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Yesterday I finally opened up the plastic bin where I'd tucked away most of my handknits in the aftermath of the February 2019 flood. I've had only those few (well, 8-10) things that I actually wear and use frequently accessible since then. I put them away in the
glass-fronted china cabinet where I store most of my knits - they almost all fit there on four shelves, so it's not like I have *that* many. I was looking forward to doing this - but the feeling I got was, not enjoyment at seeing and handling things again, but "lord, I have way too many shawls, hats, and sweaters." And it bummed me out.
Anybody else been there? I'm feeling really saddled with too many finished items, as well as WAY too much nice yarn. Saddest of all, it makes me realize that continuing to knit a lot is kind of ridiculous. Shawls? I've got 20+. Sweaters? Don't really need any. Socks are ok, they wear out fast. Yes, I do enjoy knitting for other people (socks, hats, the occasional sweater) but there are only so many people in my life who really appreciate those gifts.?
Not sure there's an answer for this psychic dilemma, but thanks for listening :-)
--Therese Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
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Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
I just tossed some hand knits - some bulky shawls from when I was learning to knit lace and some cotton tops. Daughter takes a lot of my castoffs as she has my former shape (short waisted and comparatively small waist - since hitting menopause my fat all migrated north and I can’t wear all those short tops) but she had no interest in these.?
When I got married I tossed all my big sleeved sweaters from the early 80s - I wish I had held in to a couple of those.?
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On Jul 2, 2020, at 3:34 PM, mary_007usa via groups.io <sewgood5@...> wrote:
?Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
When you say "toss" what do you mean exactly, Amy? Garbage, literally? Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 3:50 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: I just tossed some hand knits - some bulky shawls from when I was learning to knit lace and some cotton tops. Daughter takes a lot of my castoffs as she has my former shape (short waisted and comparatively small waist - since hitting menopause my fat all migrated north and I can’t wear all those short tops) but she had no interest in these.?
When I got married I tossed all my big sleeved sweaters from the early 80s - I wish I had held in to a couple of those.?
Amy ?Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
No, they went to the National Council of Jewish Women’s thrift store!
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On Jul 2, 2020, at 4:03 PM, Therese Shere <therese.shere@...> wrote:
? When you say "toss" what do you mean exactly, Amy? Garbage, literally? Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 3:50 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: I just tossed some hand knits - some bulky shawls from when I was learning to knit lace and some cotton tops. Daughter takes a lot of my castoffs as she has my former shape (short waisted and comparatively small waist - since hitting menopause my fat all migrated north and I can’t wear all those short tops) but she had no interest in these.?
When I got married I tossed all my big sleeved sweaters from the early 80s - I wish I had held in to a couple of those.?
Amy ?Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
Oh good! Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 4:25 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: No, they went to the National Council of Jewish Women’s thrift store!
Amy ? When you say "toss" what do you mean exactly, Amy? Garbage, literally? Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 3:50 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: I just tossed some hand knits - some bulky shawls from when I was learning to knit lace and some cotton tops. Daughter takes a lot of my castoffs as she has my former shape (short waisted and comparatively small waist - since hitting menopause my fat all migrated north and I can’t wear all those short tops) but she had no interest in these.?
When I got married I tossed all my big sleeved sweaters from the early 80s - I wish I had held in to a couple of those.?
Amy ?Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
I go through this every few years Therese! ?Lately it’s kept me from knitting more shawls. ?
In past years I’ve packed up a bag of knits I don’t want and taken it to family reunion, handed it to my 2 SILs, MIL, and 2 nieces and said “I don’t want to take any of this home.” ?I’ve passed a decent amount off on my mom too when I got tired of it as we are close to the same size. ?
And more recently I’ve been giving hats, cowls, and shawls to the kids’ teachers for gifts if I think they will be well received. ?So I don’t knit anything especially for them, but I pick something I’ve worn (but obviously does not look worn) from the hand knit stash when I need a gift. ?
