Tension

There is something called “tension” that occurs when crocheting, knitting, even embroidering - anytime we pull thread or yarn or floss and pass it through other thread or yarn or floss, or fabric. Some days we are relaxed as soon as we begin our work. Other days, we are a bit tense at the beginning, and we relax when the routine of the stitches soothes our psyche. Either way, it affects the look and feel of the project. Sometimes it affects it to a small degree; other times, to a larger degree.

I’ve known for a long time that I must stop at the end of a row or round. If I do not, and I leave a loop pulled up for the next day, in the middle of a row, the work is “different” from the row or round before.

It can also affect the beginning and end of a project. I just finished a small baby afghan, in a simple ripple stitch. But the beginning row is much looser than the ending row, and in this case, it is very obvious. I am a little disappointed in myself for not seeing this sooner. I should have been watching. Usually, I check the “look” after 3 or 4 row or rounds. That isn’t enough to make me cringe if I have to rip it out, but it’s enough for me to see any real differences.

That doesn’t help me now. What should I do with this otherwise nice afghan? I do not want to give it to the parents and baby I made it for. I am embarrassed. True, they probably wouldn’t even notice it, but I’d know. Knowing myself, I’ll probably give it to a charity where warmth is more important than looks, and I’ll start a new one tomorrow.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me the ability to see my mistakes before they leave me for the intended receiver, and for the courage to admit when my work is not up to par.