ar·ro·gance noun \ˈer-ə-gən(t)s, ˈa-rə-\ -- an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions (from http://www.m-w.com/)
Might I add another definition to the word? Arrogance is working a lace pattern without the use of lifelines. I didn't even think about using them. I am so used to being able to fix mistakes and move on that I, without thought, assumed I would be able to do that with this project, as well.
A couple of weeks ago I started the Yarn Harlot's
Pretty Thing. I used a lovely black yarn that I bought in Myrtle Beach a year or two ago.
Start #1: I started it with double pointed needles, cast on and knitted for seven rows. I finally realized that I had twisted the circle. There is no cure for that mistake; I ripped it out. Sigh.
Start #2: I cast on again. This time I got rid of the double pointed needles - not sharp enough. I switched to Knitpicks Option. I've never really knit a circle with two circular needles. It worked; I was able to do it. I think I might like DPNs better, but this was working. I had made it to row 25 or so, when I noticed an error. I arrogantly decided I could fix it, and let down the column of stitches to pick it up correctly. No way. Not happening. The more I worked, the worse the mistake became. It was compounded by more and more mistakes. I finally threw in the towel and ripped it out again.
If I had used a lifeline, I could have gone back to a known correct point, but I didn't have one.
Will there be a Start #3? Probably, but not until after the project has a long LONG time in Time Out.
