If you’ve ever been away from something for a long time, you’ll understand when I tell you how difficult it becomes to return to it.
When it came to relating crafting stories, I felt dried up; choking on the sameness and wanting something else. I kept waiting for the spark of inspiration or the kind of project deserving of your attention because I figured that’s what was needed for me to legitimately re-engage. That is, until I observed the pure joy displayed by a 2 year old girl when I gifted her with a colorful pair of mitts the other night. She rolled around and modeled and mugged for the camera, all the while flashing her infectious smile.
A girl and her new “sleevies”
They’re little things – perhaps 4 inches in length – but they (and she) reminded me that I didn’t need a grand gesture or an intricate something requiring serious examination. Yes, she put them on backwards but she no matter. Luxy was having fun. In that moment, I found clarity. This isn’t life and death. It’s just the occasional missive that I put out into the world; my “Hello. I’ve missed talking with you.” Could it be any simpler than that?
Details
Lorna’s Laces Bulky (South Shore and Lilac) – leftovers from Thorpe (Ravelry link)
Four size 10 US / 6 mm dpns
Cast on 20 stitches, placing 10 on one needle and 5 each on the remaining 2 needles. Join in a circle and knit 12 rows of k1,p1 ribbing.
If you’ve ever made mittens in the round, you know the rest: increase for the palm, make room for the thumb then knit rounds until you reach the appropriate length. I topped out these mitts with 3 garter ridges and a little single crochet, but you can do ribbing or ribbon or roll edge – whatever your heart desires.
For those not comfortable with these loosey-goosey instructions, I heartily suggest you add Ann Budd’s “Knitters Handy Book of Patterns” to your library. It can be a lifesaver!
Kids are great when they like the knitting!
Huzzah for an end to the blogging blackout! I’m suffering from some serious blogger malaise as well, but you’re inspiring me to start up again. (Well, you plus a healthy dose of spring-like sunshine.)
Good to hear from you! Those mitts are as cute as that little girl.
I’m glad you’re back!
Peace,
Chris.
you HAVE been missed! a lot!
so glad for that little girl. and her sweet sweet mitts.
How nice to see a new blog, you had me worried for a while. Welcome back.
I left a message but it said error.
She has me smiling! Beautiful mittens and why not, wear them upside down.LOL These kiddos can teach us things sometimes.
I’m so glad she brought you back to us… what a doll she is, the mitts are so cute.
Hon. We miss you when you’re not here, no matter if you’re “inspired” or not.
Don’t disappear, please????
(((((Hugs)))))
The little girl and the mitts are adorable!!
Welcome back! The mitts are so cute!
i’ve really missed your posts! those little mitts are delightful.
Good to see a post. Perhaps posting isn’t so much about the great things you have done, but rather a way to touch base with your “people” to let them know you are around? I’ve missed reading your posts.
Good to see you back!
Isn’t it satisfying to see little ones (who can be SO FINICKY sometimes–as I’ve learned from my own three-year-old!) wear and love handknit gifts? So gratifying…
Hi! Two and three year olds are the best, aren’t they?! So excited. A 2.75 year old of my acquaintance holds the socks I knit her up to the phone when we talk on the phone. Aww.
Love those “sleevies!”
What sweet mitts for a sweet girl – the glimpse of her smile says it all! So glad to to see you back. Sometimes it truly is the littlest things that can bring you back! 🙂
Fabulous colors, fabulous smile, fabulous rug… and see, this is the sort of thing that makes me go, “OK, I really AM going to learn how to do that this year!”
Don’t forget, one never knows if they are the inspired, or the inspiree…
It can just be a quick hello!
That is just the perfect project! Easily done and greatly apprreciated.
Hey, I’ve missed talking with you, too! The mitts look darling, and it’s wonderful to have a happy recipient (and such a cute one at that).
we’ve missed you!
and you don’t have to say anything of great significance for me to stay interested in your posts!