Friday, October 14, 2005

Fun and Games

I'm often asked whether it's frustrating to work in a yarn shop, where there's all this wonderful stuff and you can't possibly have it all--and all day long, you look at beautiful yarns, and usually don't get to knit a stitch.

My usual answer is that I've found it surprisingly satisfying to see other people's knitting projects. Combinations I'd never think of, achievements I won't ever know again (for instance, the thrill of one's first cable: can it really be that easy?)--these things are strong compensations.

But out of the blue yesterday (walking home from synagogue, no less), I realized that I've overlooked a huge part of it: I get the thrill of starting, like, 30 projects a week. Starting is my favorite part, when it's all pure potential, when all you have is the materials and the vision and anything is still possible. And I'm in it up to my elbows, investigating patterns, choosing yarn, considering colors, checking gauge, day in and day out, 6 days a week. It's a real thrill!

I can't believe how long it's taken me to realize that.

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