Stitching is a hobby for the majority of first world people. I understand that some have made it a livelihood, but for those of us who it’s something to fill the time, something to do, a way to make personal gifts etc… Why? Why do we say things like…
I crochet/knit too slowly.
I hate swatching!
I wish I knit/crochet as good/fast as you.
I can’t start anything else until I finish this.
While I know that there are contests for speed and looks, that’s not what it’s all about. Most of us stitch to fill time, keep the monkey busy, quit a bad habit, make gifts for others, deal with stress… How many of you started stitching so that you could be the fastest? Or the best? I know I didn’t and I don’t know anyone who did. I’ve entered contests and encourage you to enter contests as well. Challenge yourself, push yourself, level up your skills, if you want to. If you don’t want to, then don’t. But none of us should be here to compare and complain about our skills as a stitcher.
If you want to be faster/better, work at it. You didn’t immediately know how to crochet or knit, you had to learn and practice. You can keep learning and practicing and get better and faster if you want to.
I understand the part about not starting something new until you’ve finished something else, we should probably keep the number of projects in check. Just don’t limit yourself to only one, variety helps keep all the projects interesting. More on that in a later post.
I saw a social post recently that said “Maybe the reason you have so many WIPs is because casting on is dopamine and the rest is just responsibility.” If this is the case it might be time for a different hobby that has quicker instant gratification or it’s time for some self discipline.
While that last bit might sound a little harsh it comes in many forms.
1. Don’t have more than X number of projects going at the same time.
2. Not EVERYTHING you start ends with completing the project.
3. Choose your projects carefully.
Having to swatch for project is still stitching! So is frogging.
There are many stitchers who skip the swatching part of the project, just to have to frog later and try again. Why skip the swatching? It’s still stitching and more productive than ripping out a piece that is the wrong size. So many of us don’t take the time swatch. Why?
Stitchers, especially crocheters, get really upset and frustrated when a mistake is discovered 13 rows back. Crocheters HAVE to rip back to fix it, if they can’t live with it. Knitters can drop down a section and fix it. I understand the frustration of missing something and continuing stitching. I also understand if you’re on a deadline but overall, this allows you more stitching time; ideally on a project that you were excited to start, with a lovely yarn that you now get to enjoy longer.
This is still stitching.
Why the desire to stitch faster? Really, I want to know.
Because you’re excited to see the finished piece? Or just to be done?
I would love your input on any of this, please comment and share!
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Stitching is a hobby for the majority of first world people. I understand that some have made it a livelihood, but for those of us who it’s something to fill the time, something to do, a way to make personal gifts etc… Why? Why do we say things like…
I crochet/knit too slowly.
I hate swatching!
I wish I knit/crochet as good/fast as you.
I can’t start anything else until I finish this.
While I know that there are contests for speed and looks, that’s not what it’s all about. Most of us stitch to fill time, keep the monkey busy, quit a bad habit, make gifts for others, deal with stress… How many of you started stitching so that you could be the fastest? Or the best? I know I didn’t and I don’t know anyone who did. I’ve entered contests and encourage you to enter contests as well. Challenge yourself, push yourself, level up your skills, if you want to. If you don’t want to, then don’t. But none of us should be here to compare and complain about our skills as a stitcher.
If you want to be faster/better, work at it. You didn’t immediately know how to crochet or knit, you had to learn and practice. You can keep learning and practicing and get better and faster if you want to.
I understand the part about not starting something new until you’ve finished something else, we should probably keep the number of projects in check. Just don’t limit yourself to only one, variety helps keep all the projects interesting. More on that in a later post.
I saw a social post recently that said “Maybe the reason you have so many WIPs is because casting on is dopamine and the rest is just responsibility.” If this is the case it might be time for a different hobby that has quicker instant gratification or it’s time for some self discipline.
While that last bit might sound a little harsh it comes in many forms.
1. Don’t have more than X number of projects going at the same time.
2. Not EVERYTHING you start ends with finishing the project.
3. Choose your projects carefully.
Having to swatch for project is still stitching! So is frogging.
There are many stitchers who skip the swatching part of the project, just to have to frog later and try again. Why skip the swatching? It’s still stitching and more productive than ripping out a piece that is the wrong size. So many of us don’t take the time swatch. Why?
Stitchers, especially crocheters, get really upset and frustrated when a mistake is discovered 13 rows back. Crocheters HAVE to rip back to fix it, if they can’t live with it. Knitters can drop down a section and fix. I understand the frustration of missing something and continuing stitching. I also understand if you’re on a deadline but overall, this allows you more stitching time. Ideally on a project that you were excited to start, with a lovely yarn that you now get to enjoy longer.
This is still stitching.
Why the desire to stitch faster? Really, I want to know.
Because you’re excited to see the finished piece? Or just to be done?
Happy making!