I haven't knit regularly in several months. Why?
For one, it's been ridiculously hot: we've had four or five months of air so hot, and rainstorms so few, that I would break out into a sweat walking into my apartment after work. I had to take a cold post-work shower many of those days. I can't even go near wool in that sort of heat.
For two, there hasn't been anything good on TV. I multitask when I knit. I have to be either watching (listening to) TV or talking with other people; otherwise, I get lulled into sleepiness and I feel unproductive (unless I am knitting on a plane or in a waiting room--then I let my imagination take me places, or I work out problems).
For three, I've been feeling out of sorts. I don't know why people stop doing pleasurable, soothing things when they are in a bad mood or a funky life place, but they do, and I do it, too. In addition to not writing as much as I normally do, I have not been knitting; I've been holding it all in...which is not good.
Today, I felt the spark of wanting to create things (that aren't edible) again. At lunch, I started making my Christmas lists. Unlike my childhood lists, these are lists of things I want to make and buy (but mostly make) for others. I made a family list, a friends list, and a work list in red (extra Christmassy). Then, I wrote a list of poetic forms I want to work with. Then, I started to write a rap song about boys who try to flirt and don't get much besides dirty glances. Then, I got distracted by scansion. Then, I ate a vegetable sandwich. (I will share this magical veg sandwich concoction with you another day this week. It is surprisingly filling.)
I'm excited about this desire to create. I cast on for a hat tonight. I love getting stuff done. I love feeling a little more like myself. I love fall, the holidays, giving people things, making and eating food, and spending time with all my loved ones, blood-related and almost-family alike. I also love vacation. I have a lot of good things to anticipate!
2 comments:
OK, I wish I could knit. I have made many a scarf and a few hats but it hurts my hands something fierce. Am I doing something wrong, or just an old lady?
You may be knitting too tightly? You could try using bigger needles and practicing just letting the needles rest in your hands as you knit. When I started knitting, I clutched the needles, but I loosened up over time. Also, it could be your needles. Metal needles are unforgiving. I use only bamboo (or casein or plastic, but they're REALLY flexible) needles because they're less harsh.
So, try using larger bamboo (or casein, or plastic) needles! :)
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