Knitting Therapy

I learned to knit when I was a young girl. My mom taught me. I can still remember the first scarf I made, crooked and misshapen, but wonderful because I had learned to do something new. My stitches were so tight that my hands cramped when I tried to manipulate the needles.

I tried to make an argyle sweater vest one time. It was a complete disaster! The front was so tight that there was no give or stretch to it, and the back could never compensate for those problems. I did do a very nice basket weave scarf, however. It's still around the house somewhere.

Since these early failures, I've learned to knit on double-pointed and circular needles. I love to knit socks and hats, especially to give as gifts. My knitting has relaxed substantially, and I now find it relaxing to sit in the evening and knit. Much better than paying for a therapist, don't you think? In fact, it's so good that I am considering branching out into the sweater arena again. We'll see how it goes. I don't think argyle will be the first attempt, though.

Because I find this so enjoyable, I must confess that I have, in some measure, become a bit of a yarn hoarder. Whenever I am in Jo Ann's I stand in front of the yarn racks drinking in the colors and textures of the different offerings. If I have a few dollars in my purse, I invariably leave with at least two skeins. I love the way yarn looks in a basket or on a shelf. It's definitely eye candy for me.

In hopes of winning some yarn and a great tote to put it in, I've entered a contest at one sheepish girl. Check it out at http://onesheepishgirl.blogspot.com/2013/03/giveaway-fringe-supply-co-project-bag.html?showComment=1363143928401#c1658580024076327768.

I hate to disappoint you all, but I definitely am winning this one!

Head Spinning Ideas

It's after midnight and here I sit searching for knitting patterns on Ravelry. Crazy, right? I've been inspired to check out patterns that have a Medieval or Renaissance theme. Why? Funny you should ask. It's because I met the organizer of the Krebashia Kingdom Medieval Fantasy Faire that will be held in June in Chateaugay, NY.

I had been speaking to someone on Facebook about the Faire and the type of vendors that might be needed, and lo and behold she is currently sitting on grand jury duty with me. Small world, especially in the north country. We had a great conversation about artistry of all types. So...I am now up way too late on a work night dreaming of all the beautiful things that I could make that would definitely be lovely to fill up a table at the event.

Unfortunately, it's the same weekend as the Relay for Life walk that I'm already committed to. Dare I try to do both on the same weekend? We shall see how creativity leads.