I still struggle with what to do with sweaters that I don’t want to wear anymore if I can’t think of a person to give them to. ?
Sarah?
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On Jul 2, 2020, at 4:33 PM, Therese Shere <therese.shere@...> wrote:
? Oh good! Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 4:25 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: No, they went to the National Council of Jewish Women’s thrift store!
Amy ? When you say "toss" what do you mean exactly, Amy? Garbage, literally? Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 3:50 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: I just tossed some hand knits - some bulky shawls from when I was learning to knit lace and some cotton tops. Daughter takes a lot of my castoffs as she has my former shape (short waisted and comparatively small waist - since hitting menopause my fat all migrated north and I can’t wear all those short tops) but she had no interest in these.?
When I got married I tossed all my big sleeved sweaters from the early 80s - I wish I had held in to a couple of those.?
Amy ?Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
Therese Donate what you don’t want. Knit whatever you love. ?There are always charity auctions needing items to sell and raise money. ?
Just do what makes you happy. ?No rules! ?
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On Jul 2, 2020, at 6:19 PM, Therese Shere <therese.shere@...> wrote:
? Yesterday I finally opened up the plastic bin where I'd tucked away most of my handknits in the aftermath of the February 2019 flood. I've had only those few (well, 8-10) things that I actually wear and use frequently accessible since then. I put them away in the
glass-fronted china cabinet where I store most of my knits - they almost all fit there on four shelves, so it's not like I have *that* many. I was looking forward to doing this - but the feeling I got was, not enjoyment at seeing and handling things again, but "lord, I have way too many shawls, hats, and sweaters." And it bummed me out.
Anybody else been there? I'm feeling really saddled with too many finished items, as well as WAY too much nice yarn. Saddest of all, it makes me realize that continuing to knit a lot is kind of ridiculous. Shawls? I've got 20+. Sweaters? Don't really need any. Socks are ok, they wear out fast. Yes, I do enjoy knitting for other people (socks, hats, the occasional sweater) but there are only so many people in my life who really appreciate those gifts.?
Not sure there's an answer for this psychic dilemma, but thanks for listening :-)
--Therese Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
|
Fellow Californians, don’t you feel the effects of climate change on your sweater wearing? We hardly have any winter anymore. Most evenings i go out I wear a shawl over a shirt- sweaters are too much. Of course now we don’t go out anymore... I wear a wardrobe of black and white t shirts.?
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On Jul 2, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Sarah Mongano <sarah.mongano@...> wrote:
? I go through this every few years Therese! ?Lately it’s kept me from knitting more shawls. ?
In past years I’ve packed up a bag of knits I don’t want and taken it to family reunion, handed it to my 2 SILs, MIL, and 2 nieces and said “I don’t want to take any of this home.” ?I’ve passed a decent amount off on my mom too when I got tired of it as we are close to the same size. ?
And more recently I’ve been giving hats, cowls, and shawls to the kids’ teachers for gifts if I think they will be well received. ?So I don’t knit anything especially for them, but I pick something I’ve worn (but obviously does not look worn) from the hand knit stash when I need a gift. ?
I still struggle with what to do with sweaters that I don’t want to wear anymore if I can’t think of a person to give them to. ?
Sarah? On Jul 2, 2020, at 4:33 PM, Therese Shere <therese.shere@...> wrote:
? Oh good! Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 4:25 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: No, they went to the National Council of Jewish Women’s thrift store!
Amy ? When you say "toss" what do you mean exactly, Amy? Garbage, literally? Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 3:50 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: I just tossed some hand knits - some bulky shawls from when I was learning to knit lace and some cotton tops. Daughter takes a lot of my castoffs as she has my former shape (short waisted and comparatively small waist - since hitting menopause my fat all migrated north and I can’t wear all those short tops) but she had no interest in these.?
When I got married I tossed all my big sleeved sweaters from the early 80s - I wish I had held in to a couple of those.?
