The Difference Between Sewing and Knitting.

As I was upstairs in the (very messy) (unorganized) craft room this afternoon, I let my mind wander while I fixed two pairs of JWo’s pants and sewed up the curtains for his classroom. Fortunately, I didn’t let it wander too far, otherwise I would most likely have made half the curtain panels with the ducks upside-down. One of those moments where you realize it before you even start sewing? And are OH so grateful.

It wasn’t a hard project – he had a long swath of fabric, and wanted it quartered, hemmed, and a tube at the top for a tension rod. His windows create a glare & with all they do on the projector/computer, it was a simple solution.

As I (didn’t pin anything) (didn’t iron anything) sewed the hems, I realized, “There is a big difference between knitting and sewing!” Now at this point, I know you are saying, “Well, DUH, Jennifer. Thread vs. yarn, machine vs. needles…” The process is completely different. But where I am a process knitter, I am NOT a process seamstress. All the steps up to the sewing machine equate to endless swatching in my mind. I’m not overly precise, shocker, and sewing really requires an element of precision. Unless you’re going for that wonky ragged look.

With knitting, I enjoy the process. The yarn runs through my fingers, I see the progress, if it doesn’t work or look right, I serenely rip it out and begin again. Don’t get me wrong, I like things to turn out, and turn out well. They should fit, be the right length, be of the right “hand” (drape/tension). All of this parallels sewing. So I think it’s my lack of sewing experience, and a less-than-enthusiastic appreciation for all the steps that precede the moment one sits down at the machine.

And, I probably should slow down a little. You’d think I was training for NASCAR with that little rev pedal under my foot. After the turnkey projects this afternoon, I decided to work a little harder on my sewing patience and skill set. Next up, I’m going to replace a jeans zipper, and then I’m going to try my hand at making a simple sunglasses case. With a pattern I’ve made up. I live on the edge. But all of that will happen…later.

Right now? I wanna knit.