Socks are done. Plain and simple. Wendy toe up sock. A perfect goto pattern, I don't have to think- just knit. Socks are a favorite knit for me during summer- they are fast and don't end up as a big blanket over my knees in the heat - like a cardi. I think socks are wonderful for stash and leftover yarns. Some of my favorites are just stripes in different colors. Knitting in my life is actually not about the " something " that is on my needles, it's about the peace I feel when knitting. Sort of like the journey...not the destination. The rymical and repetitive motion of my hands and needles are very soothing. When I am stressed or troubled there will be alot of knitting projects around the house...a pretty good emotional clue. I always make time to knit- it helps me clear my thoughts a zen sort of thing. I have been knitting since I was 6- and would knit underneath my desk at school as long as I kept my eyes on the teacher - they didn't say much about it. Though I love to challenge myself with different patterns etc. simple is also good - practical as my mother would say.
I guess the nice thing as I process my thoughts...I end up with something warm and useful.
What does knitting mean to you?
( Thank you all for your very nice comments on my prior post- that was very nice of you)
They look wonderful!!! I have not tried socks yet, one day I will jump in and try. I find knitting very calming as well, I often end my day with at least a row or two just before bed to relax and unwind.
ReplyDeleteYou should try socks ...they are fun Kim! Me too I knit before bed.
DeleteKnitting, like sewing or quilting or needlepointing is relaxing to me. I don't know why. It just is.
ReplyDeleteI agree...it just is- relaxing.
DeleteI have always wanted to learn to knit, but have only been doing it for two years this past May. Thank goodness for youtube videos and a lot of patience I now have a passion I can not imagine not having in my days. Knitting to me is how I relax, I could no more have a day without knitting as I could go without breathing. You are right Camilla, it really is a zen thing. Since teaching myself I have not missed a single day without picking up my needles and have plans to continue for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteI agree I knitting is breathing...so awesome that you are self taught Tracey.
DeleteI have been knitting since I was in third grade. Mom taught me the summer we moved to a new place and I had no friends yet. I knit though high school, college, and several advanced degrees; but I got busy, did some other needle arts and put aside my knitting. Then my baby sister died very, very unexpectedly. I couldn't concentrate, sit still, or find myself. As I packed to go to support her only child though this horrible event, I was on autoplay. I found myself packing needles and yarn in my carryon. . .to knit a pattern I knew by heart. There and then I remembered why I knit ~~ peace and stillness. I haven't been without 2-3 projects going all the time. A day without knitting leaves me unsettled. Luckily I have job where I can knit at meetings, 'cause in higher education we have lots and lots of meetings. Like you I find I can concentrate better with my hands in the rythmn of twisting string about needles.
ReplyDeleteDear Rebecca, I am so deeply sorry for your loss- I can not even imagine. I have read about how knitting heals and how it does wonders to our heart and soul. In waldorf schools it is part of childrens curriculum. Happy you have a job where you can knit- pretty great.
DeleteI learned how to knit from my granny when I was a small child, but didn't pick up a needle from about the age of eight until twenty-eight! Now, the sense of achievement of having woven an actual piece of fabric from what is basically a bit of string - I find that totally MAGICAL! And the fact that the bit of fabric is bespoke, with all the shaping and seaming built in to it, well that's even cooler (I am very much NOT a seamstress!). I especially love it when the result is something really elaborate looking, like a garden plot squares blanket. I feel so pleased with myself!
ReplyDeleteI find that totally magical too- so fun to make and create things- you should feel pleased with your self, your work is beautiful!
DeleteI learned to knit a go time ago, but only really took it up in the past 11 years. I love it. I miss it if I don't knit a bit every day. I cannot imagine ever not knitting. Love your socks.
ReplyDeleteI agree ,I miss knitting too if not done a little everyday.
DeleteKnitting has been my coping mechanism and takes away all of my anxiety. It makes me feel grateful for each day. Lovely socks!!! And fantastic color of yarn :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe it is the rythmical way of the needles and hands that just lets our brain take a little brake from our daily thoughts and anxieties- relaxes us and nurtures our creativity....and our heart.
DeleteKnitting is my quiet time. It also calms me at sporting events so I don't turn into "that mom!" It's a gift from my grandmother and I say a little thank you each and every day to her for giving me the ability to make.
ReplyDeleteToo funny Jane, I hear you " that mom". It was a gift from my grandmother too...a gift that keeps on giving :)
Deletedear camilla, i love that you knit in class, keeping your wool under the desk. i learned at the same age as you, at my norweigian grandmothers knee. i didn't knit through my childhood though, somewhere along the way the needles were put aside. when i was expecting my first baby that's when i picked them back up and have held them ever since. i remember as a young mother trying to put into words what knitting meant to me. the soothing act of holding needles and wool, the motion making each stitch, the astonishment of seeing something come of it (and being worn). it's as fresh today as it ever was, the joy and contentment, the love of it.
ReplyDeleteknitting was elevated to another level when i went through my divorce, the most difficult time in my life. through it all, the endless court dates, lawyers, mediation...i knit. i don't know what i would have done, if i hadn't had it. i think it saved me. it surely did. i love knitting. i love what jane said about thanking her grandmother every day, i do that in my heart too.
xxx lori
It is amazing what knitting can do for our hearts & souls. That is really something Lori- I am glad you could find a little peace when knitting. My grandmother taught me too so maybe we share a connection with the past by knitting as well....and now you are passing it on by being a teacher inspiring others.
Deletexo
your socks are adorable!
ReplyDeleteLove your socks.
ReplyDeleteKnitting is more than just a hobby,
It is something that becomes real, like the horse in Velveteen Rabbit.
Knitting is loved,
it may not always look perfect
I may have to start over and over
Knitting waits
Knitting lets me try and succeed
or when I fail Knitting doesn't criticize
The only demands are my own,
Knitting is loved.
(I think this comment will develop in to a post) thanks.