I used to be able to knit endlessly. And then I overdid it. And then I overdid the overdoing. And layered tendinitis in several parts of my arm and thumb on top of my old friend, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
I know I'm not the only knitter who overdoes. The very clever Carson Demers makes a living teaching knitters how not to do overdo. (If you ever get a chance to take a class with him, don't miss it.)
So this summer, I spent a huge amount of time not knitting on purpose. It affected my ability to work, too. Not good. I'm lucky to have found that Active Release Technique therapy has helped me in the past, and twice-weekly sessions over the summer finallyl has me knitting again. And happy.
But as I was happily knitting, I felt an unfamiliar electric jolt inside the top of my dominant forearm. Fellow knitters, that is a warning sign. TO REST. So I did. At least now I'm tuned in to my own body well enough to hear, and heed, it. And book another ART session.
There's something new in Knitty, and it's not knitting. It's crochet*.
Don't be shocked. One of the things Jillian and I are discovering, as we delve deeper into our crafts, is that they're not exclusive. They can Play Well Together, which is (cleverly) the title of our newest column, written by crocheting knitter Miriam Felton, and knitting crocheter Amy O'Neill Houck. Go read their stuff. It's good.
Don't be scared to pick up a hook. I did, earlier this year, and am loving what crochet can do that knitting can't. It's also a nice change for my hands and arms from the muscles and tendons that knitting uses. (See above.)
*No, we're not turning into Crochetty, and we never will. Plus, say it out loud. It's silly.
I teach a lot of knitting classes. Did you know? It's true.
To see if I'll be teaching anywhere near where you live or plan to visit, check out my personal website, and take a second to sign up for my totally unspammy mailing list.
Stay tuned to the knittyBlog for our ongoing year of contests! Watch our Twitter feed just because it's fun and silly, and because if anything spontaneous happens, it gets announced there first! Join in the fun on our Facebook page. And tell new knitters, whenever you meet one, about Knitty. And imagine the look on their face the first time they sit down and click on our Library.
Amy R Singer
[editor, Knitty]
photo: Amy
Singer
Planning vs Doing I love to plan; I make lists and organize stuff. Research, I could do it all day long without actually ever getting to the doing part.
But there is something about the fall that kicks in the doing.
What is it about fall that puts me into gear? The weather? Everyone else's fall doing-things energy? The back to school routine? I have no idea, but I'll take it.
I go crazy doing in the fall and what seemed impossible in the spring and summer is effortless. The summer was the tick, tick, tick of ramping up on a roller coaster and fall is the free fall down the other side, exhilarating and wild and I'm spinning and knitting as fast as my fingers can fly.
Right now finishing touches on my classes for Rhinebeck, spinning and knitting lots of samples. I'm so excited! I know I'll see some of you there either in class or shopping, be sure to show me your spinning.
This issue's Knittyspin column is all about mixing variegated tops: ply or blend, you decide.
Happy fall spinning!
If you have an
idea for a project or article for
Knittyspin write me.
Knittyspin submission guidelines
are here.
If you have fiber,
spindles, books, or other spinny
products or tools that you'd like
us to review, you'll find information
how how to get your products in
to the hands of our reviewers here.
I love to talk about it all.
Have
you seen the Knittyspin shwag? Check
out the Knittyspin
gear. Cozy sweatshirts,
long-sleeved tees, and much more!
Show your spinning pride and
your love for Knittyspin!
