Fall and Winter Hats and Booties for Emmett
Emmett’s package of knitted goodies arrived in Sheridan earlier this week (and his momma just sent me a text this morning with little E rockin’ one of his new hats), so it’s safe to officially cross this one off my List. Huzzah!
Since I started knitting 2 1/2 or so years ago, the majority of my gift recipients have been babies. Sure, I’ve knitted some hats for Paul and me and a scarf and fingerless mittens for my own use, but everything else has been for sweet babes new to our little world. Unfortunately, I didn’t start making photographic evidence of my projects until about a year ago, so the evolution of my skills can’t fully be documented, but that’s not really what this is about, anyway, right?
I started knitting when my older sister J, and her husband, P adopted their first child. It was then that I began toying with the idea that making cute little knitted clothing and accessories might be a great “Auntie” thing to do. I distinctly remember sitting in our basement about three years ago, practicing a set of stitches that were supposed to create an eyelet pattern for a hat (that I would eventually make Brynn), and telling Paul, “I think I want knitting to be my hobby.” I had never had a hobby previously, and it only took me 26 years to find one; not too bad, I guess.
All The Hats and Booties
Creating neat and uniform stitches, and watching your project grow, row by row is really satisfying. Also as a plus, this hobby is pretty mobile, I can pack supplies into a small bag and knit from practically anywhere–the car, the airport, airplanes, etc. Up until now, I’ve had to balance knitting projects with school (I know, you’re thinking, when she going to stop talking about school–all in good time, dear readers; I promise I’ll get there), mostly knitting on holiday breaks or between semesters. There was (and still is) something very calming about the whole process: setting down my textbooks, backing away from my laptop and browsing the various knitting pattern books I’ve either purchased, or have been kindly given to me as gifts, or internet websites (all hail, Ravelry) and then picking out yarns–unfortunately, the local yarn shop closed about six months before I started knitting, so all of my shopping has been online, but even that’s pretty satisfying–and then being able to embark on a new project. Knitting was definitely key in keeping my sanity through grad school.
Holidays and breaks between semesters serendipitously occurred around the times I needed to work on and finish projects before nieces and nephews made their world premieres. Working on apparel for babies is especially satisfying for the novice knitter; baby clothes aren’t very big and don’t take too long to complete, no matter how slow or busy you are.
For Baby Olivia
For Baby Aiden
Now that this latest project is behind me, I’m thinking about moving on to new endeavors (socks! sweaters!) for people larger than a newborn (toddlers! kids! adults!). Our housemate, E, recently moved into her own place, so I’ve lost my evening knitting buddy, but we’ve already discussed getting together once in a while for a knitting circle. Also, with winter just around the corner (ugh), I’m sure I will be knitting more to get me through the days when it’s too cold to even enjoy our beautiful surroundings. When it’s below zero, I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.
Related articles
- Post MBA To Do List (kathrynandpaul.wordpress.com)
Tags: babies, crafts, Hobby, Knitting, productivity, projects, Ravelry, to do list, yarn
Adorable! Kath, you’re so talented! What a useful and awesome hobby. A friend of ours just started sewing (making reusable sandwich wrappers, curtains, and more), so I’m feeling the need to get a hobby that produces something–haha! I guess the brewing does, but the “product” doesn’t last long.
Hey, I just found a new blog recommended off of Howaboutorange. It’s http://www.purlsoho.com and has lots of knitting links and patterns. Might want to check it out.