The Crafting Journey (Part I)

Last week, my husband came home from work and said there was a bag at our door. He brought it in, and to my surprise, it was a bag of yarn! I looked for a note, and it said "I hope you can use this for your knitting." It was from a lady at my church who happens to live in my neighborhood. She is a crocheter, and the yarn was too fine for her to use (she makes chunky blankets). Anyway, I have lots of stuff on my needles, but I am more than happy to have been the recipient of the yarn. I have now been looking for patterns to make with my new stash.

I finally finished the multicolored shawl that I mentioned last week. I wasn't sure how it would look when finished because it is varigated but it doesn't look too bad, so trust the process. Believe it or not, I actually weaved in the ends as soon as I finished! I learned how to do it properly and now I don't mind weaving in the ends. I know it is every knitter's nightmare, but it is not so bad- it is easier than seaming! (I don't make very many projects that require seaming because I am really bad at it!)

There is also an emotional part of knitting, at least for me. I find that knitting helps me to regulate my emotions and it keeps anxiety at bay. It is true that "in the rhythm of the needles there is music for the soul." I knit when I am happy, sad, angry, or depressed. It heals me on a deeper level than just the immediate gratification of creating something. It thrills my soul that I can create something as a gift for a friend or family member, but knowing that some of the things I make can bless others, that is truly a gift to me. 

Next weekend, I am attending a bridal shower. I made some hanging dishtowels and a matching dishcloth as a gift. I just love that I am able to do that. 

Years ago, Hallmark had a slogan and it said "so I am giving you this Hallmark, and I hope that you will see, that what I am really giving you is a part of me!" That obviously struck a chord with me (I ALWAYS give Hallmark) but the part that says "what I am really giving you is a part of me" is how I feel about giving and gifting the things I have made- I am giving a part of me, and believe me, for all the frustration and frogging, there is love in every stitch.

I hope you have an amazing week. Happy Crafting.

Melanie

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