A few weeks ago I got it in my head that I wanted to knit a bedspread. I don’t know why. These notions just sort of show up, and I either wait for them to pass or jump on them. Usually I jump on them and am sorry later as I ask, “What did I get myself into this time?”
So, of course, I’ve jumped in. Again. I’ve given up the quest for self-improvement in favor of self-acceptance, so all I can do is shake my head, smile, and say, “Yep, that’s what I do.”
After some searching, here’s the pattern I settled on. It’s easier than it looks, because I’ll make a lot of little pieces that I then sew together. Of course, making a lot of little pieces can get tedious. I started knitting the little colored strips…80 of them for each of 13 colors. I don’t like doing math, but I can tell you, that’s a lot, and those pieces represent just part of the quilt.
It’s no coincidence that I’m revising a novel at the same time. Without boring you with all the little details, it feels much the same as working on this quilt. There is the whole that is the ultimate goal, which I’m reaching by working on thousands of little, tedious pieces.
I’m reading The Wonder of Aging: A New Approach to Embracing Life After Fifty by Michael Gurian. Based on what I’ve read so far, it would appear that this new approach to quilting, writing, and life is a reflection of my age and current stage of life. I’m okay with taking time to work on the little details. Yes, I’d like to write books faster than I do, but I’m more interested in writing better. Eventually I’ll have enough of those little pieces done to put them together in one of the rings. Eventually I’ll read through a draft and say, yes, this one’s ready to go to the editor, because I’ve done my best.
It seems curious and paradoxical to want to slow down the process. There is so much to write! So much to get done! Sometimes it feels maddening to become more deliberate, more thoughtful, less action-oriented. Yet somehow, I suspect, I will get more done. My drafts may go more slowly, but I will need fewer of them (I hope). In the end, I hope to have a beautiful heirloom quilt and a beautifully written book to share.
That is a beautiful pattern, Nadine. My mother made a double-wedding ring quilt for me, and I love all the different colors in it. I am so impressed that you are knitting this! I find knitting a mystery, but such a beautiful art. I look forward to photos of your work! I like the connections you find with novel writing and working on the little pieces. Sometimes doing that gets tedious and frustrating for me, too, but the payoff of the ocmpleted project is so rewarding. I’ve been thinking a lot about aging and the next phase of life, so… Read more »
Oh, that’s so cool that you have a quilt from this pattern! I’d never seen it in knitted form before. I’m still waiting for some of the yarn, including the main color, but I’ve started on those little pieces. Should be interesting. The Wonder of Aging is a really interesting book. It’s a bit uneven in places, but still worth the read. I have certainly found myself in its pages. Even though I feel physically very good, my psyche is changing, and the book really affirms what I’m experiencing. I know what you say about the to-read list, too. The… Read more »
I might try the book sometime. I like the idea that it’s ok to accomplish things more slowly at our age.
You might like it, Julie. The author writes early on about some of his physical pains and injuries, and I know you’ve experienced some of that, too. He’s not one of these “rah rah” types that would have us believing that we can act exactly as we did when we were younger and get away with it. At the same time, he gently points out the possibilities and joys of being 50+. I guess I’m a little surprised at the psychological changes I’m experiencing — I guess each decade brings its developmental shifts.
Nadine, I am certain you will accomplish both! I’m with Julie–as we get older, we also become more accepting of taking our time to do things. And in the end, like you mention, we’ll have to revise less and be happier with the outcome!
Thanks! All the rest of my yarn arrived yesterday…I had bought some of it but had to order the rest because of the quantity. Now everyone, including the yarnmaker, wants a photo! No pressure, though… 🙂