Rest and Reflections
Winter knits and hibernation
A new year has arrived and I’ll be honest, this year I’m not feeling the buzz of a new year! Normally by now I’ve got my goals, plans and ideas for the year ahead laid out. This year however I am struggling to get going with them. Instead I’m enjoying a relaxed twixmas and new year week, with a whole 12 days off of work from my day job. The longest period of time off since last Christmas! Instead of using this time to plan the next year, I’m embracing the nothingness. 2024 has been a hectic whirlwind in many areas of my life and right now rest seems like a very good idea. 2025 plans can wait, after all we are still in the depths on winter. Trying to jump headfirst in to a new year feels like wading through treacle, while hunkering down until spring feels a much better idea.
I’ve been filling my days with family time, slow mornings, frosty walks, teaching my son how to ride his bike and most excitingly, my latest hobby: knitting. After years and years of being convinced that the ability to knit is beyond me, I have finally learnt how to knit. It might seem surprising that knitting was a mystery to me as I have a pretty good handle on most other textile processes and through weaving I have a very healthy love of yarn! But knitting was always a mystery, I couldn’t quite grasp the concept despite being shown multiple times over the years.
Back in early December I stumbled across an Instagram video by Gail at Home explain the basics and suddenly it clicked. Something about her explanation made sense to me. For anyone looking to learn, I really recommend her Learn to Knit in 7 Days series! It may also help that this year, the fabric shop I work at has expanded into wools and yarns. I’ve been learning a lot about knitting terminology from having questions and information drip fed to me from customers everyday. Now I can finally understand what they are talking about, I’m excited to have lots more conversations about knitting!
I couldn’t wait to give it a try and eagerly dive into multiple knitting projects (who else goes right in at the deep end in new projects?!). So far I’ve made a colour work cowl, a striped scarf, a chunky vest and started a sock and a sweater. A whole world has opened up to me - no more lusting after expensive knits, now I can learn to make them! While December was a busy month with the madness of Christmas, knitting kept me sane. I love the portability of it, compared to weaving. I can do my knitting while I’m waiting for my kids at one of their various clubs, or take it with me when visiting family. Packing up a loom - not quite so simple! I love having a crafting hobby that can simply be popped in a bag for when I have a spare moment. Or even better, that I can do in bed while watching Gilmore Girls!
Of course, it’s not all bliss. There have been trying moments, trial and error and quite a few undone rows! But something about the repetitive motion is soothing and quieting on the mind. It’s the same bliss I feel when I’m weaving and I’ve reached that mindful zone, but somehow with knitting it’s easier to achieve. Weaving is harder for me to dip in and out of. I also have no plans to sell anything I’ve knitted. I can work completely free of the pressure of production. I just want to make things for me (and possibly family/friends), which after years of creating items to sell is very refreshing.
So what’s on my ‘to be knit’ list? Well I’m working on the Sunset Sweater by Easy as Knit in a range of greens, pinks, greys and beiges. I’m currently on the raglan yoke so I think this will keep me busy for a while! Then I plan on making these Easy Ruffle Socks also by Easy as Knit. I have some lovely purple and blue variegated DK that I think will look great. I want to tackle my first pair of 4 ply socks at some point and I really fancy making a textured sweater or cardigan! Pattern suggestions welcome!
Any knitters out there I would love to chat, what are you casting on? What easy patterns did you start out with? Let me know in the comments below or feel fret send me a DM (a new feature on Substack I believe!).
I will be reflecting on 2024 and making my plans for 2025 in time but for now I’m going just enjoy my last day off work and make some progress on my Sunset Sweater!
Millie x