Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Life after knitting...

Way back in December, after that feverish bout of designing and sample knitting for those Buddy Sweaters, I took a deep breath and decided to quit knitting…for the holidays.

I always have these grand plans for the holidays and in the end, there are just too many chores, expectations, and too little time.  And now that the boys are a little bigger, I thought they would much prefer spending some good quality time getting excited about Christmas than watching mommy go bonkers and pleading to be left alone for ‘just 5 more minutes’ to finish something or another.  So just like that, I tore up my holiday knitting list, put away all the yarn, needles and books strewn all over my house and just put it out of my mind.

And it was wonderful…

For the first time in my adult life, Christmas didn’t sneak up on me.  By the time it rolled around, I was ready.  I accomplished everything I wanted to and had a blast with the boys getting excited about it all: we made all of our own decorations for the tree, made sweet treats for our friends and fun toy gifts for all the little people in our neighbourhood, we baked, we made bread, we celebrated Santa Lucia, had dinner with friends, went to a bowling party, saw Santa, went to Church, had picnics under the tree, opened our advent stockings every night, sneaked out to cafes after dinner for chocolate milk and fanciful deserts.  We even went to see a movie in a real movie theatre! We had our neighbourhood buddies over for a Christmas party and just were really, really merry with no pressure, just fun and smiles and giggles.

And it was wonderful…

Now that Christmas is long behind us, I’m still enjoying the perks of my non-knitting lifestyle: my life is organised, we have fresh laundry (there isn’t even an ironing pile looming in the closet anymore), my house is clean and guest-ready at anytime, I’m reading a book (!), sometimes I even nap with the boys.  I joined the gym with my buddy and have actually been going three nights a week, get to bed at a reasonable hour and am enjoying cozying up with hubby on the sofa at the end of the day.

And that’s why it’s mid-February and I’m still on Christmas break.  It’s hard to get back into the groove.   Actually, I’m not even sure I really want to get back into the knitting groove the way I have been for the past 4 years.  I need more balance in my life I guess and it took a good long knitting break to see that fibre had really started to take way to much room in my life.

I hope to get back into it soon because it did mean a lot to me and I got a lot of pleasure and self-esteem from knitting and have enjoyed sharing it with you all here and on Ravelry.  I guess I just need to figure out a way to not get obsessive with it the way I think I have been in the past and that’s going to be tricky for me because once I cast on, it’s hard for me to put a project down before it is finished.    

But there’s lots of yarn in my knitting chest and there are two perfect little guys in my midst to adorn with loving woollens so it’s just a matter of time, really.

But for now, I’m enjoying the no-pressure lifestyle…

I’ll be catching up on the blog in the next few weeks with all of our holiday adventures.  I’ll cheat a little with the dates of the posts so that the dates match up more with when the activities took place so it makes more sense in the archives.  And then, I’d like to get back into the blogging even if there is no knitting to talk about and I hope you won’t mind terribly ;0)

Thank you for all the kind e-mails and all your support throughout the years, you’ve been good friends and while I haven’t missed the knitting so much, I have missed writing about life with the boys and sharing it all with you. 

I have so much to tell you…

51 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:38 p.m.

    What a relief! I could never understand how you could complete so many knitting projects and still meet all the other million needs us mummies/ housewives have too! You are like me after all! I can totally relate to your relationship with knitting and also need to take breaks now and again...remind my family what I look like etc! Welcome back to the blogging world! Glad to see you back and that you all had such a fabulous Christmas. look forward to reading all about it soon x

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  2. Crazy - I was thinking last night that I need to put ALL of my crafts away for a while! I said I was exhausted and my husband said, "You're doing it to yourself." Stop doing all of this and enjoy being with her. He's SO right! I love knitting, sewing, baking, but I've let it stress me out and it should be a relaxing thing. Of course, I have a few more things "need" to get done before I can take my break.

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  3. To everything there is a season, no? I have def. found that my relationship with knitting, running, reading, working, etc... they all ebb and flow, depending on...well, depending on a lot of things. But I think it's great that if this is what you needed, this is what you did. It's good to hear from you again.

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  4. Sounds like burn-out! I had a knitting burnout about 10 years ago and then picked up the needles again in the last five. Whatever you choose to do, you're a very creative person and we'll all be excited to see the results!

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  5. It sounds good! I don't knit very often, a few hours a week. Of course, I would like that my WIPs get finished faster, but I try to balance all the things I like and that's just fine. Also, I don't think I can knit much in the summer and that knitting is a hobby for cold winter nights. Well, it was certainly nice to read you! Have fun with all the non-knitting activities!

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  6. Awww, I just recently found your blog and love your work. Hopefully you will still be selling your patterns? I just haven't gotten around to ordering the buddy bags - so cute.

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  7. Hey - I guess this could be said for a lot of us.. I re-discovered knitting and watercolours after a burnout actually - which proved to be a salvation after all (the burnout not the knitting:)) I know that I tend to do things a little bit on the obsessive side (stash to prove) but it's getting better as I get older..

