That picture of the colorful yarn made me feel so peaceful and happy just looking at it.
One thing I'm glad that came out of recent years is a lot of meetings are virtual, so I can knit through them. I take in information so much better with that kind of movement, and sometimes I will knit a repetitive, autopilot project when reading something complex on a screen, or if I get stuck on some complicated legal question, I'll pause and knit a few rows while thinking on it. It's like working with string helps me untangle the knot of my thoughts.
(It has now occurred to me for the first time that this practice, which helps with my legal writing, could certainly be applied to my creative writing. Why didn't I think of this before!?)
Hand work is healing in many ways, which you have written about. Just becoming absorbed in it, no matter what it is, is a journey into a place where you can be you and connect to a current that flows through all of life. It is almost a jolt when you return to the time at hand. What a fun day(s) we had for your visit!
I love your description - it can be a relaxing journey but sometimes, it’s a bumpy ride learning a new skill or starting a project. My visit was my ideal travel: hikes, bookstore, yarn stores, and a poet’s reading. Thanks again for such a fun time.
It was a great time! You are most welcome and we must have many more visits. It can be frustrating to learn new skills, but if a person sees it through, not only is much learned, but it expands creativity and life in general. Although I must say, the learning part can add to my collection of grey hairs😂!
I did some knitting as a young woman, but now as an elder, I'm largely gardening, painting, and writing as my "handwork." My hands aren't happy with too much use, so art, writing, and gardening take precedence.
I totally appreciate the meditative aspects of handwork, though.
I find my relatively new hobby of weaving to be meditative -- when the warp is on the loom and I'm weaving! Getting the warp on the loom must be the "keeping the brain sharp" part. My late partner was a wood carver. I remember going to his workshop to tell him dinner was ready, and he was carving intently. I stood inches from his elbow and watched awhile, then went back to put dinner on hold. Later I found he had no idea I'd been there watching him! Flow. Thanks for another good post.
This made me laugh! I have long been interested in loom weaving, but have heard much of the warping process. Your description of your partner matches the flow process - where people are so immersed in what they are doing that they can tune out any distractions. I don't have that with knitting but I have been known to forget to feed the dogs while I am out in the garden. Fortunately, they have forgiving natures! Thanks for commenting, Barbara.
Your list of the benefits of handwork is enlightening, Sue. I think it all applies to gardening too, which is my handwork these days. And what lovely serendipity that you met a friend on Substack who lives near enough that you can meet for farm visits and yarn-buying excursions! Blessings to you as you find your way in these difficult times.
I agree and actually have a separate post on the many benefits of gardening! Substack has connected me to several people, like you and others, that have enhanced my life. Thanks for commenting, Susan.
While I'm not a handworker, unfortunately, I love how you explore the beauty and the benefits. Your creations are beautiful and the natural blends and the colors are beautiful.
Excellent post, I agree entirely about the benefits of handcrafts. I sew, mostly repairing or customising clothes, weave small items on a handmade cardbouard loom, and make collages.
I have sewed some. I was so thankful that my mom taught me how to lay out patterns and cut them and then sew them together. I love collages - mostly other people's! Thanks for commenting, Juliet.
That picture of the colorful yarn made me feel so peaceful and happy just looking at it.
One thing I'm glad that came out of recent years is a lot of meetings are virtual, so I can knit through them. I take in information so much better with that kind of movement, and sometimes I will knit a repetitive, autopilot project when reading something complex on a screen, or if I get stuck on some complicated legal question, I'll pause and knit a few rows while thinking on it. It's like working with string helps me untangle the knot of my thoughts.
(It has now occurred to me for the first time that this practice, which helps with my legal writing, could certainly be applied to my creative writing. Why didn't I think of this before!?)
Hand work is healing in many ways, which you have written about. Just becoming absorbed in it, no matter what it is, is a journey into a place where you can be you and connect to a current that flows through all of life. It is almost a jolt when you return to the time at hand. What a fun day(s) we had for your visit!
I love your description - it can be a relaxing journey but sometimes, it’s a bumpy ride learning a new skill or starting a project. My visit was my ideal travel: hikes, bookstore, yarn stores, and a poet’s reading. Thanks again for such a fun time.
It was a great time! You are most welcome and we must have many more visits. It can be frustrating to learn new skills, but if a person sees it through, not only is much learned, but it expands creativity and life in general. Although I must say, the learning part can add to my collection of grey hairs😂!
I did some knitting as a young woman, but now as an elder, I'm largely gardening, painting, and writing as my "handwork." My hands aren't happy with too much use, so art, writing, and gardening take precedence.
I totally appreciate the meditative aspects of handwork, though.
I find my relatively new hobby of weaving to be meditative -- when the warp is on the loom and I'm weaving! Getting the warp on the loom must be the "keeping the brain sharp" part. My late partner was a wood carver. I remember going to his workshop to tell him dinner was ready, and he was carving intently. I stood inches from his elbow and watched awhile, then went back to put dinner on hold. Later I found he had no idea I'd been there watching him! Flow. Thanks for another good post.
This made me laugh! I have long been interested in loom weaving, but have heard much of the warping process. Your description of your partner matches the flow process - where people are so immersed in what they are doing that they can tune out any distractions. I don't have that with knitting but I have been known to forget to feed the dogs while I am out in the garden. Fortunately, they have forgiving natures! Thanks for commenting, Barbara.
Your list of the benefits of handwork is enlightening, Sue. I think it all applies to gardening too, which is my handwork these days. And what lovely serendipity that you met a friend on Substack who lives near enough that you can meet for farm visits and yarn-buying excursions! Blessings to you as you find your way in these difficult times.
I agree and actually have a separate post on the many benefits of gardening! Substack has connected me to several people, like you and others, that have enhanced my life. Thanks for commenting, Susan.
I love to do pencil sketches and paint by numbers - it feels so good to make something with your hands!
It really does feel good. Paint by numbers ...I remember doing several of those in my teens!
While I'm not a handworker, unfortunately, I love how you explore the beauty and the benefits. Your creations are beautiful and the natural blends and the colors are beautiful.
Thank you, Paulette! It's never too late to start...
Excellent post, I agree entirely about the benefits of handcrafts. I sew, mostly repairing or customising clothes, weave small items on a handmade cardbouard loom, and make collages.
I have sewed some. I was so thankful that my mom taught me how to lay out patterns and cut them and then sew them together. I love collages - mostly other people's! Thanks for commenting, Juliet.