In knitting, as in life, there are terrible temptations that lead to inevitable and dissatisfying –- sometimes down right punishing -- consequences. We often know we are doing wrong, and sense that we will be unhappy in the long run; and yet, some force within us pushes us towards lazy, thoughtless, and all-around wrong decisions.
In knitting, as in life, there is a Devil that goads us to make poor choices, which seem in the short term to be quick-fixes, easy answers, viable options. This Devil tells us that a red worsted weight acrylic is “just as good” as its fine wool counterpart (particularly since the scarf it will become is “only” for your Aunt Maisie.). The Devil, in a hurry to be on to the next project, tells us that the scarf is “plenty long enough” when we know that it doesn’t have nearly the drape we wanted it to have. The Devil tells us to finish fast, to forget about weaving in the ends, to settle for the not-quite-right buttons (what business do you have, trying to be perfect? Isn’t it enough that you knitted the damned thing?), knowing full well that we will repent in leisure, spending our years wincing at too-short cuffs, unloved acrylic hats through which the wind whips unheeded, and myriad projects in which we can read our own lack of commitment as clearly as if the words were stitched upon it directly.
Do not fall prey to the “logic” of the Devil, or to his need to satisfy his own whims through your work. These whims present themselves in more ways than just that of coaxing you to knit on the cheap. Learn to identify the Devil in your work, so that you can nip his influence in the bud.