Our Domicile

I’ve always categorized knitting as yet another hobby that I simply do not have time to partake in. With a serious stash of unsewn fabric already languishing on the shelves, I’ve actually seen my resistance to take up knitting as a kind of virtue, knowing full well that it will likely only lead to more unfinished projects and yarn stashes. I’ve also always been a bit concerned about flaring up repetitive strain injuries that my work life puts me at risk of.

But.

Since entering my new life with babe, and the arrival of two fabulous knitting stores in my midst (one in my neighbourhood and the other owned by a friend and full of inspiring organic yarny delights), I’m done with resisting. The final push towards knitting is coming as I’m finally getting moments of independence and respite as little Miss L is better as amusing herself for small stretches and naps (somewhat) more regularly. Add that to a new going to bed ritual that involves Martin more than me, and I’m finding myself with moments snatched here and there that I’m aching to fill with some kind of project. While, I could in theory sew in these moments, the set up of the sewing room (in the basement) and the kinds of projects I like to take on, I really need stretches of time that are not yet abundant in my life. But, knitting. Well knitting (or so I fantasize) can happen while she plays on the floor in the livingroom, or in the 45 minutes or so of energy I have once the baby is in bed and the adults are fed.

And so, I have begun. In my dream world I was going to take an intro class. But, life isn’t quite predictable enough for me to sign-up for and commit to a class yet. So, last night, with some yarn I’ve had on the dresser for a few weeks now and a pattern I’m aspiring to follow in hand, I set down with the internet, youtube videos of the incomparable knitting goddess Vickie Howell, and taught myself to cast on. And, after five or six attempts and redos I think I’ve got that part down. (It did require one phone call to a dear friend in Portland to get some guidance to help me reduce my tension). Now I’m working on trying to knit up a gauge square, which is… well with a bit more googling and youtube, not doing too badly? I think? We’ll see.

The whole knitting up a sample square thing seems to be akin to the “sew a muslin first” of sewing. One of those slow and steady wins the race things, where it’s worth investing the time up-front but I must admit I’m itching to get to the real goods. I’m also, of course, itching to move beyond my initially selected project to something more challenging/exciting. Like this awesome totoro hat (!) or this gorgeous little knit dress kit for wee girls at Plum Studio.

But, for now. I’ll stick to my square. Which is so far, not measuring up as it were. But I’m just going to keep going and get the hang of things. Tomorrow I’m hoping to attend a friends crafting gathering and hopefully can get some tips there to help me make some more progress.