Knitting is magic. Witchcraft. I’ve been knitting for a few years. I’m not good. I’m crazy slow. However, I keep picking back up my needles. I also try to surround myself with those who know what the hell they are doing and can help me.
I just started a new pattern. It is a shawl that is pretty fancy pants by my standards. The pattern says it is for an advanced beginner. I feel that. The beginning of this project was rocky. I started it about 10 times before I realized what I was doing wrong. That’s knitting. I kept going.
Once I figured out my mistake, I gained ground fast. I followed the pattern. After about an hour of knitting, a design began to appear. I was amazed. I was doing it. It was beautiful. Who comes up with this stuff!? Witches.
The yarn I picked was gorgeous and so was the pattern. I was actually doing it right! It’s a miracle. Now, all this being said, I may totally fuck up the next row, but here we are. I’m trying.
Knitting is yoga for the mind. I have a mind on a constant hamster wheel. Knitting helps—when I can focus. Today I was in the zone. I felt myself relax as I knitted. I wasn’t worrying. I was just focused on the pattern and the audiobook in my head.
Shawls are brutal. I’m more of a hat and/or cowl person. I like the instant-ish gratification. Shawls are not that. They start fine, but they grow and the rows get long. Really long. They take forever. The possibility of a mistake increases with time and every stitch. It is very daunting.
Back to the yarn. I’m digging the yarn I’m using. That helps. Most knitters will tell you they often get bored with the project. I’m guilty of putting a project in time out. Shawls are the worst. I have a shawl that has been in time out for two years. I swear to God, I just can’t look at it again…yet. Maybe one day. It is a shame. It is a really lovely piece.
I hope that is not the case with this shawl. I like the pattern a lot. Assuming I don’t fuck it up. I could totally fuck it up. I’m like two hours in on many, many hours. Knitting is a long game for me. This particular pattern is going to be a real challenge. I even learned a new stitch for it.
Not only does knitting help me slow down my racing mind, but it is also an opportunity for me to listen to audiobooks. While working on this shawl I finished a climb on Mt. Everest in 1996. This was one of the deadliest seasons in Everest history. From Everest, I jumped back on the Pacific Crest Trail to try to break a hiking record. I do love a knitting adventure! I also love romance and mystery whilst knitting. Knitting is good for any genre.
I’m merely a muggle (who wishes they could knit like Mrs. Weasley) at heart, but with my yarn and two magic wands—my knitting needles—I can create magic. I don’t know who came up with knitting. I’m willing to bet it was an anxious person just trying to distract themselves from the voices in their head. I thank them.
Side Note: I just started knitting my first sweater. It actually has armholes! Yay me! I never thought I would live to see the day. People, if I can create an actual wearable sweater, you can do anything!
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
