Apr 25 2006
Developing a Knitting Philosophy
I learned to knit in November 2003. I took a "knit and purl" class at a local craft store. My first project was a sampler scarf (garter, ribbed and stockinette mix) with an acrylic/wool blend. Although it took a little while to get the hang of it, I was instantly in love with the simple movements of the needles and the yarn in my fingers. I even fell in love with the sound of the "clack" of the large metal needles I got in my first knitting kit!
The next morning, I woke up, and the first thing that I thought of was that scarf - and I could not wait to start knitting again. When I entered the blog world nearly two years ago, I had no idea that this community would play such a large part in the development of my craft, and of my personal philosophies.
Blogging introduces you to many people, and many different projects… things you never would have discovered on your own. The blogosphere can challenge you with new projects, as well as help you define yourself and your own philosophies… process knitter or progress driven? do you take on a project because you love its style, or because you want to try a new technique or stitch pattern? (of course, these are not mutually exclusive).
I have come across some knitters who challenge themselves with extremely intricate patterns with many color changes, or long lace repeats. I marvel at the amazing projects - they are truly works of art. However, I know that those projects will probably never make it to my needles. Not because I do not value their beauty, the exact opposite in fact! but because knitting is about relaxation and mindlessness for me.
Someone was recently discussing the whole "knitting is the new yoga" catch phrase on their blog… and since I am an enthusiast of both knitting and yoga, I can see that they are similar for me in certain aspects - both clear my mind. Another similarity: you can take both knitting and yoga deeper and more challenging if you choose, but one can reap benefits from a simple practice as well.
Knitting is a breath of fresh air after a long day of work and school. Knitting is a respite after being stuck in Beltway traffic for hours. Knitting is a sanctuary when my mind and emotions have gone haywire. The last thing I want to deal with after a hard day is a huge lace chart and loads of counting… however, I know that some of you find deep comfort and solace in this rhythm. I find that same solace in simple stitch patterns.
What is your knitting philosophy? is knitting about relaxation for you? do you prefer a challenge yourself with each project?
Time passes, however, and philosophies change. There may be an amazing aran, a fresh Fair Isle, or a lovely lace in my future… but for now, you can find me in the comfy chair with the simple stockinette on my needles.
I am almost finished with the back portion of the Pom Hoodie. The yarn continues to knit up nicely in the slight variegations. I know that I will not finish this garment this month, but I will continue to work diligently, even though this item is not even remotely green. (Project Spectrum May is right around the corner!)
Since Project Spectrum is also about trying new things, I experimented with a new knitting technique this past weekend. Sure, I have learned to love double pointed needles (its been a long road), but I figured I would at least give two circulars a try…
Kris have me Cat Bordhi’s Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles for Christmas, and it was not until now that I was able to acquire two needles (of the same size!) and actually try this new method. While the new technique is quite ingenious, I am reserving complete judgement until after I turn the heel (you know, that’s where the magic happens!)
The yarn is the eponymous colorway from dear MamaE, sadly gone forever (unless you can talk her into making more!). It is so soft! I have a little something-something planned for this pair… more details if it works out.
More info on Project Spectrum Postcard Swap:
I am behind in the Postcard Swap this month. School work has picked up quite a bit with the end of the semester, and I will not be able to send out your pals’ names until AFTER I finish the big paper. So, expect to get your postcard pals’ names in the coming days.
Found this fun little bit over at Sunshine Pop’s blog. Thought I would give it a try… what are your favorite music albums? I love looking at cover art, so show me some of your faves. Here are some of mine…
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My knitting philosophy is to have simple challenges, and knit things I love to wear.
I started knitting the same time you did, and became bored because I wasn’t challenging myself. I have since picked up the needles again, and focus on small challenges (socks, cables are two recent ones) that I can accomplish, but that keep it interesting. I am not a process knitter (though I love the process); I make things that I will love to wear (or give away). Keeps me motivated.
