Thursday, January 12, 2012

I don’t know why I find knitting more relaxing than any of my other crafts. With cross-stitch I am always eager to get just one more section done so I can see the how it looks. With cross-stitch I’m counting each stitch off against my pattern so if my mind wanders I’m likely to make mistakes.

When I’m quilting, although I’m anxious to see how a block will turn out, I’m nervous that points won’t match up or I’ll put something together backwards. I’m new to quilting of course but I don’t believe that feeling will go away entirely no matter how many quilts I make.

But knitting is different. I’m still following a pattern and, for the most part, there is no wonderment at how the pattern will look. I get a pretty clear idea from the pattern I’m following. When I’m knitting my mind wanders and I can dream up all sorts of ideas and plans – the majority of which go on a list somewhere and may someday be completed. Perhaps it is the warmth that I feel when I’m covered by the knitting project. I particularly noticed that today while knitting a new afghan and sitting beside the windows in the living room.

I’m disappointed I didn’t get a better response to my Pay it Forward challenge on Facebook so I’m opening it up to my Journal readers. Here’s the deal. Send me an email and tell me you want in. For the first two people (I already have three responses) I will make you something in 2012. The only stipulation is that you have to do the same for five other people. You can choose your five at random or figure out a way to get them on your list. The gift can be as simple or as complicated as you want – a cup of coffee or tea made for a friend can be one of the best gifts ever.

I have no clue what my gift to “my people” will be. The gift may be different for each person. I promise that I’ll be thinking of each of you as I complete the challenge. Does anyone want to sign up?