I've been working on the Medallion Lace Socks all month. I want this yarn to be a pair of socks by the end of this month, and I thought that this pattern and yarn were meant to be. I love this pattern. It looks so charming, the finished projects are delightful, and it looks fine in a variegated yarn. But I really had trouble knitting it. Sometimes it can take me a year or longer to finish a pair of socks. But if I'm actively trying to knit one, and get it done, it shouldn't take me more than two weeks to get one sock done. Heck, in college, I could get a finished pair in two weeks or less.
Here I am, halfway through the month, and only just coming to the heel flap of the first sock. Guys, I have one pair of tricky socks on the needles right now, I don't need two. I hated that I had to consult the pattern so frequently, I hated working it on 5 needles instead of 4, and it was taking forever. I just wasn't loving the project as much as I thought I would. At least not right now. I'd like to knit this pattern someday, and be able to dedicate the attention to it that I need to, but right now I need something straightforward.
So I ripped out the whole leg and started over, and I already feel so much more relaxed knitting these. Mostly stockinette, with two purl columns down the sides for interest. Totally relaxing, and just enough to keep track of to not feel like a total black hole. This project is just what I need right now, and fighting with the other pattern might have contributed to feeling like I've been in a funk this month. These pictures are from my lunch break yesterday, but since then I've already knit the whole leg of the first sock and started the heel flap, so I know I made the right decision.
So three cheers for listening to myself, and being okay with changing something that didn't work. Life's too short to knit things you don't love knitting, or to end up with a finished object that's not quite what you hoped for.
yay Good job Kat I'm glad you figured out a way to make the pattern work for you! I know what you mean about socks taking awhile. Fingering weight socks seem to take forever! 5 needles can be so fiddly. I can't wait to see the FO :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! It really was fiddly, I'm liking the new socks so much better. Sometimes you just need an easy sock :)
Deleteso glad you sorted it out and are enjoying the sock more now! I never use 5 needles, even when it calls for it. Just not my thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I've used 5 needles once before for mittens, but it was just way too fiddly this time. Good to know what works and what doesn't!
DeleteI agree! Best to love what you knit, not loathe it! :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! There are times when it's okay to dislike what you're knitting (like if someone you love asked you for something specific), but this wasn't one of those times. Much better to change it up :)
DeleteSounds like you made the correct decision and the knitting is much more enjoyable now, as it should be of course!
ReplyDeleteOf course! I'm enjoying knitting these so much more now :)
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