Knitting

[Anthea]

Rather than throw the entire pattern away:

Break it down into areas, which bits work vs which bits do not

Some may be perfect

Some may be in need of a tweak

Others require 'ease and adjustment'

And there will be areas where things are not fit for purpose, where one must start from casting on, one stitch at a time

Let us imagine that you have a local craft club

They decide to make a set of baby clothes, or indeed several sets

So we have a brand new project

Everyone knows what the premature baby unit needs

However, there are personal preferences (colours, textures) or historical references which some would like to incorporate . . . not a problem

Two members of the craft club cannot knit but they crochet . . . not a problem

One member can do neither, however he does incredible embroidery. Excellent

Everyone has something to contribute to the project

Nobody's contribution is more important than anyone else, everyone is capable of contributing something

If one member wishes to complain about the group and not add anything constructive, merely criticises . . . well, they will not be invited to the cream tea upon completion

Every member of the craft club has something to offer

It is not about self-gratification, it is about the premature baby unit

If one is willing to take part, wanting to contribute, but only do paper crafts such as little bunny shaped gift tags saying "Great Oaks from Little Acorns Grow" . . . not a problem

But the club members who just want to complain about the colours/textures . . . "Valerie made a much better set of baby clothes last year!" . . . they can sit on another sofa and drink tea, they are not welcome in our club

However, the blind man who often needs rescuing mid stitch, is welcome as part of the group because he brings cake, makes people laugh and feel positive

It shows us that however difficult knitting is at times by helping each other we can make wonderful baby clothes

Our club motto is:

IF YOU CANNOT HELP - DO NOT HINDER