Waiting on the sand

The second line of the Xu Hexagram in The I Ching says: Waiting on the sand; there are minor criticisms, but good fortune comes in the end. For those of us who hand-knit sweaters for pets, this wisdom of biding our time, ignoring idle talk and staying steady on the right path is the perfect guide to create fine works and keep our original heart.

Knitting on the sand: Stay steady amid challenges

"Waiting on the sand" means standing between water and shore. We are near risks but never get trapped. This is just like a key stage in knitting: the first stitches are done and patterns start to take shape, yet the work is not finished. We are in a halfway period.

Haste is the biggest enemy of knitting. If you rush right after starting, your stitches will be uneven. If you chase speed when trying new patterns, mistakes will keep appearing. This hexagram teaches us to stay balanced and calm. When knitting sweaters for dogs, take it slow and steady. Focus on every stitch and every step. Walk gently like on the beach, never swept away by the tide or stuck in the sand, and move forward firmly.

Minor criticisms: Stay true to yourself amid gossip

"Minor criticisms" refer to doubts and idle words that come when we face difficulties. As hand knitters, we may hear others say, "Knitting is too time-consuming. Just buy one instead." Some fellow crafters may laugh that our styles are out of date. We may even doubt ourselves: "I’m so slow. When will I finish?"

This ancient wisdom tells us: do not argue, do not get upset, and never let gossip mess up your work. Long ago, after winning a great battle, Liu Xiu faced suspicion and criticism, but he chose to wait quietly instead of fighting back. Eventually, he achieved great success. Likewise, idle talk is like wind blowing over sand — it fades away soon. The yarn in your hands and the passion in your heart matter most. Keep your own pace, and you will find your own joy in every stitch. 

Good fortune in the end: Patience always pays off

"Good fortune in the end" is the final outcome of this line, and also the reward for our handiwork.

In ancient times, Jiang Ziya lived a plain life for years. He fished by the Wei River and was mocked as a useless old man, but he held fast to his dream. In the end, he met King Wen and helped build a great dynasty. Knitting is just the same. A pet jumper takes days or even months to complete, from the first stitch to the last. If you make a mistake, unpick and restart. If progress is slow, keep going. All your waiting and persistence will turn into a well-made, warm sweater, bringing comfort to pets and joy to yourself. 

We knit with yarn in our hands and follow wisdom in our hearts. The second line of the Xu Hexagram teaches us to keep steady on the journey, stay calm amid comments, and achieve results through patience.

No need to hurry, no need to worry, no need to fear gossip. Every stitch is a practice. Every moment of waiting leads to perfection. To knit with a peaceful heart and wait for good results — this is the gentle yet powerful lesson that The I Ching brings to all dog jumper knitters.

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