Some time ago, the elegant Lady P alerted the world to a knitting pattern for a shawl such as might be worn by a character in Pride & Prejudice. I read the pattern and thought, that looks easy; I could do that.
I then accidentally bought some less-gorgeous yarn on ebay, which turned out to be perfect for the job. And I purchased the appropriate needles, and cast on five stitches, and started to knit. And it grew. And I looked at the shape of it and thought that’s not right. But doggedly continued to follow the pattern, frowning all the while.
And then I figured it out. I thought the five stitches that I cast on would be the bottom corner of the shawl, as every other row increases thereafter: it seems like one is knitting a triangle from point to hypotethingy. But in fact, the cast on edge grows in a straight line, and I am knitting the two long sides. And the bands of garter and stocking stitch kind of bend in the middle, making a mitred pattern. And it looks amazing! It is the most deceptively simple but amazing shawl knitting pattern ever, and I just wish the yarn was a bit nicer. But never mind, now I know what to do, I can make another one!