No one panic. But I have to tell you that last night I engaged in an activity that looks a lot like craft.
I know, I was just as shocked as you are. The first thing I know I invite a girlfriend around for some Prosecco and a movie on a Saturday night as Rob was away for the weekend and the next thing I know she whips out some knitting needles and some strange fabric thread thing. I resisted, I drank a glass or two of Prosecco and left them there, sitting. Waiting. I sat around the kitchen table and nattered, kept pouring the drinks, made dinner, got the girls to bed. We moved to the couch, she wanted to watch the Brumbies game to check the score (I know, my eyes rolled too) then I drank another glass and downloaded a movie for us to watch…a bit of Great Gatsby that I STILL hadn’t watched.
The next thing I know she had “cast on” and said here you go, have a crack. And I did. My textiles and design skills from year 7 came flashing back as did the lessons from Grandmother Dot many, many years ago. And then? I WAS KNITTING.
It required quite some attention (I hardly saw the movie at all in between the knitting and kids waking up) and of course keeping my liquids up, what with all that concentration. Then the movie ended, and we kept knitting, kept chatting and then it was 1am. WHAT ON EARTH?
I appeared to have travelled to some parallel universe where I engage in such activities and then into some kind of craft trance, where time no longer mattered.
This morning I woke up and a little while later I was drawn back to the needles. I think I am making a cushion cover, because, well, that makes sense to me. And I think that I am enjoying the process. You somehow lose your thoughts in all that repetitive motions. A calmness(?) overcomes you. And you know what the best bit is? You can’t eat and drink while you are doing it.
Is this what you people have been going on about?
Are you trying to tell me that like those smug exercise bastards that you crafty minx’s are onto something?
Well I never…!
Omg Beth if I laugh any harder I might burst a vessel.
I knew you would like that.
And I’m getting @mrbmunro to make me a mega huge f-off crochet hook too!!
Those needles are gigantic! It’s not wool you’re using is it? Hooray for you – knit one, purl one, drink, repeat………
I know! She was after a big chunky knit. It was called z-something this fabric thread stuff.
Zpagetti
Brilliant! You have come to your senses finally. Keep going!! We expect your first pair if socks by the end of winter. And dishcloths. Lots of dishcloths.
I knit everywhere – yes do it at hockey too!
Knitting at hockey makes sense…keeps you warm!
Beth, wait until you discover crochet!!
Really? OK!!
yes it is very addictive!!!!!!! plus it stops me from eating snacks from the kitchen because I’m too busy knitting 🙂
I seriously don’t know how you do everything you do Corrie! I am going to embrace the knitting this winter I think!
I was just about to say, wait till you discover the joy in a granny square!!!
I have no idea what you are talking about, but I just might have a crack!
How exciting!! I love knitting…until I drop a stitch or make some other mistake…then it gets shoved into the back of the cupboard with the other sewing, crochet and craft projects!! Good luck with your cushion cover…I am knitting an easter bunny for my miss 5…she best not hold her breath!
Good on you! The dropping a stitch business is VERY stressful!!
When I saw the photo on Facebook, I thought that looks a lot like C-R-A-F-T to me, but Beth doesn’t do C-R-A-F-T! Maybe she’s holding someone else’s work, I thought. But no. Way to go Beth! Knit your heart out. I’ve just finished a scarf for a friend. We saw one in a fancy shop in Leura and I said,”I can make that.” So I did. Easy peasy seed stitch and a button hole. Now to put it in the post as a surprise.
http://llibbyslifestyle.blogspot.com.au
When I saw the photo on Facebook, I thought that looks a lot like C-R-A-F-T to me, but Beth doesn’t do C-R-A-F-T! Maybe she’s holding someone else’s work, I thought. But no. Way to go Beth! Knit your heart out. I’ve just finished a scarf for a friend. We saw one in a fancy shop in Leura and I said,”I can make that.” So I did. Easy peasy seed stitch and a button hole. Now to put it in the post as a surprise.
http://llibbyslifestyle.blogspot.com.au
A triumph! I think I am going to tackle a scarf next too. Well done Elizabeth, this really looks great and what a wonderful surprise foe your friend x
I’m thinking of making this too. Easy knitting like your cushion cover.
http://www.pickles.no/puff-daddy-knitted-stool/2011/11/17/puff-daddy.html
http://llibbyslifestyle.blogspot.com.au
Knitting in front of tv is one of life’s joys for someone who can’t sit still for long without an occupation. I have a house full of ufo’s (unfinished objects), as every time I spot a new colour wool or pattern I get started as soon as I can. If you get to the manufacture of small knits stage let me know, I’ll send you some UFO wool! It is all good stuff!
