Knitting is my stress reliever, my calming influence, my therapy, my zen. I love knitting, sometimes for creativity, sometimes for comfort, sometimes the repetitive motion, sometimes for a whole day. There are times when I don’t knit for weeks. Then I go back to it like I never stopped. I will always knit because it is just part of my soul now. So go with the flow, it will all be fine, just keep on knitting however you need to. Also, I really enjoy your podcasts and you are one of my most favorite knitting buddies. ❤
Knitting is my mental health savior. I have only been knitting for three years and I feel like a newbie. But the challenge and going through the motions of knitting just helps me to feel peaceful and normal. I totally get what you are saying about your knitting. 🧶
I hadn’t knitted in 3 years. I finally picked up and casted on a vanilla sock two days ago. I was stuck but now I’m happy to knit again. You don’t have to keep around annoying projects and irritating yarn. Frog it, donate it, gift it, whatever - get rid of it and start over.
Hey Rachel! Really enjoyed this episode! Totally understand what it’s like to be in a bit of a creative "slump". Happens to me often, but I know it will eventually pass. I have found it helpful to keep a journal listing what I HAVE achieved with the day, so I can remind myself that things Do get accomplished even when I am feeling creatively challenged. Also, you mentioned you have collected the fur from your lovely doggie - I have a friend who has knitted with her dog’s fur and she discovered that on it’s own it quickly lost integrity and fell apart, so she recommends combining it with a more robust fibre, like wool. I also used to use doggie fur/hair and found some breeds felt nicely - have you considered making a small needle felted teddy as a keepsake too. They don’t take long to make and are just adorable. Anyway, thanks for the episode - will look forward to the next one. It sure is nice to know we are not alone on this journey. Hope your mojo comes back real soon …. Hugs from Down Under … 🥰🌴🌴🌴
I absolutely have times when going through the motions of knitting comforts or soothes me even if the pattern and/or yarn isn't speaking to me. That's part of why I think it's good to have a few different things on my needles. Sometimes I need something that's beautiful to touch and look at. Sometimes I need something that uses enough of my brain that there isn't room for the kinds of feelings that are pulling me in different directions. Sometimes I need something that teaches me a new way of making something. Sometimes I just need a bunch of stockinette or garter to ground me.
I love how honest you are about your feelings when it comes to knitting, it was so good to hear that even people who have a RUclips channel and are content creators go through sort of slumps in their "inspiredness". Can't wait to see more of your field day cardigan as I have that on my list too and definitely cannot wait to see your videos from Ireland. I will live vicariously through you. I am doing the Shetland trip next year and can't wait. I have already watched your vlogs a few times.
Re: Seaglass, If you sit down to eat your favorite food, at some point you become full. It may be your absolute all-time favorite food in the world, but again, at some point you must stop eating or you get sick. So, you stop, and lo and behold, at some point your appetite returns and you can eat again with pleasure. The same applies to our knitting or crochet projects. Don't force it- you'll only make yourself sick.
Rachel, I so enjoy watching your podcasts. There always seems to be something beautiful, something intriguing, and/or something thought provoking. Your discussion about what knitting is for you was in the later category. For me there seem to be several types of knitting - meditative knitting, creative knitting, challenge knitting, social knitting, dream knitting, “slow and steady” long-term knitting, and (sometimes - not often) product knitting. I find that I need all these types of knitting in my life and each type requires a different project (or type of project) to “scratch the itch”. When, or why, I am drawn to one type of knitting over another is not always clear to me, so I just “go with my gut”. I’m learning to allow myself to cast on, knit, hibernate, frog, - - - shhh! I even threw an entire project away - - - projects as the mood strikes me. I’m still trying to figure it all out - after nearly 70 years of knitting you’d think I’d be there already. Right now I seem to be entering a bit of a challenge knitting phase - let’s see what pops onto, or off of, my needles in the next few weeks. Thanks for your “thinking out loud”. I truly appreciate it. Enjoy your trip to Ireland, and thank you for allowing me to join you all vicariously! Until next time. Salam wa sa’aadah
I do get you when you talk about your knitting. Sometimes I just want and need plain stockinette stitch or garter stitch knitting. I used to work as a licensed mental health therapist and know that the bilateral movement of our hands while knitting is very good for our brains. So go team knit anyway!
I 100% feel the same way right now. Knitting is a comfortable habit that I enjoy, it’s part of my routine. But other times, I lose sleep thinking about a pattern because I’m SO JAZZED about choosing colors for it. I get it!
I appreciate how you shared about the different things you get from knitting. I know for me, I have to be in a good, energetized place to have the creativity, the itch to start new knitting projects. And I really appreciate having a simple project for when I could use a repetitive task for soothing or relaxation. I hope you enjoy some meditative knitting for however long this season lasts!
