Showing posts with label Knitting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Knitting. Show all posts

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Like a good cheese ...


A couple years ago I knit a pair of leg warmers for my girls to wear to dance. And no - I wasn't stuck in the 80's. These little hand knits had become popular again; especially in little girl dancing circles.

They were gifted at Christmas and then promptly set aside. What? Mom spent hours making these for me? Great! *Leg warmers tossed over shoulder like a fist full of salt*

Over the year these knits have periodically shown up around the house; dragged out of the shoe basket by the cat, tossed aside while searching for a baseball cap and strewn over a chair by our household ghost. But nobody ever wore them.

Ah well, I lamented and consoled myself with the idea of knitting for knitting's sake.

Then yesterday arrived. On Wednesdays Little has dance. Guess what she decided to wear? The leg warmers! As she put them on she asked, "Mom? Did you knit these?"

"Yes" I replied.

"Wow!" she exclaimed, "You are like the BEST KNITTER EVER!"

The moral of this story? Give anything hand knit at least two years for appropriate recognition. Like a good cheese these leg warmers were merely aging to perfection.

Little's dancing friend down the street also adored her fashion prowess. I've since been commissioned to knit another pair for Christmas (shhhh - don't tell). Hopefully those warmers won't require a two-year fermentation.

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Happy Knitting and Happy Thursday!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Monday keeps coming around ...


In the very near future I'll find a touch of free time for us to catch up. In the meantime here's a preview ...




Thursday, April 9, 2009

Things I Love Today


  • Easter Chicks (our chickens are here, our chickens are here!!!).
  • Dresses fashioned from former sheets (go here for a tutorial).
  • Plants bursting from the earth.
  • Walks to the library.
  • Time to admire the daffodils and other gorgeous spring bulbs.
  • Borrowed dvds.
  • The smell of malt from the downtown brewery.
  • The smell of waffle cones from the candy shoppe.
  • Fresh from the oven cinnamon bread for the walk home.
  • Getting caught in the rain.
  • Turning down a lift from the neighbor and continuing our wet journey.
  • Alley chickens.
  • More baby knits on the needles.
  • Future clothing in the form of thrifted sheets.
  • Afternoon naps.

Happy Love Thursday!

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Monday, March 30, 2009

Young Lady ... where have you been?

Last week was Spring break.  We didn't go anywhere.  We didn't do anything.  We simply hung out. We learned to make Huevos Rancheros.   We learned what a couche is and proceeded to fashion one of our own.  We baked ciabatta. We played Yahtzee in the dark.  I finished knitting a sweater and made booties for the new baby down the street.   I bought some material (an old sheet and an old curtain) which will become my summer lounge pants.  We hosted a slumber party complete with movies, manis and pedis. We did a touch of laundry and tons and tons of dishes (created by me and cleaned by the hubbie).  It was a good week.  

Today was the first day back at school.  Back to routine ... ballet, piano and lacrosse practice, work schedules and orthodontist appointments.  Back to "real" life.  

I thoroughly enjoyed our idleness and eagerly await the next spot of time where we have nothing to do.  

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Sunday, March 1, 2009

On My Sleeve


Today was a typical March day, gray and drizzly. I sat in the living room and watched the rain come down. Our holiday lights still hang on the front of our house ... only 10 more months and they’ll be relevant again.

This week the laundry multiplied like an internet virus -- exponentially. A mysterious pair of jeans appeared in my closet. They are not mine. I tried them on. The pockets started halfway down my buttocks and extended to my thighs. I suspect they belong to one of my son’s friends but no one is willing to claim ownership. Apparently people come to our house and leave without their pants.

My children are sick. All three of them. They’ve been out all week. Their occupied pajamas are adhered to the living room couch cemented with Spaghettios, a lack of personal hygiene and the funk of illness. Not willing to kick invalids off the television I’ve watched more Zack and Cody than I’d care to admit. Briefly I conned them into watching the Food Network; Ace of Cakes and The Barefoot Contessa. It was good while it lasted.

I had no place to sit with the kids splayed about so I moved my reading chair into the tv room. I’m rather enjoying my special spot but there is no space to move around. Minimalism is not without its merits.

All week my lymph nodes have been swollen, tender. I’m cringing, waiting for the crash of illness. Each day I expect to wake with the horrendous virus that has set up residence in each of my children. And yet it hasn’t hit. I’m fighting it off ... so far.

