Sunday, May 17, 2009

Good Enough is Sometimes Good Enough

This morning I sat down in my dining room and cut out the pieces to sew the Turkey Tracks block over again. If you remember, my first attempt was horrible. My second attempt is slightly less wonky. The points still don't match (but they ARE better) and as you can see there is a spot up top that is way off. But you know what I decided? My second attempt is good enough. This is only my 3rd quilt and Y seams are not exactly a beginning lesson from what I've been told. So this block stays. I don't think my neice (who the quilt is for) will care. If I was a more experienced quilter it would probably bug me but I'm not. So it doesn't. What would you do? Keep at it or move on?
Lesson Learned: You don't have to be perfect. It's ok to be a little wonky!

I finally finished my Waving Ribbing Socks (Ravelry Link) from More Sensational Knitted Socks. I did these 2 at a time on one circular needle. I don't think I'll do that again. Why? I missed the high of completing the first sock and the high of casting on for a new one. This project also seemed to take FOREVER. I have yet to suffer from Second Sock Syndrome so there really isn't any point for doing them both at once. I've been trying out each method of making socks and DPN's still seem to be my thing.
The striping of the yarn is odd on the foot. They look more similar on the leg. Honestly, I don't worry about this at all as no one will really notice-it's just not worth fretting over IMO. Knitting is fun - not frustrating! I finished these up yesterday while hanging out at my LYS and even though I said they were going to have to sit in time out for a while (for taking so long), I'm wearing them now and they're quite comfy!
So with one project finished, what did I do? Of course, I cast on for another one. This time using my own hand dyed yarn! I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying these! They're going to be No Purl Monkey socks (Ravelry line) by the wonderful Cookie A. Here is how much I had done about 30 minutes after I got home. These are knitting up FAST! Whoot! A big change over the socks I just finished. Maybe I should always dye my own yarn!!!
I also cast on for the Obi Scarf (Ravelry Link) by Veronique Avery. I absolutely fell in love with this when I first started knitting. The yarn and the book have been quietly sitting in my bookcase since. This project is a challenge for me because the pattern is reversible. So it will be slow going.
What I found interesting is that the pattern starts out as above with 6 rows of garter stitch. Then the pattern starts and slowly the scalloped edge just appears. It was fun to watch!
Not a good picture of the scalloped edge but you get the general idea!

As you can see, I had a stress free weekend. Today the guys laid sod in the backyard. I got the better end of that deal! But they weren't complaining. I actually could hear them laughing and talking while I was inside sitting at the sewing machine even though the windows were closed. Sometimes what you're doing does not have to be fun to enjoy yourself and to enjoy the people around you. I hope each of you find a bit of fun in your day!

21 comments:

Debbie said...

Stress free weekends are the best. You accomplished a lot! I agree, leave the Y seam as is. You'll get there. I don't have much experience with variegated yarn and socks, but I am also not one to fret about how the color evolves..unraveling some mysteries are fun. Your hand dyed socks are going to be spectacular as is your scarf.

Anonymous said...

We have a saying around here: "Done is Good". I tend to be picky, so the saying comes in handy often. Love your socks and the new 'monkeys' too. Your hand dyed yarn is perfect for that pattern. The 'obi' pattern is really pretty. I love the cable and scallops. Such a fun collection of projects you have going on.

Feisty Irish Wench said...

Sounds like you had fun this weekend. I miss hanging at the LYS. It's just been uber crazy in my world and I haven't had a chance to get over there :( School's out soon, so you can expect to see more of me (pun intended) soon.

Unknown said...

I like the block and I think your neice will as well. Love the socks as well. I could use them tonight, my toes are a bit cold. Supposed to be 39 here in the morning.

Quiltbirdie said...

Wonky is just fine, and don't let anyone tell you anything different. And your hand-dyed yarn is gorgeous.

Micki said...

You really accomplished a lot. I am knitting socks on one circular needle, but doing them one at a time. Since I never learned the dpns, I only know and love this technique.
Great job!
Micki

Ruth's Place said...

The socks look great and the block will be unnoticable once it's sewn into the quilt and quilted. I think you're doing a great job.

Pamela said...

I love your turkey tracks block. The purples are great. I totally like your first attempt as well. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself.

ruthee... said...

Holy crap! You got a LOT done this weekend! I love all the yarns and the projects as well. Lovely!

Anonymous said...

Your block is lovely, even if it isn't perfect. Mine project hardly ever come out perfect, but mostly I just go with it and love it anyway.

Pat said...

Remember a couple of things.....there are NO Quilt Police. Also....do you know the Amish PURPOSELY make a mistake in each quilt as they say only God is perfect and they believe it would be wrong for a human to TRY to be perfect. Also.....take a really good look when you go to a quilt show. I had someone tell me once that you can, most likely, find small mistakes in EVERY quilt you see....even at a show...and so far, I have found that to be true. So....you see, there is no big deal to a few little imperfections in quilts!

SaraVictorious said...

What a productive weekend! I'm impressed!

You're block looks great, and I especially love the colors! So exciting and bright! I'm sure your niece will love it!

Simone de Klerk said...

You have made some wonderful progress in your projects, Jackie! And you know, once your block is in the whole quilt, you won't see the points don't fit perfectly. The fabrics you used make a perfect match. Love it!

Laurel said...

Wow, I wish I could knit socks. I can crochet, but just plain squares (and granny squares), but can't knit a stitch! Your socks are so cool!

Quilt Monkey said...

I am an experienced quilter but I have NEVER attempted a quilt with y seams. - yours are perfect!

Irene said...

Jackie, I have a couple of sayings - one is done is better than perfect and the other is if you can't see it from a galloping horse, then it's just fine! Y seams are something experienced quilters have problems with and the very fact you are attempting them deserves kudos! Your yarn is gorgeous and I love that scarf pattern. I bought some hand dyed bamboo wool at our Quilt Show - I just might have to try that scarf pattern.

Lori Holt said...

Jackie-
I think your block looks great just the way it is! I love the fabrics that you used-the contrast between them is good and really pops the block.
It's beautiful:)
Lori

IrishGirlieKnits said...

Wow Jackie! Quite a few gorgeous projects you have going on!! I just love all the socks! I'm with you on not necessarily liking knitting two socks at the same time (well, unlike you I haven't tried). I love that moment when I cast on a second sock because I know I'll have a new pair of socks soon!

Teresa said...

The block is pretty and a little wonkiness can be a good thing.

woolwoman said...

Jackie your block is great! Love the colors and WOW WOW WOW - your own dyed yarn is lovely. I guess I missed something - I did not know you were into dyeing. Sorry you missed our hook in on Saturday - we had a great time and awesome food. Can't wait to see that gorgeous scarf taking shape - I love that pattern. Have a wonderful 3day - Mel

Candace said...

What a great weekend you had, Jackie! I would definitely keep the block - it looks fantastic! Your niece is going to adore it!
Wow - your knitting is incredible! Love the socks and how they both aren't the same with the variegated yarn! Oh - and the Obi scarf - beautiful!!
Cheers!