~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading (though not at the same time!), and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~
This week I couldn’t bring myself to work on the second fingerless mitt for this pair I am working on. What do you call that? Second mitt syndrome?
What I wanted was easy comfort knitting. Garter stitch. This shawl pattern fit the bill, precisely. The best part is that I finally started knitting with some beautiful yarn from my stash that I have been saving for years. The yarn was purchased with a gift certificate from a reader and I guess in a way I have been nervous to knit with it, wanting to choose the perfect project. Once I settled on knitting this shawl it became obvious that it was meant to be paired with my gift yarn. The colorway is so pretty, a variegated gray-brown. It’s called Grey Goose, so this will be my grey goose shawl. This project is exactly what I needed right now.
(If you are a beginning knitter, and know how to knit and increase via kfab (knit into the front and back of a stitch) this would be a great project for you! My Ravelry notes are here.)
I’m still reading Sylvia’s Farm. I started out with a copy from the library but ended up ordering a used copy for myself so I could underline! I find that Sylvia’s thoughts on the never-ending cycle of work that is done only to be undone on a farm, and how to make the best of it, really apply well to life raising a family. How can work that is monotonous and frustrating in it’s lack of obvious fruition be so life filling and even gratifying? Some of us must be meant for such work, right? And we do best when we learn to appreciate the work itself, the living itself, rather than the finished product. Maybe that’s why I wanted comfort knitting this week. I am not knitting towards a shawl, I’m just knitting for the love of each stitch.
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Dear Ginny,
I am a French Canadian grandmother , knitter since childhood. On January 28, 2015, you mention a pattern for a hat to go with your superb Sunday Sweater. Did I missed it? As I plan to knit a second (larger) sweater for my grand daughter, I would be very happy to get it.
As my father used to tell us “Cura ut valeas”, that is latin for ‘Take care that you keep well (or healthy)”. Excuse my poor English, I am French speaking. With affection.
Madeleine
Hi Madeleine! Yes, I designed a hat to go with it, I just haven’t been able to get the pattern written! I hope to finish it in the coming months. I will be sure to post about it when I do! Thanks so much for knitting my Sunday Sweater!
I have been DYING to make the Tess shawl! I actually printed it out twice. That was what I was going to work on over the summer so I could have it for fall for myself.
I can’t wait to see your progress.
I know exactly how you feel, Ginny. I’m knitting a garter stitch scarf right now just because I need to find that peace I always find in the process.
I’d love to knit that shawl. I’ve been knitting since I was a little girl, but I’m embarrassed to say I don’t understand the pattern. How do you increase in the front and the back of a stitch – and where do you make the increases? I’m sure I’m missing something very obvious, but my tired old brain can’t quite get this!
I love this beautiful place. I visit every day and your words always bless. Thank you.
Oh wait – the light just went on. I get it now. I wasn’t reading the pattern correctly. Yay! I’m going to knit this one.
Yay!!!
Hi Linda! The way the pattern is written confused me a little as well. You place the kfabs where she says “Increase.” Here is a video to show you how to knit a kfab: http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/bar-increase-english. That one is for people who hold their working yarn in the right hand. If you hold your working yarn in the left hand (continental style) you will want to watch this video instead: http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/bar-increase-continental.
Let me know if that helps, or if you need more help with the pattern! I think you would really enjoy knitting it.
Thanks so much sweet girl. Now to find some really beautiful wool!
Such a wonderful feeling when you find JUST the right knitting pattern that you need at the time.
Ahhh, your final paragraph is like a deep breath of air, a moment of sanity. I often knit best when I am just knitting for the love of the work. And isn’t that true of all things? Working best when you have learned tongive thanks for the work in your hands- even when you know it will be undone and redone a thousand times over?
I heart garter stitch! And, oh wow, that yarn. Thank you so much for the link. I’m loving it. 🙂
Oh how I wish work stayed done once and awhile! I would love for the kitchen to stay clean more than two hours! 😉 However, what you wrote really resonated with me. I think there is something so wonderful about learning to love the process of work, even chore that must be done over and over. I think where I struggle the most is when I have more on my “to-do” list than I can fit into the allotted time. But, alas, that is life! My husband keeps coaching me “One thing at a time. It will help you feel more accomplished. Then you are not setting yourself up for failure.” Yet, my mind still races ahead of me. Thanks for the encouragement! 🙂
That yarn comes in some amazing colors! I *so* do not need more yarn right now….wait, what am I saying? You can never have too much yarn!
Your shawl looks really lovely.
The shawl looks like a perfect project! Thanks for Yarn Along !
My two favorite things are reading & needlework (doing those tee-tiny X’s in counted cross-stitch!) I admire those who can knit, my sister is one of them; however myself…I would need an extra pair of hands!
I really enjoy reading your posts and please continue sharing you & Jonny’s “journey” thru life raising your family!
Love this book also – makes me cry and smile and be grateful my life isn’t that hard.
I am really interested in that book. Some of my darkest days are when the repetitiveness and the long term pointlessness of many of my chores gets to me. Thank you for sharing. And I hope your hubby is feeling better. Seems like you might have need the comfort knitting.
That shawl is so perfect! I am going to learn how to knit this baby. 🙂 🙂
Love the shawl and the color you picked, I’ll have to try this pattern. The shed looks great by the way, praying for your family!
Thanks Ginny for the shawl link and notes. The yarn is so pretty. It is the perfect pattern for ME! I’ve got 1 feather and fan stitch dishrag to make for my daughter and then I’ll start a new project, so this might be it. I think of you every day when I’m washing dishes (yes, I have a dishwasher, but prefer to do them myself) and use the dishrags I ordered from you. I think they are indestructible. I hope Jonny is still able to work while he’s out of commission for chores. Hope all is well.
Sleeves. I have two sweater missing a sleeve. I just can’t get to them. Silly sleeves.
What you stated about the book about never-ending farm work and raising a family is fascinating! I think I am going to have to read it. I agree, some of us are just made for this type of work. Lovely yarn for a lovely shawl 🙂
I have the same issues with mitts and ssocks…my eye starts wandering when I am done with the first- hard to commit to the second. The shawl looks so sweet and rustic- thanks for the link.
I started a shawl yesterday as well, I think something must be in the air. Maybe mitt knitting reminds you of snow and winter? I hope your husband is in less pain, may the shawl knitting give you peace and joy!