Knitting Philosophy…I will have to ponder this one. Look to my next post…this is a good question.
your stitches look so even in those socks! beautiful. hm…you know I fear change..but you may have to teach me this method!
I think it’s both for me. I always have a ton of projects going at once, ranging from simple to quite challenging. That way I can grab a simple stockinette sock when I’m going to a movie, or work on a lace shawl when I have time to concentrate. I love finishing a complicated project, but whipping up something quickly can be really rewarding, too. I’m not sure that knittng relaxes me, exactly, but I feel great when I’m doing it!
You have some great choices on that music list! Maybe I’ll whip one up for my next post.
Knitting philosophy…hmmm…I guess it depends on the state of mind I’m in - some days I like a challenge - be it cables or learning a new technique. Other days, rows of mindless stockinette has it’s appeal…I think I am part process knitter (I try to learn one new thing on every project) and part results knitter (I love to mark something complete!).
Good luck with the sock on two circs - I tried 2 socks on 2 circs, didn’t like that, but love Magic Loop!!
My knitting philosophy? Hmmm. Sometimes I just want to relax and for those times it’s socks all the way, babee. Sometims I want a challenge and that’s all about lace shawls. And sometimes I knit for a specific project and that’s about the only time you’ll find me knitting a sweater. Great question!
ha! funny you should ask. i’ve been knitting since i was a kid. and i’ve dabbled in pretty much everything. lately i’ve been thinking that i really should be challenging myself more. i have the skills and experience to make some of those intensely beautiful “works of art” and kind of feel guilty for not pushing myself. but at the same time, i love knitting (and crochet) for the mindlessness of it. i like being able to knit while i’m hanging out with friends and family or while i’m watching tv or taking the train or reading a book. i have a couple of more complex projects on the needles that aren’t necessarily difficult, just more involved. and i’ve been avoiding them because i can’t just pick them up and move on. so what is my philosphy? right now it’s about relaxing and playing with pretty yarns in pretty colors. and instant gratification. but i really should finish my olympic project and my mariah sweater
As usual, another great “thinking” post Lolly! I’ll have to spend some time on the details of my knitting philosophy & post to my blog in the next week. One of the first words that comes to mind about knitting is JOY - both in the act of knitting & in the giving of gifts (& subsequent insights into the babies/kids & their using the blankets).
I’ll be very interested in your thoughts on the 2 circulars approach to socks - on Sunday I signed up for a 2 session class on that method. (Figured it would be a good way to get back into socks) What basic sock patterns would you recommend for the approach?
Funny you should post about this today. I have been thinking about this a lot over the last few days especially, because my blogmates and I just celebrated our first blogiversary. It’s amazing to see how our world has grown in one year, in all areas. I love the way we are introduced to new people through blogland, and through them, are introduced to new ideas and projects we wouldn’t necessarily have come across on our own. It’s so great! I also practice yoga and knit (not at the same time, of course) and I definitely see a parallel.
It’s also such a coincidence that you are just starting your first sock on 2 circulars, because I am as well. I’m finding that I’m missing my DPNs, but I’m trying to reserve judgement until I’m finished. I’ll be interested to see what you think too.
knitting is my zen too (and it has helped me through many a difficult time). I dont do it for a product, as much as having a nice product is a happy side effect that I try to ensure. I do it for the calming effect, and also to take the edge off.
The thing that is great about a simple yoga (or knitting) practice is how muscles start to pop up and suddenly you are looking at your arms and say: Hey, I have muscles! Where did they come from? And your practice can gradually become more challenging but still simple, relaxing and joyful. When I took yoga classes, I didn’t push myself beyond my abilities. If I needed to take a break from downward facing dog, I did. I didn’t worry about being the best in the class.
Same w/ knitting: a garter scarf can turn into a ribbed scarf and then a dropped stich scarf and then a stockinette hat and then suddenly you’ve made a whole sweater!
