I was hesitant to write about this on my blog because it's a hard feeling for me to put my finger on, but since it's not the first time I've noticed this phenomenon in myself maybe it's important for me to try to think it through.
After I've completed a big project I find myself feeling.... down? blue? sad? depressed just a little? I'm not sure what to call it. It's like I build myself up as I'm getting close to completing a project and then once it's done I have a big fall. Maybe I was thinking that my sweater was going to look like the professional one in the photo, and when it didn't come out 100% perfect, I was disappointed? I know that's not fair to myself, this is my first real sweater... but I tend to expect a lot from myself. In one way, these higher expectations I have let me tackle bigger projects without fear of failure, but at the same time when they don't come out perfect maybe I'm a little too hard on myself.
I'm not even sure if that's what it is. Is this common? Does anyone else get these kind of feelings after a big project is off the needles?
Maybe it's more like I'm just taking a breather before my next project. I've been excited to cast on my next socks, but just can't get up the enthusiasm to do it tonight. I sort of feel like I'm in a haze just wandering around the house without any knitting projects and wondering what to do. :)
Don't worry, I think everyone feels that way once in awhile :) Sometimes us knitters can over do it and just need a little knitting break. Its like if you ate 5 slices of pizza you probably aren't going to want to eat some pizza in awhile.
ReplyDeleteYou'll get your knitting mojo back!
It is sometimes a feeling for I get as well, but the fact that I constantly have lots of projects going at once usually helps because I can just pick up another one and start going. Also, having a positive mindset and not being too hard on yourself is a big deal. You can't expect things to look just like the photos. Remember, they're made by professional people and then photographed in professional light with the backgrounds perfectly coordinated to the colors of the knitted item and probably pinned and stretched and all sorts of things like that, and on professional models to boot. The important part is putting the project on yourself and just giving yourself the mantra of "I made this and I love it!" and then casting on another thing. Everything you make is a learning experience, so whether you like the finished product that much or not, it's a good chance to learn something new and you can at VERY least be proud of that. Knitting is supposed to be fun and fulfilling, and a big part of that is (or should be, in my opinion), the learning process and a positive mindset. As I previously said, I think your sweater looks really lovely and you have no reason to be down about it! Just cast on your next new thing and think positively. That's a pretty complex and beautiful sweater for it to be your first one, anyway! That means you're reaching for the stars and challenging yourself. Definitely something to be proud of. :-D Happy knitting!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you're feeling! It's almost like we get this idea, that this could be the best sweater known to man, and then when it isn't, it just really sucks. You spend so much time on this one object, and at least for me, when it doesn't measure up I feel... Like what's the point?
ReplyDeleteYou tackled a difficult project! Set-in sleeves are tricky business! And knitting a sweater in pieces has an element of gambling- you just never know exactly how it's going to fit until it's sewn up.
You should really be proud of yourself for knitting something so big, so quickly, and with such commitment!
It happens to everyone who tries to create. Just hang in there and pick up those needles again. Take what you learned from the project and try something else just as complicated and challenging. You'll find that magic again in no time.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I think your sweater is beautiful! I can hardly believe you finished it so quickly! It seems like I just looked on here the other day and you had just started it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with what someone else said, that you could ease that feeling by having several projects going at once. I don't have as much experience with this, because I haven't finished any real "big" projects just yet. I have noticed,however, a couple of times when I felt down because I finished the main project I was on and didn't have another project to work on. I felt weird, like, "what do I do now? I don't have anything on the needles!"
In addition to preventing that feeling, having several projects going gives me a sense of variety, so that I can work on what I am in the mood to work on. Maybe that would help. (Or do you already work on several projects at a time?)
I can't wait to see what you make next! :)
Faith
I bet it's perfectly normal! To invest so much of your heart into something and then it's "done"! You're inspiring me, though, so take heart in that. I took a knitting class yesterday and have knitted 1.5 inches of a hat. At this rate, I'll be done around the time the daffodils come out :)
ReplyDeleteI often feel a little bit down when a project comes off the needles because suddenly it's not KNITTING anymore, it's just an object (even if it's a great object!). The transition always hits me really hard the moment I weave in the last end. I'm glad to have the finished object, but while it's on the needles, it's alive and dynamic...once it's done, it's not alive anymore. Static. It makes me kind of sad.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. After I'm finished with a big project I will obsess over any tiny parts that I was unhappy with. That's why when I make a mistake I usually will frog the whole thing and re-knit it if I can because I know I can't live with the disappointment.
ReplyDelete