There have been many instances in my life where my stubbornness has done me well, but I am starting to wonder if my insistence on getting that little piece of paper in my hand has blinded me. I have been banging my head against a brick wall that won't budge, convinced just one more hard whack will give me a way through, ignoring the fact that I could very easily walk around to get to the other side. Or better yet, turn around and walk the other way!
The only think I can reasonably say at this point is that I am reducing my course load considerably (one academic class -- basically nothing) and focusing on Kelbourne Woolens, knitwear design and the store. I don't know what January will bring, and, honestly, I am totally okay with that.
This beret was conceived, knit and finished as I was making the final decision to withdraw from my last studio and thesis classes. I wanted it to incorporate traditional elements with modern colors and styling, and am very happy with the result. The process of finding inspiration, designing, working out the decreases and finishing this was exponentially more enjoyable than the few happy moments I have had in school. The experience and positive response -- although on a small project -- have reinforced my belief that focusing on knitwear, as I originally anticipated and intended when starting my education, is the right move for me.
I feel as if a slight weight has been lifted, but still carry phantom pressure from the load. I know, though, over a short time, it will all be far behind me. And, luckily, I will have a cute little hat to wear while traveling on my way!
Specs: Koigu KPM. 1 skein Mustard, 1 skein Royal Blue.Pattern: Selbu Modern...coming soon.
Needles: Addi Turbo Size 0 and 2 circular.
Gauge: 28 sts/inch
Start Date: August ?, 2008
Finished: August 15, 2008
Raveled: Here
27 comments:
That must have been an incredibly hard choice to make, but sounds like it was the best one you can do. When an opportunity like that strikes, it would be stupid not to take it! There are just some things in life that either come for a reason (in my opinion) or only once in a lifetime. I also that any path people choose, it will have to work out at some point.
Either way, I'm enjoying watching what seems to be like an incredibly amazing time in your life, and that there are much better things around the corner waiting for you. (Or the wall, as you put it).
Sorry for the ramblings!
P.S. My quick typing and being at work really put a damper on my grammar...just sayin'.
Nothing truly prepares you for the intensity of graduate school. While I loved being back , I also discovered there was something else that I badly needed to take care of and simply I couldn't balance the two.
I've followed your blog for less than a year and it's amazing to watch where knitwear has taken you. You're bound for incredible places.
Congrats on making a hard decision that sounds like the right thing for you! (I quit grad school in a very dramatic and unpleasant fashion.) The beret is gorgeous, I love the stitch pattern.
Dude. I've been there. I quit grad school sooooo slowly, like a scared kid with a Band-Aid. I took an 'easy' semester then a leave of absence then I just straight up dropped out, pretty much when I was hired at Berroco. You're going to do amazing things, fancy piece of paper or not. Whatever you do, don't feel let down, you're awesome and a half.
congratulations on making a big decision that sounds totally right for you. and if it means more awesome knit patterns like that hat, then i am really excited!
There are worse things than leaving graduate school, trust me. So I hope this is the only thing that will cause you this much angst.
I love that beret - can't wait for the pattern!
just think of it this way, you had to go through all the hard times to get to where you are now! I'm sure it was a tough decision but I know you're going to do great things with or without a fancy paper
Best wishes to you on your future. I know you will be successful with or without that degree. Your talent will carry you through.
The hat is gorgeous. I look forward to the pattern.
Love the beret! You are going to keep me in berets for years with all your amazing patterns!
That sounds like a truly difficult decision but there are a lot of opportunities out there and sometimes you just have to go for it. Life certainly doesn't always go according to plan but that is the beauty of it!!
hey kate,
i'm glad you're making those difficult decisions, especially if they'll make life better in the end. it looks like it's inspired beautiful work already! seriously, i don't think i've ever seen a hat i liked more. i mean it!
take care!
Congrats on coming to your decision--it can be so tough to make those school choices. I once walked away from a graduate program, and while in the short term it made things difficult (the guilt! feeling like you're a quitter!), it was totally the right decision. It sounds like you're already on your way towards the career you want, which was the point of the degree anyway, right?!
Don't you just love fair isle!?
Also, it's good to know that grad school isn't for everyone, especially now when I'm considering what to do after I finish my undergrad.
Go with your gut. You'll be much happier in the long run. I'm getting my master's now, in a completely unrelated field, but I hope to merge the two passions someday. You've already found yours. I say grab it by the horns and go with it.
Congratulations on your tough decision - (and this completely rings true, sometimes changing course and doing something that is not at all what everyone including yourself expects, results in some truly awesome things!) Your relief and happiness and creativity indicate it was a good choice.
That beret is beautiful.
It's so interesting how knitting led you back to school, which led you back to knitting. It sounds like overanalyzing your passion took the joy out of it, but you're back to where you should be now. That's the most important thing, to be satisfied with where you're at. Your new venture and this beret are amazing and bringing you happiness, so may as well follow your bliss.
you know i love the pattern.
i think you have a wealth of creativity and design, both in knitwear and weaving. i couldn't imagine trying to get a masters in either, mostly considering the time limits that are put on the creative process.
education is important, but it doesn't define you, and it shouldn't define your work. what should is your happiness and your own satisfaction with your work.
Absolutely gorgeos hat! cannot wait for pattern! Life is full of turns in the road, and with your talent you will always find beauty!
Thank you,
Margot
Gorgeous hat! Good luck!
Margot
I love your approach of classic meets modern - it works so well in the form of this beret!
Best wishes as you go through this decision process, Kate. Your creativity and design work are blossoming, and I so enjoy seeing this occur!
What a gorgeous hat! Looking forward to seeing a pattern :)
By the way, good luck with your decision making process. And if you change your mind later, then you can always go back and make more decisions.
Hey girl, just another voice here to say kudos on following your gut in terms of the grad school departure. I've done it too -- it took a colossal life shift to make me make the decision -- and I am thrilled. Your current patterns are extraordinary, you should be the next knitting star. Thinking of you and missing knitting with you. Maybe we can get together next time I'm in the PHilly area (probably at xmas). xoxoxo
Lovely beret & I love the colors. You are so good with your designs. Fantastic work.
All the best on your new adventures. I know you'll be successful!
Can't wait for the pattern for this hat. It is simply gorgeous!
I'm going through a similar, albeit less serious, school/passion life pondering right now.
Good luck in your endeavors, and how brave you are for making the choice to pursue something you love. You design beautiful patterns, and I know you'll be wildly successful in the fiber and knitting world!
Next glass of wine I have I'm cheers-ing to you... and hopefully wearing my Springtime in Philadelphia beret while drinking!
The beret is fantastic. I really love it, congrats. Good luck to you!
Your hat is wonderful !
I hope I could knit it as well you did !
Congratulations !
Dada
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