My philosophy a year ago was that I wasn’t going to challenge myself b/c I love knitting for the relaxation and girl time (when I knit w/ a friend). I didn’t want knitting to become something that would frustrate me. And heaven forbid I would ever rip something out b/c of a mistake.
But as I continued knitting, I started to see that hey, a cable doesn’t look that hard, I could do that and still relax. And it’s not so bad to fix a mistake. So, I grew into the challenges eventually. I imagine I’ll want to try complicated lace someday. But not until I am ready. I’ll know when that is when I look at it and say: that doesn’t look so bad.
Cool post, Lolly. Thanks for getting us thinking!
Hhhhmmmm, good thing to ponder. To me, knitting fits in with my orientation of looking for the new and different in life. It allows to create personalized and unique finished products that I love to show off. Each new project also allows me to try different yarns, stitches and techniqes, and I love to grow my skillset in the craft. It is a part of helping me to unwind from a long day, but I still like to keep it somewhat stimulating.
So glad that you’re branching out in techniques and trying 2 circs. You’ll have to let me know if you think that you have to futz with the yarn less or not.
Food for thought, indeed. Knitting is one of those things that lasts a lifetime. It can fill moments or complement them. It can be an escape or a challenge. It’s great to be able to share projects and ideas with people. It opens up new possibilities:)
Good luck with school and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
There’s something very HOTT about that first yarn shot.
xx
Hmmm, I think I fall somewhere in the middle. I like my knitting to be relaxing, but a bit of a challenge is good to keep it interesting and feel like my knitting is evolving. I don’t have a desire to tackle anything too hard (Fair Isle, for instance), but something like my stockinette Sunrise Circle Jacket with the cool increases to make the curved edge keep it interesting and fits the ticket perfectly. As for the socks on two circs - I do love them, but still love my dpns just as much also. I can’t figure out which is my favorite, so I just switch off with each pair. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts when you finish your 2 circ pair!!
Relaxation with intermittent challenge projects, so my skills don’t get stale!
I’m glad that when you likened it to yoga you acknowledged that there are many different ways to approach yoga, because I feel that when people say “knitting is like yoga,” they’re missing the point of both. In a way, though, my knitting IS a bit like my yoga practice: I try to challenge myself by trying new things, and yet I enjoy each individual stitch or pose and seek to make each one the best it can be. I’m a born perfectionist who will redo a project repeatedly until it’s “right,” and my yoga practice is also ever-evolving. There’s something very nice about being able to lose yourself in an action, whether it is the movement of needles back and forth or the mental focus of holding a headstand.
I think I fall somewhere in the middle. I too like the relaxing factor of knitting something mindless. I also like puzzling over a pattern and really challenging myself (which isn’t too difficult to do!). I spent all of Sunday knitting and ripping, knitting and ripping, working on new patterns. I went to sleep content, even though I had little to show by the end of the day. Monday I had to stick with mindless stockinette swatches and a few rounds on my sock. . .
I vary between wanting relaxation and challenge. And I need to time them pretty well. For some reason I chose the last two weeks of the semester to try double points for the first time. Needless to say I’ve ripped out about 16 inches of legwarmers with a net result of 0.5 inches of knitting accomplished. And I don’t even wear legwarmers!
I usually have a project with me as a security blanket as well. It saves me the stress of being stuck somewhere with nothing to do, like when the book is shorter then you thought or you’re spending the evening in the er waiting for your friend to get admitted. Yarn has saved my sanity a good many times.
I am more of a “knitting is relaxing” type girl. I do love a challenge every now and again though. It depends on my mood, I think. I love the yarn colors this mornth @ project spectrum.
Great post. I’ve been feeling a little guilty lately for not wanting to take on more challenging projects, but your post really reflects why I knit - to relax. I don’t mind a few challenges here and there to keep it interesting, but I don’t like my knitting to be a struggle. Great pitcures, by the way!
