Monday, February 11, 2008

Stitch By Stitch

"We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us -- how we can take it, what we do with it -- and that is what really counts in the end."
-- Joseph Fort Newton




I know that I’ve been distant. Knitting is something I rarely have time to do. Yet once a week I go to the shop and find how comforting it is to me. It really helps to heal my soul. And I’m not complaining in any way shape or form. This just is how it is right now.

We moved Mom up to Assisted Living right by my house in January. I wish to say that it’s been smooth sailing but everything seemed to go wrong the first month and Mom, bless her heart, did the best she could with all of it. I’ve been so proud of her!

This weekend we were able to take her out and about our little town in her new wheelchair and she really had a good time. It was such a blessing to see her really smile and laugh and enjoy herself.

Every other weekend DH, sis and I are cleaning at the house in hopes of getting it ready for market so Dad can join Mom. Baby steps…one room at a time it is getting cleaner. Like the stitches on my new caplet pictured above. Stitch by stitch, row by row it is getting longer.

I’ve already changed the pattern by using a crochet cast on. The pattern said when you finish the shoulder part go back and pick up 98 stitches. There was no way that was happening. Also by doing it this way I can spit join back onto the cast on end and pick up as if I never left.

I really enjoy the richness of color in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in Redwood Forest Hand-Dyed. It is such a joy to work with. Oh, I also changed the side increases to knit front and back instead of make 1. I like the raglan look to it. And I plan to edge in picot to boot.



Here is a pic of Obsidian and Widdershins together. My sweet purry furries…recharging their batteries in the sun.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

8 comments:

Nana Sadie said...

OH so PRETTY!
(the kitties, too, but your knitting especially!!!)
(((((hugs)))))

Willow Goldentree said...

Welcome back. :) Beautiful picture of the cats.

Bianca said...

Good to see you writing again. Strength to you though, organizing things for your parents. You deserve a big hug!

Geraldine said...

Sending you and your mom big hugs,this is such a difficult transition. I know and I remember vividly how 'everything went wrong' too, at the time. My mom and I became even closer though, as time went on from there and that was a blessing that made things bearable.

Knitting is such a comfort isn't it, crocheting too. When I am super stressed, I find that the simple art of working on a project, letting my mind settle and relax, can be a real lifesaver.


Great post and your kitties are GORGEOUS!!!

Geraldine said...

You've won an award Ruinwen, stop by Veggies....when you can!!!

Sue said...

So glad to see you are back. The colors in your capelet are so deep and rich. I love them!

Good thoughts to you as you move your parents. My mother just signed the lease to go into a senior housing complex. My siblings and I are going to have to help her get packed and moved. Even though she is in an apartment right now, she has to downsize. It will take her a while to get used to the change but I think it will be for the best.

Carol & Christine said...

I was orginally going to post a second comment to Stitch By Stitch, but apparently I didnt post a comment.

So here goes... welcome back, its great to read you again. We sure miss you when you dont post, but we understand that life happens.

Your knitting is goregeous! Miss you!

Carol & Christine said...

Prayers and good thoughts for you and your Mom.