Tonight were having steak sandwiches with black truffle butter and arugula. I’ll continue knitting my February Lady Sweater. I’m on the lace portion. It contains an error. My error. I accidentally repeated a row several rows back. I’m leaving it as it is. I’ll wear my imperfections on my sleeve. Because it is what it is ... sickness and health, good times and bad. We can't have one without the other.

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009


We interrupt this blog for a touch of bitching and speck of complaining.

When I was a child I assumed grown-ups were grown up. They were the mature rational beings that ran our world (maybe this assumption was made because my parents are such quiet analytical people).

Then I grew up. And to my dismay I found myself living and working among grown ass individuals who still behaved like children. The specifics of my current source of frustration can not be hashed out here in case my colleagues come across this post. But suffice it to say some people are difficult, irrational and just plain childish ... even if they are degreed professionals well into their fifties. Today I could not step back and allow the snarky email comments to slide off me like water on a duck. Apparently I’ve not been preening my feathers well enough because I had to respond. I told this person he was a childish imbecile, via email of course, cced to all other members of the board. Though if I had the opportunity to confront this individual in person I would have said the same thing. Now I get to attend the next board meeting and see him face to face. That will be such a joy.

Generally I am shy person. The quiet one sitting in the corner keeping my thoughts to myself. But with certain people I can’t seem to keep my mouth shut. I am the little girl shouting it out against the good ‘ol boys that have run our society for so long. I’m not sure my response did anything to further my cause. I do, however, feel better having stood up for myself.

And there are other good things to come from this virtual disagreement. I cleaned my kitchen (those who’ve been here before know I clean when frustrated ... you’d think my house would be spotless given my level of frustration with so many things in this world. But you’d be wrong since there are more mess makers than vexed cleaners living in this particular household).

And the other good thing? I have something to write to you-- albeit a complaint but I’m blogging nonetheless.

Mmmm. I feel better. Thanks for listening. And now back to our regularly scheduled program; knitting and chickens ...

It seems I am perfectly content to follow the most popular bloggy trends. After a nearly two-month hiatus I am knitting again. This time I’m making a sweater, just for me. The February Lady Sweater. There are only 4,366 other people on Ravelry knitting this same garment. Mine is a lovely Cascade 220 blue heathers. And I think it is the reason I’ve been so quiet around here. The knitting forces me to think. Like a Sanskrit chant the pattern is a mantra to quiet my mind. Knit one, knit two together, yarn over, knit one, yarn over, slip slip knit, knit one.



Only I'm not knitting today, at least not at this moment for fear my stitches will be too taut. I don’t want a sweater with anger knit in. I don’t want a section of too tight rows, a permanent reminder of temporary frustration. I suspect a few more deep breaths and a little more cleaning and I’ll be able to hit the needles again (that sounds a bit like a drug reference doesn’t it?!! Ah well I’ll leave it for your amusement).

And another bloggy trend ... backyard chickens. I’ve wanted chickens for nearly a year now. This week I finally convinced the husband it was a good idea. Hip hip hooray! We bought coop plans and even picked out our chicken breed -Wyandottes. Wyandottes are hearty, winter ready, brown egg layers, amenable to confinement and docile. Plus they are gorgeous to boot! Once we build our coop I’ll be purchasing the chicks from My Pet Chicken. They ship them in the mail when the chicks are one day old. The only problem is, for our area, the minimum chick order is eight chickens. Legally we can have four chickens in our yard. So our next mission is find someone who wants to split an order of chicks. I really quite excited about this and will likely be blogging about our journey as we go.

And one more bloggerific trend we are participating in ... artist trading cards. My girls created five cards a piece which will be traded with other children their own age (see photo above). They get to participate in an art project and send and receive mail. Such fun! We’re getting these little buggers in the mail today.

Well it seems you are all caught up with the goings on here in my little neck of the woods. I hope you are all well and having a wonderful Wednesday!

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Friday, December 19, 2008

Only Six Days 'Till Christmas ... or, alternate title, Trying Not to Freak Out Friday!


Next year I will knit gifts throughout the year ... next year I will knit gifts throughout the year ... next year I will knit gifts throughout the year ...

A half finished hat for my son

I thought I started early enough. I was wrong. I'm still in the middle of this hat, a brother-in-law scarf and an elephant. I also have one more lucy bag to go. Then there is the question of my sister's Au Pair; someone I've never met but who will be at my parents for Christmas. I don't want her to feel left out. Do I give her bulbs? A cloth grocery bag? Do I have time for another pair of fuzzy feet?

