Loopy Loops W.I.P

Sometimes the simplest of events, situations, circumstances, problems … whatever … can provide valuable lessons and my current knitting project is no different.

After a rough end to the work-day, I came home a little fatigued, a little close to tears and all around frustrated.  My newest character building mantra however is to leave negative work experiences at the door once I arrive outside my apt building.  I’m working harder to make my living space a peaceful space and that’s one of the things I can do to make it so.  Leave work baggage outside … shucks, it’ll be there when I get to work tomorrow anyway … why bring it home?

Once I got inside, I was a little lost at what to do to de-stress.  Silly me, knitting makes almost everything better so I picked up my needles.  😀  The pattern seemed easy enough but that seemingly simple pattern made me learn two new skills — how to do a provisional cast-on and how to seam with the kitchener stitch.  The pattern is one I bought not too long ago and the end result looked like it would’ve been simple enough to make.  It is … but in it’s simplicity lay two valuable lessons. 

The first (the provisional cast-on) I learned from this very valuable video on http://www.knittinghelp.com.  That site is an absolute resource for newbies like myself and experienced knitters.  Or at least I think so.  😀

Provisional Cast-On Video

While knitting, my work issue crept into my thoughts but rather than get upset I realized that just like my seemingly simple knitting project, there was a lesson to be learned in this.  What I found is that my work problem, when broken down, has a simplified resolution, but a resolution that guarantees that I don’t have to deal with this particular issue again.  Lesson learned — my first response was not my best response and I’m glad I walked away before saying something I couldn’t take back.  Who said knitting doesn’t mimic real life?  With both experiences, I learned new skills.  How about that? 😀

It doesn’t look like much, but here’s my current W.I.P ~ Loopy Loops.  See my provisional cast-on.  I’m loving it!!!!!  😀

The project doesn’t look like much now, but here’s a better view of the stitch pattern:

It’ll be ready on Friday, complete with the kitchener grafting stitch for F.O. Fridays reveal.  In the meantime, head over to Tami’s to see what the other ladies are working on.  They never disappoint. 😀

This Week In Knit I

Since I love lists and I do them for every aspect of my life, I’m going to start doing the same for my knitting (and other crafty) endeavors as well. 

image credit

TWIK, I’ll:

  • Start/finish my pattern bought from Dainty Loops.
  • Swatch my afghan pattern.
  • Swatch “The Hitchhiker” shawlette.
  • Finish Cinnamon’s braided ballW.I.P
  • Complete my miscellaneous DIY project.  (I already know what it will be and I can’t wait to get it done.)  W.I.P
  • Pick up some more Red Heart Super Saver Yarn at Micheal’s for Cinnamon’s other present.  (Now that my yarn sensibilities have upgraded, I wondered what that hard acrylic yarn was good for — but now I know — it’s really great for toys!!!!)
  • Budget for a cutting matDone.  Got mat at 40% off with a Micheal’s coupon!!!  😀