Showing posts with label knitting pattern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knitting pattern. Show all posts

Sunday, March 09, 2014

Why do I knit, crochet, sew, embroider?


Despite all my great resolutions, I haven't posted for over a year. It has been a very eventful time for our family, with many difficult challenges. Although I haven't posted, I have continued with my fiber crafts. I wanted to share some of the reasons I spend my time in these pursuits.

Ribbed Bed Socks
Haruni lace shawl
I tend to give away most of my knitted and crocheted items. When I complete a project, it gives me a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

I hope that the item will be a source of comfort or even joy to the recipient, whether it is a plain pair of ribbed bed socks for my grandson, or a delicate lace shawl for a sister-in-law.

Having several "take along" projects with me
whenever I leave home is essential. (I need more than one in case I run into problems) These are usually fairly simple, even mindless knit or crochet projects. There are so many times and places where my handcraft stops me getting impatient - waiting for appointments, being a passenger in the car, long plane trips.

My "take alongs" are helpful in keeping my mind and hands occupied under stressful conditions. Again, I usually can't cope with anything complex when I am anxious. 
My design knit baby cardi and hat
  
I enjoy variety in my hand crafts, but the last few years, my sewing is mostly utilitarian. I make curtains, sheets, blankets and flags for the centre - metres and metres of straight sewing. However, it save a lot of money compared with buying ready made. I also mend and alter clothing, which again saves money.

Sue Box machine embroidery baby wrap
My main creative sewing is making machine embroidered baby wraps. I intend to spend more time with my machine this year.

With fiber crafts, there is so much to learn, and so many avenues to explore. I rarely knit, crochet or sew exactly according to the pattern. Sometimes this leads to disaster, but fiber is forgiving, and most projects can be salvaged, after they have spent enough time in the dark cupboard, out of sight.
My design, crochet baby cardi
One day, I mean to write up my original patterns. Meanwhile, I enjoy being creative.
My design, knit baby dress