The month since my mom returned to Texas has not been my best knitting month. I made progress on the lovely lilac shawl while she was here, but I seem to have lost the ability to concentrate the past few weeks. Although the pattern is simple, the repeat a short 8 rows, I kept flubbing up and having to rip. I did this a few times before I just admitted that my hands were telling me something, that my mind wasn't really able to concentrate, and something simpler was needed. I had a ball of sock yarn wound and at the ready. The simple action of needles and yarn in hand sets a soothing rhythm that calms the spirits and allows the mind to rest. I wonder sometimes, as I knit, purring cat on my lap, if knitting, at least for those of us who enjoy it, something like a human approximation of purring, a self-soothing technique, allowing us to settle into comfort.
Simple. Toe-up. Mindless knitting at its finest. Except that this photo was taken a couple of days ago and I am now ready to turn the heel. Thank goodness I do believe I am ready for a little more intention in my knitting.
Comments
4 responses to “The Needle Knows”
I’ve never knit a pair of toe-ups, and I’ve got that on my list to learn this next year — although I do wonder why I feel that’s necessary. . . I do like the toe on yours. . .
I didn’t knit toe-up for a long time, and didn’t think I was interested. I’m not sure I can say why this pair is toe up, except that I was too tired to worry about not twisting the longer cast on necessary for a top-down pair.
Hi! I see that you made the Phidar No.427 sleeveless sweater. Would you be interested in selling the pattern?
I can't say why or when I changed. I knitted my socks top down for a long time, and was perfectly happy with them. I still find it easier to determine where exactly to start the heel on a top down pair. But I've enjoyed learning toe up socks, and enjoy knitting them. I may continue to waffle back and forth. I am all thumbs though, and I always have to worry about not twisting my cast on when I start at the top.