There is something to be said for being a crafter. In learning a new skill and honing it, not only can you get some cool stuff as an end result, but you also sharpen the soft skills--preparedness, patience, problem-solving, etc. Yes, I realize there are about a million of things like this on the internet, but here are some of the best lessons I have learned from knitting, crochet, and other crafts...
1. Have patience. Even the best knitters start with miles of garter stitch that look more like Swiss cheese than a scarf, and good musicians start with sour notes (prodigies excluded, of course...)
2. Keep your eye on the ball...er, the row. And the pattern. Just be sure to keep track of what you're doing with your repeating patterns so you don't lose track of where you are.
3. Choose quality over quantity. If you're debating between a yarn you like and a yarn that is easier on the wallet, go for the one you like. Especially if your eventual finished-object is for someone else. Believe me, you will like the end results much more than you would if you simply got a good deal.
4. Measure twice, cut once, and get more than you think you'll need. What's the worst that could happen? You have a little yarn left over. No biggie compared to being a foot of yarn short of completing your last row.
5. Shoot for the moon! Even if some technique scares the jeepers out of you, jump right in and go for it. How else would I have gotten addicted to cables and lace?
6. Finish what you start. I'm really bad at this one, and I can attest from experience that getting one project off the needles (or hook, or spindle/wheel) is far more satisfying than starting one when you have another only partially complete.
7. Know what you're doing before you do it. Read the entire pattern before you dive in. Check your gauge and make sure it matches, perhaps even practice any unfamiliar techniques.
8. Take it one step at a time. Reading the entire pattern start-to-finish before getting the yarn on the needles can help you get an idea of what you'll be doing, but it can be overwhelming. Just work stitch by stitch, and if the designer is active on Ravelry, you have an excellent resource at your fingertips if you really get stuck.
9. Have a sense of humor. Sometimes, even if you knit the pattern to the ink, achieve the right gauge, etc., it might not turn out quite right. Sometimes it might turn out hideous. Or you decide to jump on the latest bandwagon and some years later it looks stupidly dated...*coughfunfurcough* That's okay! Before you frog it, break out the camera, don your creation of ugliness, strike a goofy pose and a funny face, and take a few pictures. And maybe post on this Ravelry thread...
And finally,
10. Enjoy the ride! After all, it's not always about the destination--it's about the trip! But if it does get tedious, just keep your eyes on the prize. You'll get there!
3. Choose quality over quantity. If you're debating between a yarn you like and a yarn that is easier on the wallet, go for the one you like. Especially if your eventual finished-object is for someone else. Believe me, you will like the end results much more than you would if you simply got a good deal.
4. Measure twice, cut once, and get more than you think you'll need. What's the worst that could happen? You have a little yarn left over. No biggie compared to being a foot of yarn short of completing your last row.
5. Shoot for the moon! Even if some technique scares the jeepers out of you, jump right in and go for it. How else would I have gotten addicted to cables and lace?
6. Finish what you start. I'm really bad at this one, and I can attest from experience that getting one project off the needles (or hook, or spindle/wheel) is far more satisfying than starting one when you have another only partially complete.
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| If you have to wait that long, you may want to reconsider. |
7. Know what you're doing before you do it. Read the entire pattern before you dive in. Check your gauge and make sure it matches, perhaps even practice any unfamiliar techniques.
8. Take it one step at a time. Reading the entire pattern start-to-finish before getting the yarn on the needles can help you get an idea of what you'll be doing, but it can be overwhelming. Just work stitch by stitch, and if the designer is active on Ravelry, you have an excellent resource at your fingertips if you really get stuck.
9. Have a sense of humor. Sometimes, even if you knit the pattern to the ink, achieve the right gauge, etc., it might not turn out quite right. Sometimes it might turn out hideous. Or you decide to jump on the latest bandwagon and some years later it looks stupidly dated...*coughfunfurcough* That's okay! Before you frog it, break out the camera, don your creation of ugliness, strike a goofy pose and a funny face, and take a few pictures. And maybe post on this Ravelry thread...
And finally,
10. Enjoy the ride! After all, it's not always about the destination--it's about the trip! But if it does get tedious, just keep your eyes on the prize. You'll get there!
