Frustrated and stingy

The fourth line of the Mongolian hexagram in the Book of Changes reads, "Frustrated and stingy," and the elephant says, "Frustrated and stingy, only far away and solid. For us handmade pet sweater knitters, these words conceal the most sincere spiritual warning - trapped in ignorance and solitude, it is difficult to break through the situation and eventually leave regrets.

The Meng hexagram represents the scenery of mountains and waters, with springs emerging from the mountains, symbolizing the path of enlightenment; The fourth line of the Mongolian hexagram, the Yin line, is in the Yin position. Although it appears to be in place, both the upper and lower lines are Yin, far away from the masculine teacher of the Nine Two. It is like a hand knitter trapped in old methods, isolated from new knowledge, and ultimately trapped in the state of "trapped Meng".

Trapping is the easiest trap for hand knitters to step into

We often think that mastering the needlework and sticking to the old pattern is the key to stability, but we don't know that this is the beginning of the 'trap':

Trapped in techniques: only proficient in flat knitting, upper and lower knitting, unwilling to learn jacquard, twisted flower, and inlaid flower, knitting in old styles, the work lacks vitality and novelty.

Trapped in thinking: Adhering to the belief that "manual labor should be slow and conservative", rejecting new tools, color logic, and design ideas, and trapping oneself in a narrow world of manual knitting.

Trapped in solitude: unwilling to communicate with like-minded people, not reading new tutorials, not seeking advice from predecessors, exploring and taking detours alone, just like the fourth line of the Mongolian hexagram, 'solitary and distant reality', without the support of masculinity and the teacher of enlightenment.

Mirror of History: Those who are trapped will eventually leave regrets

The story of King You of Zhou is a timeless footnote to the phrase 'trapped and stingy'.

He held the throne, but favored treacherous officials such as Guo Shifu and stayed away from loyal ministers and good generals - just like the fourth line of the Mongolian hexagram, surrounded by yin and evil, and far away from the path of righteousness. He did not listen to the advice of wise ministers such as Bao Yue, and instead played with the feudal lords to make Bao Si laugh and treat the country's important weapons as a child's play. The ultimate downfall of the Western Zhou Dynasty due to the separation of the feudal lords and the invasion of the Invaders was the great regret brought about by the "trapped Mongols".

This is very similar to us manual knitters: if we are trapped in old knowledge, refuse to listen to good advice, and isolate ourselves, even the best knitting skills will stagnate, and even the most thoughtful works will be difficult to break through, leaving us with the regret of being "stingy". 

Breaking through Difficulties: The Enlightenment Path for Knitters

The revelation of the fourth line of the Mongolian hexagram is not about being trapped, but about "breaking":

Proactively seeking guidance from teachers, not being solitary travelers: Let go of complacency, seek advice from experienced teachers, and communicate with like-minded individuals, just like the saying in the hexagram "bandits seek childhood enlightenment, childhood enlightenment seeks me". Only by actively seeking enlightenment and new knowledge can we break through ignorance.

Embrace new knowledge and not be trapped by old methods: learn new needlework, try new threads, use new tools, accept the integration of modern design and traditional knitting, and keep the craft up-to-date.

Practice diligently, do not be a dreamer: Every time you learn a new method, try knitting it yourself, correct it in practice, and grow through trial and error, like a spring breaking through mountains and rocks, eventually converging into a river.

The yarn in our hands is soft and also spiritual; The road of handmade pet sweater knitting is long and requires constant enlightenment. Don't be a clumsy hand knitter, don't let your skills be trapped in old knowledge or isolated. Seeking guidance with an open heart and breaking through obstacles with an enterprising spirit is the key to making every stitch innovative and every handmade dog jumper hide the radiance of the broken veil.

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