haven't tried a big lacy shawl yet.