Inspiration

Branching out from flat square things (where is a totally appropriate starting point, by the way) is not so hard for me. Momma’s dishclothes used short rows, so I had a foot up when it came to shaping pieces.

And with access to the internet, and the onset of Ravelry, which sounds like a disease, (and in a way, it sort of is) there is given to me so many sources of guidance, patterns (free and otherwise), advice, direction, and demonstration.

And opportunity. My life changed, upheaved, and slowed down over the last 9 years. All for good, but suddenly, I was finding myself thinking…I could be doing something instead of just sitting here watching TV.

I have been good at challenging myself to learn new techniques, when it comes to knitting, at least, and with #1 above, I had a good foundation. With #2, I had excellent resources, and with #3, I find the time.

I was motivated to learn to knit in the round, and when I did, I knit hats. And learned about gauge as we are a big-headed bunch, and all of the first hats I knit were donated to charity because they were too small for my family and gave us headaches.

I learned about socks. And when I did, I learned more about gauge, and making socks to fit individuals. Also the satisfaction in getting better and better at a particular concept, but finding the challenge in varying the pattern or the design or the…whatever it is one varies in sock knitting.

I have met the challenge of cardigans. First babies. Now adults. And while socks are very wearable…people see sweaters!

For me, my inspiration comes in learning and in perfecting a new technique or skill.

(Maybe someday, that crazyhead colorwork will make it to my list of things to learn!)