On Saturday, I posted about ripping out my knitting. I likened it to revising writing.
Last night I sat down to finish the second sock. I thought I knew where I’d left off and how much longer I had to knit before getting to the toe. You think I’d have learned, but I didn’t measure. When I got close to where I thought I should make the transition, I finally decided to measure.
The sock was too long.
Sometimes, writers do the same thing. We write too much. We need to revise by removing the excess. My students certainly do it. I have told students that they really have two stories and they should focus on one or the other. Sometimes they see it; sometimes they don’t. It can be hard. It all feels important to them though.
The excess in the foot of my sock did not feel important to me. Once more I ripped out and restarted. I am much happier with the finished product.
booksandbassets 
Just like contractors – measure twice; cut once. I like how you again relate this to writing. Sometimes writers do get a bit wordy (I am guilty) and need to take out the parts that don’t move the story along.
This is so like me! It takes me at least 2 mistakes to learn, especially if I am sewing or doing other creative work, including writing. They look like really comfy socks!
The whole concept of revision and persistence runs through this slice. The socks look great to me!
I love this connection between knitting, ripping out and revision. Your socks came out great.
I am impressed with your socks! I tried socks and never got through them. I have a hunch that socks should not have been my first knitting project. Thank you for a great reminder that yarn can be unraveled and words can be rearranged!
The step back in order to take a leap forward… Your slice spotlights a move that’s often counter-intuitive and essential.