Knitting Sooths

Knitting sooths my soul and brings peace to situations filled with turmoil or busyness. When I’m most stressed I feel the greatest need to sit down and create which comforts and applies purpose to situations that seem too chaotic and “twirly,” as one of my dear friends suggests. But what also happens during these crazy times is that I begin several projects in order to satisfy that need. Currently, I have a shawl to finish that I’ve virtually ignored for months. I also have a pair of socks that are quite pretty and stem back to August when I decided to complete all the socks in the Master Sock Knitting book. I’ve only completed one pair and this is the second. So much for that personal challenge! I also have started two summer sweaters. I know that sounds like an oxymoron but I hope it actually works. I’m knitting them in cotton and linen blends, neither of which I really use all that often. I also have a beautiful skein of Madelintosh that was given to me as a gift that I want to do something special with but can’t quite figure out what. The wonderful thing is – I can take my time or set a deadline to finish these projects – whichever sooths my soul at the time!

UFOs

I’ve decided that if I die, I want to make sure my house is clean and that I don’t have any unfinished projects. Or, at least nothing that would be too crazy to finish. A few days ago, I sewed the seams on a sweater that I started and perhaps even finished the knitting on 5-6 years ago. There are many things wrong with it - the stitches are too loose and I’m pretty sure the sleeves are too short for any real child. However, it may fit an especially chunky child. When I started knitting the sweater I was learning how to do Intarsia and Fair Isle and was practicing on sweaters for teddy bears but this one was for one of my nephews, who are now 10 and 13. So now I have a few options: I can save it for when I have grand children or I can give it to charity. My daughter has clear guidelines on the types of knitted projects her future children will wear and I’m pretty sure this doesn’t meet the specific criteria she has dictated. So, if you ever see this sweater on an especially chunky child with short arms (or long arms hanging out of the sweater), you will know its origins.

The End of Spring Break

I am so sad when spring break comes to an end. It's not because I sleep in late or shop all day. Rather, I am sad because my productivity diminishes greatly when I have

to go back to work. Shocker, right! But, I will be thankful for this time and look forward to the next time I have an entire week of uninterrupted crafting. This week I

• knit 3 pairs of booties and 1 baby hat
• knit 2 coffee cup cozies
• started, ripped and started knitting again a baby sweater
  
• almost finished with my It's a Wrap KAL
• made a quilt for a baby gift
• completed the top of a T-shirt quilt
• have 15 baby quilts in various stages of completion - 5 just need binding, 5 need to be quilted and 5 have the appliqué complete
  
• made 3 meals from Pinterest

all while watching the entire 2005-20011 series of Doctor Who! Don't you see why I am sad to go back to work :(

Reminders

As a knitter, I feel as if I am ripping projects out more than I am completing them sometimes. The perfectionist in me can take over and handicap my ability to accept less than my very best. Most of the time I don't mind that part of my personality because I still produce quite a bit as a crafter. However, when the rest of my world is uncertain or lacking consistency or predictability, I get worse and strive for my knitting or quilting or whatever else I am doing at the time to be at its best because that is what I can control. This morning, I just ripped out about 35 rows in a wrap that I am doing for a KAL. I am sad but know that the imperfection would have prevented me from ultimately enjoying it. So, today I need a reminder that I produce beautiful things. Thus, the Semele.

Heirloom Knitting

Sometimes you make something that just has to be saved for when that extra special little one enters your world.

Something Special

I love sharing my crafting with people of like minds. I don't want to have to convince others that knitting has value or that quilting is not a lost art. In many ways our current economy is helping to revitalize the crafting industry and consumers are recognizing the value in handmade and homegrown items.

Another way I have noticed the trend toward handmade items is through social media. Have you been on Pinterest? There are so many people pinning items to make - or have others make for them (Jocelyn). Looking at other people's boards is a great way to find ideas or get the creative juices flowing and I don't have enough time for everything scurrying around in my brain.

However, sometimes you just want to make dishcloths. I have 10 out of the 12 for my 12 for 12 in 2012 resolution! Thank you, Stacy, for reminding me of the simple things.

Justin

Today my son, Justin, ran his first ½ marathon and I was a crazy proud mom who cheered and took pictures at several of the mile markers. I wanted him to know that regardless of how old he is that I will always be his biggest cheerleader because no matter what you do in life you need people who believe in you and cheer you on!

Tomorrow I will tell you about my marathon knitting.