Knitting doesn't do it for me anymore.
Gasp!
I know. It really sucks, and I hate it. But there's part of me that is just not into it anymore, the old passion isn't there. In the past year I don't think I've really learned anything more about knitting. I still love yarn, and woolly goodness and the act of making things, but the pointy sticks are less irresistible to me now.
I know that one can never learn everything in a particular field. But where I am right now, I feel as though I've learned what I want about knitting. Every new technique was attacked! Lace, mosaic, felting, colorwork, intarsia, entrelac, socks, mittens, sweaters, hats and scarves. There are tons of things that I haven't done, like knit a sweater in pieces and sew it up (eeek!) that I don't want to do.
I've been trying to work through what this means to me as a person. For years I've thought of myself as a Knitter with a capital K. It's been a large part of my identity. I take pride in the creative process and being part of a long line of knitters.
I don't really want you to call me the "C" word, but it has become more tempting to me lately. Crochet. About a year ago I took a crochet class, and although it was a two hour balls to the wall "Learn to Crochet NOW!" experience, I've had a really great time casually playing around with the stitches and experimenting with the craft.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trading in the needles for a hook. All I'm saying is that I have a wandering eye right now, and it feels good to look.
Pattern: Granny Bunting (Rav Link)
Yarn: Cascade 220 (the purple is from my stash)
Hook: 3.5 mm
I had so much fun making this silly little bunting. I really love the act of learning, of figuring out how to make a stitch, or turn at the end of a row. I love feeling a challenge, even though this is an entry level project.
I'm really happy where I am with my creative journey. It's been a long time since I've felt that spark, that adventurous "I need to make that now feeling". Hopefully, all I need is a short break from the needles, and it will give me the motivation that I need to be inspired by Knitting once again.
Aw, that's ok. I know what you mean. I love to learn new skills, although I haven't ventured as far as you. I think I love the finished product the most. I haven't had as much time to devote to knitting lately and am feeling like I'm not accomplishing anything!
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a break from their favorite past time. BTW your blog is super adorable in a good way. I love reading it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on outing yourself as a bi-craftual! I'll try not to be judgemental and state 'she's just enjoying the experimental phase'. XD
ReplyDeleteMaybe eventually, you'll feel a knitting passion again. But really, it's so awesome that you stray a little. There's so much to learn, and it's easy to get passionate about other things! No harm in it at all!
ReplyDeleteWe all deserve to have something that makes us passionate - sounds like you are on the road to your new challenge
ReplyDeleteCrochet is almost as fun as knitting :-) I do both. No, seriously, it is good to have something to change with. Sometimes I like to knit, sometimes I like to crochet, and all the time I like to use my camera. That's the way to never get fed up.
ReplyDeleteKate,
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad for not wanting to knit. Crocheting is awesome. I enjoy it just as much as knitting, if not more. I started into the fiber world with crochet, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. It's always a good thing to branch out and try new things, just remember that :)
Good for you for coming clean, crochet on, sister!
ReplyDeleteCrochet is fab too. I thought for a second you were going to give up the yarn for good! *shock* Love the bunting.
ReplyDeleteThe thrill of the possiblities is a great reason to try something new creatively.
ReplyDeleteBrave of you to admit that the knitting isn't doing it for you any more. You might come back to it one day though, knitting is patient - it will still be there won't it?
Your bunting made my heart race a little. So cute!
Trying a new craft is a great way to inspire some creative mojo. And knitting will always be waiting for you if you feel the urge to pick up the needles. There are some crocheted afghans I'd love to learn to make, myself... One day!
ReplyDeleteI fall in and out of love with knitting with regularity. I think it was such a torrid romance at the beginning, with something always on the needles, that I got a little burnt out. Now that I'm older and wiser, I select my projects a little more carefully and expand my abilities.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, love the bunting! It is adorable! I am totally putting it on my list of things to make for a friend's baby shower! After the event, they can hang it in the baby's room.