Resuming after a pause

Some reflections, CraftDoodling Designs News, etc.

I am back after a small break visiting friends and extended family back home. There was a lot of catching up, good conversations, delicious food, and shopping. Some wonderful memories were made, and I feel refreshed. 💖

But I’m also glad to return to my routines. After a break, even routine feels like a privilege; familiar things seem like a luxury. There's an unmistakable sense of gratitude, and I silently vow not to take any of it for granted.

RESUMING AFTER A PAUSE

That said, I often struggle to resume a regular activity after a pause. I found myself postponing the moment of writing this weekly letter, 📰 fearing the words wouldn’t come easily.

But they did. I admit I fumbled a bit at first, but eventually, the words flowed.

There is some awkwardness, hesitation, and even reluctance in resuming things we've paused. It often feels easier to quit altogether. Sometimes I’ve pushed myself for too long out of fear of having to start again. I mentioned one such instance earlier in this post.

PAUSES ARE NOT OPTIONAL

It took me a long time to realize that pauses are necessary, both in our creative lives and beyond.

Nothing can remain in constant motion or grow indefinitely. Pauses provide the time and space for rejuvenation and renewal.

What we see as some of the highest creative achievements are often just the tip of the iceberg. When we take a closer look at the processes and journeys of those creators, 🧑🏻‍🎨 something becomes obvious:

• Growth is more important than specific results. 📈

• Consistency is required to experience recognizable growth.

• Surprisingly, breaks and pauses are key to cultivating that consistency.

A PAUSING STRATEGY THAT HELPS IN MY KNITTING

In my knitting projects, 🧶 I’ve found that taking breaks within a project serves me better than leaving too much time between projects. More often than not, I prepare for my next project while still working on the current one.

I’ve written about this in a previous post.

Now it’s your turn. Tell me how taking breaks has helped you. What lessons would you like to pass on to others? 💝

---

CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES

1. Almas Mitts is currently getting tech edited. I hope to be able to put it out for testing soon. 🤞

   

   Almas Mitts - Design in progress

2. Unfortunately, I am not able to get Fluens Tee out for testing at the time I had promised earlier. I will have some updates for you soon.

   

3. I knit this camisole for my daughter using Little Skein’s Targhee Sock. The color and softness of the yarn has been much appreciated. However I will be re-knitting the bottom ribbing for a slightly better fit. 😊 If you haven’t tried it yet, Targhee is incredible for wearing next-to-skin.

   

4. There are some spots left on the upcoming shadow wrap short row heel class this month, if you are interested. ♥️ Filloy Yarn website.

5. If you haven’t already, please check the workshop line up for the upcoming ♥️ Lambtown Festival. Those are filling out quickly.

---

OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE

Reading Updates

1. Just finished Reading 📖

   1. Gods of Jade and Shadow  - Silvia Moreno-Garcia

   2. There's no such thing as an easy job - Kikuko Tsumura

   3. Swamp Story - Dave Barry

   4. The Four Winds - Kristin Hannah

2. Currently Reading 📖

   1. The Marlow Murder Club - Robert Thorogood

   2. The nightingale - Kristin Hannah

Until next time,

Kavitha. ♡

---

Currently, this newsletter is free to subscribe. If you like my work, please consider these other ways to support:

• Click the ❤️ at the bottom of this post. If you are reading from your email inbox, this will open substack in web browser. Please allow it to open and make sure you see the red heart. 

• Share your thoughts in comments. I am here for the conversations. I hope you are too!

• Introduce this newsletter to a friend!

• Buy my patterns. I hope you find something you like.

  https://www.ravelry.com/designers/kavitha-raman

I accept any of these with immense gratitude. Thank you!