I’m looking forward to your Ireland trip! That’s how I found your channel in the first place - through your knitting travel vlogs. Looking forward to the next set of vlogs🙂
That mistake in his hat is like a signature. Throw his hat in a pile of 20 "identical" hats he will always beable to pick out his hat due to those two stitches. Garter stitch knitting time. I think it happens when the seasons change. It is normal.
Rachel! As an additional exercise in being chill, just embrace your knitting as a meditation. We don’t have to constantly be producing. Sometimes, when nothing is speaking to me, I’ll just pull out a stitch dictionary and swatch an interesting texture, cable or lace with some stash yarn that doesn’t have a specific purpose, and just knit swatches just for the sake of knitting. Who knows! Your random swatching may spark your creativity when you aren’t expecting it.
That isn’t a mistake on DJ’s hat (the sacred sheep hat - hope I heard that right!)! It’s a unique interpretation of the pattern. No one else has one quite like it! Well, that’s what I tell myself when my colourwork and the pattern chart differs and I don’t notice it until I’m well past the point of where I want to fix it 😊
I get where you’re coming from! I’m like that when I’m between projects and can’t decide what I want to do next. Then a yarn ya not speak to me…try a new yarn color that’s out of your comfort zone!
I also hit a bit of a slump through the summer with my knitting. I completely know what you mean by everything looked boring 😂 Luckily I decided to cast on the Lauder by Rebecca Clow and that reinvigorated my mojo. Just something about how the cables sit is really satisfying to me. As your Ireland tour approaches I just wanted to remind you that the lipstick you are looking for is SMOKEY Rose 😂😂😂 Think fire, cigars, smoked bacon! 😂😂😂 xxx
I hear what your saying!!! Me, I'm still a new knitter and just totally enjoy the process of just knitting. It's soothing, enjoyable as I yet get so frustrated ha ha trying to pe4fect the stitch. Me, noooo, not a designer n wouldn't even mess with a pattern. Please just give me a beautiful pattern and tutorial to go with it and man o man , I'm a very happy , grateful up n coming knitter. :-) I'm freaked out to give the ranunculus a shot and I luv it so much. Yarn just sits here waiting for me to get courageous. Please ..... take your beautiful dog for a walk !!! You were kinda sorta mean. He/she had an itch that you made him/her feel so bad about. Walk will ease her mind :-) don't stress about stressing. Yes just having a bad day and entitled!!! Sending you a hug
Knitting definitely keeps me sane ! It brings joy to my hear5! With that said, I have not been enjoying knitting lately, because I’m struggling with one pattern, and I promised myself, I would not start something new, until I finished it. I’ve searched revelry for helpful tips, and RUclips for tutorials... if anyone knows of a great resource for the Luz Cardigan, I would be so grateful 💙🧶💫I need to find solace in my special craft again ☮️☀️🎶. Rachel, your pup is adorable ❣️🐾 my Oliver is 12 years old. 😊
@@rachelisknitting I'll knit my cable project when I'm ready to meet my fulfilment needs. Right now I'm working on an open gauge stockinette shawl for the security needs
I think I’ve said it before, but my grandma always said that mistakes are evidence that we are not God and that we should leave our mistakes as long as they don’t cause harm to the basic structure of the garment
Re: your hat 'mistakes'. The Navajo rug weavers make two styles of rugs, ege-to-edge stripes, and designs contained within a border. On the border design, the weaver will traditionally weave one weft strand of yarn of the interior design color across the border. To the uninitiated this looks like a 'mistake'; in fact, it is intentional, to allow the creative energy to 'escape', and not get locked inside the border, thus being available for the next rug.
I get a bit weary of the always cheery youtube knitters who seem to knit a sweater a day. Thank you for keeping it real.
Yes, me too! ❤
You can always count on me :)
Knitting is my stress reliever, my calming influence, my therapy, my zen. I love knitting, sometimes for creativity, sometimes for comfort, sometimes the repetitive motion, sometimes for a whole day. There are times when I don’t knit for weeks. Then I go back to it like I never stopped. I will always knit because it is just part of my soul now. So go with the flow, it will all be fine, just keep on knitting however you need to. Also, I really enjoy your podcasts and you are one of my most favorite knitting buddies. ❤
I enjoy your personality so much. Your knits are always wonderful and the education you share is fabulous. Juat wanted you to know.
Thank you so much!
Knitting is my mental health savior. I have only been knitting for three years and I feel like a newbie. But the challenge and going through the motions of knitting just helps me to feel peaceful and normal. I totally get what you are saying about your knitting. 🧶
I hadn’t knitted in 3 years. I finally picked up and casted on a vanilla sock two days ago. I was stuck but now I’m happy to knit again. You don’t have to keep around annoying projects and irritating yarn. Frog it, donate it, gift it, whatever - get rid of it and start over.
