my accidental semi-silent knitting retreat
thanksgiving 2024
Hi all,
I went home for thanksgiving determined to use that time to work on my latest large project (I’m writing a book!). And I packed in support of that mission:
Instead, I knit the entire time. And truly, almost 24/7. It felt incredible.
Reasons why I love knitting:
Counting is calming. Does anyone else ever catch themselves counting down in their heads, as a way to tolerate stressful or impatient situations? Like when the subway is stalled between stops underground, at a part without any cell service. “6,5,4,3,2,1…6,5,4,3,2,1…6,5,4,3,2,1…” I do this. And it helps me. Knitting is this.
It’s a tactile activity. A craft. And there aren’t many of those left.
Having something to do with my hands that is not electronic makes me feel great. Elite.
It’s relatively cheap.
All you have to do is follow instructions. There are very few areas in life where you’re told what to do, and doing what you’re told yields a simply pleasant experience, one that’s detached from any sort of existential ambition. I guess what I’m saying is that it’s a hobby. And hobbies are really healthy.
It’s an activity you can do while watching TV.
Having handmade items in my wardrobe makes me feel utterly romantic and desirable. Wholesome, but not too wholesome. I wear scarves and hats that I make myself on dates and have developed a totally inflated sense of how important this fact will be to any man. I assume this intel will make them fall in love with me. I continue to believe this despite it not having worked out that way (yet).
In my experience the best answers come from calm. Sometimes the answer is that there is nothing to do but wade though the current situation. Other times, the answer is to take action. (I left that awful job after two months).
And I also gained some enlightenment via a knitting x life metaphor:
All to say, I love knitting. Highly recommend. Especially during the holiday season.
Have a cozy week,
Ariella
I love the idea of logic problems to refocus my attention from obnoxious and somewhat overwhelming things. I also have a penchant for those cheap books of them. They remind me of being sick as a child, and my parents would sometimes bring them home for me.
Are you on Ravelry? It would be fun to follow you! I’m on as lajulie. I am currently working on a black top down raglan sweater. I used to knit *constantly.* A couple of years ago I became an epileptic, and it’s a little harder to focus on the knitting since then, but I have to remind myself that I *can* still do this. I have been doing exactly what you suggested, and just focusing on the instructions and what is right in front of me. It’s harder, a lot less mindless, but it’s been wonderful.
Thank you for what you do. It’s a nice bright spot in some darker moments. ❤️
The counting during stressful moments thing is for sure relatable. I remember driving on edge in the middle of Utah nearly on E, and singing “99 bottles of beer” instead of pleading for a gas station to appear between canyons. I now know my car has at least 30 miles once the light turns on. 🙂↔️
What kind of wool do you like to work with? I haven’t tried knitting, but love to darn so I’m curious if it’s a hobby I might enjoy, too. What was your first project?