rekindling
have you ever had the spark just come back for something? was that feeling amazing or what?
for a while there I wasn't doing much knitting or blogging. I would still read blogs here and there, but more as a lurker and less as a commenter. lately though, I can't seem to stop knitting. maybe I just needed a break to remember what it felt like, let that void get a little too wide for comfort. or maybe I just needed to step away from the blog for a while and just let the crafting go its course.
I've been knitting a lot of little things, so the instant gratification high is helping me along. a couple of days ago I started yet another tiny project for mazie, the vintage baby cardigan from shibuiknits. I had some extra sock yarn that I had dyed ages ago and I wasn't sure what to do with. I figured this would be the perfect way to use it up.
it's mindless garter, but something about it feels so good. isn't that a sign that I just want to knit? I've been plugging away at it since monday night and all I have left now is the left front/sleeve and a little bit of seaming. for some reason I thought it would have gone faster than that. the suggested needles are 3.25mm but I had to go down to 2.5mm and I'm still not getting gauge. I've been following the newborn size st counts, but aiming for the 6mo measurements. I really, really don't want to knit another project on 2.5mm unless it is a sock. maybe that's why I cheated a little.
just a wee bit really. carrie mentioned starting a 28thirty and something about it just stuck in my mind. it wasn't exactly love at first sight, it took a couple of weeks for me to finally break down and buy it. I'm guessing it's the collar that slowly creeped into my subconscious. that, or I just want to dress like carrie. I only knit the first six rows, just to get a little variety, and then I hid it away so I can finish mazie's sweater.
that's the knitting, but what about the blogging? I'm still working on that, but baby steps right?
I'm woefully behind on passing this along. it's just so hard to pick a couple of blogs when there are so many that I read. i love teyani, leah, and tiennie, but for the list I decide to grab a few oldies and some new-to-me ones from my bloglines and share them with you here. how apropos to do it on valentine's. almost reminds me of elementary school when you bring cards for everyone in the class.
some knitting ones:
a friend to knit with
coloursknits
flint knits
hello yarn
sixoneseven
some cooking ones:
cookthink
mattbites
smitten kitchen
and one that I wish would come back:
streets and yos
Comments
i just love the way that yarn looks in the baby sweater. it's nice an random.
yes, i wish streets and yos would come back too!
Posted by: gleek | February 14, 2008 07:41 PM
I wish she made a comeback too!
Posted by: yaiAnn | February 14, 2008 08:09 PM
I love Smitten Kitchen. It's recent find for me and I am totally hooked.
The baby sweater looks great. I can't imagine knitting any garment on such tiny needles though.
Posted by: Wanett | February 14, 2008 08:35 PM
i know what you mean by getting the spark back - i've been like you, lurking more than commenting (which i'm trying to change right now!). i love that sweater - can't wait to see it complete!
Posted by: mari | February 14, 2008 09:24 PM
Creativity and inspiration come in waves and we shouldn't feel pressured to maintain a constant level of craftiness. When we give in to the cycle, I think that's when great things appear. We should always listen to ourselves and not feel like we *have* to do something. Knitting and creating things should feel good! I love what you've been knitting lately. Baby stuff is so cute!
Posted by: casey | February 14, 2008 10:14 PM
I wish Streetsandyos would come back too.
Posted by: Wanda | February 14, 2008 10:42 PM
sometimes it's time away that rekindles our passion for a hobby!!! Glad the mojo is back!
Posted by: stacey | February 15, 2008 07:26 AM
i am quite happy to see you back and blogging, Y. i was also thrilled to see comments from you on my blog! it was like the olden days :)
thanks for the cooking links - those look like fun!
Posted by: lolly | February 15, 2008 08:28 AM
aw, thanks! you just made my friday morning. now if only that creative spark would rekindle..
Posted by: Diana | February 15, 2008 09:18 AM
I really love that sweater pattern! It's definitely the collar.
Posted by: Lindsey | February 15, 2008 09:39 AM
Glad to know that you've found the spark for blogging. I love seeing your work. And the things you are working on are lovely!
Posted by: Rosa | February 15, 2008 10:02 AM
Thank you!
I, too, miss streets and yos. And holy crow, Mattbites! Thanks so much for that link. That guy can take a picture.
Posted by: Adrian | February 15, 2008 10:10 AM
Baby clothes are perfect gratification. (and so stinkin' cute!)
thanks for all the awesome links :-)
Posted by: Teyani | February 15, 2008 10:50 AM
it finished blocking, and i think i blocked the neck too wide! so now i have to reblock. ay chihuahua.
Posted by: carrie m | February 15, 2008 08:13 PM
I miss streets and yos too! I still go back periodically and re read all her archives...tell her to come back! but I'm glad you're back too.
Posted by: Krista McCurdy | February 15, 2008 08:44 PM
Cutest baby stuff ever! Mazie is lucky to have such a sweet Aunty Y!!
Posted by: Leah | February 16, 2008 10:01 PM
Baby knits - so sweet!
Thank you!
Posted by: tiennie | February 17, 2008 02:25 AM
Sometimes mindless is just what's needed...
Posted by: Heather | February 17, 2008 11:38 AM
Hi. just discovered your blog. I really liked your hermia sweater and wanted to know how many skeins you needed for it. Thanks.
Posted by: bd | February 18, 2008 12:25 AM
very pretty garter sweater...but i missed your last post and must say i love, love, love that tangerine yarn in the baby bellbottoms! tres chic. :) gabriella
Posted by: gabriella | February 18, 2008 04:13 PM
I get that feeling at least once a year, and decided to just think of it as a crafting bio-rythm.
I love how the colors of the sockyarn pop up like little beads in the purlstitch. Pretty!
Posted by: Steph | February 19, 2008 01:17 PM
Welcome back!
There's been a longer version the 28thirty floating around in my head since I saw it. It *is* that collar!
& thanks so much for the shout-out. I didn't even know you were reading. :)
Posted by: pamela wynne | February 21, 2008 12:31 PM