i feel like my blog

what's OLD is NEW again!!!! it's been several weeks now since i started on Crystal's shawl and i'm making slow progress ... two stitches forward, 10 rows ripped back! i initially started out with a softer, DK weight yarn and discovered i don't like garter stitch at that weight, with those needles. Although i had invested a good amount of time into trying to convince myself otherwise, i simply had to say it out loud ... I DON'T LIKE GARTER STITCH! (so, i scrapped that creative option and ALL those cute medallions i had crocheted for inserts and edging) ... ripped it all out and rolled it back into a cute little ball, waiting for the next inspiration to hit! ... i trudged onward to the next pattern and found some warm, soft Homespun that was GOING TO BE IT!!! i could feel it my bones AND my needles, found an awesome pattern and hit the road! About 18 rows into it i made a mistake in reading the pattern, but surely noone but ME would notice, so i just kept knitting .... and trying NOT to look back at row 18 ...... i'm now on row 100, so close to the end ... but i'm still looking down at row 18 and that spot is just GLARING ..... ,,,,really, it's okay, i can just bind off and it will be okay ... or NOT!!!! so, while on the way to taking our daughter back to college for another semester i ripped out 100+ rows all because i refused to make the necessary adjustments BACK ON ROW 18!!!!!!!!

yea well ..... nothing lost .... just LOTS LEARNED ..... if you can't rip, don't EVEN start a project! i started, yet again, on a really simple project and believe it or not ... it is GARTER STITCH and i'm loving it! (what a woman ....fickle? or perhaps, just always open for change and new ideas and approaches!) .... a simple triangle, started from the bottom, knit in garter stitch and feeling ever so soft .... i'll finish it off with a simple lace crochet edge and Crystal's hug should be complete .....

so see ... i'm learning - - sometimes I can dictate the pattern, but often times the YARN dictates the pattern and the wisdom comes in learning to listen ... to hear the melody that needles and yarn are ever so softly trying to sing ....

in the rhythm of the needles there is music for the soul ...

and hopefully a hug for Crystal in the not so distant future!

change in perspective

i have a friend who recently learned that she has breast cancer .... i also have a blanket that i've been working on all summer that i had designated as my 'defining project' of all that i was going to accomplish this summer .... however, upon learning of crystal's circumstances somehow all my 'projects' seem to pale in significance! my blanket can wait ... so can those washcloths that match my new kitchen .... and that sweater i had hoped to wear for the 1st day of school ..... yea well ...... now i'm thinking (knowing) that my attention and prayers should be turned to crystal ... and to finding some way to express to her that i am praying for her .. and wanting to 'fix it' if only i could ..... my yarn and needles have found their way around a shawl pattern that is soft and simple and hopefully will insulate her against some of the cold and discouragement that so often creeps in during these times. seems rather appropriate that a skein of Homespun will now hold all my prayers that she'll find the comforts of her own Home when she wraps this rose colored Hug of Yarn around her shoulders to block the chill... to remind her that she is surrounded by family and friends who are in her balcony ... cheering for her .. praying for her ....

never minimize the significance of something that you make .... handmade is NOT a trait for the fainthearted but rather a characteristic of someone who is generous and thoughtful, creative and willing to share their own heart with someone who has made an impact on theirs!