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.