Ahhhh, the moment is finally here. It’s time to reflect on the aspects of this project. The benefit of improvement is not the only one when I learn from my mistakes. It saves time, stress, and anxiety in the future. Additionally, it makes me a better crocheter. Making a connection from a written pattern sequence to an actual piece allows me to improve my ability to visualize a change without trial and error. The more I practice that skill, the easier it will become to understand how all the variables in a crochet design and pattern relate to one another, and be able to master any limitations of the craft. Thus, over time, the design creation process will be smoother and faster. I understand my abilities better, have identified what my strengths are, and conversely, see where they need improvement.
Organization
This is an area where I could always use refinement. For the better part of the 2020 Fall semester, my project, tools and all its associated pieces of paper with drawings/sketches, lists, math calculations, handwritten pattern sections, and scribbles, lived in one quarter of my dining room table. Luckily, my dining room table is quite roomy for my family of four so it was still largely usable (for a whole bunch of other half-finished projects, ha!). Although this is a lesson learned, I haven’t quite figured out a way to keep it organized except for keeping the entire pile of papers together with the project. I did keep all project tools together in it’s own bag. Still, I will admit, my organization isn’t great and it’s worth mentioning that you need to plan for a creative workspace area that works for you.
Research, research, research
I don’t need to dive too deeply into this one. The right resources and tools are out there for you, so don’t settle on the resource if it’s missing an aspect. If you feel in your gut that you think it isn’t enough, it isn’t. If you are having trouble finding something specific, ask your family, friends, and community! There are people who want to help you and wish for you to succeed in your endeavors, even if you are a total stranger to them. Ask for help if you are struggling. Procrastination is no one’s friend in going after your goal.
Don’t be proud
While I didn’t consider myself an expert crocheter, I am more than confident in my abilities to be able to crochet something beautiful. However, as I stated above, this process has shown me where I can improve. I expected to make mistakes, I expected to learn and improve. Still, I was most surprised to find out that regardless of the numerous patterns I’ve followed successfully, and the vast number of times I’ve crocheted in free form, I do not maintain an even tension throughout. For most of my panels, when laid flat, they seemed to almost reflect the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I had straight edges, just slanted, like you would see with italicized text. It was most evident in my first several rows and then it would become hardly noticeable. It wasn’t so egregious that the blocking process couldn’t fix it the issue. Initially, I believed I had written instructions incorrectly or that I was miscounting my stitches. Since final results were successful (with respect to clear directions and fit as designed), I’ve realized that I need to crochet to warm up my hand and wrist muscles before proceeding with whatever project I’m working on to minimize this leaning effect. I am a big believer in continuously learning and improving yourself, so be open to change. An old dog can always learn a new trick.
Final Thoughts
I am proud of what I have accomplished this semester. I learned multiple new skills in a craft I love, and this blog is something that could (and I believe should) grow. It goes without saying that good things come in time. I have much to learn, much to practice, and much to share.
References
Travis, D. (n.d.) Notetaking [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/5bYxXawHOQg