I've been knitting a bunch of lace/shawl projects these last few months. A LOT of lace/shawl projects actually. I'm almost considering joining the 10 in 10 shawl group on Ravelry. But since it wasn't really my intention...for it to be a challenge...and just sort of became my calling, well, I'm not sure that would be fair (esp since it would be more along the lines of 10 in 10 in 6 months). Geez.
The problem I've run into recently is that with all these laces, my brain sometimes wanders off and I start working the LAST lace pattern, instead of the current one...whoops! I've done it a couple times, and while I only ever mis-knit a dozen stitches or so, it's funny that the patterns have stuck in my mind like that.
My friend Sue said that I have a "good hand" for lace knitting - and I'm thankful for her insight since she's been knitting for a long time. However, I never KNEW I was a lace knitter until I started doing it more and more. I suppose I resisted it. I suppose I thought it tedious (which it can sometimes be). Or maybe it was the practice makes perfect factor - I never "practiced" until now.
In the end, I really believe it's all part of the process of become a better knitter, just like when I took studio classes for my art history degree. As one of two art history majors at my college, my school frowned upon my enrollment in studio classes until I explained to a panel of professors that my degree and expertise RELIED upon the knowledge gained in painting, scuplture, printmaking, etc. Why, they asked. Simply put: The better I understand the process, the more appreciation I have for the art and the more in depth I can explain the complexities and importance of the piece. Take away the process and you're left with a very diminished understanding...one of text and pictures...not something you've rolled up your sleeves and dug into! Needless to say, the Professors gave me a free pass to enroll in any and all college classes I wanted from studios to histories. They fought other departments to get me into specialized classes. They supported my thesis AND showed my paintings in the student shows. I was a better student because I embraced two worlds before others. Just as I continue to learn in my knitting.
Today's contest entry question (only a few days left - make your comments now!): what, about your craft, would you like to learn/conquer next?
Happy knitting!
4 comments:
Interesting...I was an art major in college, though not art history as my college had no dedicated art history program. But I agree with needing to take studio classes to better understand the process! I had just never thought about it before...
The question about what we'd like to conquer next about our craft is a timely one for me - I am just working on my first design! It's totally simple and nothing fancy, but I've never created something from scratch like this before. It's exciting!
I was an art major too and art history classes were a required part of my degree. Why not the other way around? I think studio classes were required for art history majors at my school, can't remember though. Interdisciplinary studios should always be encouraged, though in your case it was hardly interdisciplinary.
The next step for me is learning double knitting, it seems like the next step in my stranded knitting passion. I'm already signed up for a class at the end of the month.
Oh jeez...what *don't* I want to tackle next would be a better question! I'd love to learn more needlepoint. Crewel and cross stitch. And I'd love to get batter at sewing. My skills are novice at best.
-Stacey
Duh, I totally misread your question. I'd love to learn colorwork next. I said I'd learn it in 2010 and here it is, year half over and I STILL haven't done it.
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