I didn't really need to do that

Ever do something, and then go, now what on earth did I do that for?! I don't have time for this! Or even better, "I could be knitting!"

Got my invitation from Ravelry in October and thought at the time I didn't really need to photo my stash or update projects. I mean, I have a blog I ignore enough and don't add as many pics as I want to. But the other day, I was informed that you don't have to do all that, you can just look around and see what other people are knitting. Well, that's where I've been the last hour or so while the dust settles and my laundry screams... you know the drill.

There are yarn reviews, patterns, many of them free, photos. From tried and true actual knitters, many of whom it seems don't want you to buy the book/yarn/kit/needles/pattern etc. They are motivated by the love of the craft.

Gonna cut this short, headed back to Ravelry! User name: nightshiftknits.

Knitting is actually a Love Language

One of the best books ever written as far as being practical (aside from Knitting technique books, of course!) is The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. It discusses how we all have five love languages but are most blessed, or touched, by one (or sometimes two) of the five. The five love languages are: Quality Time, Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, and Gifts.

Knitting encompasses all of these love languages; let me explain. Knitting is definitely physical touch -- who can resist the feel of a soft yarn and the differing textures of fiber? And when we admire knitting, does anyone NOT run their hands over the weave? Or is this why yarn shop owners follow me around as I feel my way around the store?

Knitting is gifts, too -- even when we make something for ourselves or our home. It is generosity, a labor of love, lots of hours combined with stitches and colors. And if you haven't been gifted by a fellow knitter an extra ball of yarn, it's a great feeling! More on this in another post!

Knitting is quality time -- a cherished and precious commodity, to be sure, is our time. In these busy days of _____________(you name it, or substitute "life"), to be able to create something in a few minutes here and there is an expression of love.

Knitting is also an act of service. Go visit a LYS knitting class if you're skeptical. Knitters help other knitters. Knitters offer instruction. Knitters stop what they are doing to admire something, to lend a hand. Go to a knitting group and look around. And when we knit something for someone, it is more than yarn and stitches, it is an investment. It represents hours that actually could have been spent doing something else.

Knitting is, lastly, words of affirmation. We encourage, we love it when there is a compliment. We offer support, direction, praise for quality and effort. Yarn store owners know this : "that would be a great color on you", or "imagine this yarn as a hat/sweater/wrap/sock", or even the inevitable "feel this" as they put it in your hand! We all remember the nervousness as we show off a project and the warm fuzzy (sometimes literally -- you know, that might just have originated with knitting?!) we get when our work is affirmed.

Sorry for the long post, but knitting for me is definitely a love language! And if you haven't read the book, I strongly recommend it!!

A Mistake I won't make Again!

I did something really stupid. I knitted a ... well, what I thought was a very nice Fair Isle wine bottle cozy. It kind of got renamed to a Stoli cozy because I stashed a bottle of Stolichnaya vodka inside for my mother in law for Christmas.

The mistake, you ask? Because it sounds like a "win" all around so far. Simple - I forgot to take a picture of it!!! It was light blue with rose and green and gold. And some burgundy. But it is only a memory right now. It was ribbed at the top, with eyelet for the burgundy cord.

I realized it right after I gave it to her and have been considering stealthy ways to perhaps capture the item on digital camera. I'm still working on it and welcome any suggestions!!

Ugh!!

Haven't knitted a stitch in over a week and fortunately don't have any knitted Christmas gifts due in the morning.

Merry Christmas, fellow knitters and non-knitters. Here's hoping for a beautiful day with family. Remember always the reason for the season!

Dancing with the Angels

Just wanted to share another blog story about a beautiful little girl named Ellie. Her mother has been sharing the incredible journey of their daughter's life with Neuroblastoma, since September 2006. She is, as her mom said, Dancing with the Angels tonight. The host of the knitting group I've attended knitted for Ellie.

She leaves behind a family who is hurting but hopeful - they know they will be reunited with her, and that her pain and suffering is over. She has a little brother Ethan who will certainly miss her.

Just wanted to share. It's too important. Hug your kids, tell your spouse they are loved. Pray for Ellie's grieving family.

Not what I had originally intended

Okay, like many knitting projects, I'm coming to find, these booties started off with another destination in mind. They were supposed to be Ugg type. The pattern was cute, from knitty gritty or DIY, and called for yarn I wasn't willing to pay for. So the substitution began, and so did the frogging. I completely finished the boot once, ripped it out completely. Then the sole arrived again, was ripped back to a reasonable size for a 4 month old rather than my 23 year old son, and then the uppers... Without exaggerating, I suppose it's seen 6 revisions. Anyway, I'm pleased enough with the results, but they look more like Indian moccasins than the boots they started out to be.



My niece's son I'm sure could care less. And my niece will most likely never miss the Ugg's they could have been.

Happy Thanksgiving!

On the eve of the day that we pause to reflect on the "good stuff", I just wanted to wish everyone in my life (both the real part and the virtual part!) a very happy Thanksgiving!

Itching to sit and do some knitting tomorrow and wishing you all the same!!!

I'm thankful for God and merino and family and cashmere and friends and alpaca and church and wool and health and angora and my home and fiber and ...