Monthly Musing – March 2016 – Pride
I’ve been asked quite often recently whether I’m proud of what I’ve been doing over the last year – the Sockalong blog tutorials teaching people to knit socks, the tutorials book, the Yarndale Sock Line and now the Online Knitter of the Year award. Without question, the answer is yes, I’m terribly proud of everything that I’ve done. I’ve worked hard to do all of this and I’m delighted that it’s been recognised in the wider world. But here I also have a dilemma: at what point does being proud of something become arrogance? Where is the line between talking about it and talking too much? We’ve all met people like that and I don’t want to be one of them.
Pride is a complicated emotion. Being too proud can lead to being boastful, to thinking that a fleeting moment is a permanent one and forgetting that the world is continually moving and there is always something new to be achieved – and not necessarily by you.
On the one hand, it is listed as one of the Seven Deadly Sins, but at the same time it is recognition of the fact that you have done something out of the ordinary. Not acknowledging that could be seen to be too dismissive, or ungrateful, or denying others the chance to celebrate with you.
“Who cares what others think?” you might say. “No one else will blow your trumpet for you so you have to do it yourself.”
This is very true – however, I don’t want to blow my trumpet so loudly that people have to cross the road when they see me coming to avoid the noise! It’s a fine line and I’m wary of missing my step.
What I am very aware of is how much all of this is a joint effort. Not just my husband and my girls who have lived with my sock obsession for a long time, and deserve an award for that if nothing else, but also my family stretching back for generations – some of them excellent knitters themselves – and of course all those people involved in the Sockalong. None of it would exist without them, and so some of the pride must be theirs too.
And so, here’s where I am on the thin line. I am so very proud of what I have done, and I’m so very proud of the people in my life who have helped me along the way. It’s all about the socks and it’s all about them. The music stopped and the parcel is in my hands, and when the music starts again it will be passed on. That’s not to say that I’ll stop doing what I’m doing or stop trying to be better. If the parcel lands in my hands again, it will be because I have continued to work hard and I will have earned the right to be proud.
Get your earplugs ready!
Hi Christine
I am one of your converts – I met you at Yarndale and your friendly nature insured me to have a go at some socks. I mostly crochet but have knitted on and off over the years and you convinced me that I could do it. I have currently knitted one sock on DPNs, one on small circulars and managed a pair of crocheted ones. My DPN efforts weren't too successful but the small circulars were a joy thanks to your very clear tutorial. I certainly think you have something to shout about and I always look forward to your posts- go for it – whatever it may be��❤️��
That's brilliant to hear, I'm so pleased that you have a pair of socks, Emma! Thank you for your lovely comments too xx
What a lovely post ! Its nice to read about a person who is so aware.I watched with interest last year as you joined in the "Yarndale" experience. I wasn't able to go but I did go to the first Yarndale. Are you contributing to this year's ?
I am indeed! The Yarndale Sock Line will be at Yarndale again this year, and I'll be writing about that a bit closer to the time to see if people would like to contribute again. It was fabulous to be able to pass on all that knitted love and I'm hoping that we will get a similar number of socks to pass on again this year xx
I don't think you're in any danger of being considered arrogant! You have done something 'out of the ordinary', and I would imagine that along with pride, there's an enormous amount of pleasure seeing people try something they've never done before, and succeed at it – and that's more important to you than bragging rights!. You're running Facebook groups, offering support, encouragement and advice, and you can see new knitters starting with socks, then moving on to other things. However often you stop for a moment and think, "Wow, I did that!", it probably isn't often enough 🙂
Oh Shelagh, you've really touched me with your lovely words, thank you! You're right, I do love seeing how people feel that they can do anything once they can knit a sock- it's really quite amazing to think that something so small and woolly makes you feel you can take on the world! xx
I haven't been reading here that long but from what I have read I would say you are far from blowing your trumpet too loud. You should be proud of your achievements and this is a lovely lovely post!
Thank you! It is something that I worry about though – you never want to be the one that people avoid! 🙂 xx
You have all the reasons for being proud Christine, you have helped so many crafters with a new skill, sock knitting. x
Thank you! xx
I can't even imagine that anyone would ever think of you as arrogant or remotely a braggart. You have every reason to be so proud of yourself and your wonderful accomplishments. (Honestly, I think anyone who could possibly think that of you is just jealous!)
I have only knit one pair of socks in the past (magic loop method) but I am going to try your incredible method next – purchased new short circulars and several skeins of sock yarn (I'm very optimistic :-))
I'll let you know how this all turns out – thank you so much!!
It's not optimistic, Barb, it's knowing that the sock bug is going to get you and being prepared 😉 Thank you for your lovely comments and yes, do let me know how you get on with the socks! xx