Amy ?Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
Not me, happily. My 150-year-old house is really chilly in winter, so I wear sweaters in my home office much of the time during from November to March or April. We're just within reach of marine influence here, so there are plenty of foggy/chilly summer and fall evenings when I need a shawl or sweater outdoors.
Sarah - thanks for the good ideas about potential donees..helpful. I'd rather give the really nice things to know people than the thrift shop.
And to Mary and Connie, who said there are no rules and advised ditching things and continuing to enjoy the knitting -- I know, I won't let it get me down too long.?
-Therese
Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 4:58 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: Fellow Californians, don’t you feel the effects of climate change on your sweater wearing? We hardly have any winter anymore. Most evenings i go out I wear a shawl over a shirt- sweaters are too much. Of course now we don’t go out anymore... I wear a wardrobe of black and white t shirts.?
Amy ? I go through this every few years Therese!? Lately it’s kept me from knitting more shawls. ?
In past years I’ve packed up a bag of knits I don’t want and taken it to family reunion, handed it to my 2 SILs, MIL, and 2 nieces and said “I don’t want to take any of this home.” ?I’ve passed a decent amount off on my mom too when I got tired of it as we are close to the same size. ?
And more recently I’ve been giving hats, cowls, and shawls to the kids’ teachers for gifts if I think they will be well received.? So I don’t knit anything especially for them, but I pick something I’ve worn (but obviously does not look worn) from the hand knit stash when I need a gift. ?
I still struggle with what to do with sweaters that I don’t want to wear anymore if I can’t think of a person to give them to. ?
Sarah? ? Oh good! Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 4:25 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: No, they went to the National Council of Jewish Women’s thrift store!
Amy ? When you say "toss" what do you mean exactly, Amy? Garbage, literally? Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 3:50 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: I just tossed some hand knits - some bulky shawls from when I was learning to knit lace and some cotton tops. Daughter takes a lot of my castoffs as she has my former shape (short waisted and comparatively small waist - since hitting menopause my fat all migrated north and I can’t wear all those short tops) but she had no interest in these.?
When I got married I tossed all my big sleeved sweaters from the early 80s - I wish I had held in to a couple of those.?
Amy ?Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
Amy, I’m feeling the effects of being 47 more than climate change ?.
Sarah
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On Jul 2, 2020, at 5:28 PM, Therese Shere <therese.shere@...> wrote:
? Not me, happily. My 150-year-old house is really chilly in winter, so I wear sweaters in my home office much of the time during from November to March or April. We're just within reach of marine influence here, so there are plenty of foggy/chilly summer and fall evenings when I need a shawl or sweater outdoors.
Sarah - thanks for the good ideas about potential donees..helpful. I'd rather give the really nice things to know people than the thrift shop.
And to Mary and Connie, who said there are no rules and advised ditching things and continuing to enjoy the knitting -- I know, I won't let it get me down too long.?
-Therese
Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 4:58 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: Fellow Californians, don’t you feel the effects of climate change on your sweater wearing? We hardly have any winter anymore. Most evenings i go out I wear a shawl over a shirt- sweaters are too much. Of course now we don’t go out anymore... I wear a wardrobe of black and white t shirts.?
Amy ? I go through this every few years Therese!? Lately it’s kept me from knitting more shawls. ?
In past years I’ve packed up a bag of knits I don’t want and taken it to family reunion, handed it to my 2 SILs, MIL, and 2 nieces and said “I don’t want to take any of this home.” ?I’ve passed a decent amount off on my mom too when I got tired of it as we are close to the same size. ?
And more recently I’ve been giving hats, cowls, and shawls to the kids’ teachers for gifts if I think they will be well received.? So I don’t knit anything especially for them, but I pick something I’ve worn (but obviously does not look worn) from the hand knit stash when I need a gift. ?