Today packages were shipped back East; felted bags, handmade lotion bars and grocery bags. Cards have been sent; complete with holiday DVDs.


And no, I don't have my computer back. The dvds were made on this old but capable beast. It took a long time. A long long time. Everything takes longer. But I've figured out how to make things work. Right now I'm burning additional dvds, blogging and knitting. I knit during the inevitable computer pauses.

There is also a silver-lining to creating the dvd project on this beast. I discovered some videos the kids took with their still cameras. The papa and I are not so good about videotaping. These videos are grainy and have no sound but I love them. How could I not add them to the holiday dvd? Here is a sneak peek ...




Now I'm off. I have to provide taxi service, shower and go to work. Here's wishing you and yours a stress-free fruitful pre-holiday weekend!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Harold


Meet Harold. Shhhh! Don't tell my nephews. This elephant is slated for gifting. He turned out decent though I suspect the next one will be even better now that I'm an experienced toy knitter. He took me the entire weekend to complete. Miraculously, instead of being annoyed by my incessant knitting, the family became inspired. They are joining the homemade gift revolution.

Middle daughter started making sachets from scrap material. She's learning to sew, recycle and reuse. The sachet is filled with tea too old to drink but not too old to smell wonderful.




The hubbie is going to have a go at limoncello (we are now on the lookout for 750 ml flip top clear glass bottles if anyone has a source). Of course the brewer must create some sort of alcoholic beverage.

Though I've been knitting like crazy I did not do so today. Today my free beeswax arrived -- fresh from harvest; spectacular local raw wax mixed with honey. In the kitchen turned chemistry lab I attempted to perfect a hand cream recipe. Let's just say I'm still solidly in the experimental stage.

In the meantime I made some of these handmade lotion bars (only I substituted almond oil for the vegetable oil and added a touch of grapefruit seed extract for additional aroma). These bars will also be gifted to friends and family.



The economy continues to be tight. We continue to cinch our belts. Our retirement savings have been halved (halved!). And yet we are rich. Rich with effort. Rich with love. Rich with family. I can't think of a better way to be.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Vindication

I've been quiet this week. My mind has been quiet. I've been knitting a lot. And I've been wondering if knitting is a good use of my time. Shouldn't I be doing other more productive activities? Cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, earning an income? I feel guilty doing something I enjoy--even if it is mildly productive. It's the classic female conundrum--thou shalt not indulge in pleasurable activities. And yet I know, I know, I have to take care of myself in order to take care of others.

Well in the midst of this internal dilemma I made a cup of tea. Yogi Tea. This tea comes with lovely heartwarming quotes and I have to admit I look forward to reading them (great marketing Yogi guys!)

I have a ritual when making tea. I tear open the tea bag pull it close and inhale deeply. This causes instant relaxation. Next I steep the bag but do not read the quote. It's an exercise in delayed gratification. Finally, when the tea is done steeping, I read the message. And the quote of the day was "What you are doing right now is the most beautiful thing." Vindication. If the tea says it's okay to knit then it is okay to knit. So I went back to my knitting.

Here is a sneak peak of what I've been working on. I'm inspired by this lady. Of course she hasn't yet published her patterns so I'm making it up as I go. Soon I'll have my own set of patterns -- if I can just remember what I've done.


We're off on a little trip to visit my parents; a pre-thanksgiving celebration since I'll be working on the actual day. I'm hoping to finish this guy on the way. Have a great weekend all!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Meditative


With shaky hands and an affronted heart the knitter seeks solace in her needles. They could be weapons; armaments with which to point, to accuse, to stab. But instead she begins to knit. To slide needle under yarn, to wrap, to release. Breathe in, breathe out. Slide, wrap, release. Knit one purl one. Knit one purl one. Slide, wrap, release.

And her focus slides. Her anger withers away. She sees only yarn, soft glorious yarn, transforming from a mere ball to a resplendent object of purpose. The yarn grows unto itself, finds its place in this world. She becomes one with the yarn. She gains purpose. Slide, wrap, release.

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Baby hats, baby booties, Fuzzy Feet, socks and Lucy Bags. These things have been keeping me sane, keeping my mind quiet. Two more baby showers - check. Christmas gifts - check. Not strangling my screaming children - check. I am strangely content in this filthy noisy house. Tonight I'm not cooking. No football, no piano, no ballet. Just knitting and chinese food and an overdue homework assignment.