I knit for all of the above! I like the challenge, I like the hypnotic, I like to make things, I like to wear/use what I make, I like to give away (sometimes), I like to share the joy. I like that when I pick up my work, I am connecting with generations of innovators, craftspeople and artists.
I agree with your knitting philosophy. I do like to challenge myself in classes from time to time. I’ve taken cables, felting, entrelac, intarsia… Taking the class gives me the confidence to know I CAN do it. At the same time, I’m SO busy, and my mind is so clogged, that stockinette is what really calms me. It provides the easiest way to relax. So, most of my current projects are stockinette or very simple patterns. I did get some motivation from one of the recent PodCasts, though. I believe it was Brenda from Cast On who talked about epic projects. I’ve decided to ease up on the one-project-at-a-time philosophy, throw all caution to the wind, and work a few projects at once. I would like for one of those to be an “epic” project, something difficult that I can take eons to complete without feeling guilty. I’m thinking that this will give me the best of both worlds.
I have to say that sometimes I like my knitting simple and sometimes I really like a challenge. It all depends on my state of mind and what my personal life is like at the time. Right now, I am all about simple knitting. I have been wanting to start a new shawl but don’t feel up for it quite yet. Soon…
Funny you should bring this up. I’ve mentioned this sort of in my blog. When I first started knitting a litle over a year ago, I was definitely a progress knitter. The motiviation was to finish as many wearable sweaters as possible, and all the time spent in making a project was immediately put to use. I would never make anything I wouldn’t wear and that people couldn’t immediately see (so I could get compliments, heh). I wasn’t afraid to try new techniques, but it definitely wasn’t my knitting impetus.
One year and 15 finished sweaters later, my philosophy has begun to change. I’m starting to make socks, which last year I would have deemed a waste of time, and am about to embark in my first lace table runner - not because I like table runners but because lace is lovely. It’s more about process now.
I’m sure next year what drives me to knit what will change again!
Knitting is many things for me. Relaxing, challenging, stressful, meditative. It can incite joy, frustration, or tears. I find that I go back and forth between simple stockinette/garter projects, and more intricate cabled, fair isle, or lace projects. When I get bored with the simpler stuff, I try to pick a new skill, technique, or stitch pattern to learn. Oh, and I always-always-always have a sock in progress in my pocketbook, too. (Magic Loop is my method of choice. I didn’t care for 2 circs at all.) Most important of all, knitting is a way to connect with the memory of my grandmother. She taught me to knit when I was around 6, and it’s like I can still hear her voice and feel her with me whenever I pick up the needles.
relaxation and the sensual handling of fibre. At present a bit starved for knitting time, but I love the way needles and yarn don’t scream complete me… they just sit there beautifully and patiently waiting. And the community of knitting bloggers… life would be duller without the lot of you to brighten my day!
Knitting is a breath of fresh air after a long day of work and school. Knitting is a respite after being stuck in Beltway traffic for hours. Knitting is a sanctuary when my mind and emotions have gone haywire.
This spoke to me Lolly. I so agree. My knitting philosophy changes with what is going on in my life. Right now it is something I take comfort in while watching a bit of news or laying in the Spring sun. This summer it will be a piece of home I can take with me when I travel around the world for work.
This fall it will be my passion, as I frantically make holiday gifts.
I don’t know if I’ve thanked you for coordinating Project Spectrum, but I am enjoying participating. It is a great idea!
Cheers,
Kelli
Lolly, I am always so amazed by the thoughtfulness of your posts. I blog as an outlet to connect with other like-minded knitters, and for inspiration, and I must say that your blog always inspires me to be more reflective and creative about my knitting!
And as for my knitting philosophy, I’m with you . . . I knit to relax, unwind, and gather my thoughts. I knit on the subway everyday, so no matter how crappy my workday, I find comfort in knowing that I will at least be able to stitch a bit at the end of the day. I always make sure to set aside knitting time every day because it helps me feel balanced. I also tend to choose less intricate patterns because I don’t like having to really concentrate on a complicated pattern. And since knitting is a de-stressor for me, I don’t want to stress out over a super difficult fair isle!
