Every time my path crossed with this skein, I would instantly think of my intentions to knit Icarus. There was never a doubt as to the pattern that yarn should be used for. Still, I did not cast on.  I march to my own offbeat drum. Independent and eccentric quirky unique are good words to describe me. Sometimes too good. I can acknowledge when everyone else is right. But I won’t enjoy it. Why? Because I wasn’t first, second, or even fifty-seventh. Not a redeeming character feature but there you have it. I am not just independent; I am stubbornly-dig-my-heels-in-headstrong independent.

Recently, I needed something easily memorized and preferably lace. Icarus was a perfect match. The yarn was a perfect match to Icarus. The only thing that didn’t fit was me. It is a popular pattern. The more popular it became, the more I was determined to not “give in”.  I am not comfortable with popular.  Even when something is popular for a darn good reason . . .  simple but not boring, well-suited for strong variegated colors not just solid yarns.   

This time I didn’t listen.  Instead, I pulled the yarn out, wound it into a cake, found the appropriate needles, and casted on. I loved working the stitches almost from the very beginning! My need to be different, my unfounded fear of not being seen as unique, dissolved with each column of yarn overs I added. No one was going to think less of me for being the 1253rd person starting Icarus. It was a perfect fit. Even if I had to be forced to see it.

I know there is a lesson in here somewhere.  Probably some point to be made about letting go of fears, enjoy something for the sake of the doing, or learning that my own opinion is the only one that matters at least with my knitting.  I’ll have plenty of time to ponder while I have this shawl on my needles.

Do you have a project, knitting or other, that you have been reluctant to start? If so, what is holding you back? 

A huge improvement in yarn choice than the first sweater.  It is a 60% Merino Wool / 40% Acetate tape yarn, specifically Chai by Berroco in colorway #9331.  The best way to describe the feel of it is … like a silky sweatshirt.  More slippery than fleece, but there is some roughness to it as well.

Obviously, it was never used. This yarn taught me my first lesson about the quality of drape in a fiber. The gauge listed on the label is an exact match to the gauge required for the pattern.  However, the yarn it was supposed to replace is Colinette’s Chrysalis.  Attempting to use the Chai in its place resulted in a fabric that was more like cardboard than the drapey loose fabric shown in the picture.

It also taught me to never trust a yarn label.  I achieved the listed gauge using the recommended needles.  But, when or if I knit this up, I’ll use a needle one size larger.  Sometimes the labels list a needle size that is intended to attract the largest possible group of consumers. Providing a gauge for a US size 13 needle might eliminate the lace weight crowd more quickly than a US size 8.

It remains unknit because of the color.  There was a time when dark somber colors appealed to me, but not as much these days.  I cannot remember the color choices available at the time of purchase.  If then was now, I’m sure I would have chosen something much brighter. However, every time I pull it out and consider giving it a new home, the soft feel of it makes me put it back.

So, what lessons are hiding in your stash?  Leave me a comment.  Or post about it on your blog and tell all of us.