rip it up and start again

There is a certain procedure to be followed when deciding that knitting has to be ripped back. You must examine the work, with sinking heart. Then take it to the window for a better light. Turn it around a few times. Stretch it. Push nearer to the shape or size it should be, and is not, and watch it spring back. You may put it away for a little time of denial, then take it out and repeat the whole process, perhaps several times, perhaps trying a new idea to fix it that has come to you in the dark, sleepless hours. You may beg friends to tell you it will be all right with a bit of blocking. You may post pictures on ravelry forums seeking support for your plan to press on and see what happens.

And to no avail: knitters will gently tell you the unbearable truth.

The hardest part is deciding to just do it. Suddenly, you realise you have Decided To Do It. Then, making the first little pull is actually quite easy. Seconds later, you have a big pile of crinkly wool, a much much smaller work in progress, and a strange feeling of relief in your surrender.