Best of luck with your school work!
I’m not sure that I have a knitting philosophy. I knit what I like, and enjoy relaxing and the feeling I get from giving away, wearing, and working on something that I’ve made by hand.
hey, GREAT music selection - very similar to mine.
can’t ever get enough Sufjan, shins or andrew bird over here…
I, too am a relaxation knitter. There was a time in my life, when I enjoyed a HUGE challenge, whether it was cross stitch patterns, crochet patterns, beading, knitting - now I look for more “instant gratification” type projects. I am always on the go with the kids so take alongs are my favorites, i.e., my love of socks!
Love the album art, off to play with that!
I had gone through so many stages - learning cables and intarsia and double pointed needles - back in the 80’s when I was branching out in my knitting, but I had put it aside while trying to balance family and career (I know, what was I thinking?) and really getting into quilting at the time. So now I’m loving the 2 circulars and have just tried the one really long circular as well (majic loop), I love trying new things and like having a complicated project once in a while, but at this stage (little one still interupting - it seems heartless to say “oh you’ve hurt yourself, let me get to the end of this row to get you a bandaid…”) I am loving the uncomplicated.
Please email me your snail mail address for the Yellow & Orange CD I made for my Postcard Swap Pal & yourself! I can understand how swamped you are and we can all use some Yellow & Orange music to knit to!
Excellent topic you posted about. I couldn’t agree with you any more. I knit for the benefits of relaxation, since I had to quit yoga due to hurting myself while in yoga. I miss it so much. I also enjoy how my bamboo needles feel in my hands as I am knitting, the feel of looking, touching and choosing a new yarn and the first few inches after I had casted on for a new project. I know I won’t be one who knits from charts or does fair isle knitting. I can tell you that is too difficult for me. I will just have to admire them as I veiw the greatness that it takes for one to achieve that level. It would not relax me to go in that direction so I just keep it simple because I can handle simple. You think it’s alright to thank God for Knitting. Thank you God!
Lolly, I love that you listen to Andrew Bird! He’s one of my favorites. The more I read your blog, the more I find I have in common with you. To answer the questions you posed - I’m definitely a process knitter, evident by the many different projects that I have going at any given time. I just love to have needles moving. I love watching different stitches take shape and the project develop. And I enjoy knitting for meditation as much as I do for the challenge. I can totally lose myself in my yarn and I think it has saved my sanity. The challenge keeps me interested - I don’t think I’ve ever stuck with a hobby (other than my photography) as long as I have knitting.
My philosophy - relaxation and accomplishment! I love that I can get quick results with most projects!
I tend to go both ways with the knitting philosophy depending on my mood. I’m in a bit of a funk right now and am loving nothing but mindless stockinette in the round. But sometimes I want challenge so I start things like the crazy aran I’m working on. My job is somewhat mindless at times so I need something to make my brain work! Great post Lolly!
Sorry to leave another comment, but I wanted to let you know that I posted my favorite albums/art on my blog. That ws a lot of fun. Check it out. HUGS and have a great evening.
I don’t know if knitting is my yoga, but it definitely has become part of my life. Whenever I’m sitting idly, I wish for needles in my hands. Especially if there’s a TV or movie in the area. So most nights that my hubby and I watch TV or a DVD, I’m knitting. I do find it relaxing and love to see progress.
I hope you’ll find turning the heel with two circs to be rewarding. Good thing there are so many options, though, so everyone can find the method they like best. xoxo
Beautiful post Lolly. It makes all of us think about our own knitting philosophy. I confess that I like to knit when alone only because of the concentration needed (when the knitting is challenging) and to let my mind wander freely (when the knitting is simple).
I always have several projects going. One or two that are purely for relaxation and watching tv. Then I always have at least one project that challenges me in some way like lace or color work.
