So, the question of the day is, how many times must I relearn the same lesson? The obvious answer seems to be, *many*. The last time I mentioned my mitten saga here, I was busy poring over books, knitting swatches and taking notes on gauge results & pattern calculations, all in preparation to knit myself some Latvian mittens, the final frontier in my patterned knitting adventures. I have small hands (5 1/2" wrist) and my challenge was trying to attain a gauge small enough to make wearable mittens that would still have that dense, multicolor patterning that takes my breath away.
I always seem to experience my lightbulb moments in the shower. During the day, I usually have something on in the background...radio, tv, music...but I don't sing, so perhaps the shower is the only time it's quiet enough to hear my own voice of common sense. And indeed, several days ago, I heard it loud and clear, screaming at me, "You're doing it again. Put away the calculator and the notes and just start knitting!" (Actually, my inner voice rightfully used some harsh expletives which really caught my attention, but have been edited out for sensitive readers.)
I cast on at the first opportunity and haven't looked back.
I did learn quite a bit from my reading research, mostly focused on these five well-thumbed-through books. However, I've found that I'm so much more able to understand the fine points and suggestions in the books after I've started tackling a new multi-color knitting challenge. Information that completely escaped me on first reading definitely *clicks* once I've had some experience with what's being written about.
So here's the lesson that I've learned again. If you've always wanted to try this type of patterned knitting, cast on and start a piece for the sheer fun of it. Without expectation of wearing it. Get that? Without expectation of wearing it. If your first effort turns out perfect, great! Go forth and multiply! (Or at least, make its mate.) For me however, the layers of expectation on such a first project are almost paralyzing...gauge, strand tension, color selection, pattern adaptation...all while hoping they'll fit properly! Sheesh.
Two years ago, I just could not manage two-color knitting with such lightweight yarns as the recommended Satakieli and Finullgarn so I practiced with worsted weight Lamb's Pride and made a Christmas stocking. I finally attempted a mitten when the Selbuvotter book came out. On that piece, I got the hang of working with lighter yarn, but my gauge wasn't consistent. Feeling more confident after that, I then cast on the little bird mitten from the same book and not only maintained my gauge, but refined my ability to continue the pattern from mitten to thumb. Another leap forward.
Now on to Latvian knitting, which I've been lusting over for years and can't seem to put down. Progress.
Yes! Paralyzing layers of expectation...love that. What you said about the beautiful mitten knitting can cross over into so many other things. Keep leaping!
Posted by: Jennifer | November 08, 2007 at 04:48 PM
I completely get this post. The extra bonus is that your mitten is so pretty!
Posted by: amy | November 08, 2007 at 04:58 PM
Must practice! You've made great strides...the mitten is so pretty!!
Posted by: margene | November 08, 2007 at 05:16 PM
My inner voice comes out when I nap during the day and my mind is drifting. I should do that more often, probably...
Posted by: Chris | November 08, 2007 at 05:24 PM
i love the miitens i think they will be worth all the work you've put into them!
Posted by: sammyjo | November 08, 2007 at 05:37 PM
..and if you make a pair of mittens that's too big, just give it to your daughter for Christmas! My birthday is coming up, too. ;)
Posted by: molly! | November 08, 2007 at 06:16 PM
those look cozy and warm, i like them.
Posted by: christina(peonyshade) | November 08, 2007 at 06:18 PM
I'm still fearful of my one try that was a disaster but I think you make a good case for trying again.
Posted by: Carole | November 08, 2007 at 07:28 PM
I have been trying to work on this, for this reason: I HATE non-gussetted thumbs. And most of those traditional mitten patterns have those. I will NEVER wear them -- they just are not practical. But I do want to knit the mittens for their sheer beauty. So, yes, I am working on convincing myself of the non-expectation of wearing the finished product. :)
Posted by: Norma | November 08, 2007 at 08:22 PM
Okay, I have to admit this is the secret project I mentioned on my blog today. I have the Latvian mitten book, but don't think I'm ready for those, especially at such a fine gauge. I picked up Folk Mittens yesterday and I'm going to give the Selbu mitten a try. I was hoping to have them as a Christmas gift for Chloe. Would you recommend the other books you show there? I was thinking about getting Selbuvotter.
Your mitten is fabulously beautiful. I hope to someday get to that point myself!
Posted by: Kristin | November 08, 2007 at 10:25 PM
Oh my, that does take my breath away and I love, love, love the colours you chose. So beautiful! I adore small gauge knitting and am looking forward seeing your finished mittens.
Posted by: Alex | November 08, 2007 at 11:25 PM
How could I have missed that gorgeous Christmas Stocking you made in 2005? Wonderful!
All these knitting posts everywhere make me want to cave and start knitting - instead of finishing my godson's quilt or even starting my MIL's quilt, due next FEB.
Posted by: Dorothee | November 09, 2007 at 05:25 AM
gorgeous!
Posted by: Mimi K | November 09, 2007 at 07:59 AM
The voice in your head is SO VERY SMART!!! Your mitten is looking fantastic. ; )
Posted by: Vicki | November 09, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Your mitten is so beautiful! I can't wait to see what comes next.
Posted by: Jessica | November 09, 2007 at 05:08 PM
Delish!!! Do I detect a hint of Cheddar????
Love the color combos...you never cease to inspire!!!!!!
Posted by: Schnoobie | November 09, 2007 at 05:14 PM
you are making such headway!! i can't wait to choose my colors for the pair i'm getting for christmas.., or i'll take those if they are too big for you AND molly!
Posted by: lori | November 09, 2007 at 07:19 PM
It's amazing when the light of good sense dawns. I think you're absolutely on the right track plunging into a project. No guts, no glory. And what you're showing looks pretty glorious to me.
Posted by: Kathie | November 10, 2007 at 12:33 AM
Hello from Maine....
Thank you for this post. Mittens are a frontier I would like to explore at some point. It's good to be reminded to enjoy/learn from the process rather than focus on the product.
(Haven't blogged in years now but I am doing flickr.)
Posted by: Melissa | November 10, 2007 at 06:19 AM
it's so beautiful! i figure that if something like that doesn't fit, it would look lovely hanging on the wall =)
Posted by: gray la gran | November 12, 2007 at 06:38 AM
Your mittens are gorgeous!! I have a good friend who lived in Latvia and knits. She has been searching for a copy of Mirdza Slava's book. Is that it in your photo? Can you give me any more info about the book? ISBN, full title, etc? Thanks!!!
Posted by: Hedgehog | November 14, 2007 at 03:15 PM
Surprinsinly to see that selbuvotter book in english. I grew up with selbuvotter on my hands, and learned to make them at the age of 12. Sorry I don't knit anymore - only quilting for me. I think you do wonderful knitting with a lot of colors.
Solvi in Norway
Posted by: [email protected] | November 27, 2007 at 05:12 PM
You've come a long way, girl :D
The Latvian mittens are just beautiful!
Posted by: Ann | December 01, 2007 at 05:01 AM