November and December of 2009 were a total blur to me. My shop was the busiest it has ever been, for which of course I’m thankful for, but come late December I was thoroughly burnt out. Every waking moment was dedicated to working and I simply needed to decompress. I think when you work for yourself, or have a busy life in general, it’s quite easy to forget the small things that bring you pleasure. For me, one of those things is knitting. Aside from a few projects here and there, I didn’t pick up my needles much in 2009 and with the yarn stash that I have (trust me, it’s ridiculous), I need to start making a major dent in it pronto.
As a result, I’ve finished quite a few projects recently – one scarf and 3 hats to be exact. While admittedly I’ve worn the hats already without weaving in the ends, that’s all that remains to be done on them.
Being a little selfish, all the projects I started were for me. So over the weekend, I cast on something for James which is aptly named The Boyfriend Hat. He’s happy.
What small things bring you pleasure? And more importantly, do you remind yourself to slow down and experience them when life demands you do otherwise?
what is a good length for a karius/baktus scarf?
Knitting… I believe it is very therapeutic. It gives you pleasure to see how a ball of yarn turns into something you, a loved one or a stranger that appreciates it wears it. It can be crochet or knitting, both are a wonderful art.
what is a good length for a karius/baktus scarf?
I just had a wee breakdown yesterday BECAUSE I haven’t taken any time to slow down, and now the day job start again on Monday! So, as God as my witness, I WILL make a NEW BAG just for ME this weekend to carry around my awesome new laptop!
Love the photos! I just started sewing as a way to decompress although it’s a little frustrating in the beginning when learning something new. So hopefully the curve will be short for me. Can’t wait to see the final product!
hmm, my closet love is jigsaw puzzles. i have about 30 of them. i used to do them in the floor in my room. and i would think things out to myself. it was so calming and rewarding to watch the little pieces snap together and form a bigger picture.
my craft supplies have taken up much of my floor space, but seeing this post makes me want to push it all aside and bring out a puzzle i got last christmas (’08) and never put together.
i knit, too. (newbie) mindless straight knitting, just knit and purling, is very relaxing to me as well. i was commissioned by a friend to make her a long skinny scarf and i was a little sad when it was finished. the motion of the needles and my hands was so soothing.
great question!
Knitting, totally. I’ve been slugging through a never-ending sweater since April, but have completed 3 pairs of socks in that time. I’ve decided I like the smaller projects better; they seem a little more attainable. My goal in 2010 is to finish all those unfinished knitting projects! Good luck to you!
Journaling gives me pleasure. I love sketching and doodling notes and such. I always have to remind myself to take some time for creative thinking and visualization. Thanks for another reminder, and I love the colors of the yarn in the first photo.
Great post! Feel the same way after the Christmas rush. Almost considered packing it in for a while. But after a break and some diversions (I’m finally learning to sew!) I feel much more prepared to think about work again.
Beautiful knitting BTW!
great topic – I think we all forget to stop and smell the roses. I love reading, its my fun escape from the chaos. However, with starting my store last year I felt guilty about picking up a book (I should be sewing, working on a pattern, networking – or spending time with my hubby).
Last month when I hurt my back I started going for physio. During this time I would take a book and read. Ahhhh… it felt great! I vow this year, no matter how busy I get, I’ll try and always have a book on the go.
I love knitting also – its fun because you can do it while watching a movie or a little tv. Its a portable hobby!