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  8. We're just happy to hear all is well with you and your family, and look forward to any posts on your blog, with knitting or not!

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  9. Welcome back! It's great to know you found a balance in life and in the end your little guys are the ones benefitting. I look forward to reading about your adventures with your family in Canada, even if it means the absence of knitting for now.
    I visited Toronto and Quebec several years ago and fell in love with the country. By reading your blog I feel as if can keep experiencing the beauty of it all.
    I'm sure I say this for everyone, please continue enjoying your life and we'll continue enjoying your blog and most of all thank you for sharing it with us.

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  10. youre very inspiring - i look forward to reading more of your posts :)

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  11. Anonymous12:17 a.m.

    Good for you!

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  12. Balance is so important in our lives and I'm glad you were able to achieve it over the holidays. We'll look forward to hearing from you when you choose to write and understand completely when you choose to spend time away with that wonderful family of yours! Kudos to you for appropriately prioritizing your life!

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  13. We were missing you here! I know what you are talking about, and have a balance, it is SO important... Get back to knitting, when you want to. I just try to knit few hours in the evening, when I am watching TV... Sometimes, I don't knit at all... for days, weeks. And that's fine.... The most important, is to spend time with your family... take care,
    Paty

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  14. Glad you are back to the blog, I've missed your updates, but I love the family life stuff as much as your knitting projects. It's great to see someone loving motherhood and home making - and very inspiring for things to do with my little boy. I guess its everything in moderation... glad you are enjoying the break and hope you keep up blogging to let us know how you are doing. Best wishes Emma :-) (Oh and I also I agree with Becky - I feel more human now - always wondered how you fitted it all in!!)

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  15. I've been wondering about you, and I've thought about dropping you an email to find out if you were okay. I'm glad you are. Sometimes, we just need to come to a screeching halt in our lives to regain balance. Good to hear from you.

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  16. Anonymous7:49 a.m.

    Welcome back! Glad your break was fun and not winter sickness! I'm glad you enjoyed your knitting break and I know the boys all did. You sound like a great mom and speaking as an almost empty nester, there's plenty of time later on to get focused on other things. Enjoy those little ones (and the big boy, too!)

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  17. Spending time with your family is the highest priority assuming you have a roof over your heads and food on the table. I'm glad you learned how to unclutter your life painlessly. Enjoy.

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  18. Welcome back! I'm glad that you took time out and enjoyed your sweet family. Balance in life is so important and equally elusive.
    It's great to hear from you again.

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  19. Anonymous12:24 p.m.

    Wonderful! And I totally agree. Make some room in your life! Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures. I have 2 boys of my own and a baby girl and I'm thrilled to hear whatever you want to share. :)

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  20. Glad to have you back!! I love reading about your darling boys and your am inspired by your knitting creativity. Whatever you blog about, I'll be reading.
    Glad that you are okay. I was worried!
    Tammy

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  21. You're back!! Yay! Do you think when you find balance with family, life, and knitting you might come to knit night sometimes???

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  22. I know exactly what you're talking about, with balance! The good news is, even with living a balanced life, it's still very possible to knit, even to knit quite a bit! I personally like to do it when my husband and I are curled up together watching a video...after our daily work and chores have been completed.

    And I'm so happy you were able to enjoy the holidays! What a joy!

    Of course we don't mind your blogging about whatever you please.

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  23. Anonymous11:55 p.m.

    Well said. It is too easy to get into a rut, whether it is doing too much or nothing at all. Enjoy the time with your boys. They grow up too fast and and you can never get that time back.

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  24. Anonymous2:26 p.m.

    welcome back! xo

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  25. Anonymous8:23 p.m.

    OMG! I'm glad you're back. I've been anxious that something terrible had happened. Balance is good!!! Balance is real good!!! You enjoy your life and your boys and blab and blog about whatever you like - we'll enjoy it! I promise to keep up the obsessive knitting for you. :) Actually, I think it's time to do a new round of buddy bags for the grands - grandaughter, grandnieces and grandnephews! All between the ages of 2.5 and 6. They'll love having them this spring and I have a large stash of Tahki Cotton Classic that should work great. So glad you're back and have had an enjoyable few months.

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  26. Anonymous11:48 a.m.

    yay! so nice to hear your blog-voice once again, anny. i love that you found such joy in stepping back. it's all about balance, heaven knows we all need to reassess/regroup now and then.
    enjoy! and much love to you + yours!
    xoxo

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  27. Anonymous5:11 p.m.

    I wish I had had a mom like you. And even more I wish I had BEEN a mom like you. Whatever you do, it is a pleasure to read about it.

