Last fall I caught myself softly laughing as I carried a bag of newly purchased yarn to my car. I was overwhelmed with the pure joy of living and enjoying so many different things. Knitting, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking, gardening, baking, reading, music…maybe even cleaning cloth diapers.
Today I finished knitting my very first sock. Tony looked over at me at one point and asked if it was worth it. Oh yes it is. Maybe it is the slow pace of progress, the gentle clicking of the needles, the connection to women of the past who depended on knitting socks for their families, the sheer thrill of making something…I don’t know. But I do know it is totally worth it.
Tonight I am knitting on another project that I started last year. I am listening to a book on tape. Wishing I could also listen to newly discovered knitting podcasts. Thinking I should be able to read and knit at the same time. Taking a break from knitting to read a little bit of Growing a Farmer: How I Learned to Live Off the Land
You hit the nail on the head Ingrid! I like knitting socks too, even though you can go to the store and buy a pack of socks for 5 bucks, there is nothing like wearing ( or giving) a pair of handmade socks. Everytime you see the socks you think ” I MADE socks. From mere STRING!” The fact that you COULD just go to the store and buy socks is what makes the handmade ones so special. And like you said, it connects you with women from the past that used to make socks because they had to. I think the outside world thinks us crazy for willing taking the most difficult ( and sometimes more expensive) route making something instead of buying it. But you and I know that the satisfaction and enjoyment of making something with our own two hands beats shopping, hands down! Such simple joys of life are what living is all about!
Heidi
You have found the true pleasures of life. Its the little every day things that bring out the most joy. Now if only that sun was shining while you were knitting . Thats heaven! also that your hubby has a good job so you can stay home with your babies! I was able to when my kids were little. But not my daughter, at this time. When her hubby graduates then maybe.
God’s peace be with you.