Knitting again. Finally!

It's funny.  For the past few months I've been looking for ways to help manage the impact that increased stress has wrought in my life. I won't bore you with the litany of issues I'm dealing with because everybody has their time in the pit.  But I will say that I thought I could deal with stress better than I have and on top of everything, I've gone back to work again, full time.  I've gained at least 10 pounds since the beginning of the year and some days I feel like I'm 20 feet underwater with no scuba gear.

With the weight gain, (a lifelong battle), I considered joining a gym, taking a Zumba class, yoga and meditation.  None of these options are bad choices, but I suddenly realized that my weight gain not only coincided with the stresses, but also with my lacking of knitting.  I've been looking for someway to manage my anxieties and I had the way all along.  I've always called knitting my meditation and I guess I couldn't see the forest for the trees.  So I'm knitting again.  I haven't lost  any weight yet but I do feel a lot more relaxed and I certainly am more productive.  Look at the photos below.  Both completed in the last two weeks. 

As for blogging, I am really impressed with those who are so consistent with their posts.  I was beginning to feel bad about not blogging when I took some time to check out some of my favorites and also linked to some of theirs.  What did I notice?  That I'm not unique.  So many of the bloggers I like to read, have also taken a hiatus from blogging or at the very least have increased the time between posts.  Also most of the up-to-date bogs belong to those who have their sites for commercial purposes.  This is not true of everyone but those selling pattens or other items are the ones mostly likely to be current; as well they should be.

Enough talk - I have been knitting.  First there's this lovely sweater made for our newest grandchild, Madison, who is now 6 months old.  The blanket I finished earlier this year was for her too but unfortunately, I made some mistakes and there is a fairly large hole in the center of the blanket.  I was determined that I would finish this sweater with no errors and it turned out pretty well. 

Pattern:  Cable and Lace Wrap Cardigan from Baby Knits by Lois Daykin

Yarn: RYCashsoft Baby DK

Needles: Sizes 3 and 6

This was a fun knit.  Just enough lace to keep it interesting but not so much that it became annoying.

My next project was a sweater for our grandson Brandon, who turned 3 last month.  I've been wanting to make this one for sometime and it's the perfect time of the year so that he can wear it right away.  The knitting on this one was done in less than a week, mostly during training for my new job.  It could have been a boring task but it went so quickly, I didn't have time to get bored. 

My photography skills leave a lot to be desired but I love the little pockets. 

Pattern: Stocking Stitch Sweater - Debbie Bliss, Easy Knits

Yarn: Elann's Peruvian Sierra Aran

Needles: Size 8

I can't wait to see both of them in their new sweaters.  I hope they like them.

Here's Brandon modeling another FO made during my two weeks of training.  My daughter recently cut her hair, and asked me to make a hat for her since she won't have hair to keep her warm this winter.  The hat was my introduction to entrelac.  I have to admit that I probably made four hats since I kept getting to the end only to realize that I'd done something wrong.  It's not perfect but it's not so bad either.  My daughter likes it and I guess that's all that counts.

Pattern:  Ella - Hip Knits Hats

Yarn:   Baby Alpaca Grande

Needles: Size 10.5 circulars

Lastly I working on my Red Scarf Project scarf for this year.  For those of you unfamiliar with the Red Scarf Project, please take the time to link to the information and seriously consider getting involved or sending a donation.

This post is entirely too long but who knows when I'll post again, so I have to get it all in.              

Comments

[cici]

waving:::: hello over there. I know exactly what you mean. I can so relate. I haven't been as consistent as I would like either and now I know that, that is OK!. I for one have missed you. You write so well. I am trying to do nablpomo, but I ain't promising nada! The sweaters are absolutely gorgeous and girl I think the photos look quite professional. Lastly about the weight thing, who doesn't have this problem. It's a constant struggle for me as well. I am learning to relax with it and love the body I'm in♥