New Hobby!

I’ve been learning to knit and it has been so much fun! I only know one stitch and so far this scarf is the biggest project to date.

I started off making swatches and coasters to get the hang of holding the needles, something I still struggle with. But there’s nothing like getting in a groove and just knitting the same stitch over and over…so satisfying.

It has been such a welcomed change to use my hands in a different way. I am used to sitting at a computer, typing and holding a mouse for eight hours a day or even when I’m sewing or painting traditionally or digitally my hands are using different mechanics.

Knitting has definitely made me think of a more ergonomic way to knit for long periods of time because I did have some moments where I didn’t think I could hold my arms up any longer. In those moments I do realize I should have taken a break but I was too excited to stop sometimes. After working in an office for over 15 years and burning out my hands I am always thinking of ways to reduce stress and pain to my joints. Especially my hands! I still need to do more research on that though. More breaks is the solution for now.

I must have been in such a bright mood when I picked the colors of the yarn because normally I go for grays, blacks or olive greens. I picked cotton yarn because it is the least likely to make me itch which was a problem for me in the past with other yarns when I learned to crochet. All the colors together remind me of a salmon salad with tomatoes, pickled red and onions and avocado. Doesn’t that sound so good?😆

There are definitely things I would change, for instance learning to make neater edges. I also wish I would have figured out sooner how to add a new color before the yarn runs out so that I didn’t have to stitch each panel together. But overall, I love it! I still have to hand wash it but, I can’t wait to wear it this winter.