Knitting functions for me as a kind of therapy or meditation, a respite from the normal crazy pace of life. I can pick up my needles and begin making stitches one at a time, over and over, row upon row and, like a mantra, the stitching slows me down and takes me to a quieter place. It makes me happy. |
In my daily life, there are so many things that need tending to that taking time out to knit is not always possible. Sometimes all I can grab is a few minutes here and there. So I like taking knitting with me when I travel. Long flights provide great, quiet time to knit and there is also all the time spent sitting in airports waiting for connections that can be filled up with knitting too. |
We just returned from a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands. In addition to books and magazines that I wanted to dive into on my trip, I brought a skein of brick red yarn that wanted to be a dog sweater, a small ball each of yellow and red yarn for an idea I had for Valentine's Day, my trusty tape measure, size 7 needles and a little notebook to jot down pattern notes.
It took up surpisingly little room in my carry-on. On the Dallas to San Jaun flight leg the movie was bad so I used that time to swatch a diamond-like panel for the dog sweater and wrote out the instructions for it. Then I did a gauge swatch for and intarsia heart vest for my dog Tabby to for Valentine's Day. I was really glad to have the yarn and needles with me. The time flew and if a knitting moment presented itself once we were on our boat I would be ready to let the needles fly.
It took up surpisingly little room in my carry-on. On the Dallas to San Jaun flight leg the movie was bad so I used that time to swatch a diamond-like panel for the dog sweater and wrote out the instructions for it. Then I did a gauge swatch for and intarsia heart vest for my dog Tabby to for Valentine's Day. I was really glad to have the yarn and needles with me. The time flew and if a knitting moment presented itself once we were on our boat I would be ready to let the needles fly.
Knitting on a sailboat can be challenging especially if, like me, you are prone to motion sickness. Under sail on calm sea days, I was able to work on both projects. Under sail on rough sea days, I sat staring at the horizon, wishing the sailing to be over and for Happy Hour to begin. There was some beach knitting too. I have yet to meet another knitter on the beach but I am sure it will happen some day.
Before you think I am a total knitiot, I want to say that I enjoyed all the Caribbean had to offer: exploring fabulous beaches, swimming, snorkeling, sunning... I finished the books and magazine I brought with me too. But most of all I enjoyed spending time with our friends Carol and Ray. It was pretty close to perfect.
Still it is great to be home and see all my loved ones and to settle back into the daily routine rested and refreshed. I promised myslef if I got through all the mail and paperwork in my home office today that I would knit for a little while.
Still it is great to be home and see all my loved ones and to settle back into the daily routine rested and refreshed. I promised myslef if I got through all the mail and paperwork in my home office today that I would knit for a little while.