I have a story to tell. It’s about my latest finished project and why it took me so long to complete. I will start by providing the details of the project and then I will tell my story. The pattern is by Marie Green and is called Weekend at the Coast. I didn’t follow the pattern exactly, explanation to follow. The yarn is an exclusive color-way for Knit Stars that was dyed by the one and only Lolabean Yarn Co.
This story started on May 21st when I cast on this sweater. My plan was to have it done so I could wear for the taping of my Knit Stars segment. I had more than enough time, it was short sleeves and didn’t seem complicated…so let’s do this right?
On the surface your response would be yea let’s do this!! However, before you answer think of what was happening in the world. We were in the thick of the pandemic and the death toll continued to climb. Then four days later on May 25th George Floyd was murdered and once again the burden of being black was front and center.
If you have been a GG fan for awhile, you know that I normally find comfort in my knitting. I mean I am known to hide behind my yarn when life gets hard, but in the midst of all of this..my yarn was no longer a source of comfort. It’s hard to even type this, but knitting felt like a chore. Each day, I would schedule time in my knitting planner and yea nope. I just couldn’t relax enough to knit, BUT, I had to because Knit Stars.
The Story behind the sweater
I have often said my projects remind me of a time, a place or in some cases a person. This sweater will always remind me of the pain of living in a world that refuses to see me as equal. Every stitch of this sweater holds an emotion. It holds my tears, my frustrations and my fears. Another emotion is pride. Yes even though it took me three months to finish, I am proud I didn’t allow my body issues to stop me.
Because I couldn’t relax and knit, I avoided knitting all together. Because I wasn’t in a happy place, I couldn’t even figure the pattern out properly. Clearly I didn’t read the pattern first because I would have reached out for help. Since I didn’t do any of those things, my version is off a bit. If you looked at the original pattern you will see continuous ribbing and on mine not so much. I also didn’t do the ribbing on the neckline or sleeve.
Am I the only one? Did you finish something in the midst of this crazy world that will forever remind you of 2020?
Have a fabulous day on purpose
GG
I finished two baby blankets so far. Simple straightforward knitting. Then I thought I’d make a stuffed toy from the yarn remaining from the second blanket. And, just what you described happened– an inability to concentrate, no reaching out for help, and, for me, frustration at and with the poor little teddy bear.
But it’s finished, and the babies for whom I knit these gifts were delivered safely in the middle of this pandemic. That is what I want to remember about that little toy: while I was making it, so many essential hospital workers: midwives, doctors, nurses, aides, the room cleaners who are at risk everyday, even without the pandemic, dieticians, administrators, all of the people who cared for them in their hours of need are all still safe in one hospital, and I hope will continue to stay well in the other.
Thanks for reminding me. I need to make a baby blanket
I am still knitting and will continue until the end of the calendar year, knitting blankets. Comfort for some unknown person as I live in the Caribbean, been here 15 years surrounded by comfort and have no need for blankets. We are free from C19, had 3 cases early in the year.
Thank for giving me inspiration
Thank God you are free of this virus. Stay safe
First off, your sweater is absolutely, gorangeous! I ordered the Knitstars yarn from Adella, too! I’ve completed lots of projects since the pandemic started. Knitting has been my means of sanity. It is definitely something that I can’t do while stressed, so often times, I have a little time of meditation/prayer before I start, so I’m not putting bad mojo in the finished project. My projects still bring me joy, no matter what was going on at the time.
Thank you 🤗 and woo boo for getting Citrus Sunrise
Actually, I think your sweater looks better without the ribbing on the neck and sleeves. More summery. And you look gorgeous in it. The color is perfect.
Thank you 🤗
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this sweater and topic. As you wrote, it wasn’t easy for you but you powered through it. Probably, to try and help others if they are feeling similarly to not feel alone. I started a Love Note Sweater by Tin Can Knits in February. I too felt ‘ no problem, it can be done up quick and I can were it to work as a summer sweater’. Then the pandemic came and I and all my coworkers were sent home. People we know got sick and some died. We can’t go back, we don’t know if we EVER will go back. And that sweater sat there…looking at me..reminding me of how happy I had been to imagine wearing it to work. All my coworkers are men, and you would be surprised how much they supported my hobby! Asking me questions about what I was making, how to do things, if what I was wearing was something I made. And of course they all have hats made by me for their outdoor adventures. But this sweater would never be commented on by them or even seen while knitting and receive encouragement. I don’t knit for their adoration, but I found I could not get going on it because I had no one to really share the journey with. I did finally finish in May, and it is full of issues and the drop from the bodice is too wide. I can unravel and fix it, but I don’t want to. It is representative of the confusion, fear and sadness of the time. And if I fix it and make it fit better and look better, I feel it would be a lie to myself because at the time, nothing was right.
I feel you
I’ve lost my knitting Mojo during this pandemic. In the past, I too have always looked to my knitting for solace. But now I find that I am too distracted. I want to be helping with all that’s going on in the outside. Yet I’m stuck at home. So, I am spending my time trying to find the best way to do that.
I agree w/Linda, that it looks very summery!
It’s hard to remember what I was making pre-pandemic.
I’m still finishing up a few shawls out of my 10+ wips 🙂
But mostly I have switched to crocheting “BLM” and “VOTE” signs.
I think everything I’ve done this year will forever remind me of 2020.
I have been trying to think of how to do a “temperature” blanket for 2020 that would both honor the year and also embody hope…
I lost my crochet mojo for “regular things”, so it’s now a rotation between the two signs and shawls that are going to a charity…
The sweater looks great, and it looks great on you! Nothing wrong with knitting an interpretation of a pattern, either.
In my knitting this year, I’ve been a little more forgiving of startitis, and done a lot of yarn buying! But neither is a huge change for me, just exaggerated previous behavior.
It. Is. Beautiful! And it looks absolutely amazing on you! I’m glad you are proud of it. 🙂
I have definitely had project that I knit during times of pain and distress … and I’ve passed those on to others who will love them … cuz they only remind me of sadness.
I hope you don’t let 2020 ruin that beautiful sweater for you! Hugs!
Nope it will be a symbol of triumph
The sweater looks fabulous and so do you!!
Thank you 🤗
well – i’m on may 5th pandemic sweater – so i guess, yes. and aww gg – you are so beautiful – i wish each (white) person who ever encountered you could only see that – in you and in all people. so much love to you.
Thanks for reading 👩🏾💻😊🧡 and for the lovely comment
I have found inspiration and comfort in your strength and words. This is a difficult time, but is probably what it will take to make progress and change. I am grateful that I have my knitting and had the extra time to explore the online knitting community. It helps me feel “alone together” which is comforting on some way.
Your sweater is fabulous and I have had it in my queue for a little while. I think I will pick out some fabulous orange yarn and get started. Certainly it will remind me of your wisdom and inspiration!
Would you be kind enough to share the bind off you used, as it is lovely?
Thank you for being so open and brave. Your messages are valuable.
Thanks for reading 👩🏾💻😊🧡 and responding 🤗
Well, the sweater is just lovely. Every stitch of it will tell a story of 2020. I’ve not been able to pick up my sticks, feeling like I lost my knitting mojo, I’m not even a half way through a hat for my Ma’s (February) birthday present. You’re such an inspiration, though, and I’ll make some time tonight. thank you!
Thank you 🤗