Happiness is...

I normally write on this blog about knitting, yarn, my projects and any finished items that I have made but recently I have done more thinking about knitting than actually doing it.
Not planning projects, yarn or designs but really thinking about what this "hobby" means to me and if I want to take it further and make it more of my life than it really is.

I recently went to a talk by Karren Brady, Managing Director of Birmingham Football Club which was called "Playing To Win", the name also of her current book. She said - "Work is only work if you would rather be doing something else"; she takes no sick time and hardly any holiday and is by all accounts a business superwoman. Well, quite frankly, I would rather be doing something else when I am at work the only problem is I am not sure what yet.

What I do know is that for me knitting is pure happiness. The big question is, however, is that because I do it in my spare time and it's something that I choose to do? Would it be pure happiness if knitting, yarn, needles, patterns etc. were my life's work?

I've never thought I was a creative person. I failed miserably at art at school, can't draw for toffee. The job I do is in a creative industry but it's a logical methodical job. Funnily enough, I only got back into knitting in the last 2 years after a 15 year hiatus because it helped me give up smoking! Having said all of that I do think that what I do is creative in it's own way and I want to do more of it.

Now I am more confused than ever..... I need someone to point me in the right direction... Is anyone out there??

One down, one to go

Also finished sock 1 of the Gentleman's Evening Sock and started on the second one. This patttern is pretty slow going as it's such a HUGE sock. I also swapped halfway through to new DPNs but they are faux ivory and are so wobbly and bendy that I might have to swap back to the metal ones. They're making my hands ache!

Pomatomus Blue Finished

Finally finished Pomatomus Blue! I have to say I didn't really pay much attention to the pattern on this. I got a bit know-it-all and in some places they are a bit wonky but I love them anyway.
I forgot how great Lucia is to knit with - so smooth and silky on the needles and the colour is fantastic.

Norf London

Tickets arrived today for the Kntting and Stitching Show in a couple of weekends time at Alexandra Palace. Normally the only time I go there in the year is for the huge fireworks display they hold there every year. It's always chaos on that evening - with everyone jostling for the best view around the trees that have inconviently grown up in the way - but despite the chaos, it's the best fireworks display in North London. Not only that you can also see all the other displays South of the Palace streatching all the way to Croydon.

I have finished the first Pomatomus sock and started on the second before I get second sock syndrome. I find that if I can get to the heel turn before I get bored then it's all good and the sock will be finished. If not then there is no hope for it! This pattern is quick to knit up so I hope to be able to finish these this week and then move back onto the Gentleman's socks (still have the second one to do).



This shows the sock in it's true colours.