Sometimes the “unraveling” happens inside your brain. I had thought that I had figured out how to proceed with my Thea Rachelle Raglan, but then I saw something on Instagram that stopped me in my tracks. Someone sewed the “vision” I had, and it was not at all what I imagined it would be. I won’t share the link, because, sadly, it was not at all what I imagined it would be. And, so I just kind of froze on the project and pondered… but eventually, I got back to the drawing board. Enter the flat, without pleats version of the Thea Rachelle and I am hopeful enough to cut out the pattern and I am reminding myself that it is just a “muslin” and I will go from there. A small investment to determine what works, right? But that feeling of fear – not going forward – unsure of what to do… it is not at all a place where I find comfort.
I don’t like these feelings at all – my inner self just wants to put it all away and do something else! Something that I don’t fear, can move forward because I am exactly sure of what I will do. However, learning sometimes is a challenging process for mind and body!
There is a big lesson in here for me – growth comes with learning and learning is not always comfortable…and it is okay to feel uncomfortable!
All that thinking time allowed me to knit a sock – ahem, in less than 3 days!! And, while I had hoped it would be a sock for the “gift basket” I think it will be too big for my daughter. I have started the mate and have pulled some yarn from the never-ending sock yarn stash and will soon cast on another sock in a smaller size! And, Sarah!! This is the most awesome pattern! There is enough interest to “keep knitting” and it falls into the practically instant gratification category!
I am also about six colors from finishing my Wrap of Many Colors! I cannot tell you all what joy this brings me – I can see the finish line!
The reading this week had some bits of disappointment and that makes me sad.
I finished The Library, which I wanted to like so badly, and perhaps I might have if I had read it versus listening to it. Even with the author reading it, it was a challenge to stay engaged for a number of reasons. First, each chapter begins with her reading the library information for a list of books – title, author, and library numbers… yeah, umm it was so distracting. The story was often rambling and hard to follow. She throws in tidbits of information that are interesting, but I wondered how they pertained to the story – and she never tied up the loose ends before the story ended. It got two stars.
I also finished The Friend – imagine a friend dies and you end up with his dog – a Neapolitan Great Dane – and you live in a very small apartment in NYC, that does not allow you to keep pets! This story unfolds in a most interesting way and it is beautifully told despite it having parts that I felt could have been left out. This book got 3.5 stars.
What about you? Do you have any making challenges this week?
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I’ve heard great things about The Library Book so I’m sorry to hear you didn’t like it. And I loved The Friend! Can’t wait to see your finished Wrap of Many Colors.
I’m eager to see what you’re doing with your Thea Rachelle. I’ve sewn two of them so far, and found the pattern to be very direct and the resulting garmet easy-to-wear (and fit – because oversized!) You must be planning something rather exotic with yours — and that sounds exciting!!! 🙂
“Trap A Zoid” looks like a really interesting and fun pattern! Sorry to read your review of The Library (I’m on the long Overdrive wait-list). Meanwhile a slew of books came in on Overdrive (more than I can read in the borrowing time frame), but I’m having a difficult time getting engaged with any book these days. Not sure what is going on, but it is rather annoying. Meanwhile, knitting and stitching are continuing which is a good thing.
You are the third person to be disappointed by The Library so I won’t rush to get it. And that thing about the depth of learning that comes from struggle is so very true. Keep going!
Your sock looks so great — I love that color combination! I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the pattern.
I find it so discouraging to be disappointed by a book I had such high hopes for. The good news is that there is always a next book to read, right?
I’m going to have to find The Friend! And to your making challenge question…I’ve had a sweater finished for months, arms sewn (not sure they should be) and I’m terrified to put it together! I don’t think I’ve ever done set in sleeves…
Your book sounds a bit like The Storied Life of A.J. Fickry! That was good though. Making it out of the house to the grocery store is our issue here. Hopefully today we can get down our hill! My unraveled cowl is now done though.
Today is a snow day from school and my plan is finishing Washington Black (which I LOVE) and knitting myself a hat. 🙂
I can’t wait to see the Wrap of Many Colors. I hope your learning time yields a garment you enjoy. The socks are very fun.
I felt exactly the same way about The Library! It was odd that the book was marketed as a story about the LA library fire when that was such a small part of the book with an inconclusive end. I also hated the listings of title and catalog numbers at the chapter beginnings and the whole thing rambled far too much for me. That is a great sock, and I can not wait to see your Wrap of Many Colors!
I’m not sure why there are such rave reviews for The Library…it’s a disappointment. I listened to specific chapters and enjoyed them – just enough to know the story. My friend suggested that I only “read/listen” to them – hers was a thumbs down review, too!
Loe the sock and stay away from Instagram…I say!
Cheers~
Yes. I have a problem ………sock gussets are the devil! See link for details. LOL
I love the socks! I can’t imagine getting one done within days. But maybe there is some hope for this very slow sock knitter! Thanks.
oh I LOVE that sock! I’ve certainly knit DK/worsted weight socks in three days, but never fingering weight – go you! …and completely get the uncomfortable thing… I’ve been sitting with a lot of discomfort myself these past few weeks and I’m finally starting to feel better about it all.
My challenge is that I haven’t MADE anything. I put a few rows on my Essex caplet, but that’s it. I need to change that, but sometimes I’m too beat when I get home, then there is dinner, dishes, time with hubby- blah blah blah.
aren’t you a speedy sock knitter? I just unearthed a skein of sock yarn gifted to me at Christmas that will be socks for me 🙂 My sweater is drying and I cannot wait to wear it!!