Monday, March 8, 2010

I might need a 12-step program

For perfectionism. I know the first step in solving my problem is admitting that it exists. I've never actually denied it, but I may be powerless before it. My latest bout of perfectionism has reared it's head because of this.



The pattern is Bias Blanket by the very talented Jennifer Casa and there are currently 4 versions of this pattern being knitted by various folks in this house. Honestly though, I'll probably be the only one who finishes any sort of blanket. My girls don't always have staying power when it comes to knitting projects. No matter, once they officially throw in the towel, I'll tear back the 1/3, 5/8, or whatever fraction of a completed blanket they have and reclaim the yarn. More for me.
I'm afraid though that before I rip back their blankets, I'll rip back mine. I love so much about this blanket, the easy, carefree knitting, the bold diagonal stripes, and the soft cotton yarn. What I'm not loving has more to do with my own excessive sense of perfectionism than the pattern. My blanket is not turning out square, but more diamond shaped. Most likely I made some mistake along the way or the fact that the blanket combines garter along the edges and stockinette in the center doesn't work for me because my tensions vary too much. Whatever the reason I'm not crafting the polygon I want and I'm starting to obsess about it.



When I first started knitting the blanket I didn't have a recipient in mind, just a lot of worsted weight cotton yarn. Now, however, I not only have an intended giftee, but a deadline. It's not next week, but April, so I've got plenty of time to re-knit the blanket, but only if I act decisively now. No hemming and hawing and trying to convince myself that diamonds really are a girl's best friend. After all my the soon-to-be born recipient is a boy. So, though I should stand in front of you all and declare, "Hi, my name is Malka and I am a perfectionaholic," I'm going to give in to my addiction just one more time and make this blanket exactly like the semi-compulsive me envisioned it.
After that I'll quit. Because I can. Anytime I want.

17 comments:

amanda said...

maybe some blocking would help to turn it back into a square?

Sidney said...

oh, I can so relate. My mantra lately has been *finished is better than perfect*, but that only goes so far!

Cara said...

As someone who can never get my quilts or blankets square, I can assure you that once the blanket is tucked around the baby it won't matter. Nor will it matter when its spread on the floor with baby and toys scattered around it.

linda p said...

no no no! do not rip! try blocking it. I made a sweater vest that looked more like a paralellogram but when I blocked it, everything was good again.

kait. said...

You're not alone! I am in the midst of knitting the same blanket and I've followed the directions but mine is also not square.. I'm hoping blocking solves it!

Vivika said...

I'm with you - you know yourself, and you won't be happy unless it is right. MY mantra is "if it is worth doing, it is worth doing RIGHT"... With the amount of fibers you work with, you can tell if it can be blocked to perfection, or will bother you every time you see it...

patty a. said...

I agree with previous comments on the blocking. Besides, the baby won't care - it is all about the thought and that someone took the time to make a wonderful handmade gift.

Cindy said...

I tell ya, I wish I had a little more perfectionistic qualities. My MO is cutting corners, but I like to call it efficiency.
Good work on the blanket, I'm sure it will be fantanstic and I hope you'll show us when you're finished.

Queen B. said...

gorgeous !

Diane said...

I had/have the same problem with this pattern. It became a dog blanket because I could not bear to gift something so obviously "warped". I made a quick baby quilt instead!

Marijke said...

Yeah, but the sad thing is: you don't exactly know what to do to make it perfect. You don't know WHY it is a diamond shape. Try blocking....?
Love your book, Malka.
Marijke

stephie @ narrative self said...

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http://www.stephanieboon.co.uk/narrativeself/index.php/beautiful-blogger/

mathea said...

You don't actually see the blanket unfolded on Jennifer's blog - dare I suggest that hers isn't completely square either...? ;-)

Ashley said...

The colors are great, mind sharing what yarn that is? I also love the tiled table that the blanket is sitting on!

Malka Dubrawsky said...

Hi Ashley,
Some of it is Lion Brand Cotton-Ease and some is Rowan's All Seasons Cotton and maybe a few unidentified cotton yarns as well. They're just all worsted weight.

Anonymous said...

I suspect the blanket is not square because of the stockinette stitch - it just doesn't have the same stitch-to-row ratio as garter. I don't think a rip-and-re-do will help unless you switch to garter. Blocking might help... Colors are lovely and I do agree baby won't care about the shape!
Beverly in CA

Ashley said...

Thanks Malka, I suspected there were some Lion Brand cotton ease in there. I like that yarn, but have only made a washcloth with it so far. Glad to know it works well for a blanket too.