As expected, a week is all I can stay away from Ginny‘s Yarn Along blog party. This post will be about 2 of my favorite past times: knitting and reading. Pardon the poor picture, I took it at night.
As for knitting, it’s been on my mind more than I’d like to admit. The Buttercup soaker pattern is finished, and is merely awaiting editing before I hand it over to the testers. I have no idea why this editing isn’t done yet. I’ve literally set aside evenings to do this editing, and I’ve spent my time procrastinating. I have no idea why this step is so hard for me. It’s not the editing that’s hard, it’s the handing off of a pattern to another human being and leaving myself open to hear their opinion on it. It’s terrifying, I tell you. When my editing is done, I have nothing left standing in my way to email it off to them. Fortunately, the testers are all being patient and sweet with me.
The same story goes with the Dirk sweater. That one is written and edited, but needing a bit of size grading done, and I was planning on doing that after the Buttercup soaker. I am determined to get those 2 non-knitting but all about knitting projects done this week. I need some sort of accountability partner in this, and not my mother. (No offense, Mom.)
So what have I been doing when I’m procrastinating? Well, that’s what you see in the picture above. I’ve finally got the top portion of my own Serina Cardigan down to the armholes finished, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I’ve learned that I’m wingin’ it a bit too much, and I need to go back to the graphing paper and calculator and get it perfect. So I did, and it is perfect. I’m so excited not to be ripping out this work because it feels that’s all I’ve been doing lately. My next project will definitely have to be from an already written pattern, otherwise I may burn out in this designing thing. (P.S. the yarn is Madelintosh Tosh Sock in ginger. I’ve been looking forward to this project and this yarn for months. It is seriously as delicious a yarn as everyone says it is!)
I have these picked out for my next “quick” project to reward me for finishing all my pattern writing. I think I may cast on when the 2 projects I’ve been procrastinating with are done. I’ve got some chocolate brown wool I’m going to use. They’ll be my chocolate bunny slippers and my very first felted project. I’m slightly nervous about that felted part. However, I’ve felted sweaters before by accident, so it can’t be that hard if it can be done accidentally.
As for reading, all I really have been able to manage is some Bible reading. I’ve been skipping around the gospels. It’s been awhile since I’ve gone through the words in red. Daily devotions are not as common for me as I wish they were. I used to be in a Bible study with other women at my church during the day but decided that I cannot fit that in with homeschooling. I used to rely on that for my daily study, and feel a bit on my own. I’m feeling a little dry for some depth, and too exhausted to dig. Sigh.
I can’t throw in the towel, of course, so I thought that just because I can’t do a deep study, maybe I can just read something every day. I haven’t picked a book or area, or chapter. I know I should, but lately it’s considered a good day if I just get it in my hands and read something that looks interesting in the gospels. Even then, I find my brain wandering, or completely glazed over. Maybe I should pick up a Bible study guide to help me dig even if it’s on my own. I don’t want to read what someone says about the Bible, I actually want to dig in the Word, but maybe I’d be getting more out of it with a book to focus me. Hmm…I just thought of that while I’m writing. I think that may be a good idea.
Rachel Proffitt says
November 16, 2011 at 5:17 amOh that Madelintosh yarn is absolutely gorgeous!
Maybe you can hand off your design in small bites… one person at a time so as to make it easier to take 🙂
little macaroon. says
November 16, 2011 at 6:22 amMadeleinetosh is just about the most popular and yearned about yarn the world over! And every project made in it looks stunning. I’m so grouchy that I don’t have a shop that sells it here, so I can’t have a feel of it and choose my fave colours (internet yarn shopping just isn’t the same!)… London better watch out, I’m coming soon to gobble all the Madeleinetosh!!!
Well done all that work you’ve achieved with your designs. It will all be worth it!
Obaitori Spiritual Mothering says
November 16, 2011 at 9:00 amBeautiful yarn, beautiful stitches. All you need to remember about The Bible is it’s essence, which you know; and that is love. Great, honest post, thank you kindly, Katie x
Ellen says
November 16, 2011 at 12:51 pmLove the color of the yarn! So warm. And those bunny slippers are so sweet. I’m hoping to begin a few pairs of felted slippers using the Duffers pattern. We’ll see.
As for reading…you’ve picked the best book to read. If that’s the only thing you’re able to fit in, that’s okay! 🙂 I know it’s difficult to do daily Bible reading at times (I’m in a dry spell right now too), but God is faithful. Keeping a steady pace (even without digging deeper each time) is probably most important (I’m reminding myself of this too.) There will be times for deeper reflection and contemplation of His word. Maybe just reading a short passage or a few verses and remembering it throughout the day would help. Little by little is better than nothing at all.
J and K Smith says
November 16, 2011 at 2:11 pmI too have struggled with jumping into the Word when I have been out of the habit. It just seems difficult to dig in to the depth that I would like. I have found that listening to sermons online (Mark Driscoll out of Mars Hill) while I do somethings else (knit, dishes, fold laundry) teaches me at a deeper level. I then am excited to dig into the word on my own and often have questions to follow up on. I sometimes let the kids listen too. Kelten has asked some really amazing questions about what he has heard and that is a lot of fun. 🙂 I have found that getting up early (ugg) to spend time with God or sacrificing my “me time” while the kids nap has been well worth it. It was never something I accomplished with an infant though. 🙂
Gigi says
November 16, 2011 at 2:41 pmI just started a project with MT too. Isn’t it the most wonderful yarn?! Your cardigan is going to be gorgeous!
cpcable says
November 16, 2011 at 3:23 pmSuch beautiful, rich color. Can’t wait to see the finished cardigan!
Mom says
November 16, 2011 at 5:39 pmHa! You know me too well! I LOVE to step in and hold people accountable, so thanks for restraining me. :0 Instead, I will share with you the message we heard in Chapel this morning about the Laminin protein in our bodies that acts as a cell adhesive and helps keep our bodies knit together. If you haven’t seen a picture of it, google it. Then read Colossians 1: 16-17. Another reason to thank the Lord. He is sovereign and in control.
Mom says
November 16, 2011 at 5:48 pmBeautiful yarn, by the way, rich and elegant! Also, remember what Grandma always says, “Slow and steady wins the race!” Love you Gretch. Have a wonderful day!
Becks says
November 16, 2011 at 7:39 pmThat yarn is beautful, and yes, definitely GINGER. So much so it could almost make your mouth water.
(lia) says
November 16, 2011 at 8:22 pmOooo! I love that colorway!
Tirza says
November 16, 2011 at 10:02 pmVery nice! Love your blog too and your children’s names. Are you or your husband Danish? I grew up in Denmark and those are very Danish names.