Last week I decided it was time I challenged myself to knit something other than simple dishcloths. I thought about making a (simple) scarf, but really... that's kind of like knitting a... dishcloth. Only longer. While, certainly, there would be some challenge there, it wasn't really the kind I was looking for.
But then I came across this fox scarf pattern, and I couldn't help but imagine a little girl thinking it a lot of fun to wear. Clearly, it had some new stuff for me, but it looked easy enough. Maybe... So... I decided to knit one!
Is that cute, or what?!?
Truth be told, the pattern was pretty sketchy and I had to go looking for how to knit a triangle, but once I got that down, it wasn't too hard. It provided just enough challenge to interest me, but not so much as to frustrate me.
It's made with a simple garter stitch throughout (except for the ribbing), but it includes increasing and decreasing and I had to add new yarn.
After studying some other fox scarves (from different patterns), I decided to just make up some ears for my fox scarf. Each is made with two triangles (one smaller than the other), stitched together and formed into something that resembles... well... a fox ear. Sort of...
And I figured out (after gaining some facility with increasing and decreasing) how to shape the orange part to make a more fox-like face. The original pattern calls for making a simple white triangle face (which is adorable), but I really liked the more fox-like faces I saw on some other fox scarves, so I decided to challenge myself to make one.
When it was all done, I can see that it's not perfect, but even there I feel like I've progressed in my knitting. I may be getting a feel for what imperfections may be acceptable. Maybe it's just that the cuteness of the fox overshadows any imperfections, but I sort of feel like I crossed something of a hurdle - being able to accept some not quite perfect things - with this project. To not feel like the imperfections really detract from the final project.
So all in all... I feel pretty pleased. And totally tickled with this cute little fox.
Unless a mistake detracts from the object, they don't bother me....Here is a quote from a Navajo weaver...“The traditional teaching of the Navajo weaving is that you have to put a mistake in there,” Garnanez said. “It must be done because only the creator is perfect. We’re not perfect, so we don’t make a perfect rug.” Ron Garnanez
ReplyDeleteOh, I realize nothing made with human hands is going to be perfect. It must not be clear, but what I wrote about that subject isn't about striving for perfection, but rather having made something where the imperfection doesn't bother me - much. THAT feels like some kind of progress in my learning how to knit. In crochet I have much more confidence for what kinds of imperfections are acceptable to the eye. I have a long ways to go in knitting to more fully get to that point, but this project felt like movement in the right direction to getting there.
DeleteIt's adorable!!!!!!!!!! You did an awesome job!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dianna!
DeleteVery good! Expanding your knitting skills is a great thing. Mistakes are great for learning. And finding out which ones will not affect the finished item is real growth. Good JOB!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marsha. Yes, you put that well. The kind of growth you describe was feeling very elusive to me until this project. Long way to go, still, but I can at least see how that kind of growth may come in knitting.
DeleteHe is fantastic (Mr Fox)! Well improvised and I see no mistakes anyway, just design features.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lucy. :)
Deletewhat a wonderful project - good for you for tackling something new. He is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Deleteit's so cute, you did an awesome job with it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Casey. :)
DeleteOh I really like the Fox scarf. You made some nice additions to it. My grandsons name is Fox btw and I think I may add this into the queue and try to whip one out for the holidays. Although he is only 2 so his mama may not appreciate something wrapped around his neck yet. So maybe *next year*
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect scarf to make for a little boy who's name is Fox. And what a fun name for a boy is Fox! :)
DeleteOMG that scarf looks AMAZING!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletesuper cute!!! well done!!
ReplyDeleteWhat huge progress you have made. To start amending patterns is a big step. The colours you chose are perfectly foxy.
ReplyDeleteWell, "knock me down and call me Dusty"! If that isn't the cutest and you improvised and created? You are truly talented no matter what you do..me, I have to have all the details written out....I am not creative at all in that sense. You are amazing with how you knitted that fox. So cute! Now I want to make one for each of the grands to go with some fox mittens? Did you know there are hedgehogs too? They're really cute also. You have surpassed me in knitting skills! Maybe I should go back to washcloths! LOL! Awesome job and project!
ReplyDeleteYou are so encouraging, Sandra - and you make me laugh. This is a simple garter stitch and my adaptations are the most elementary and they aren't even original. Now mittens! That is amazing to me. I still shut down when I see a pattern that requires DPN's. Knitting in the round... now THAT is awesome. :)
DeleteWow!!!! Becki, I am so happy to see a big knit project from you, and so adorable! And all the mods you've made - you know you are an advanced knitter now, right?! I love your version even more than the original pattern!!
ReplyDeleteThis is just too adorable, and I don't see one imperfection! We are always too hard on ourselves. You have really stretched yourself and grown in your craft to have seen what you like, then make modifications to suit you better and make what you really like! This almost makes me want to knit: I have seen these cute foxes around plus the raccoon scarves which always make me smile. Awesome job:)
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