Can I start out by saying that I have a general distaste for the word “mojo”, but I have no better way to describe what I’m talking about– the feeling of excitement and desire that comes with working on knitting projects. The need to create more, faster, an ever-changing lineup of works in progress on the needles.
For some reason lately, as I’ve slogged through my Meridien cardigan, I’ve felt my mojo waning. I’m repeating the same 33 rows over. I’m on repeat 14 now, and nearing the end of the first section of the cardigan. Normally, I’d be racing to the finish line, ready to work on the little Gramps sweater that is now overdue (the intended baby had an early yet fashionable arrival). I don’t like having a ton of projects on the needles at once, but even if I did, I think I’d be slowing down, anyway.
What happened? I still love knitted things. I enjoy knitting, when I do. My queue is still growing. Indeed, quite a large group of knit friends are starting on Viajante, a Martina Behm creation that appeared in February.
I have the yarn for it, and I’d love to knit with my friends, but actually casting on seems to encompass some kind of weight that I can’t explain. I’m not producing at the same rate as I was before. Do I need to take a break from Meridien and my endless repeats? Should I allow myself to slow down and focus on getting things done methodically, not pushing myself if the “mojo” just isn’t there?
I feel like I’ve been thrown into water and forgotten how to swim. On a logical level, I’m still inspired by projects I see on Ravelry, by my local knit group, and by your comments, lovely readers. What keeps me from picking up my needles at night?
Have any of you been through something similar? I took an extensive break from knitting for a few years during college and came back stronger than ever… Maybe I just need time? A new yarn store to peruse?
– YX
Why do you place such value on the rate of output of product? Maybe it's time to subscribe to the school of Process over Product. One thing I've noticed is that people are always focused on the next best thing or trend and keeping up with the Joneses in any community. I think its fueled by the rate we consume media, there are more yarn lines and projects in all the blogs, rav queues and magazines that I can keep up with but why would I want to?
I think I value my output rate only because I'll see projects languish in a bag if I take too much time away from them. I have a little rayon table runner that will be hibernating forever, since I can't figure out where I am in the chart! The excitement to see the project as a finished item really motivates me, I think.
'Mojo' comes and goes… perhaps a new project is what you need, a change of knitting pace? Or just a little break from the current project.
True. I also need to admire the work of others more! It helps!
I've found it's helpful to do small projects in the middle of a big project so that I get a reward and I can see that I am getting results.
I usually do that, Anonymous commenter! I should probably get a hat or something on the needles, too!
I think it might help if you have something else to knit on – small and quick and interesting – to help offset the drag of the cardigan. But if that doesn't help, let it be! Maybe this is just not the right time for you to be knitting, and you should let yourself relax and recover for a while.
By the way, is there going to be an April giveaway?
No April giveaway, but I have a really cute one for May that I can't WAIT to show you guys!
I am going through the same thing right now… I am in college right now, and just lost my job so I'm thinking that has something to do with it? I don't want to loose my mojo, but I can't seem to get it back up right now.
I went through the same thing in college. It came back for me with a vengeance… Hopefully it does for you, too!