I touched on something in my Modish interview about creative jobs often being thought of as vocational {as they usually started out as the persons main hobby or interest in their younger days} - and how, for me, my main making role has slightly become something else...become work, albeit work that for the most part I greatly enjoy.
I was talking to someone recently about how all the things I used to do for relaxation and enjoyment are now hugely tied up in 'work'. How sometimes it's hard to separate the two and find true relaxation in these activities you once did just for fun...photography is still one thing I truly love and enjoy and feel is my own, although it is very much still used in my work - but still, that's not something you can physically do as an activity for hours to relax on the sofa...so I have been looking for something new!
I cross-stitched a lot as a youngster and truly loved the repetitive nature of it...I could get lost in it like a meditation, and I even loved just following a pattern - rather than having to invent one myself {or be overtly creative}...I sort of fell out of it, though, but did pick it back up again a little bit in Provence a few summers ago {reminds me, I need to finish that!} ;)...
Last week, the mister taught me to knit. I am not up to doing patterns yet, or anything complex...but I can already feel that just knit knit knit knit knitting will be good for me...good to keep my hands busy and my head a little healthier and clearer. That the rhythmic nature of the task will appeal to my mind and chill me out a good deal...
I bought some gorgeous soft purple wool with a soft sheen...so am starting a scarf. Bamboo needles too...mmm.
I need a rest this afternoon, it's been a busy week, so that is what I will be up to! Sitting on the sofa and knitting!
So, what are your plans for this weekend? Anything nice? How will you be relaxing?
Today I am liking these Rose Stem Swizzles , and my new Plaid Dress {roll on summery weather}, and am loving this shot.
Happy Friday, all.
xoxo
11 comments:
Sounds like a lovely way to relax. I grew up around knitters and it was very much part of the curriculum at school. So, naturally, I rebelled against it... But it's starting to look appealing again!
I have a deliciously plan-free weekend. But I do want to do some spring-cleaning!
Enjoy yours!
Knitting is a great way to relax, that's why I took it up again. That's absolutely stunning yarn.
I seem to have lots of busy weekends, tomorrow a wedding dress fitting but on Sunday I get to play with a friend's 2 year old, which is always fun and relaxes me in a way.
i certainly identify with this posting! i now spin and knit for a living. still love it (actually love it even more now that i'm spinning my own yarn) but the only way i can stop myself from "working" is having long reading baths.
"I was talking to someone recently about how all the things I used to do for relaxation and enjoyment are now hugely tied up in 'work'."
Someone? SOMEONE??!!! Don't you mean your awesome boyfriend??!
*sigh*
I don't know why I bother...
...sorry.
Oversight...yes, 'someone' was my awesome boyfriend...I stand corrected!
whoopsie ;)
hi abigail,
lovely yarn you've chosen. i'm the worst ever when it comes to knitting. think i should just stick to scarves. hope your weekend is wonderful. xo
ps: loved the interview at modish.
I could completely identify with your post, Abigail.
I love cross-stitching, embroidery and crochet (knitting is not at the top of my list). My grandmother taught me all these when I was a little girl and I have not let the skills go. I have passed them on to my daughters. Especially embroidery and cross-stich make me relax and fill me with creative ideas. I am doing a series of cameo rings in gold in which the cameo is embroidered in tiny silk stitches and covered in clear quartz...if I ever get evrything ready on time...
Very busy weekend ahead for me. Hope you have a relaxing one.
Sophia G.
happy knitting to you! [although it's another task where you are looking down... remember to stretch the other way, k?]
happy weekend!
I love your yarn! I've been knitting up a storm recently - must be something in the air.
Are you on Ravelry? You would love it. Come and find me - I'm 'mirrormirror'
I too have just taken up knitting and I love using my bamboo needles. I just hope my scarf is completed in time for Winter!
hi abagail-- i've long been an admirer of your lovely "work" and though it may feel more like "work" to you ( and i understand completely--because i feel exactly the same way) it manages to feel very different to me as a viewer-- i see your pieces as a result of a well developed artistic talent that takes years of hard won skill, tenacity and creativity!! your designs are graceful yet strong, beautiful and superbly crafted while being excetionally expressive.
how's that for a mouthful?
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