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all knitting all the time


posted 23 October 07 & filed under knitting

someone i love very much is really sick – and i don’t want to share more than that for now – but that has translated into me knitting a lot and a lot these last few weeks and so, i have a whole bunch of projects to share..

it’s amazing how much knitting can help when life is hard. i think it’s something about the combination of a) creating something, which always requires, to be successful, a little something that is uniquely you, of b) letting the rhythm of the knitting take over, helping you to escape the problems of the day for a bit, and also of c) the very real and tangible warmth that sits in your lap, a surprisingly solid comfort. and of course there’s always the satisfaction that comes from being productive in the face of bad times, a small but powerful f***you to bad luck and unfairness that happens to all of us at one time or another.

so, here i have a finished juliet that just needs some button changearounds – i want two and they need to hold the garment tighter. then, pictured below, a tilted duster that was knit up in about a week that just needs some buttons. i included three pics to show the power of blocking – be it by steam (which i did for the ribbing) or by water (which i did too, because i’m kinda picky). and just look how different the yarn looks in each photo – so, ok, add the power of exposure when taking a picture. my rogue just requires some seaming of the sleeves, sewing up the hems, and weaving in the ends. i’m not super pleased with how the uneven stockinette in the very front (of course!) looks even after blocking, but whatever. after buying some size 1s and 0s (!) for the poetry in stitches kit, i’m back to working on the lice sweater (which needs a better name). and last but definitely not least, i started this really cute and comfy shawl collar jumper (though they call it a tunic, i like jumper better) from the fall vk using patons classic wool merino. first time i’m using the yarn, and even with just the swatching, i’m super impressed with the yarn – incredible yardage, nice colors, good price, easy availability, and on top of all that, surprisingly soft and drapey. i never realized what a loose knitter i am though. instead of the recommended size 5s, i had to go down to 2s. yikes. (btw, more info on ravelry, of course)

and that’s that. i’m behind on emails, sorry – i’ll try and get to them tomorrow. just got back from a library shift, so i’m off to knit, but of course, and chill out. take care ~ ~

Comments

I hope that your loved one is ok. thinking of you.

~ Rose (Oct 23, 03:39 PM#)

Hugs. I’m a big believer in the therapeutic power of knitting. Hope your loved one is doing well.

~ Kate (Oct 23, 03:59 PM#)

you have some great knitting projects. i’ve been through something similar to what you’ve described. knitting did help pass the many nervous hours at the hospital. hope you are doing okay.

~ Kat (Oct 23, 04:21 PM#)

I am so sorry about the bad news. I hope that, even though serious, the situation can get better and quickly.

Big hug and good vibes!

~ Francesca (Oct 23, 05:09 PM#)

hugs

~ loriz (Oct 23, 05:13 PM#)

Beautiful stuff. Hang in there, keep knitting. I’m sending comforting thoughts to you and your loved one.

~ mel (Oct 24, 09:21 AM#)

So sorry to hear that things aren’t quite peachy. You and your loved one are in my thoughts.

~ Liz (Oct 24, 01:06 PM#)

i’m so sorry, Andrea. thinking good thoughts for you and yours.

the knitting is beautiful. hope there is additional comfort in the wearing, like warm hugs.

lots of love.

~ meowgirl (Oct 24, 10:24 PM#)

I so know what you mean about knitting being a comfort. It’s really getting me through a hard week. the only problem is that I keep starting things and I just need to finish something :P.

Sending positive thoughts your way. Hope your loved one gets better soon.

~ moni (Oct 25, 01:51 PM#)

I totally understand! When we went through B’s melanoma scare this summer, knitting was a tremendous help to me. For the reasons you described. Thinking about you and sending lots of good thoughts a big hug your way. Take care. xo-S.

~ Nonnahs (Oct 29, 11:17 AM#)

Sigh. When it rains it truly pours. I am so sorry that you are suffering right now. My sad anniversaries just passed – my brother’s death and sweet Caia’s. It is so hard to lose loved ones or see them suffer. Big hugs. And by the way, I love all of your knits, overknit by bloggers or otherwise.

Love, J

~ Julia (Nov 1, 01:08 PM#)

i’m sorry you’re going through such a tough time right now, and i hope things will get better for you soon. hug

~ lalitha (Nov 1, 05:10 PM#)

Oh Andrea, sorry to hear that someone close to you is unwell. I’ve been away from my regular blog reads for a while, so I just saw your post as I’m getting caught up. Sending positive thoughts and vibes your way. xoxo

~ amanda (Nov 4, 06:04 PM#)