Keep Calm and Carry On

A year ago last August I had knee replacement surgery.  I decided the recovery time would be the perfect time to learn how to knit socks. I walked into a yarn store and asked for their easiest sock pattern and some yarn.  It took me a while and I made lots of mistakes (maybe I can blame the pain meds for them) but I got one sock done - and I discovered that knitting socks didn't take as long as I had thought and that I enjoyed the process. Then one year ago this week I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had more surgery, radiation and recovery time ahead.  I started another pair of socks and discovered that I still enjoyed the knitting and that it let me rest but also occupied my mind (and kept it from going in dark directions).

Knitting has helped calm me and/or keep me calm through out the last year which has also seen a daughter have a stroke (got quick treatment, no long term effects), sibling with a cancer diagnosis, and a parent in hospice care at the nursing home.  The year has also had some very happy events, the marriage of a child and the adoption of our first grandchild.  So I have kept calm (most of the time) and kept knitting - 6 pairs of socks finished and 2 more started, 4 cowls finished and 2 more started.

I finished up the Opal socks for Socktoberfest and knit a quick Bandanna Cowl from merino wool and mohair bulky yarn.  Yea, another Christmas gift done!  I just started on a another pair of socks, also for a Christmas gift.  The yarn color is Watermelon. 

Trying to keep calm and to keep knitting! (and keep quilting, not giving that up!)

Opal Socks finished

Bandanna cowl - it's so soft

New socks started - watermelon color

 Check out what others have "On the needles" at Judy's blog.

Almost finished

I almost got my Opal socks finished - just need to finish up the toe part and they will be done and then I can check off one more thing from the Christmas present to do list.  I've enjoyed seeing the color pattern emerge as the sock was knitted.  I spent more time quilting than knitting this week, quilted a twin size quilt last weekend and 3 charity quilts.  I'll post a picture of those later.  I also got a bib and burp cloth embroidered for a baby shower.  This weekend I probably need to work more in the rest of the house but we'll see :-)

Baby bib and burp cloth machine embroidery

Opal socks almost finished

Check out Judy's blog for more "On the Needles" posts

Opal yarn Socktoberfest

I got a sock knit in one week!  I still can't believe I am getting socks knitted.  These are turning out pretty, not what I expected when I picked up the yarn but I like them.  Almost have another Christmas present done!

Opal socks 

On and Off the needles on Friday - I finished the orange socks and started on the Opal yarn socks.   Just got back from the AQS show in Des Moines, great show with good exhibits and the vendors are always fun!  I even got yarn this year too.  Suggestion to self - do not use yellow background when taking photo next time!