I still struggle with what to do with sweaters that I don’t want to wear anymore if I can’t think of a person to give them to. ?
Sarah? ? Oh good! Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 4:25 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: No, they went to the National Council of Jewish Women’s thrift store!
Amy ? When you say "toss" what do you mean exactly, Amy? Garbage, literally? Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 3:50 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger < brotslaw@...> wrote: I just tossed some hand knits - some bulky shawls from when I was learning to knit lace and some cotton tops. Daughter takes a lot of my castoffs as she has my former shape (short waisted and comparatively small waist - since hitting menopause my fat all migrated north and I can’t wear all those short tops) but she had no interest in these.?
When I got married I tossed all my big sleeved sweaters from the early 80s - I wish I had held in to a couple of those.?
Amy ?Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
Yeh, that was when I switched from pullovers to cardigans! ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Sarah Mongano Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2020 8:41 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [yarnmongers] Not masks! ? Amy, I’m feeling the effects of being 47 more than climate change ?. ? Not me, happily. My 150-year-old house is really chilly in winter, so I wear sweaters in my home office much of the time during from November to March or April. We're just within reach of marine influence here, so there are plenty of foggy/chilly summer and fall evenings when I need a shawl or sweater outdoors. Sarah - thanks for the good ideas about potential donees..helpful. I'd rather give the really nice things to know people than the thrift shop. And to Mary and Connie, who said there are no rules and advised ditching things and continuing to enjoy the knitting -- I know, I won't let it get me down too long.? Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
? ? On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 4:58 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger <brotslaw@...> wrote: Fellow Californians, don’t you feel the effects of climate change on your sweater wearing? We hardly have any winter anymore. Most evenings i go out I wear a shawl over a shirt- sweaters are too much. Of course now we don’t go out anymore... I wear a wardrobe of black and white t shirts.? Amy ? I go through this every few years Therese!? Lately it’s kept me from knitting more shawls. ? In past years I’ve packed up a bag of knits I don’t want and taken it to family reunion, handed it to my 2 SILs, MIL, and 2 nieces and said “I don’t want to take any of this home.” ?I’ve passed a decent amount off on my mom too when I got tired of it as we are close to the same size. ? And more recently I’ve been giving hats, cowls, and shawls to the kids’ teachers for gifts if I think they will be well received.? So I don’t knit anything especially for them, but I pick something I’ve worn (but obviously does not look worn) from the hand knit stash when I need a gift. ? I still struggle with what to do with sweaters that I don’t want to wear anymore if I can’t think of a person to give them to. ? ? Oh good!
Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
? ? On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 4:25 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger <brotslaw@...> wrote: No, they went to the National Council of Jewish Women’s thrift store! Amy ? When you say "toss" what do you mean exactly, Amy? Garbage, literally?
Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
? ? On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 3:50 PM Amy Brotslaw Schweiger <brotslaw@...> wrote: I just tossed some hand knits - some bulky shawls from when I was learning to knit lace and some cotton tops. Daughter takes a lot of my castoffs as she has my former shape (short waisted and comparatively small waist - since hitting menopause my fat all migrated north and I can’t wear all those short tops) but she had no interest in these.? When I got married I tossed all my big sleeved sweaters from the early 80s - I wish I had held in to a couple of those.? Amy ? ?Oh yes, Therese, I find that this feeling can muffle and snuff out all my creativity.? Shelves and shelves of things that seemed like a good idea at the time and/or have been worn to pieces.
So it's a wonderful time to harness that reaction, grab the knits and either turn a few into a felted, stitched bag or cushion cover or photograph them and send them to the great recycling bin of the big, wide world.? Someone will cherish them.? I have never missed a stitch that I've "recycled," especially if they've been recorded in my phone or on Ravelry.
Toss them.? You will be free to pick up the needles.? I pick them up mainly to soothe myself and enjoy the fibers running through my hands.
