I've been knitting for the past 17+ years and I bet I've run into the problem you are facing...and I've been around knitters who have taught me how to correct it and not start the project completely over. You might still have to frog some of the project, but not everything.
I've made a mess of lace, pattern stitches, and even stockinette. I am comfortable with all sorts of needles - straight, circulars, double pointed, and yarn weights.
I'd be glad to help with your knitting conundrum. We'll only "start over" as a last resort.