Your blog always makes me smile. Furthermore, I can’t believe
as much as I do. Keep up the good work!
there is another person out there that loves knitting, hockey
AND THE WHITE STRIPES!
Knitting is both a relaxation mode (always have something simple on the needles) and a challenge. I prefer to challenge myself and learn new things. The internet and blogging has pushed that for sure!
I canNOT sit idle without my knitting. It soothes the soul and puts life into perspective.
What is your knitting philosophy? is knitting about relaxation for you? Do you prefer a challenge yourself with each project?
Both, actually. I love the relaxation of a simple project but also the challenge of a more complicated one. Depends on my mood, so I have to have more than one project on the needles or I get antsy.
What is your knitting philosophy? is knitting about relaxation for you? Do you prefer a challenge yourself with each project?
I guess a bit of both - I am more relaxed when I knit - but I love trying new things and I see knitting as a way to encourage myself to learn new things.
…knitting phylosophy….
I think I’m a bit of both, project and process. I try to choose projects that will teach me something new, but I really enjoy simple things to relax the mind, or to knit while wathcing the news, a movie or talking with friends. I think we need both.
I learned to knit by using Cat Bordhi’s book to knit socks. Turning the heel is not all that hard, picking up the gusset stitches is a bit tricksy. You might want to think about using a different size needle for the heel and foot, it make for a more comfy sock. I’m trying the magic loop method, and loved the heel turning….easy peasy.
Yay for trying new things! I love the 2 circ method for making socks (and everything else round) and I love the Socks Soar book! The magic loop isn’t growing on me much, though. Good thing I have 3 pairs (yes, pairs) of circs so I can keep a lot of things going and distract myself from the magic loop sock.
What a thoughtful post Lolly! Knitting to me is about relaxation, accomplishment, and the ability to be creative/crafty b/c I never really thought I could be growing up.
Yeah for Sufjan!!
For me knitting is like food - totally reliable and impossible to live without.
I am going to give your knitting philosophy question some thought … you may be seeing my answer on my blog in the near future!
I love your music list. The Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel, the Killers, White Stripes … you have exceptional taste, Miss Lolly! I heard a cut from the new Raconteurs album on NPR’s All Songs Considered and it was absolutely amazing. It’s called “Hands”. And that New Pornographers album is so excellent.
I got into knitting because I loved the look of the handmade sweater. I knew how to crochet, but I needed to branch out. When this whole blog thing came my way it really opened up my willingness to try new things. I would never have thought I could have done anything fair isle about 5 years ago! The blog has kicked me in the ass to improve on my knitting and spinning! Hey, I LOVE Iron and Wine too ya know!
Hey Lolly,
I got into knitting kinda like how you did, but just a mere 9 months ago. I’m still into knitting mainly for relaxation, although I’ve moved beyond scarves which I find sorta boring anymore. I’m now working on my first sock!
Have you had your pink month yet, for Project Spectrum? If not, when the pink month rolls around, there’s a “Think Pink!” knit-along that might go nicely hand-in-hand with Project Spectrum. You can read about it here: http://marysvirginwool.blogspot.com/2006/04/think-pink.html or here: http://pinkchallenge.blogspot.com/.
Hey - maybe I’ll see you at MS&W next weekend? That would be cool!
That was a really cool and thought provoking post :). I think I like both things about knitting. I like that it is this really relaxing thing to do and that it calms me when I’m stressed, but I also like that, if I choose, I can challenge myself and take it a bit further. Sometimes knitting is not at all relaxing and I get really frustated. But it’s nice to know that, if I need it to be, it can be relaxing.
All this philosophy is fine and good, but go back a second - you learned to knit in 2003!?! Holy crap, woman! Impressive.
