STICKDIPP – when knitting feels like a chore instead of a joy

There are days when knitting just doesn't work. The stitches feel wrong, the project doesn't look like it should, and the motivation has disappeared somewhere between row 34 and 35. It's not a crisis - it's a knitting slump.

What is a knitting slump?

A knitting slump is when the desire to knit takes a break. What you're knitting feels ugly, your hands don't want to cooperate, and the yarn you loved three weeks ago just irritates you. It happens to everyone - even the most dedicated knitter.

Why does it happen?

Sometimes we've been knitting on the same project for too long. Sometimes it's the wrong yarn for the wrong pattern. Sometimes it's simply life taking too much energy, and the knitting has to suffer.

What do you do?

• Put the project down. Without guilt. It won't disappear.
• Change yarn. A new, soft yarn that you really like can reawaken the desire.
• Knit something simple. A small project without demands - a pair of mittens, a headband - just for the joy of it.
• Take a break. Knitting should be fun. If it's not right now, it's okay to rest.

A knitting slump always passes. And when it does, the most wonderful feeling is to pick up the project again - and see that it actually wasn't as ugly as you thought.

Have you experienced a knitting slump? What helped you get back into it?