Wednesday 20 July 2011

A Trip to the Frog Pond


I hate frogging. Every time I consider it, I suddenly have a Rain Man-esque ability to remember exactly how many hours I spent knitting it thus far, and it hurts.

The cowl was cast on in August 2010, while in... England? Stockholm? It feels so luxurious to be wondering what country/city I was in when I cast on. Which is why I've been clinging to this project, hoping it would magically become something I wanted.
DSC_1410-2 But you know, it's just not going to happen. I love the yarn ( Knitpicks alpaca cloud) but this cowl is just... not working out. I know I'm not going to wear it. And what is the point in knitting something that you know you aren't going to love?

This was supposed to be this caplet, but somehow it transformed into what is a very granny tea cozy, no?
DSC_1409-1
 (okay, this is a useless photo that is mostly showing the wrong side of the knitting, but trust me- it's striping and looks dreadful)
Because that's all I see when I look at this- a self-striping, granny tea cozy.  Which isn't going to work for me. I do love the yarn (although it was a surprise to find out it stripes!), but it's going to be shelved, and one day, the perfect project will present itself for this yarn, I know it.

21 comments:

juicyknits said...

Well, better to frog than to have finished knitting and have no use for the FO.
Btw, thanks pointing to those two patterns. That capelet is amazing!

Sam said...

That Alpaca Cloud is such a gorgeous colour that I'm sure you'll find something fabulous for it.

Crystal said...

Frogging sucks! But, once you rip it out and that yarn goes back into your stash it means you will no longer have a nagging voice in the back of your head saying, "finish meeeeee" for a project that you will never finish.

Jacey said...

I hate frogging, too, but that yarn is so lovely. Hopefully, you'll find a better purpose for it. I think I'm about to face facts and frog my Swallowtail Shawl. It's been at least a year since I picked it up, and I'm not sure exactly where I left off. Ugh. it's more than halfway done, but I think frogging is sometimes the best route.

Anonymous said...

I totally feel you on this one! I have a couple projects looming on the needles that I want to frog, but simply can't bring myself to doing so. The yarn is really beautiful. Hopefully you'll find the perfect project for it soon!

Clumsy Knitter said...

Boo. :( That's always such a bummer when yarn and pattern don't play well with each other. But like you said: what's the point of finishing a project you know you're not going to use? Pretty yarn though--I'm sure you'll find something for it eventually.

Anonymous said...

It's a really cute design - you should definitely knit one. Of course now you have to find the right yarn all over.

Anonymous said...

Well its definitely better to frog now than to wait until your pieces are finished, only to realize that you don't really like them!

Sara said...

I admire you for taking charge of your knitting (and that pretty yarn) like this. Difficult as it is, why spend any more of your time on something you know you don't like? I hope you find the right yarn for that pattern someday though; it's really a pretty capelet.

Evelyn said...

You have just relieved me of my guilt over frogging a shrug that I've had on my needles for much too long -- thank you! While it is such a painful admission to frog, I think it's worse to finish something we don't like, will never wear or gift, and have languishing in our drawers or closets! Go forth and frog ... that gorgeous yarn will find a pattern when you least expect it and become what it was meant to be. : )

Patchie said...

I get sad when I need to just give up and frog something, too. Or when I need to start a project over because I just screwed it up that bad. I feel you!

Ashley said...

Frogging is definitely sad, but just think about how much time you're saving by by not finishing...?

At least that is what I tell myself :)

And what color is that Alpaca Cloud? It's such a pretty color!

Phyllis said...

Love the yarn. Also, love your Pinterest.

Anonymous said...

Oh! Way to be brave about frogging! When I realize I need to frog, I always say "listen to the yarn it will tell you what it needs to be." Good luck.

margaux said...

we've all been there... it almost feels freeing in a way to frog it! you will find something that will be perfect for it!

Cassy said...

Proud of you for frogging! It's hard sometimes. I have a whole sweater I hate, and some half done socks, and at least one shawl that need to go. Sigh.

Francesca said...

I totally feel your pain...frogging is painful but most of the time it's for the best...I'm sure you'll come up with something great for that yarn, which looks like it's really pretty by the way...

oli-creations@blogspot.com

Teresa said...

Ahhh, I know your pain. Frogging is one of my least favourite things too.

1funkyknitwit said...

Oh look I see it like you, frog it - no point in doing something you don't want to, or worse you don't see wearing.
My resolutions this year is all about this issue - frog or finish ! ...ahhaha. Between you and I, I've done a bit of frogging myself consequently ;)

behind the ivy said...

You've summed up exactly how I feel about frogging! Hope you find something more enjoyable to make with the yarn :)

tea cozy said...

It's a really cute design. Hope to find more arts and designs from you. Thank you for sharing.