Ambition

Posted by Emily

I've been going over my Ravelry queue almost daily, trying to decide what to work on next. I have an entire summer ahead of me, limited funds (unless I use the credit card which probably isn't wise), and great ambition. I have no doubt these things are a bad combination.

One of the things I find most difficult to judge is my skill level. I am a brand new knitter. I started in February of this year. Sure, I've been flying through projects and learning a ton on my own, but there are definitely issues with my knitting and I usually end up ripping a significant portion of every project at least once before I get it. I know I can figure out how to do things, but I don't want to over-reach myself and ruin my enjoyment of this craft.

My Ravelry queue could definitely be categorized as ambitious. It's full of complex cardigans and lacy shawls. I deeply desire to knit that well and I'm anxious to push myself - to see what I'm capable of so that I can begin knitting gorgeous lace and complex cables. I have dreams of a closet full of sweaters and shawls I've knit by hand and drawers full of hand-knit socks. I dream big!

I'm at the point now where I can tackle basic projects like simple lace, simple cables, and a few techniques with very little trouble. The trouble is, most of the projects in my queue are quite difficult. I don't want to jump from basic to advanced. You must learn to walk before you run, right?

I've got some socks and the Whisper Cardigan planned, as well as a baby cardigan and that lace cap. I will admit to stalling on starting the lace cap over again, but I'll probably pick it up tomorrow. Well, today, seeing as how I'm staying up late. The baby cardigan is on hold until the proper needles arrive in the mail. The Whisper Cardigan and socks are also on hold until the yarn arrives.

I'd very much like to knit the Coachella and the Central Park Hoodie, but I'm stumped on yarn. The recommended yarn for the Coachella might be a bit much for this inexperienced knitter, even if I can handle the pattern alright. The recommended yarn for the Central Park Hoodie is super expensive! I haven't decided what to do about that yet, but I definitely want to knit it in time for fall.

I'm also considering another shawl. I picked up a couple of really nice little shawl pins from Etsy.com and I need some shawls to show them off! Or vice versa.

I'll have to sit down and think about what I want to knit, examine some patterns to make sure I can handle them, and maybe get to work on some intermediate and inexpensive projects, just so I have something to do. Either that or go load up on Sugar n' Cream and make a million dishcloths!