Good on you Lisa…I will let you know!!
Yeah for knitting, it helps me switch off, not that I’m fabulous at it, but it’s good fun. I’m trying my first actual piece of clothing, a cardi for my wee boy, if he ever sleeps long enough for me to finish it anyway! Love the fabric you are knitting with and the colour.
That looks fabulous! Goodness me are they instructions at the back?! Scary! Good luck x
Yes that’s what I’m trying to follow, thankfully my neighbour has a black belt in knitting so she is helping me read them, otherwise it would be a big stripey scarf!
If you fancy trying something that looks amazing but is super easy try this cowl/snood (do people still say snood?!).
http://www.deramores.com/media/deramores/pdf/rico-snood-pattern.pdf
There’s your entry for next years show – our show have a ‘novice’ section.
Oh good idea…I’ll have a look at this years program and see if we have one too.
I knew you would be good at it Beth it just takes the right time to gave a crack imagine in winter by the fire knitting xx
It will come into its own Lisa…can’t wait!
Haha I bet you never thought you’d get to say you stayed up til 1am KNITTING! Ahhh adult-hood 😉
NEVER!!!
I am so, so proud of you, Beth. So proud.
Thank you Greer! You were the first person I thought of…hence the drunk Instagram mentions x
Go you! I started knitting last year in preparation for Saturday sports. I have two sports mad boys and I feel there’s going to be about 15 years of Saturday sports to cover so knitting will keep me sane.
Well done – smart thinking!
Goodness, I am having a little moment here – so proud of you! You know my stance on all things craft, and although I’m not a big knitter (I know how to knit but usually get my prolific knitter mum on the job) I have fully embraced crochet after teaching myself how to do it living on a cattle station in outback Queensland a few years ago. I know what you mean with the rhythm and the tune out, it’s great isn’t it?! Especially now making little teeny bubby things, lots of thoughts woven into the creations on my hook these days. I’m collaborating with my mum at the moment on some toys for my nieces – the bodies need to be knitted and the bits and pieces need to be crocheted so we’ve combined super crafty powers! Go you good thing.
Thanks Emma, I knew you’d like this one!!
I have knitted on and off over the years only to make a scarf or two. I would really like to get on the crochet band wagon to make a few of those fabulous blankies. Go you and keep up the CRAFTY excellence.
Thanks Vicki!
I have no words. Except can you pls make me one too. x
Indeed I will…think of the opportunities…MAKING YOUR OWN CUSHIONS!!
I enjoy knitting, but I heart crochet the most. It’s much faster and easier (to me) and I feel like I can do fancier things with it. I’m terrified I’ll drop a stitch in knitting and I don’t know what to do when that happens, so I find it rather stressful, haha. Having said that, my knitted cushion cover pattern is almost the most popular post on my blog. Who knew?!
I know! Not me, that’s for sure!
Oh also, did you see the massive crochet hook my mate made? Check out @mrbmunro on Instagram…if you want one I will get him to make you one x
ERMAGHERD, YERS PLERS!
I too have succumbed to the lure of needles. And knitting with Zpaghetti, like you are, is quite cathartic! I am in the middle of my second pouffe since the first one was such a hit. Hooray I say!
Well done!
I will NEVER succumb to knitting. My tension always gets too tight. Is that even the right term? I don’t know. I envy crafty people and am in AWE of their creativity and talent. But it is not for me. I know I’d throw my knitting/crochet/whatever else needles up in the air and stomp off like a cranky child when it all went pear shaped. So I will just admire from afar.
Tension being tight sounds right to me…I know what you mean! You stomp off…I imagine I won’t be far behind you!
I frequently have to watch a TV show twice as I am too busy looking for dropped stitches and counting rows. But it is oddly addictive isnt it 🙂 x
Haha I have just found your blog and am loving it. I live in the Southern Highlands and wish to make it my forever home. Haven’t met anyone here yet.
When I moved down here I was cold and my friend convinced me to start KNITTING. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought I would knit!!!! It is amazingly calming. Look forward to following your blog.