Choosing a Pattern

I have been slow to learn the importance of choosing the right pattern for a project. Lately, these past few months, I’ve been pretty picky, though. I have ripped out quite a few false starts because the item just didn’t seem “right” to me. I have decided that if I am crocheting, for example, to either de-stress, or to make a gift, or for any of many reasons, it is taking time and effort to do that. If I’m spending my short supply of un-slotted time, then I certainly ought to be doing the project right. I need to be enjoying the sight and feel of it growing and developing from my work. I want to get the pleasure that goes with the labor.

For example, I’ve promised my middle-aged “nephew” that I’d make a ripple afghan for his friend’s new son. I found what I thought were good patterns for me to use. After all, how many variations of the basic ripple can there be? Oooops. LOTS, it seems. I began one set of instructions and had a hard time following the designer’s pattern. I grabbed the second pattern I had put aside, started that, and just didn’t enjoy doing that one. Finally, I searched online and found and printed two more. The first of those was what I was seeking.

Yes, they are all the ripple. Some, however, have a more lacey look because the decreases in the “dips” in the ripple are made by skipping stitches. Others have a more solid look because those dips are made by any of several “decrease” methods. The main thing is that now I have the one that feels right for me, and I can work with it as it, adapt it in many ways (colors, stripes, working through back loops, etc.), and thoroughly enjoy working it.

Father, you’ve helped me develop my skills; thank you for that, and for the patience you’ve given me to carefully seek the right design for each project.