I just did a big recycle job in my Girl Cave where I sew.? What a relief.? I had saved some pieces of nice fabric for future bindings, cordings or finishing knits. You know what?? Some of them languished for five years and were never used.? Out. out. out.? I felt as though I could get to work on things again.
Being cloistered at home has helped me start big sweeps of things I no longer care about keeping.
Mary.
|
I knit a lot more shawls than I use and they are great to give away ?as one size fits all. I give them for bridal showers, housewarming gifts, 50th anniversary or 60th or 70th birthday presents. I gave one to my friend’s mother for her 80th birthday.? And if a cousin or aunt or someone visits, they get to pick out something they like. My nieces got a shawl was a wedding gift and some of them come back and ask for more. I won’t usually do a special knit but I show them what I have (photos or video) and they pick what they want and i mail it to them. When I’m in India, I take sock yarn with me, knit a couple of shawls and give them to my nieces or SILs or whoever wants them. I even gave one to the young woman who does a lot of the work for my SIL. She said it is cold in Chennai (yeah, right!) in the winter and so I took her a scarf the next time I visited.?
?I do the same with local friends periodically. I’ll take a bunch of handspun and handknits to an event and ask people to take what they like. Oh, and Christmas presents too.?
I find people are generally very appreciative of hand made items if they can see the finished item and they like it. Making something specific doesn’t work because they tire before you finish the item.?
I also regularly donate hand knits to Goodwill> if it doesn’t fit me and/or I can’t find anyone who wants it. I gave three sweaters to a lady in India one year. She was so busy knitting for her kids that she didn’t have time to knit for herself so she was very grateful and flabbergasted that anyone would give away completed sweaters.?
I knit and spin and weave because I enjoy the process of creation, not because I want or need any of the finished products.?
Yesterday I finally opened up the plastic bin where I'd tucked away most of my handknits in the aftermath of the February 2019 flood. I've had only those few (well, 8-10) things that I actually wear and use frequently accessible since then. I put them away in the
glass-fronted china cabinet where I store most of my knits - they almost all fit there on four shelves, so it's not like I have *that* many. I was looking forward to doing this - but the feeling I got was, not enjoyment at seeing and handling things again, but "lord, I have way too many shawls, hats, and sweaters." And it bummed me out.
Anybody else been there? I'm feeling really saddled with too many finished items, as well as WAY too much nice yarn. Saddest of all, it makes me realize that continuing to knit a lot is kind of ridiculous. Shawls? I've got 20+. Sweaters? Don't really need any. Socks are ok, they wear out fast. Yes, I do enjoy knitting for other people (socks, hats, the occasional sweater) but there are only so many people in my life who really appreciate those gifts.?
Not sure there's an answer for this psychic dilemma, but thanks for listening :-)
--Therese Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
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This spring I hung my wool shawls out in the garden ... lace on fences - to let the moths and the birds enjoy ... same as the rest of you ... way more Objects than Heirs :-)
The mask making explosion has (hopefully) cleared out people's shelves of quilting fabric from the 80's and 90's! And I totally agree with Mary - less STUFF = more TIME?
erica eating candy on the front porch watching the clouds And listening to The Stand?
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I do know what you mean, Therese, but I knit on because I realise I may develop an issue which means I have to stop or really slow down. I may have too many shawls for now, but not for life. Arthritic hands run in the family.
But knitting for other people, people I love, is also good.
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On 3 Jul 2020, at 00:18, Therese Shere < therese.shere@...> wrote: Yesterday I finally opened up the plastic bin where I'd tucked away most of my handknits in the aftermath of the February 2019 flood. I've had only those few (well, 8-10) things that I actually wear and use frequently accessible since then. I put them away in the
glass-fronted china cabinet where I store most of my knits - they almost all fit there on four shelves, so it's not like I have *that* many. I was looking forward to doing this - but the feeling I got was, not enjoyment at seeing and handling things again, but "lord, I have way too many shawls, hats, and sweaters." And it bummed me out.