Hi Lolly,
I enjoyed reading your thought provoking post. That’s the beauty about knitting - it can be whatever you want it to be. When I was stressed to the point of illness because of life events, the simple repetitive movements of stocking stitch gave me the calm I needed to remove myself from the situation enough to be able to put events into perspective. Challenge can also be a good thing though if one is ready for it and other areas in one’s life leave room for further challenge! This is what I like most about knitting - if I feel I need a challenge, there is always something new and more complicated to learn but, if I feel, I want peace and calm and just to be in the moment, the gentle rhythm of knitting something simple is the way to go. I think this is more or less what you’ve discovered, too? Thanks for your comment on my blog.
Loved you post, my sweet. It is so true. I have been knitting up dishclothes and enjoying the better little clothes ever! Still have my felted project waiting in the wings. XXOO
My knitting philosophy is:
I knit, therefore I am.
My knitting philosphy is “it’s just yarn”
When I keep that in mind, it’s easier to try new techniques, more difficult patterns.
If I screw it up… it’s just yarn!
Knitting, for me, is relaxation but also for a sense of concrete accomplishment. It’s probably no surprise that knitting became so important to me as I was beginning (and now, someday, finishing) a very stressful grad program where the milestones are far between and hard to see. Although I’m sure some (many) of my colleagues think that time spent on knitting is time wasted, I’m very stubborn about reserving some time for it every day, for my own well-being.
I am definitely not of the knitting is relaxing mind set. I get way too focused on learning a new technique or getting through a certain portion or hoping that I don’t drop another stitch for it to be relaxing. Oh well, that’s part of my perfectionist nature. At least I can watch some tv while I do it!
p.s. That hot free layouts is really cool!
Knitting can be either challenging or relaxing for me–depending on my mood. And then sometimes it starts out relaxing and ends up challenging due to my mad knitting skilz. =)
Loved your questions so much, I’m going to have to write my own post about them!
Lolly, started to respond- but you have once again inspired me. So I created a post dedicated to this topic…
go check it out if you have a chance.
I just love your Knitting Philosophy! Very similar to mine…
Knitting is my relaxing time, my gataway from my Mom of young kids’ daily “duty”. I cannot go to bed without stitching a little before… I need to relese the tension… Easy knittings are doing best for that purpose but from time to time, I like to learn new techniques and challenge myself with new out of ordinary projects…
Right now, I am trying myself at 2 circulars sock knitting… Quite a challenge for the double pointed needles sock maker that I am!
Isabelle
Hi Lolly,
Quick question, Are you going to maryland?
if so look for me. I would love to say hello. I wanted to leave you a post when you were coming to NY, I was in the city and I would have loved to meet up with you, See you there. Hope you make it.
Great entry! Thanks!!! oooh…and luv me some Andrew Bird!
I love your topic and ideas. Knitting changes for you, over time. I have been knitting since I was 8 (I am now 48). as you change, so will its place in your life. For me it is a grounding experience, but also a creative exciting one. So, you can say it balances me.
Knitting is relaxing time, and you can do it every where. On the train, on the bus, at home, at coffee breaks at work, outside, inside.
Very nice post! I have a knitting philosophy quite like yours… at least at the moment I do. I love simple stockinette that always turns out great, especially with a nice variegated yarn. With all the schoolwork I have, it’s hard to delve into anything more complicated. Sometimes when I do pick up a complicated piece I find I’d rather be working on something simple. And a whole lot of all this depends on my mood!
hello… Your article speaks to me much…. For me also, knitting takes a spiritual and cultural dimension. I am of Belgium and I see that we have a lot of point commun runs in spite of the distance. Between the challenges of complicated points and the pleasure of the simple points but releasing, my heart balances. And my blog is a window open on the world, place of exchange, division and friendship. I with pleasure read the messages of unknown or friends. Sometimes I am obliged to finish projects because “my”public awaits the continuation…. it is a formidable adventure which I do not regret having approached!
[...] Minty, Kristy, Margene, Lolly, and a heap of other folks have talked/written at some length about what it means to be a process [...]