Hey Rachel! Really enjoyed this episode! Totally understand what it’s like to be in a bit of a creative "slump". Happens to me often, but I know it will eventually pass. I have found it helpful to keep a journal listing what I HAVE achieved with the day, so I can remind myself that things Do get accomplished even when I am feeling creatively challenged. Also, you mentioned you have collected the fur from your lovely doggie - I have a friend who has knitted with her dog’s fur and she discovered that on it’s own it quickly lost integrity and fell apart, so she recommends combining it with a more robust fibre, like wool. I also used to use doggie fur/hair and found some breeds felt nicely - have you considered making a small needle felted teddy as a keepsake too. They don’t take long to make and are just adorable. Anyway, thanks for the episode - will look forward to the next one. It sure is nice to know we are not alone on this journey. Hope your mojo comes back real soon …. Hugs from Down Under … 🥰🌴🌴🌴
I love the creative touch on your husband’s hat! It’s a sweet memory.
I think so too!
I absolutely have times when going through the motions of knitting comforts or soothes me even if the pattern and/or yarn isn't speaking to me. That's part of why I think it's good to have a few different things on my needles. Sometimes I need something that's beautiful to touch and look at. Sometimes I need something that uses enough of my brain that there isn't room for the kinds of feelings that are pulling me in different directions. Sometimes I need something that teaches me a new way of making something. Sometimes I just need a bunch of stockinette or garter to ground me.
Yes! Different projects for different needs.
I love how honest you are about your feelings when it comes to knitting, it was so good to hear that even people who have a RUclips channel and are content creators go through sort of slumps in their "inspiredness". Can't wait to see more of your field day cardigan as I have that on my list too and definitely cannot wait to see your videos from Ireland. I will live vicariously through you. I am doing the Shetland trip next year and can't wait. I have already watched your vlogs a few times.
Thank you so much!
Re: Seaglass, If you sit down to eat your favorite food, at some point you become full. It may be your absolute all-time favorite food in the world, but again, at some point you must stop eating or you get sick. So, you stop, and lo and behold, at some point your appetite returns and you can eat again with pleasure. The same applies to our knitting or crochet projects. Don't force it- you'll only make yourself sick.
That’s a really good reminder, thank you!
That’s an interesting take.
Rachel, I so enjoy watching your podcasts. There always seems to be something beautiful, something intriguing, and/or something thought provoking. Your discussion about what knitting is for you was in the later category. For me there seem to be several types of knitting - meditative knitting, creative knitting, challenge knitting, social knitting, dream knitting, “slow and steady” long-term knitting, and (sometimes - not often) product knitting. I find that I need all these types of knitting in my life and each type requires a different project (or type of project) to “scratch the itch”. When, or why, I am drawn to one type of knitting over another is not always clear to me, so I just “go with my gut”. I’m learning to allow myself to cast on, knit, hibernate, frog, - - - shhh! I even threw an entire project away - - - projects as the mood strikes me. I’m still trying to figure it all out - after nearly 70 years of knitting you’d think I’d be there already. Right now I seem to be entering a bit of a challenge knitting phase - let’s see what pops onto, or off of, my needles in the next few weeks. Thanks for your “thinking out loud”. I truly appreciate it. Enjoy your trip to Ireland, and thank you for allowing me to join you all vicariously! Until next time. Salam wa sa’aadah
💜💜💜
G’day Rachel, your knitting comforts you at this time. Do you think you’re feeling agitated? That’s ok, knit on. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🇦🇺
I do get you when you talk about your knitting. Sometimes I just want and need plain stockinette stitch or garter stitch knitting. I used to work as a licensed mental health therapist and know that the bilateral movement of our hands while knitting is very good for our brains. So go team knit anyway!
I 100% feel the same way right now. Knitting is a comfortable habit that I enjoy, it’s part of my routine. But other times, I lose sleep thinking about a pattern because I’m SO JAZZED about choosing colors for it. I get it!
We’ll be jazzed again one day!!
I appreciate and look forward to your videos. Your sincerity and frankness is so refreshing. Also your Olivers Hat is beautiful!
Thank you so much!
Someone get this girl to Ireland STAT!!! She needs the fresh, crisp air and inspiration!!!
YES I NEED IT!
I appreciate how you shared about the different things you get from knitting. I know for me, I have to be in a good, energetized place to have the creativity, the itch to start new knitting projects. And I really appreciate having a simple project for when I could use a repetitive task for soothing or relaxation. I hope you enjoy some meditative knitting for however long this season lasts!
Oh, and have a wonderful Ireland trip (with Leslie). Lughed at "oil-change" remark.
Thank you!
I’m looking forward to your Ireland trip! That’s how I found your channel in the first place - through your knitting travel vlogs. Looking forward to the next set of vlogs🙂
Awesome! Thank you!
