Friends, this is a hard-won bit of creativity, but here it is:
I have finally gotten the stitches cast on for those socks. It took me three swatches and two times casting on before I finally got it right. But now, the needles are ready to fly.
I love knitting patterns written by people who really know what they’re doing. This is my first time knitting socks and so I picked a pattern by Ann Budd, who is completely to be trusted. For example, she recommends using an Old Norwegian cast on method. I had never heard of it before, but managed to pull it off, I think. Digging a little deeper I find that this cast on method is supposed to give a springier, stretchier edge. Fabulous!
The rest of my creative energy this week has gone towards “casting on” another project. For years I’ve circled this healing regimen known as the GAPS diet. A number of circumstances have coincided to make me think that now is my time to begin. So I am. On Saturday.
Like knitting socks for the first time, this is a huge undertaking and so I’ve been preparing myself all week–gathering resources, finding assistance, mourning losses that are coming. These have been my “swatches”, the things that must be done before I can actually begin the real thing.
And for both projects, I hope that the time spent knitting swatches and casting on correctly is setting me up for fewer bumps as I begin the real work. And I have fingers crossed for a lovely pair of socks that fit my daughter, and a significant healing in my body–both beautiful in their own ways.
Knitting pattern: Elegant Ribbed Stockings by Ann Budd
Yarn: Brown Sheep Co., Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn
Joining Jennifer, In the Studio
Pretty yarn. :)
I had to squint at that cast on for about five minutes before I worked out what was going on. Then I realised it’s a cast on I do actually do, but in the other hand. I’m really not good with diagrams. :D
Enjoy the sock experience!
I have yet to knit socks but it’s definitely on my “to knit” list. I pray complete healing for you, too!
Thanks for your comment on my blog! That’s so cool that you know Joanna. I would absolutely love to meet her someday. Her books are awesome and I love the knitting patterns that come with them!
Such a pretty color for those socks! They are going to be darling. Hoping today was a great start to a new healthy body for you Erin!
Visiting from In the Studio – looks like a challenge, and a good feeling to have mastered the casting on. I have never tried knitting – enjoy your new project!