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Knit Towel

















I have not been knitting too much lately.  I only have patience for small, quickly finished projects like this towel.  It still needs blocking, this is fresh off the needles.  I think I should immediately start another since it took me so long to finally get into the rhythm of the pattern.

I knit a lot of hats in the round.  That involves pretty mindless knit stitch and some counting.  I usually start from the top and work down.  That's not how most of the instruction I have say to do it, but I find it easier for some reason.  I have convinced myself I don't have to worry about gauge so much that way.  Also in a hat, the occasional extra stitch doesn't become a big worry.  Knitting along almost becomes a meditative state.

Not so with a fussy pattern.  I kept ending a row with an extra stitch or a missing stitch.  Then I would have to  undo and try again.  That kind of knitting has the opposite effect of a meditative state.  My muscles tense, my blood pressure spikes, my mind is no longer empty but filled with negative thoughts about knitting ability and my very worth as a human being.  I work myself right into a spiritual crisis.

But if nothing else, I can be persistent.  Eventually the pattern gets in my head--or maybe into my fingers--and I get a feeling of having completed a task and of having made something with my own hands.

These little towels are decorative and they make a nice hostess gift.  They may have some aggravation factor, but they knit up quickly.  I'll make some more.  I have convinced myself that I only need one lace shawl  in this lifetime.
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Comments

  1. Linda ReederJanuary 22, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    Your emotional process sort of matches my own when I tackle a tricky sewing project. But satisfactory completion brings a great sense of accomplishment.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MitziJanuary 22, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    Your knit towel is beautiful. You could easily take orders for them-they's sell well.
    I wish I had your talent. It would be nice to curl up and knit on a wintery day.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Muffy's MarksJanuary 22, 2012 at 3:20 PM

    The towel is beautiful. What a nice hostess gift it would be. I am glad the pattern in embedded, it is a beautiful pattern. Have a wonderful upcoming week.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sally WesselyJanuary 22, 2012 at 3:30 PM

    The towel is beautiful. I've been thinking of taking up knitting or going back to crochet as I heal from my head injury, but I will need something mindless to work on. I don't need any aggravation or stress.

    ReplyDelete
  5. LindaJanuary 22, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    Please tell me you're teasing about using this piece as a towel. I'm about to finish a feather and fan patterned scarf and would fight anybody who came near to use it as a towel.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JuneJanuary 22, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    That's very pretty. It resembles a pattern of an afghan I made once . . . the only thing I ever knitted that was PERFECTLY DONE.
    Among the stitches were blood, sweat and tears.

    ReplyDelete
  7. #1NanaJanuary 23, 2012 at 12:03 AM

    A friend just told me about a group of local women who get together and knit and she invited me to join them. I am excited about learning, but also worried that it may be beyond my skill level. I look forward to the day I can make a hat. Your project is beautiful and I agree with the other comments that it is much too nice for a towel!

    ReplyDelete
  8. TaborJanuary 23, 2012 at 5:57 AM

    The towels are decorative? Not to be used for drying hands or dishes?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Arkansas PattiJanuary 23, 2012 at 7:15 AM

    And here I recently thought of taking up knitting as a relaxing hobby. If I do, I will remember to stay simple. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  10. BarbJanuary 23, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    How exquisite! That is a heirloom gift! I can't even imagine knitting something so intricate (or something easy for that matter).

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jenn JilksJanuary 23, 2012 at 7:26 PM

    Well done. Maybe as valuable as the item in your previous post!!
    Cheers from Cottage Country!

    ReplyDelete
  12. MargaretJanuary 23, 2012 at 11:53 PM

    It's beautiful. I knit purely for that meditative state, so no patterns for me. I make a lot of rectangles.l

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lisa @ Grandma's BriefsJanuary 24, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    So beautiful! I wish I could knit or crochet. I'd certainly produce a pile of those and put them away to hand out to the grandkids when they can appreciate them. Your ability is enviable (count me as one of the envious!).

    ♥

    ReplyDelete
  14. Grandma Yellow HairJanuary 25, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    Oh how I would love to be able to knit anything. I envy you and your talent. This towel does not look easy but it is very pretty.
    I managed years ago to crochet a few pieces but have never been lucky enough to learn the art of knitting.
    Glad I am over here visiting tonight. I must catch up with you
    Love
    Maggie

    ReplyDelete
  15. Susan AdcoxJanuary 28, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    The towel is lovely and would make a precious hostess gift, as well as a bridal shower gift, housewarming gift, birthday gift. . . You may never have to buy a gift again!

    ReplyDelete

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