You make me laugh 💕… Knitting is my “deep breathing “. SAFE TRAVEL 🙏🏼 Can’t wait for the vlogs!!!
Yay! Thank you!
When knitting is not your electricity, it can still be your solace, comfort, grounding!
Absolutely!
When I’m in a slump I do something for someone else. I recently bought lots of yarn for someone that knits for charity-it helps a lot!
Great idea!
Idea for your hat. A black sharpie. I learned this trick in a fair isle class years ago.
I could never!!
That mistake in his hat is like a signature. Throw his hat in a pile of 20 "identical" hats he will always beable to pick out his hat due to those two stitches. Garter stitch knitting time. I think it happens when the seasons change. It is normal.
I can totally relate to what you’re saying about knitting and muscle memory, and all that good stuff I’m feeling the same way at the moment❤
Sending hugs!
Rachel! As an additional exercise in being chill, just embrace your knitting as a meditation. We don’t have to constantly be producing. Sometimes, when nothing is speaking to me, I’ll just pull out a stitch dictionary and swatch an interesting texture, cable or lace with some stash yarn that doesn’t have a specific purpose, and just knit swatches just for the sake of knitting. Who knows! Your random swatching may spark your creativity when you aren’t expecting it.
That’s a great idea!
That isn’t a mistake on DJ’s hat (the sacred sheep hat - hope I heard that right!)! It’s a unique interpretation of the pattern. No one else has one quite like it! Well, that’s what I tell myself when my colourwork and the pattern chart differs and I don’t notice it until I’m well past the point of where I want to fix it 😊
I like that perspective!
Really enjoy your commentary- thanks
Glad to hear it!
I get where you’re coming from! I’m like that when I’m between projects and can’t decide what I want to do next. Then a yarn ya not speak to me…try a new yarn color that’s out of your comfort zone!
I love Vista Print and just ordered more business cards this morning.
Enjoy your trip to Ireland 😊
Thank you!
Knit one purl one its a good mantra . Hahah , the miami hat looks great .
😁
I also hit a bit of a slump through the summer with my knitting. I completely know what you mean by everything looked boring 😂 Luckily I decided to cast on the Lauder by Rebecca Clow and that reinvigorated my mojo. Just something about how the cables sit is really satisfying to me.
As your Ireland tour approaches I just wanted to remind you that the lipstick you are looking for is SMOKEY Rose 😂😂😂 Think fire, cigars, smoked bacon! 😂😂😂 xxx
Hahah thank you for the reminder! Smokey is on repeat in my brain 😂😂
@@rachelisknitting 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for a great podcast 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
I hear what your saying!!! Me, I'm still a new knitter and just totally enjoy the process of just knitting. It's soothing, enjoyable as I yet get so frustrated ha ha trying to pe4fect the stitch. Me, noooo, not a designer n wouldn't even mess with a pattern. Please just give me a beautiful pattern and tutorial to go with it and man o man , I'm a very happy , grateful up n coming knitter. :-) I'm freaked out to give the ranunculus a shot and I luv it so much. Yarn just sits here waiting for me to get courageous. Please ..... take your beautiful dog for a walk !!! You were kinda sorta mean. He/she had an itch that you made him/her feel so bad about. Walk will ease her mind :-) don't stress about stressing. Yes just having a bad day and entitled!!! Sending you a hug
Love your puppy..❤
Me too!
Knitting definitely keeps me sane ! It brings joy to my hear5! With that said, I have not been enjoying knitting lately, because I’m struggling with one pattern, and I promised myself, I would not start something new, until I finished it. I’ve searched revelry for helpful tips, and RUclips for tutorials... if anyone knows of a great resource for the Luz Cardigan, I would be so grateful 💙🧶💫I need to find solace in my special craft again ☮️☀️🎶. Rachel, your pup is adorable ❣️🐾 my Oliver is 12 years old. 😊
I hope you hit a breakthrough with your project!
under Maslow's hierarchy of needs knitting is currently providing security for you whereas it usually provides fulfillment?
Yes! Perfect way to put it
@@rachelisknitting I'll knit my cable project when I'm ready to meet my fulfilment needs. Right now I'm working on an open gauge stockinette shawl for the security needs
I think I’ve said it before, but my grandma always said that mistakes are evidence that we are not God and that we should leave our mistakes as long as they don’t cause harm to the basic structure of the garment
I like that!
Re: your hat 'mistakes'. The Navajo rug weavers make two styles of rugs, ege-to-edge stripes, and designs contained within a border. On the border design, the weaver will traditionally weave one weft strand of yarn of the interior design color across the border. To the uninitiated this looks like a 'mistake'; in fact, it is intentional, to allow the creative energy to 'escape', and not get locked inside the border, thus being available for the next rug.