Anybody else been there? I'm feeling really saddled with too many finished items, as well as WAY too much nice yarn. Saddest of all, it makes me realize that continuing to knit a lot is kind of ridiculous. Shawls? I've got 20+. Sweaters? Don't really need any. Socks are ok, they wear out fast. Yes, I do enjoy knitting for other people (socks, hats, the occasional sweater) but there are only so many people in my life who really appreciate those gifts.?
Not sure there's an answer for this psychic dilemma, but thanks for listening :-)
--Therese Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
|
I’m currently knitting a Shetland stole (The Jewel Long Shawl) out of 2/48 cash silk. I don’t trust my hands or my eyesight to last long enough to postpone this process. It will take a long long time to knit.?
Sharon Miller has a new pattern, BTW, the Muness Shawl. It is magnificent! I do wish she wrote in a more straightforward manner, though - she jumps all over the place in explaining many options for knitting it.?
I went to the Muness castle last summer - it will be a long time before any of us in CA get to travel again.?
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On Jul 2, 2020, at 9:50 PM, Jenny Swanson <jenny@...> wrote:
? I do know what you mean, Therese, but I knit on because I realise I may develop an issue which means I have to stop or really slow down. I may have too many shawls for now, but not for life. Arthritic hands run in the family.
But knitting for other people, people I love, is also good. Jenny Yesterday I finally opened up the plastic bin where I'd tucked away most of my handknits in the aftermath of the February 2019 flood. I've had only those few (well, 8-10) things that I actually wear and use frequently accessible since then. I put them away in the
glass-fronted china cabinet where I store most of my knits - they almost all fit there on four shelves, so it's not like I have *that* many. I was looking forward to doing this - but the feeling I got was, not enjoyment at seeing and handling things again, but "lord, I have way too many shawls, hats, and sweaters." And it bummed me out.
Anybody else been there? I'm feeling really saddled with too many finished items, as well as WAY too much nice yarn. Saddest of all, it makes me realize that continuing to knit a lot is kind of ridiculous. Shawls? I've got 20+. Sweaters? Don't really need any. Socks are ok, they wear out fast. Yes, I do enjoy knitting for other people (socks, hats, the occasional sweater) but there are only so many people in my life who really appreciate those gifts.?
Not sure there's an answer for this psychic dilemma, but thanks for listening :-)
--Therese Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
|
I think I am replying in such a way as to shorten the thread. I did read all the replies.
I think all of you know that I knit, not just for family and new babies, but for competition. After the judging has ended, most of what I made is donated or given away. Even so, I have a huge gift stash that is starting to overwhelm. I am enjoying the suggestions. I fear though that handling won't be well received by the local audience. Though Amy may have hit the nail on the head. The nearby KFC holds an annual Nearly New weekend sale of Much Better Quality Rummage. That might be an outlet for handmade items.
I am ready for this year's fair, which will likely be cancelled. I'm fact, the premium book is available online only (No printed and mailed edition) and the entry form will be available on the 15th, if the whole thing isn't dumped this weekend.
Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, I am looking for places to place all this knitwear.
Ann? McManus
Ann in PA
Sent from my kindle
On July 2, 2020, at 6:19 PM, Therese Shere <therese.shere@...> wrote: Yesterday I finally opened up the plastic bin where I'd tucked away most of my handknits in the aftermath of the February 2019 flood. I've had only those few (well, 8-10) things that I actually wear and use frequently accessible since then. I put them away in the
glass-fronted china cabinet where I store most of my knits - they almost all fit there on four shelves, so it's not like I have *that* many. I was looking forward to doing this - but the feeling I got was, not enjoyment at seeing and handling things again, but "lord, I have way too many shawls, hats, and sweaters." And it bummed me out.
