Imperfection

If we're struggling, thinking too hard, and worried about getting something done..., our creativity is limited and derivative. But when we're attuned to the vitality of the moment, everything is informed by the creativity of that moment. It's not something we possess or master; it's something that we are. There's no spearation between creativity and you. That's why the vibrancy of another person's creative act can inspire our own. It's the state in which the object was made that is contagious.
                                                     The Not-So-Big Life, Sarah Susanka

I've been thinking a lot lately about imperfection. And knitting. And imperfection in knitting.

I love it.

Not the imperfection of split stitches, or poor fit, or, you know, holes you didn't intend.

I mean, the miscrossed cable, or the incorrect color change in Fair Isle, or the misplaced pattern stitch in a Scandinavian mitten.

Such mistakes give me the same sense of humanity that I feel when I see the ancient handprints in French caves, or the weavings from the mummies of Urumchi, or the shreds of ancient baskets from Mesa Verde. We humans like to make things. It is the making that is important.

Imperfection is the sign that the knitting was done by a person, a living, breathing human being who sat with the knitting on her (or his) lap, making decisions, having intention, choosing yarn, feeling the fibers pass through his (or her) fingers, feeling happy or angry or sad or whatever or all of the above.

At the FI workshop last month, Shiori noted that the Japanese refer to such mistakes as Charm Spots. I love that. In her pattern for the hybrid yoke sweater, Elizabeth Zimmermann notes the schonheitsfehler ("beauty defects") that occur when two pieces of knitting meet up.

So, you can well imagine how much I love my new socks:

Dulaan-a-thaan

I had a marvelous time Saturday at the Dulaan paajaamaa paarty! I am such an early-to-bedder that I couldn't spend the night, but I enjoyed many hours at Village Yarn & Tea in the company of knitters. And pizza.

Nordic Knitting Conference in October

A number of wonderful classes are still available! 

New Needles!

As I've mentioned before, knitters who work at fine gauges need to be wary of their needle choices because the American size 1 can actually be 2.25 or 2.5mm and size 2 can be 2.75 or 3.0mm, depending on the needle manufacturer. You have to watch out! But now KnitPicks has the full range of sizes in three lengths.

Comments

[EnnaVic]

I agree with you about imperfections. I am a process rather than a product knitter, which doesn't mean i don't want to make nice stuff, but if I miscount and one row of cables in my scarf is 2 rows shorter than every other cable and I don't notice until I've done another couple of repeats it doesn't bug me. Mistakes like that add character and show I am not a machine *g*

[colin]

I like the socks very much, excellent colour, and I like the added 'dipped in ink' touch.

[Debbie]

Charm Spots, what a great expression. And in the case of your socks, I find asymmetry beautiful. I've even made a couple of pairs of Fuzzy Feet like that, purposely asymmetric.

[Joyce Ward]

I do love your socks. Funny how my daughter always wears odd socks, but I would have to even them up by redoing the first one with a dark toe as well.

[Nancy J]

'Vitality of the moment' --- must be Retreat 2.75! Just about a month! My wounded wing is better enough to knit just a tad!

[Rabbitch]

I think those socks are perfect!

[Peggy]

Your 'charm spot' socks are indeed charming! Are they STR January One? I just finished a pair out of that colorway, and have left-overs. You may have it if you want it. Although one black toe has its' own appeal. See you soon. Peggy

[Laurel]

Hahahahaha! You are spot on and I think those socks are absolutely charming.