You Just. When you are floundering with a task or project, someone will pop up and give you the key to solving the problem. The bits left out in the manual. -- Knitnan
Every instruction set assumes. Even the most detailed of instruction sets assumes the reader knows what the tools are, the techniques mentioned, and what the key points mean. One crafter's definition of "the cracking point" is different from another's. One is good, another is bad.
There's a certain number of hurdles associated with learning the finer points of skills that have passed into the realm of special interest. The process requires passing information on from those with more experience to those with less.
When those skills evaporate entirely, the re-learning curve is extreme. People who, in the past, have taken progress pictures are invaluable to those attempting to recreate the skills involved.
Currently, there are four Archivaas trying to knit. Specifically, they were trying to knit a pattern that "everyone knows". Feather and Fan.
"No no no, it's pass the slip stitch over."
"It's pearl two together."
"It's pass pearl slowly."
"Actually, I think that's a bit of insect poo," said the one with the magnifier.
Three of them glared at the trainee with the lens. The one who was actually wielding the needles and yarn stabbed the points into their ball of material. "Give me that..."
The apprentice handed over the magnifying lens and the yellow paper sheet preserved between two slices of protective perspex.
The rest cleared away from the light so the knitter could look closely at the instructions. They were obviously old, already in fine print, and bearing stains that should not be mentioned to those who prized information.
"It's coffee grounds, similar texture," said the knitter. "K... four. T... O... G... T... B... L..." They surfaced from peering at the pattern. "We were all wrong."
The apprentice put up a nervous hand. "What's TBL mean?"
[AN: I will now be told what TBL means by every knitter in the English-speaking world. I will also be told fourteen different patterns for Feather and Fan. Stay tuned]
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / jarino47]
If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends!
Send me a prompt [75 remaining prompts!]