Ah - the food is here. I'm off to fill my tummy. Happy Monday all!

Monday, October 20, 2008


A couple of weeks ago I dipped my toe into the sock knitting pool and fashioned a pair of fuzzy feet. These felted socks are deliciously cozy and I’ve been wearing them non-stop. There is something very fulfilling and Mr. Rogeresque about coming home, removing one’s shoes and donning a pair of handmade slippers. It’s instant relaxation, a flipping of the switch; “Welcome to downtime!” purr the slippers to my feet and my body melts. Pure heaven! I’ve since knit but not yet felted a second pair and cast on a third. Fuzzy feet will be spread across the continental United States this holiday season.

In knitting these slippers, however, I realized it’s time to attempt a pair of real socks. My sock basket is woefully sparse as most of my footwear has been kidnapped by my children. I need some socks that are unmistakenly irrevocably mine. All mine.

Then this morning I logged on to my Google feed and saw Soule Mama’s autumn socks knit from the Yarn Harlot’s Basic Sock Recipe. I had sock yarn. I had needles. I was ready to go.

So instead of, say, taking a shower or getting dressed I cast on a pair of socks. I drove my son to school in my pajamas. At 7:15 in the morning when the sun was just peeking over the horizon this felt moderately reasonable. My twelve-year-old may have been fully dressed and ready for his day but hey this was my weekend and it wasn’t fully light yet so I had some leeway. By 9:00 am, however, when the sun had fully exposed itself and folks were out and about in their suits and ties or jogging outfits or whatever it felt a bit indulgent to still be wearing the Nick and Nora gnomes. Did this stop me? No. I gifted my neighbors with my full pajama laden glory as I drove my daughter to school. Fortunately I did not have to exit the vehicle once we arrived. I’m not sure the PTA moms would approve of my fashion acumen.

And, truth-be-told, it is now 3:00 in the afternoon. You guessed it. I’m still wearing my PJs. I’ll have you know I am not a total bum. I’ve done about a bazillion loads of laundry, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher, vacuumed and cleaned one bathroom. And I’m still working on that sock. Perhaps I’ll change before dinner.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Wackadoo Wednesday


One would think knitting, unless in the framework of a knitter’s circle, would be a solitary endeavor. Not so. I’ve come to realize that anytime I choose to knit in public I am on display; a live museum exhibit. I should carry an easel with an illustration of the final product and adequate copy such that the basic knitting process is explained. This is a knit stitch. This is a purl stitch. Felting is the process of knitting a very large object and shrinking it - think Shrinky Dinks. Perhaps I should also don a bonnet, long dress and apron to complete the effect.

I also need to catalogue a set of witty knit related anecdotes to share with my adoring public. As it stands my conversations are incredibly dull and go something like this:

Yes, I’m knitting.

What?

No, I’m not knitting booties.

Oh it’s a felted bag. You knit it large and then shrink it.

Yes, ha ha, knit purl, knit purl.

I don’t think my grandmother knew how to knit.

Yes, knitting is a good occupation for mothers.

And on and on . . .

And a gentleman did say that to me today ...”knitting is a good occupation for mothers.” After he left I pondered his comment. What is a mother? In the rawest sense a mother is a woman who has had sex. At least that’s how most of us ended up in this predicament. (For those of you who still believe in the stork I’m sorry for the spoiler. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy are all real. Trust me.)

So a mother is a sexual woman. We all know there are other factors such as conception, pregnancy, etcetera that are necessary to complete the picture. But I began to wonder - is knitting a good activity for only mothers or for all sexual women? And if so what is the sex to knit ratio? Do sexual activity and knitting increase in tandem?

If these occupations have a direct linear relationship then one would expect “working girls” to have a thriving side business in knitwear. However I’m having trouble proving this theorem. For the life of me I can not find Mabel’s Knitting and Whorehouse on Etsy.

Therefore I must assume an inverse ratio exists between knitting and sex, which, truth-be-told, makes more sense. I mean, really, who has time for both? And if knitting and sexual activity hold an inverse ratio we can also extrapolate that knitting is a good activity for mothers because mothers should not be having sex. This too makes sense because knitting mothers ought to be wearing aprons and bonnets. And really who wants to have sex with someone in an apron and bonnet?

