Ugly Thing

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.