Knitting is the best therapy

Hello knitters.

Gah-lee, it feels good to be blogging again! I have been busy knitting socks and other fun things. My son plays hockey and he wanted a team hat. I decided to knit him a small hat in his team colors.

 

I cast on 80 stitches and ribbed for about 4 inches. Followed by another 4 inches of just knitting. Then I reduced stitches until it was small enough to close the top. I used acrylic yarn, Caron one pound yarn. With the mud all over the place from the melting snow, acrylic yarn would be the easiest for washing. Plus, I have a lot of left overs for a pair of hockey socks for next year! My son says it is the warmest hat he has. <3  

I have always loved the helix sock pattern. However, whenever I have made this pattern I have done the adjusted version by Neuroknitter for size 1 needles.  A friend gifted me this sock yarn by OnTheRound signature sock yarn. It is a heavier yarn and I was able to use size three needles which worked perfect for the original helix pattern.

 My son is turning 7 in a month. If you have read some of my past posts, he loves hand knit socks. I was knitting a pair of socks for a friends birthday and he asked if I would knit him a pair for his birthday. I said we will see. Of course I had already started a pair and I have been keeping it a secret.

 When he was sleeping, I put the sock on his foot and it is way too small. I will have to take the toe out and add some length to the foot. Whew, good thing I checked.

 My knitting audience. I love these guys and they love to cuddle!

 I started a pair of striped socks for myself. I love this yarn (I left the label on my dresser so I have no idea what brand or colorway they are.) I started knitting continental style about 6 months ago. I really enjoy this way and I knit in a more rhythmic way. My gauge is quite a bit tighter now and I have had to adjust my patterns accordingly.

I love this picture. On Valentine's Day, someone posted this by the elevators. What a way to show love for all! I took a heart and placed it on my office door. I smile every time I see it.
Have a great one knitters!

It is okay.

Three simple words. It is okay.

As a parent, we teach our kids the basic tools for life. How to tie shoes, balance a checkbook, drive a car, bake a cake, etc... However, without even knowing it, we teach them how to endure. We tell them constantly, it will be okay. You will get through this. I know when my son use to get a small cut, he would scream and cry. Now, after countless times repeating it is going to be okay, he just shakes minor cuts off. I am sure someday the same thing will happen with is first love and many other experiences. 

My childhood was a bit unusual. I have eluded to the fact, I was not a "happy" kid growing up and I never felt a sense of belonging. I also never felt a sense of reassurance. I do not remember ever crying in my parents arms with them comforting me. They had their limits. It just was not part of their nurturing. Therefore, I am here as a grown adult craving those words.

For example, years ago, we found ourselves with a very sick dog. This dog is an important part of our family. I was so scared we were losing him. I remember a dear friend told me, "it will be okay". I interpreted that as her having a crystal ball, or algorithm that predicted the future. She knew my dog would survive. In reality it meant, no matter what happens, life will go on. When I discovered what people meant, it was an epiphany. People will help me through the bad times and we will endure. The feeling of hope, security and comfort flooded my mind.

As an adult, I find myself searching for this reassurance that I can in fact endure what life throws at me. I do not have the baseline developed from childhood. How do I fix that? Well, I believe it is simply to find the power within. Tell myself, it will be okay when I worry. The overwhelming sensation is amazing. Taking a deep breath and realizing endurance is there if we chose it.

As for the past few years, I have noticed I am a very needy friend. I believe this all ties into the same issues. I have taught myself to trust my own instincts instead of asking for others advice. I have also found comfort from writing and thinking about situations. I hope in the future I can be an even better friend and not so needy!

Hope all is well.