Frogging Doesn't Mean Failure

Have you ever started a knitting project and then somewhere along the way realized that it was never going to develop into the breathtaking finished object you imagined? Maybe the stitch pattern and yarn just didn't bring out the best in each other. Maybe the size you had chosen was no longer going to be a good fit. Or maybe you realized the style was simply outdated.

What happens next? Does your project linger for decades as an unfinished object or do you frog it and use the most loved components in an inventive new way.

When in doubt, rip it out!

If you've ever sat around the knitting table with me, you know that my mantra is, "when in doubt, rip it out!" I'll say it when a fellow knitter shares their disappointment in a project on their needles and I've applied it to dozens (maybe hundreds) of times to my own fiber arts projects.

There's a sort of relief that comes from unraveling an unsatisfying project, especially when you've already envisioned a new purpose for your beautiful yarn. You have an opportunity to enjoy your favorite project elements again while creating something fresh that will delight its recipient.

Applying the philosophy to other aspects of life

Why is it that I have no problem exercising my "when in doubt, rip it out" philosophy to reinvent a knitting project, but I feel like an absolute failure if I consider applying it to any other situation in life or business?

Using what you've learned from an experience to restructure a situation is not failure, it's an ingenious use of your time and resources.

That being said, over the next 12 months I'll be "frogging" The Chilly Dog's membership site. I'm re-imagining the website as a journal with articles that represent both the knitting and weaving sides of my studio. In addition to being published on the site, these articles will also be sent to newsletter subscribers based on their email preferences. Additionally, all of the site's current knitting content will be broken down into smaller courses and relocated to my pattern shop.

What does the change means for current Patrons (paid members)?

All paid memberships will permanently expire on August 1, 2026. Until then, all Patrons will still be able to:

• Unlock over 300 ad-free knitting lessons in our library
• Receive a complimentary pattern every 5-6 weeks
• Participate in our monthly knitting round table meet-up via Zoom for encouragement, insights and guest speakers from within the fiber arts industry
• Ask questions and get priority support by leaving a note in the comments on any post.

Your annual membership is currently set to auto-renew at a pro-rated price for the final period. However, you can sign-in to your account to cancel your membership before it auto renews. (If you cancel, you'll still have access to all of your privileges until the end of your current membership period.)