Learning Something New

My first lesson with my crochet teacher was to crochet 50 stitches and as many rows as I could. I can do this. My grandmother taught me a few stitches when I was nine. No problem. I sailed through this first test with just a few minor stitch problems. All done and project completed. My teacher had other plans.

She checked my work.
"A few mistakes," she said.
"Now rip them out."  

What?  Wait!  I just crocheted the best crochet of my life. This couldn't be. What kind of craziness is this? Little did I know teachers have plans that the student doesn't always understand...and I am teacher.

I slowly pulled every last stitch out. I wasn't sure what was the point. It seemed a bit harsh if you ask me. The beginning of an important lesson being learned facilitated by a wise crocheting teacher.

"Start again!," she said.  

I did. It wasn't until I started my first pattern that I realized what she did for me.

Perseverance... It takes perseverance to learn a new skill... not just try a new thing but to really learn it. I have been taking crocheting lessons since February. I can say I have improved. It takes time, effort, and perseverance to truly master a skill.

When I learn a new skill there is some frustration. Working through my mistakes has proven the best teacher. Redoing the imperfect rows has been a  lesson in persistence.  The fear of imperfection has been dispelled in my crocheting.

It has gotten easier now that my goal is to master the craft and not to finish a piece. My goal is not to finish quickly. I want to do each stitch correctly and when it isn't good... I rip the stitches out.  I am not afraid to start over. Quality handcraft work takes perseverance.

This lesson is the best lesson I have ever learned.
Don't be afraid of your mistakes, just fix them, redo them, and go on.

It only gets better.

Learn everything you can with no fear!
Ms. Jen

© 2019 All Rights Reserved