LISTLESS WITHOUT MY KNITTING
Reflections on creativity, 2 Testing call announcements - Mika Vest & Ceremonial Grade Cowl, other updates.
So many of you have chosen to receive and read this newsletter over the past few weeks. Welcome! Thank you to everyone who has stayed with me on this journey, where we explore ideas about knitting and some life bits. It is my privilege to connect with my fellow knitters through these letters.
As a way of introducing myself, I have written about my very beginnings here and here if you would like to know more.
This past week, I have been writing and recording videos for patterns and upcoming classes in the new year. I am trying to get as much done in anticipation of the holiday week. I want to be able to catch up with friends and family and spend time with the kids - and knit, of course.
I have been resisting starting any new projects until I am done with the non-knitting parts of the work. I don't think I will be able to hold much longer though. I am feeling quite listless without a solid project that serves as a reason to get through other parts of my day. My knitting is a kind of constant rhythm that helps balance my work, parenting, and creative energy. Anyone with me? 🩷
I managed to reknit the ribbing of a tank top for my daughter during some in-between moments. Some of you might remember it from a while ago. It fits her much better now. :)
How do you take care of yourself during the holiday 'busyness'? Are you knitting something for yourself or a loved one at the moment? Do you turn to knitting as part of your self-care? :)
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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
Some of you might know that Mika Vest Testing call is up on my Ravelry Group. Thank you to those who have signed up already. I am still looking for testers in several sizes. Please check and let me know if you are interested. 🩷
TEST PERIOD: Mon Dec 16 2024 - Mon Feb 10 2025
Anne Vally is kindly offering a discount on her Targhee Worsted yarn for testers of Mika Vest. I have used the same yarn for my sample and absolutely love working with the yarn and how it feels against the skin when worn. It is rounded, soft and gives great stitch definition. 🩷
My Ceremonial Grade Cowl pattern is currently up for testing too. It is a crochet cowl done in 2 colors using DK weight yarn. This is one of the three designs that are part of Bay Area Yarn Crawl 2025. It is beginner friendly and can serve as a fun, quick-to-make gift project. 🩷
Ceremonial Grade Cowl - Testing call is open
TEST PERIOD: Wed Dec 18 2024 - Wed Jan 15 2025
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
It seems like a good time to recycle one of my older pieces about Holidays & Todo lists.
READING UPDATES
Just Finished Reading 📖
The Joy Luck Club - Amy Tan
Currently Reading 📖
Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
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I feel the same about not being able to knit, it makes me restless and grumpy. Knitting helps me with regulating emotions and doing things one stitch at a time instead all at once.
For the holidays, I liked my last year approach: pretend they don't exist and spend a few quiet days with my knitting. This year, though, I want to visit my partner's family, they are lovely people and I don't see them very often. But not without my knitting. Her older sibling also brings usually a pair of socks or a shawl project, so we often sit together on these visits ^^
I"m so completely with you, Kavitha... Crocheting for me is *my* way of self-care. Saying this anywhere else would probably sound ridiculous, but I do feel kind of lost, like there's something missing, if I don't have a crochet project to turn to every day... (I have to get better at taking notes and photos during the process though; it would make the non-crochet part of crochet much easier on me 🙉🙊🙈)