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Happy Wednesday everyone! Anyone else feeling wackadoo?

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

On Risk Taking . . .


"And the day came when the risk [it took] to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
--Anais Nin

"Do what you love and the money will follow." --Marsha Sinetar

"A little bit added to what you've already got gives you a little bit more." --P.G. Wodehouse

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I've decided to open an Etsy shop for a few of my handmade items.

The very first item to be listed is this Earflap Baby Hat for little ones 3 mo to 18 mo. It's knit with superwash wool (i.e. warm, soft and washable) and it's lined with softer than soft fleece. As baby grows the fleece lining can be removed allowing the hat to expand and fit a larger head.


Go check it out if you are so inclined. :o)
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Do you believe in fate? My left brain does not. And yet, when I'm thrifting, my right brain takes over. I expect things to jump out at me; to say "Here I am! You came for me today." I ask the universe to show me the way.

And so here are some items from my latest thrifting binge:




A book on writing, a book on simple abundance and joy and a pile of new fabric. I wonder where they will lead ...

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Domesticity



Question: What does one give an eight-year-old girl for her birthday?

Answer: An old sheet. Well - not quite, today’s answer is an old curtain.

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Yesterday morning my daughter greeted me at the door as I came home from work. She was beaming ear to ear. Her new book bag more than met with adolescent approval. It was in demand. Her friend’s birthday was on Saturday. The friend wanted a book bag just like Sis’s. And could you make one pulease? Today? And put pockets in it? And maybe a water bottle holder?

Apparently I am now in the book bag business. This time I followed the pattern to a “T” and made this bag with gussets. The material is a repurposed curtain. I even put in pockets (but no water bottle holder - this time).

We filled the bag with three hardcover books from my daughter’s out-grown book pile. And voila! An inexpensive birthday gift was born.



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I’ve been knitting up a storm in anticipation of the holidays. I’ve made two of these Lucy Bags and am working on a third.



I also knit a little hat; little being the operative word. The pattern is Swell from Knitty.com. This is the second time I’ve knit this pattern and it turned out tiny both times (i.e. it will not fit my twelve-year-old son as I originally intended). I’m guessing this incarnation would fit a 12-month-old child. Only I don’t know any twelve-month-olds and am therefore not sure what to do with it. I lined it with mustard yellow fleece - for kicks and giggles. Maybe I should open an Etsy store...




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Oh - it looks like my muffins are done, wait - let me go take them out of the oven. In the spirit of the season (hooray for autumn!) we whipped up these pumpkin delights. I took Maya’s advice and substituted chocolate chips for raisins. The muffins are worth it solely for the smell wafting through the house but they are also most delicious.


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I love autumn - baking, stews, knitting, crafting; crisp mornings, warm afternoons, cozy evenings by the fire; the sounds of football pouring from the other room. Autumn brings out my domestic side. It's a time to take stock, to infuse the house with cinnamon and apple cider, to gather my family close. Maybe I was a squirrel in a previous life. I'm gathering my nuts for winter. Or, perhaps, I'm simply nuts. I'll let you decide.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

It's Finished!


I finally finished the scarf I've been working on. It's been packaged up and shipped off to be included in this charity auction.

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And, along those same lines, who is stupid enough to go to the post office on tax day?

Me. With a crabby four-year-old in tow. You gotta love April 15th.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008


Today I am knitting. I’m knitting a scarf for a child in a mistake rib pattern. The yarn is Noro, made in Japan; it transitions from one hue to the next within a single skein, a kaleidoscope of wool. I’ve got two, skeins that is, and every other row I switch, one yarn ball to the other, stripes in mistake rib. The scarf started off in sage greens and velvety purples, deep and rich. Early on I erred - two additional rows of green. Ah well what’s another two rows of purply pink to create new balance? It was still rich and deep - fulfilling. But the green began to fade lighter and lighter then transitioned to an ashen peach. All the while the resonant pink melded into muddy brown and then to harsh black. It was ugly. It was hard to continue. Upon closer inspection, though, there were splashes of pink and yellow, specks of hope woven into lusterless wool. I kept knitting. Soon enough the yarn changed again - peach to yellow and black to green with traces of purple. Vibrancy was returned, hope was renewed and the dullness was countered. I knitted (knat?) faster, wanting to see what came next, forgetting to enjoy what was before me. I forced myself to stop, to savor.

