This beautiful mini-shawl had several problems.
First, it was misplaced. Second, the circular needles it started on were too short now that the shawl was near its halfway point. Third, now that there were so many stitches on the needle, I was tired of counting them. Fourth, I was spending a lot of time flipping back and forth between the written pattern, the chart, and the stitch count chart (since the number of stitches changed on every single row).
As you can see, these four problems interfered with my basic goal of finishing the item.
What Are You Working On is a community diary series for all things crafty and artsy, in a variety of mediums and techniques.
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Basic problem solving steps:
1. Identify and define the problem.
2. Brainstorm several possible solutions.
3. Evaluate the solutions and choose one.
4. Ensure the problem is solved and check for new problems.
Repeat as necessary. You may need other perspectives, such as friends or other hobbyists.
I know that my quilting projects frequently changed from WIP's to UFO's when I could not solve a problem I had. Work-in-Progress, UnFinished Object.
It's always good to prevent problems, of course, when one can. Swatching a new yarn or stitch pattern. Making a sample block before cutting out the whole quilt. Testing any new materials or techniques on a practice piece.
Now, what happened to that golden shawl?
1. I found it!
2. Since I had interchangeable needles, I put it on a longer cord. You can see in the above photo that I need to put the other needles tip onto the new cord. And now there is plenty of room.
3. I put in stitch markers every twenty stitches. 20 is about as high as I can stand to count when I am counting over and over.
4. Since I am just a few rows from the halfway point on this shawl, I am going to suffer through the rest. However, at the halfway point, I am going to make a couple little charts and/or spreadsheets, print them, and tape them to an index card.
Here is one example of this chart for an upcoming project:
You are always welcome to share your problems here - solutions too if you have them, otherwise we can help, or find someone who can.
What Are You Working On ?