The Hidden Art of Frogging

All things come to an end at some point. Relationships, jobs, projects, phases, seasons… despite how much work or care goes into something, it will come to an end. In the realm of knitting and crocheting, the end is typically a beloved finished object. But, what if the finished (or better yet, unfinished) piece is not-so-beloved? Do you keep going, knowing you don’t enjoy what you’re working on? Nope. As a crafter, you’re likely to either banish your WIP to the UFO pile. Or, you’ll embrace the hidden art of frogging. 

I hated frogging. No matter how much of an error I had made in my work, I would not frog it. Push through, I thought. Keep working. Keep stitching. Forget about the mistakes. Finished is better than perfect. But, does perfect even exist? By now, we’ve all heard the tales of leaving “mistakes” in finished pieces to let your soul escape. Also, I don’t have the ability to forget about mistakes. They haunt me. Taut me. 

Finished objects with flaws or imperfections is not a bad thing. However, as I lean more into slow making, I learn more about my habits. By evaluating which pieces I gravitate towards, I also see which pieces are neglected. And, most often, they’re pieces I’m not 100% satisfied with. Ones that I have no pride towards. 

The Hidden Art of Frogging: Is it Necesary?

Now, frogging is just a part of the process. Because, yes, finished is great. But even better than just finished, is a piece I’m happy with, one that brings me joy. And, after all, if there’s no joy in our craft, why would we do it? Why carry on? I would apply this rule to almost anything in life. If it doesn’t make you happy, it’s time for a change. Change is good. 

Satisfaction comes from knowing you’ve done the best job you could. 

The Hidden Art of Frogging: What about all that time?!

What about the time? The many, many hours ( and days, and months…) spent working on something that you’ve decided to rip out, lost. Are they ever really lost, though? Within every stitch that fills these minutes, becoming days and hours, lessons are learnt along the way. Lessons in tension, how a fibre behaves, colour exploration, texture, needle or hook preference… The lessons are limitless. 

The Burden of Frogging

Frogging is not a burden. Frogging and ripping out stitches, is the opportunity to start again. This time with more knowledge and experience. The hidden art of frogging is a journey on how to do better. How to adapt. Frogging is embracing the process. Accepting the ability to change your mind or your course. 

It is a blessing to begin again equipped with knowledge I didn’t have before. I have a new opportunity to try again. To genuinely craft something I love, with my own two hands.