I’ve heard of cultures that leave a small mistake in their work on purpose -have you ever heard of this? It would be interesting if that was the case and they found the fragment that had the mistake!
I know this is a tradition in Navajo weaving, so it’s possible this culture had something similar. It’s certainly a subtle enough mistake that they probably still looked perfect.
My Swedish-American grandmother, who taught me to knit, said this as well. She said that on occasion she would deliberately make a mistake, just in case one wasn’t already there. Out on the Northern Illinois farm where she grew up—and her immigrant parents spoke Swedish only—her mother, a weaver, said and did the same.
I’ve heard of cultures that leave a small mistake in their work on purpose -have you ever heard of this? It would be interesting if that was the case and they found the fragment that had the mistake!
That’s a pretty interesting thought!
I know this is a tradition in Navajo weaving, so it’s possible this culture had something similar. It’s certainly a subtle enough mistake that they probably still looked perfect.
I *think* from what I have read, also the Amish. “Only God is perfect.” But perhaps thats just legend.
Oooo thanks, I hadn’t heard that!
Just double check it. Some of my sources have turned outtobe unreliable. But I always liked it too
My Swedish-American grandmother, who taught me to knit, said this as well. She said that on occasion she would deliberately make a mistake, just in case one wasn’t already there. Out on the Northern Illinois farm where she grew up—and her immigrant parents spoke Swedish only—her mother, a weaver, said and did the same.
Quilters also leave mistakes. Only God is perfect.
I love how a lot of these seemingly very different cultures that knit/weave have that in common! That is really cool!
That’s fascinating. Funny to think it’s our mistakes that tell our stories. I like that.
Yes, it’s interesting to think it’s part of what makes us unique.
I found this so interesting and the detail in the mittens in the photo is extraordinary. I've learnt something new! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, great to know other people are interested in the things that fascinate me!
Thank you! I’m happy to hear that.
What an interesting article! This was a great read, and I have definitely learnt some new things. Thank you, so much!
Thank you for this
This is incredible! What one is able to “read” from a sample of fabric so long ago brings history to life in a really unique way.
Yes, I bet whoever made it would never imagine the power their knitting holds.
This is fascinating. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who had to immediately go and get yarn/needles to check which way round I wrap my yarn.
Thanks! Yes it’s definitely something I needed to see on my own needles to check I was writing it correctly.
I did just that. Helped that my knitting was on my knee as I read!