Dear Friends of The Blue Purl,
When writing, it takes a long time for students to learn that the first draft – the sloppy copy - is often just that, a first draft.
The key to quality is often in the rewrite.
This is a lesson that even adults – especially those of us who knit & crochet-- have a hard time absorbing.
How often have you fretted over ripping out a day’s work? If only you checked your gauge first! If only you put in a lifeline in that lace wrap! Instead you decided to dive right in and give it a go only to realize – you had to start over.
So we are here to tell you, that it’s ok sometimes to just wing it. Well maybe not with a sweater, but a baby blanket using chunky instead of worsted, a scarf- go for it. As our friend Maura used to say “It’s only yarn.”
Ok, well maybe that’s going too far for those of us who have a special relationship with natural fibers, but there is a truth in the idea.
And if you don't like it? All that work was not wasted. It offered practice, and delivered calm and focus. It also gave you a chance to think about your project for the redo. It's an opportunity to learn and grow as a Maker. Maybe you'll surprise yourself with your choice to go off the pattern instructions. Tweek, invent, make it your own.
Still, let’s be clear: Sometimes you want to do first things first.
Sometimes, when you are taking on a high-effort project like a sweater, you need to slowdown, take a breath and work your gauge swatch.
Sometimes you just can’t do second things first, or if you do, be prepared for the consequences.
First things first.
Breath.
Measure.
Read through the pattern.
Talk to one of the terrific, talented team at The Blue Purl.
Then go for it.
Our aim was to go one whole newsletter without talking about the pandemic, but it seems there are life lessons here too, especially for a time like this, when we are all under strain.
Take it one step at a time.
And when things go wrong, roll with it.
connect + create
Patty, Wendy & TBP Team
PS- Last Saturday's sidewalk sale was a great success so we're doing it again! That is If the weather allows... We have so many beautiful yarns on sale that are perfect for small projects to gift!
