My Needles Are Where, Exactly?

So, do you see this fiber?

Very lovely - I agree. It will eventually become this shawl.

The Dianna Shawl, one of
the many beautiful shawls
designed by the mastermind
behind Colours from Chaos

I say eventually because ... well ... this entrelac pattern has been kicking my needles to Timbuktu. I thought it would be the entrelac technique that would give me fits. But noooooooo. It's the darn lace - I cannot get past the first block! I think I've frogged that sucker at least four times.

Now, I'm a good knitter - I'd say better than average, but not an expert by any means. Clearly I can do something right, since I've turned this pile:











into this:

Nevertheless, there are just some patterns that, for whatever reason, one seems to have a blindspot. I've got another shawl that's been in hibernation since last year that others find quite pleasant, easy even (heavens to Mergatroy!), yet for me ... well, you get the idea.

Now I'm certain all those individuals who think the pattern is so easy have all kinds of advice, tips and tricks for me. They might even want to show off their FOs in an effort to indicate just how snappily they completed their projects (and hey, everyone's entitled to strut their stuff). But what if I want to learn these patterns and get through them on my own? What if I absorb information and this type of material best on my own? I don't always want to know your tips or tricks - I like finding many things out for myself. Really. In my own time. In my own space.

I learned a long time ago (through many different types of education and settings) that one can only put information out there. But really internalizing the lesson? That's different for everyone, and the motivation must come from within. I trust that experiences, perspectives, truths, are different. We can all still support each other ... just let me learn this on my own, ok?

Brought to you from somewhere between here and Timbuktu.