When is modifying a #pattern helpful?

When isn’t it? 🤔

Seriously, with the exception of #testknitting I don’t recall the last time I followed a #knitting or #crochet pattern to a T. At the very least, I change the colors or the #Yarn or the needle/hook size.

Perhaps more importantly, I make mistakes. I’ve been known to start & frog projects multiple times before I find the rhythm of a pattern. Once I have it, things roll merrily along…until they don’t (which usually occurs when I’ve lost count or miscounted) At that point, I have a choice: to frog or to figure out how to fix it. Usually, I choose to “fix” it by adapting the next row/round to fit the pattern (or adjust my row counter to a row that fits what’s on my needles) & just keep going. Sometimes that even works & no one notices the mistake but me. I won’t lie though, I’ve also left a pile of unfinished projects with errors I can’t hide in my wake & whose yarn I hope to reuse.

#ContemplativeKnitting #ChapterOne #WhyKnit

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, & put a new & right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

This is the first bit of Scripture I’ve encountered in #ContemplativeKnitting & it both condemns & challenges me. I sat with it as I #knit (my #WIP is a #TaffyShawl ) most of the day & it still makes me uncomfortable. I found it hard to focus on the words & my mind kept wandering.

I tend to cling to things way past the point of usefulness. My heart & mind are bound up in the habits & patterns of the past, most of which no longer serve me. A clean heart would mean letting them go, & also releasing those who taught them to me. It’s scary.

Being in the process of starting a new business, I find myself caught up in wanting to do things “right”. It’s a common issue for me that often becomes an excuse for not doing anything or giving up. I’m so afraid of making a mistake. What I need to do is trust that God will help me fly.

#Chapter1 #WhyKnit #Psalm51 #startup