Above is the bo peep scarf from Woodland Knits: over 20 enchanting patterns by Stephanie Dosen. This pattern can also be found on Ravelry for $5.50. I own the book. I was so lucky to have had it gifted to me but I can say that it would be absolutely worth the $14.87 on Amazon to buy. Every pattern inside is one that I fantasize about creating. If you go back and review my To Do list, you will see that there aren't any knitting projects on it. This is a detour and the reason why I often don't cross much off on my To Do list(s). I know. BUT, this is a detour with a bow on it and mine is going to be blue.
This is a hard blog to write because there is so much that I want to say about knitting! It is one of the most relaxing things that I do while also being a challenge most of the time. Basically, knitting is like yoga for the brain. It can be frustrating sometimes for sure as some patterns can be quite complicated. Other patterns can be infuriating because they are just plain wrong. Nothing is worse than having to undo something that took hours to complete because you came to the conclusion too late that the instructions sent you in the wrong direction. I have practically brought my husband to his knees tearing a project apart while he pleaded "stop...it's fine...there isn't anything wrong with it...what are you doing!?" Not all of these mess ups can be blamed on the pattern though but on the fact that knitting is just plain harder when you are left handed (many things are harder...at 28 years old I still can't cut properly with scissors or use a can opener.) Knitting is such a calming activity though. To sum it up, I feel that I cherish it because it gives me permission to sit down. It is also an excellent excuse to not do the other things that I am supposed to do AND it can easily be layered with other enjoyable activities like hanging out with friends and family, listening to music, and watching Dateline. The ability to do so many things at one time feels extremely productive. My sister can even knit and read a novel at the same time (although that is a bit ambitious for me!) Another bonus, is that picking out patterns is like shopping except it is effortless because you can do it underneath the covers of your own bed and it is without limit as long as you believe that you will someday posses the ability to make anything! Finally, when a project is completed, there is a remarkable sense of accomplishment, artistry, and pride. Below is the last big project I completed last summer (I am not counting the finger/wrist knitted neck warmers and cowls that I made for family and friends for Christmas. Those were too easy! If you are interested in learning, I would be happy to teach!)
The original fox scarf pattern did not include realistic markings or a soft warm inner lining. I am proud to say that I tweaked the pattern a bit to make it my own. My daughter loves it so much that she hardly ever takes it off. She has puked on it and bled bloody nose on it but I am just so happy that it is not tucked in the back of a drawer somewhere! I am really looking forward to this next project (the bo peep scarf) because it is made with fingering weight yarn which is as thin as a strand of thread. Although the pattern seems simple enough, knitting with such thin yarn is something that I am eager to master. I am also overjoyed to be making something for myself because I never do. I will post a picture of it when it is all done!
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