As I knit I noticed the yarn itself had ebbs and flows even within one color. First it was thick and abundant - more yarn than necessary. Then suddenly it changed and became thin and I feared it would break causing me to back track and knit those rows again.

And it occurred to me this scarf was a metaphor for life - sometimes bountiful and ebullient, other times stagnant and meager. And, like life, this scarf was formed with the human touch - it contains mistakes throughout. But, no matter what the place, whether vibrant or dull, an area of mistakes or a perfectly knit row, it is important to stop and inspect, to appreciate and enjoy what is before you.

Today I am knitting - a scarf, for a child, in a mistake rib pattern; a touch of life in wool.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

I'm a knittin'



The lovely Bella is organizing an auction in support of Jen B. who is battling colon cancer. Jen B. is one of the reasons I started my blog. The least I could do is knit a scarf and hat for the auction. Another site I frequent, Shutter Sisters, has suggested we sell our photographs to support Jen. Well, I happen to have a couple of simple prints sitting in my closet (this and this). I might as well put these up for auction too. I'll keep you all updated as the auction progresses.

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The hub is at work and I have the night off. I'm watching Dancing with the Stars (which I'd never be able to do if he were home). I'm loving Marissa - how cute is she?!!! I want to sign up for dance lessons and buy a sweet little dress that flips when you spin. Clearly I need to add this to my list of things to do before I die: travel the world, learn another language, write a novel, learn the piano, and do the Mamba. Oh yeah, and clean my house. Don't forget the house.

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I've figured out this cardiac monitor. The key is to feel the palpitations (which is easy since they are nearly constant), stay still for 90 seconds, push the record button and stay still for an additional 30 seconds. Then I transmit the signal over the phone. If I listen carefully to the phone transmission I can hear the palpitations as they are sent. Although my heart is beating abnormally I feel normal, no dizziness and only occasional pain. I am very optimistic that these are premature atrial contractions (PACs) which, although annoying, are typically benign. Perhaps I'm just more in tune with my heart than your average joe.

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I am making the baby clean up a mess she made in the living room. She is screaming and I am a mean mean Mommy. I just keep knitting and ignore the evil eye from the 4-year-old. Perhaps I'm heartless after all.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Knit Wit



In thinking about what to post I realized I’ve yet to write about knitting. I am a knitter. I also have granny glasses. For my husband’s sake I try not to knit and wear the glasses simultaneously. I taught myself to knit. Somehow a beginner’s book, cheapo needles and bargain-bin yarn miraculously morphed into a scarf. Next came a hat. I was hooked (no pun intended; that’d be crochet which I do not do).

At first knitting was difficult. It took a lot of concentration. Now it’s cake (stated as if cakes are easy to bake). Of course I still have to focus when knitting fair isle or other difficult patterns. But, to be honest, I stick with the easier stuff. To date I’ve made scarves, hats, gloves, leg warmers, felted bags and cupcakes. Yes, you heard me - cupcakes! I’ve yet to try a sweater; the underlying thought here being that my children may be reticent to walk to school in apparel with one sleeve at their elbow and the other at their toes.

I have baskets and baskets of yarn; some with patterns in mind and others waiting for divine intervention; that seraphic ahhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhh moment where the heavens and earth align, the angels sing and a project is born.

And books too - I have a lot of knitting books. My latest acquisition is Dogs in Knits. I figure Walter won’t be too critical if one sweater leg is longer than the other. And he really needs a garment to protect him from the snow.

But Walter will have to wait (can anyone say winter ‘09?) because I’m currently knitting a felted bag. It’s similar to this diaper bag only it’s for me (it’s mine, all mine!). And no, I’m not preggers. I need a bag to hold my current projects as my knitting goes with me where ever I go.

Knitting is the perfect in-car activity while waiting for school to get out. At the allergist it wards off fear of impending anaphylaxis. At work I can throw a few rows in between clients. But knitting isn’t just a way to pass time. Knitting is Zen. It brings a sense of peace and calm to the core of my being no matter where I am.

Knitting also comes with a sense of accomplishment. I’m not wasting my time watching television - I’m knitting. I’m using those little moments, those specks of captured time to create something tangible. Five minutes here and five minutes there; it’s amazing what one can create.

If you care to see my knits you can check them out here. Strangely enough I also like to photograph knitting. My husband calls me wonkers; I prefer Zen Knitting Momma thank you very much!