What Have You Learned?

These are unusual times and because of that you have probably learned a few things: about how to keep your spirits up, about more practical everyday things, about yourself as a knitter. What have you learned?

I have learned:

1. I need to go outside everyday, no matter the weather or how I’m feeling. Even walking in the rain is better than sitting inside all day. These days this takes an effort because I don’t have anywhere specific to go to but I’m always glad when I open the door and step outside.

2. I don’t need a lot of social contact. I know there is a push to get together online in groups but I am not inclined to join in. I’m quite happy in my own company, big ‘I’ introvert here. The surprise was that I didn’t realize how much I like to go places where there are other people, Apple Annie’s Cafe or the public library are my regular haunts. I don’t actually want to talk a lot, just hello and how ya’ doin’ and no I don’t want to join you but thanks anyway, I just want to read my book over here at this table by myself and nice to see you.

3. I also, besides knitting every day, need to read every day. I probably knew this already but it’s definitely been reinforced. I am alternating between “dead tree” books and reading on my phone. The phone reading is new (I don’t own an ipad). I find it gets old pretty quickly.

4. I am learning to make vegetable soup. I’m not good in the kitchen and this has been hit and miss so far. I am forcing myself to eat the results irregardless of it’s tastiness or lack therof.

5. I am not as much of a sock knitter as I had thought. This was a surprise. I had a sock on the go before all this started and have not had any inclination to pick it up. Not one moment of thinking I should do some sock knitting, despite wearing wool socks every day. Maybe next fall it will come back.

6. A problem I struggle with constantly is how to finish (anything) but right now it’s my Build A Bigger V, A-line version. Once all the design problems are solved I’m ready to put it aside. But no can do. I need a finished project to photograph so I’m watching old videos on my computer to get to the finish line. Guess where I’m at? You got it, sleeves!! What do you do?

7. To keep my mind engaged, so I’m not checking instagram and facebook every 2 minutes, I have given myself another knitting problem: contiguous knitting. I am going to knit a Gauge-Free version. I’ve started several swatches which have not worked.

After each failure I go for a walk. This has been my routine for the last 4 days. It will come, I keep telling myself. Don’t force it. I am nearing something that’s going to work. This keeps my mind busy at 4am.

What are you knitting? What have you learned?

Cheers,

Deb

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Author: debgemmellmods

I'm a Knitter. The capital K means every day, everywhere. I'm co-owner of Cabin Fever with my sister Lyn. We have published over 100 patterns and 11 books. I'm also working on a new set of patterns for Any Gauge knitting. Dive into your stash and cast on for a Top Down sweater that fits, or an accessory to use up those odd balls of yarn. View all posts by debgemmellmods