I’ve always heard no one likes a quitter but at some point, you have to know when to fold ’em.
Yesterday morning was pattern release day and I was so excited to get started. The pattern is Diamondback Socks and they are beautiful.
First off, I decided my yarn choice was not a good one. I had another skein of yarn I had wound “just in case”. It was a Lorna’s Laces Solemate yarn and it was working out much better than the less colorful Miss Babs yarn I had wanted to use.
I started out with the one long circular needle to do the magic loop and quickly decided double points would work better for this pattern so I switched to those. They were bugging me so I switched to 2 circular needles, then went back to double points.
On my first attempt, I got to Tier 4. The socks really are going to be pretty socks but I had made a couple of mistakes early on and after Tier 4, I thought “I have this down now” so I ripped back to the ribbing and started over. By the time I got to the second tier, my hands were aching, i had done one of the diamonds wrong and had a “poof” and I said . . I give up. I unwound all the yarn and put it aside. When Vince got home, he said “You quit? You never quit!” Oh, great . . put that guilt trip on me! Judy is a quitter!
After dinner I said “I can do this!” and I started over again. Cast on and did ribbing. Added a lifeline this time. I did Tier 1 and I said . . I really don’t like knitting these socks. I don’t mind hard things but I really don’t like these and . . life is too short. I quit again.
My plan was to save the ribbing and make another pair of socks but these, because of the bias and short rows, I had to go up a size and the ribbing was going to be too big for anything I wanted. Vince won’t wear my knitted socks so .. it’s all wound back up and the third pair of Tour-de-Socks just isn’t happening or me.
And . . my decision is made and I can move forward . . without second thoughts!
This morning I’m back to working on my tortoise shell socks, waiting for July 1 and all those KALs to begin.
Maggie says
I used to refuse to quit knitalongs etc, but once I left the first one it was quite freeing. Knitting is a hobby and there are so many things I want to knit, so why knit something I am not enjoying?
Fran says
Good for you! you have to know “know when to fold em”. You are never a quitter!
Quilterbea says
You aren’t a quitter, you are a realist that is well grounded and knows what you like and don’t. I applaud you! Have a great day.
Diana Glasspool says
Judy, I just got all excited, when I saw the headline ” I’m a Quitter” I thought it said I’m a Quilter and you had gone back to quilting. In my head you were going to get us all motivated again with new designs, quilt alongs etc etc… ho hum I miss the ‘old’ Judy.
Karen Sutton says
I’m joining the quitters club and that’s not a negative thing. I knit all day yesterday trying to figure out the pattern and found myself hating these socks. Add to that by the end of the day my arm and shoulder were throbbing. I’m throwing in the towel. One thing I’ve learned – I still love to knit socks but I want to do it at my own pace.
Sherry V. says
I’ve dropped out of a number of things because time constraints just don’t motivate me in a good way. I know myself enough to know that I am more of a “process” person than a “project” person so I will always have a number of UFO’s in the works.
But, that allows me to pick what I feel motivated to work on at the time so progress is made, just perhaps not in the “straight line” that someone else would work in.
Knowing yourself is always a good thing. . . . even if you are called a “quitter” by others.
Glenda says
Whatever you call it, I don’t like labels or disparaging names. You decided this isn’t for you at this time. Someday the stars may align and you will blast this pattern out and get some socks you love from this pattern, maybe with different yarn. Or maybe not. As someone mentioned, this is supposed to be a happy thing. Bravo for having the wisdom to put down something that isn’t bringing you pleasure.
He won’t wear your socks? Maybe you could embroider little wrenches and slide rules on them, or whatever would symbolize his profession. My cardiologist wears socks with hearts on them, very cute. Takes my mind off my problems.
Why won’t he wear your socks?
pattilynn9 says
Singing to you – Let it go, let it go…!
I’m so happy you quit – Quit the struggle, quit the stress. More time now for happy pleasurable pursuits!
I used to be the same way about reading. I doggedly stayed with a book that didn’t really hold my interest. Was like that forever. One day, I said “Forget it! Why torture myself? I’m not studying for a grade, I read for pleasure…” Now it doesn’t bother me one bit to return a library book unread – there’s more great books out there than I have time to enjoy.
Carolyn says
You are a very wise woman! Not everyone has the good sense to know what makes them happy. A hobby is suppose to be fun. I quit doing what everyone else was years ago unless it was truly something that interested me. Yes, I lost a few “friends”, but realized they were not true friends. You are not a quitter! You are just being true to yourself and your love of knitting. We all admire you!
Teri Jordan says
I thought Diana’s reply was funny…..a quilter….not a quitter…..quilting was my passion…..then someone showed me how to knit…..now I have 2 passions…..
Alycia says
You lost me at “Yarn choice” Ha ha – I think that you are wise – I have no idea how to knit and the lingo is kinda scary 😉