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  28. You are so right! I was so burned out on knitting after Christmas, I just couldn't do it anymore. In January I was only able to knit one pair of socks for my husband and it was a real chore. After I stopped knitting it seemed like I started living again. It was such a relief. I have a son the same age as yours (his b-day is March 26) and I feel I've spent most of his life behind the needles. You know it's true, because whenever he sees a picture of someone knitting he points and says "mama". I started knitting again a few weeks ago and I can already feel all the old stress and pressures building up again. I love to knit, but it drives me crazy. I think I will need to give it a good long break. I'm so glad I'm not the only one to come to this conclusion.

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  29. I totally agree about the knitting obsession. The last year or so I have been knitting away to the detriment of other daily chores. Since the holidays I have made a rule that I knit when watching tv only when the other things I want to get done are finished. Now I have a semi-organized streamlined house/family and my knitting is a reward :)

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  30. There's nothing wrong with taking a break. :) I'm glad to see you back in blogland. :)

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  31. I would like to award you with the Butterfly Award. See my post for details:
    http://tales-of-a-knitting-mom.blogspot.com/2009/02/hurray-for-you.html

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  32. Anonymous2:17 p.m.

    Congratulations for striking a comfortable balance in your life! I am interested in your tree pattern that you showed as you were creating it about a year ago, but I don't see it as a pattern to purchase. Is it available? It was so beautiful! Laura

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  33. I took a knitting break (and a break from much of my independent life) when my kids were small. Knitting and a million other things will always be there. Their childhood years will pass. Enjoy every second of it and you won't be one of those sad souls who can't believe how quickly their kids grew up. I know mine didn't grow up quickly because I was paying full attention the whole time. Now, I have time to knit and blog about it, enjoy their company keep house, home, garden, cottage, marriage and social life humming all while proudly watching their independance grow, along with my own. So I think a break is a brilliant thing to take! You're a smart mom with a lucky husband and kids! All the best with your new focus!

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  34. Sounds divine! We start these crafts as pleasant diversions and then, somehow, they take over and we end up not enjoying them as much as we could if we'd just cut ourselves some slack every now and again. It sounds like you have had a wonderful holiday. I look forward to seeing your beautiful knits come together more slowly next year :-)

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  35. So glad to have found your site and patterns! I just had a baby boy, and your patterns are some of the cutest I've found for boys; keep it up!

    I'll look forward to seeing more after your knitting hiatus!

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  36. That happened to me with crochet about 10 years ago ... and after a break I took up knitting and blogging. I'm still knitting but I've put aside the blogging for awhile. Well I pop in once a week, but I'm home caring for my handicapped DH and that's very much like being at home with kids, only a BIG one. So enjoy your break and you'll enjoy knitting more once you get the urge to pick up the needles again. Hugs to the boys.

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  37. so fitting that I came across your post today. I had just had the thought this morning - you know, you can't take your finished projects with you when you die! I love creating things, but you're right, it's important to have balance in life.

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  38. ran across your blog while i was surfin' around some others. and you have some great content here. there's lots to check out and i'm really enjoying my stay. i'd like to invite you for a pop on over to my blog if you'd like. i'd love to have you. :) i've subscribed to your feed so i'll be coming back for sure.

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  39. christine m. east of toronto10:31 p.m.

    hello? anybody home? :)

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  40. I hope all is going well for you and your family. I occasionally check in on your site to see if you posted anything new. I hope you have enjoyed your time away. I just wanted you to know that you have been missed. I have enjoyed your patterns so much. Thank you for sharing them with us.

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  41. Jeanie4:49 p.m.

    Miss your posts:) Hope you are having fun family times!

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  42. Hello - you've helped me on Ravelry before and I was thinking of you today when I met someone who named their little girl Violet.

    I've never been to your blog and came over just to say hi. I really enjoyed this post.

    Breaks can really change your perspective and bring renewed living and creativity - it's like rearranging your living room furniture except in your life.

    It's always hard for me to realize I need a break until it things become dire but I guess that's when I really know a break can be embraced whole heartedly.

    I hope you are having a wonderful time and that all is well with your darling family. Thanks for all of your help here and there. Best wishes.

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  43. christine m. east of toronto12:01 a.m.

    hi! i still like to pop in once in awhile to see if you have "picked up the thread" of this site again...

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  44. Anonymous9:17 p.m.

    Hey Anny,

    Just wanted to say it has been a while since you've posted but I hope everything is well with you and your family. If you are still knitting, then I hope your projects have all gone well.

    Take care,

    Jennifer
    www.jeloca.com

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  45. Anonymous9:55 a.m.

    Hi Anny,
    While I never had a blog of my own, I started to knit some four years ago and always admired your blog, your knitting and your life. But then, by the Grace of God, I became a mother and the needles were put down to attend my precious baby girl and my mom who has fallen ill. Now, two years later, I am starting again, simple projects and came on board to see your lovely toddler projects (because not many people knit for toddlers) and, alas, you are not here. Well, I wanted to say, GOOD FOR YOU! Enjoy your little ones, this time passes SO quickly. And when you do come back, let me know...
    Nery
    ps.i.luv.uATcomcast.net

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