Anybody else been there? I'm feeling really saddled with too many finished items, as well as WAY too much nice yarn. Saddest of all, it makes me realize that continuing to knit a lot is kind of ridiculous. Shawls? I've got 20+. Sweaters? Don't really need any. Socks are ok, they wear out fast. Yes, I do enjoy knitting for other people (socks, hats, the occasional sweater) but there are only so many people in my life who really appreciate those gifts.?
Not sure there's an answer for this psychic dilemma, but thanks for listening :-)
--Therese Thérèse Shere
Freelance indexing & digital information design
|
Jaya,
I think that with the two sentences cited below, you have hit upon the basic secrets of successfully giving hand knits that the recipient will love.
We want people to love what we have made, but we all know that many times that just doesn't work out the way we had hoped.? It can be disappointing when there is feigned delight in an effort to accept the gift, graciously.?
If they select the gift, there is a modicum of control there that is appreciated.? I want to give what they'll love, not some knitted notion of what I think they would like, and the satisfaction of having the item immediately is also right on target.? I never considered the impact of "wait time" while the item is being knitted.
Mary.
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On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 06:17 PM, Jaya Srikrishnan wrote:
I do the same with local friends periodically. I’ll take a bunch of handspun and handknits to an event and ask people to take what they like. Oh, and Christmas presents too.?
?
I find people are generally very appreciative of hand made items if they can see the finished item and they like it. Making something specific doesn’t work because they tire before you finish the item.?
?
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Mary? You said "If they select the gift, there is a modicum of control there that is appreciated.? I want to give what they'll love, not some knitted notion of what I think they would like, and the satisfaction of having the item immediately is also right on target.? I never considered the impact of "wait time" while the item is being knitted."
I discovered this when my daughter?was a pre-teen/teen. She would ask for a sweater or a scarf but by the time I finished it, her desire had vanished. So I learned to offer her already made things and that worked out better. I just went on to do the same thing when I give gifts. I have made a few items on spec. - one for my son, one for my husband and one for my oldest SIL. All were loved but these were mature adults who know what it takes to make these things.
A moment of joy that I got last year in India was when an acquaintance?from here, who knows my SIL very well, was visiting her while we were staying with her. I was knitting and the acquaintance asked what I was making. My SIL went into her bedroom and came out with an armful of shawls and scarves I've given her over the years. She said "something like these". Pre-pandemic she traveled all over India and abroad giving lectures and talks and parts of India are cold in the winter. So this is her winter wardrobe there.?
The 80th birthday girl called me up and was so appreciative of the shawl I gave her even though she had said 'no gifts'. I spoke to her daughter before I gave it. Such moments make it all worthwhile.
Jaya,
I think that with the two sentences cited below, you have hit upon the basic secrets of successfully giving hand knits that the recipient will love.
We want people to love what we have made, but we all know that many times that just doesn't work out the way we had hoped.? It can be disappointing when there is feigned delight in an effort to accept the gift, graciously.?
If they select the gift, there is a modicum of control there that is appreciated.? I want to give what they'll love, not some knitted notion of what I think they would like, and the satisfaction of having the item immediately is also right on target.? I never considered the impact of "wait time" while the item is being knitted.
Mary.
On Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 06:17 PM, Jaya Srikrishnan wrote:
I do the same with local friends periodically. I’ll take a bunch of handspun and handknits to an event and ask people to take what they like. Oh, and Christmas presents too.?
?
I find people are generally very appreciative of hand made items if they can see the finished item and they like it. Making something specific doesn’t work because they tire before you finish the item.?
?
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Amy, your shawl pattern is lovely.? Seeing it makes me wonder why I ever moved away from knitted lace.? Heaven knows I have loads of cones in my closet from those days.
Muness Shawl:? What an epic piece of knitted lace.? Operations on RS and WS.? It is spectacular.
And to think my wrap is just seed stitch. As one of my ancient law professors used to say about the law, "note the diversity!" and I love the diversity in our knitting projects.
Mary
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erica