Did I stay aware?
Let's see how I got on without multitasking.
INSIDE: the results of my experiment, wrapping and turning, the light-filled Woolarium + the beauty of rain and a unique flower.
Last week, I discussed multitasking when crafting, and how I realized I’m not present with my knitting when listening to an audiobook or podcast.
Last week’s poll had some interesting statistics.
One option I forgot was ‘all the above.’ Some of you knit and do everything mentioned above! Thanks to
and for telling me!I appreciate your comments on how you incorporate awareness in your crafting. I learn so much from you all and my cup is full when I hear from my readers!
Substack’s greatest aspect is the considerate and heartfelt writing I read. It’s inspiring and encourages me to share insights from my experiences.
There’s vulnerability, which to me means people feel “seen and heard” and safe on this platform to express this.
There are essays I’ve read recently that’ve brought me to tears. I’m in awe of people telling their stories with eloquence and grace.
So back to testing being present with my knitting.
It was hard! Harder than I imagined. Not listening to an audiobook in my knitting breaks felt strange and I missed it!
As I suspected, I found it difficult to let go of some thoughts. My mind is still in mindfulness ‘training’ when trying to let thoughts pass without judgement.
I tried out counting my stitches in each repeat. My mind immediately went to other times in my life when counting has been a big part of the experience.
When I used to competitively swim, I’d count each lap during my training sessions in the pool.
During the labor of my first child, I counted the whole time, jumping wildly from one number to another when in the middle of a contraction!
The act of counting my breaths in and out up to 10 and starting again when I meditate, helps my mind find ease and calm.
My experiment also coincided with my hold at the library on The Last Devil To Die by Richard Osman (Book 4 in the Thursday Murder Club) being available!
I’d waited a long time for that!
I stayed strong as I was committed to finishing out the week with not listening to anything as I knitted.
I’ve completed 7 days of this test and in the last day in particular, my mind was quieter and it was easier to let thoughts come and go while I knit.
It took all the days prior, just knitting and not doing anything else to strengthen my awareness and be present.
Am I going to continue this practice if awareness and only knit? No! I thoroughly enjoy listening to audiobooks and getting to knit at the same time is joyful.
This week’s experience proves to me with effort and time I can train my ‘monkey mind’ to reach a state of calm and ease.
For now, practicing awareness will remain in my daily meditations.
I’m excited to get back into knitting and listening to The Last Devil To Die!
And another question for you: What’s the longest time you’ve spent crafting? What project was so engaging that you couldn't stop?
I’m not quite where I was hoping to be with the Flow Tee. I’ve completed the Cable Yoke section but wanted to have the short rows at the back done by now.
I watched the video suggested for the Wrap & Turn short rows included in the pattern but I’m yet to practice this technique.
It uses a method that’s the least visible on the Reverse Stockinette stitch.
I’ve read the section for the short rows many times but visualising it is very different to doing the knitting! It’ll be a steep learning curve but I’m ready! 😊
Here’s a little bit of history for you…
My Mum gifted me a family heirloom. She tells me this is an ‘antique fob watch holder’, and it’s made with crocheted lace.
It’s discolored with age. When I pull back the “petals” at the bottom, the parts which have not been exposed to light are still white.
Look at all the fine details! I can’t imagine how long it must have taken, and the skill required. And the crochet hook must have been tiny!
My Mum also says they must have used it to hang on the side of their bed so they could look at the time in the middle of the night or after waking up.
I’ve tried researching its history but I haven’t turned anything up so far! If you know something about this, please reply to this email or leave a comment.
I’d love to hear your knowledge, as it’s always fascinating to learn about our crafter ancestors.
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A trip down memory lane…
Woolarium is a gorgeous yarn store in Northcote, Melbourne.
In September last year, I took the tram out from the city which I love when I’m in Melbourne. Riding public transport when on vacation is lovely!
It’s a light-filled store with a big front shop window and white wall shelving full of gorgeous yarns.
I enjoy my conversations with talented staff at yarn shops. They've always got something interesting to share.
I asked for advice about a needle size for the start of my True Nature Tee and bought Knitter’s Pride Dreamz wooden interchangeable tips in 3.25mm.
I tried these, but found them too dark to use with the blue yarn.
There were many well known yarn brands in stock and some I’d love to try. Blue Sky Fibers Aran Weight (50% Baby Alpaca & 50% Fine Merino) caught my eye.
A thick and cozy sweater would be wonderful but there wouldn't be much time in the year when I’d wear something so thick!
I love feeling the yarns and seeing all those colors.
Yarn shopping in person always delights me!
Save up to 30% off on notions and accessories for your crocheting and knitting! The sale at Crochet.com ends tomorrow at midnight (PT) so get it while you can.
Mystery Quote Of The Week
“People who are unable to use their hands skillfully for all kinds of work, will not become good thinkers and will behave awkwardly in life. It is not the head alone, but the whole human being that is a logician. Activities demanding manual and bodily skill, such as knitting, leads to the enhancement of the faculty of judgment. This faculty is actually developed least of all by exercises in logic.”
Who said this? Comment or press reply! No cheating!
(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)
Last week’s was… Mrs Smith in Persuasion by Jane Austen!
Let me know if you got it right.
Crafting Trivia Question Of The Week
Which place is known for its intricate wedding ring shawls?
What’s the answer? Leave a comment or press reply! No cheating!
(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)
Last week’s answer to: which knit design is associated with Scotland & golfers?
Argyle! Did you get it right? Let me know if you did!
What I’m grateful for this week…
I’m grateful for the rain that poured down during the week and the subsequent cooler weather. The gardens around us are thankful for the drink.
Rain refreshes everything!
Cool mornings with a breeze are a respite after days of hot weather with temperatures over 38° C!
I’m also grateful for these beautiful yellow banksias I saw a few days ago.
They’re so pretty when in flower!
A thought for you to ponder this coming week…
Do you love the sound of rain? Water has such a soothing quality and hearing it beat down on a tin roof sends me into a state of tranquility.
So, may you enjoy moments of reverie that replenishes your energy.
How’s your crafting going? Leave a comment or press reply!
P.S. A subtly beautiful sunset over the foothills.
P.P.S Thanks for reading!
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
Before you go…
You ask the longest time crafting....8 hours warping a loom. I was afraid to stop and lose my place! My back was not happy with me after that day.
As for your short rows, have you considered making a test piece to learn the process? I've done that with unfamiliar stitches so I didn't mess up the main piece.
When I was knitting Christmas presents I would knit with any free time (and make free time by avoiding chores!). This probably works out to 3-4 stretches a day or at least 2 hours a stretch. My hands and wrist certainly let me know I needed to stop. Two pairs of socks got to the recipients after Christmas, but they didn’t care.
I’m so glad you had a quote from Austen and Persuasion in particular--one of my favorites.
I have no guesses for the quote this week except the use of the word “faculty” makes it seem last century or 19th.
The wedding ring shawl is either Shetland or Russian (Orenburg??).
Thanks for the questions. I love them!