Pidge, neckwarmer FREE pattern

I had no idea what a “Pidge” was and truly had no idea I was creating one, until I decided to look for similar garments on-line. I discovered that a neck wrap that is like a short scarf and fits snuggly around the neck has a name: “PIGDE”! I don’t know the derivation of the word, nor do I know if I am stepping on anyone’s toes by borrowing the term (although it seems to be a recognized general term). Who knew? Anyway, here is a simple, quick, and much appreciated last minute gift for any man, woman or child on your list. Enjoy. Don’t forget to whip one up for yourself!

NECK-WARMER/PIDGE PATTERN

Materials:
1-2 Skeins Lion Brand Woolease Thick and Quick
Size 13 needles
2 3/4 inch buttons
tapestry needle
Note: length and width of warp may be adjusted to fit. The piece is worked in a 3 stitch rib so cast on enough stitches in multiples of three. This pattern is written for a size large which is suitable for men or for a less snug lady’s size.

Cast on 24 sts.
Work in K3,P3 rib until piece measures approximately 11/2-2 inches shorter than desired finished length.

* K3, P3 * (3 times) Bind off one stitch. K2, bind off one stitch, P2, then continue to work rest of row in rib pattern.

Resume working in rib pattern, cast on one stitch in this row for each stitch cast off in prior row. (this creates the two button holes).

Then continue in pattern until piece measures desired length.

Cast off all stitches in pattern.

Place and sew on buttons.

That is it! Scratch another item off your list!

Waterfall Shawl

Waterfall Shawl
Size 11, 24” circular needles
Yarns:
Yarn A: 2 skeins Lion Brand Homespun in Color 329:Waterfall
Yarn B: 2 skeins Paton’s Twister in Bongo Blue
Yarn C: 2 skeins hobby Lobby Brand, Haute Fur in color: River Iris

Row 1: With one strand each of yarns A & B held together cast on 30 stitches. (this piece is not knit in the round, but worked back and forth on the needle in rows; the circular needle is simply used to accommodate the large number of sts.)
Row 2: K1, M1, K to last 2 sts. M1, K1
Row 3: Knit across
Repeat rows 2 & 3 until piece measures 6 inches from cast on row. Place marker.
Drop yarn B and then with one strand each of yarns A and C held together repeat rows 2 & 3 until piece measures 4 inches from marker.
Place second marker.
Drop yarn C and with one strand each of yarns A & B held together, repeat rows 2 & 3 until piece measures 3 inches from second marker. Place third marker.
Drop yarn B and add an additional ball of yarn A. with two strands of yarn A held together work s follows:
Row 1: K1, M2, K to last 2 sts., M2, K1
Row 2: Knit
Repeat rows 1 & 2 (6 times)
Drop one strand of yarn A. With one strand each of yarns A & C held together work as follows:
Row 1: K 1, M1, K to last 2 sts., M1, K1
Row 2: knit across
Repeat rows 1 & 2 (6 times)
Drop yarn C. With one strand each of yarns A & B held together, repeat rows 1 & 2 (3 times)
Drop yarn B. Add additional ball of yarn A. with two strands of yran A held together, K 8 rows.
Drop one strand of yarn A. With one strand each of yarns A & C held together, K 16 rows.
Bind off all stitches.

Luscious Grapes Wrap

Luscious Grapes- Easy Knit wrap

One size fits most.

Amazing textures and rich lush colors make this wrap a delight to wear. You may make one as a gift, but you’ll wind up wanting one for yourself as well!

Size 9 circular needles
Yarn: 2 balls Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Infusion Kid Mohair in color 614
2 hanks Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Lavender Mix #6283

Cast on 56 sts.

Holding one strand each of yarns a & B together, work in rows in K2, P2 rib until piece measures approximately 11.5-12 inches from cast on. (to make life easy I knit until the ball of yarn A ran out).

Drop yarn A and continue with one strand of yarn B only.
K4, knit across
K4, purl across to last 4 sts., K4
Repeat these two rows 5 times

With next right side row begin K2, P2 rib pattern again and continue for approximately 12 inches ending with a wrong side row.

K4, knit across
K4, purl across to last 4 sts., K4
Repeat these two rows 5 times.

With next right side row, using one strand each of yarn A and yarn B held together, begin K2, P2 rib pattern for approximately 8-9 inches, ending on a wrong side row. On next right side row, (K2, P2) 3 times, bind off next six stitches, then continue in K2, P2 rib to end of row. On next row (K2, P2) 3 times, then add on/cast on 6 stitches to create buttonhole.
Beginning with next row, continue to work in K2, P2 rib for approximately 3-4 inches more (or until yarn A runs out).

Bind off all stitches.

Sew a cool button on to the side of the shawl that does not have the buttonhole.

Cuddle up!

SLIP AND SLIDE SOCKS

Cast on 42(48) stitches
Divide on 3 dpns as follows; needle 1-14(16), needle 2-14(16), needle 3-14(16)
Join and begin knitting in the round.

Cuff/Leg:
Round 1: *K1, SL1pw, P1* repeat around to last st. K1
Round 2: * P1, K1, SL1pw * repeat around to last st. P1
Round 3: * P2,K1,* repeat around
Round 4: *K1,SL1pw,P1 * repeat around
Round 5; P1, k1, * P2, K1* repeat around to last st., P1

Repeat rounds 1-5 until cuff/leg equals desired length; ending with a round 5.

Divide for heel:
Divide from 3 needles to 2. Divide stitches from needle 2 equally placing half the stitches on the back of needle 3 and half the stitches on the back of needle 1. The total number of stitches is now equally divided on two needles. Needle one becomes the heel needle and the other needle will be used later for the instep. For now work only the heel stitches.

Row 1: slip 1 pw, K1, *slip 1kw, KI* repeat across row
Row 2: slip 1 pw, purl across
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until heel measures approx. 2.5 inches. End with a knit row.

Turning the heel:
With the purl side facing you, follow the instructions for each row as follows: (Use the handy row chart to check off your completed rows as you work.)

Sock 1 Sock 2 Row 1-purl first 13(15,17) sts., P2tog, P1, turn
_____ _____ Row 2-slip 1 pw, K5, K2tog TBL, K1, turn
_____ _____ Row 3-slip 1 pw, p6, P2 tog, P1, turn
_____ _____ Row 4-slip1 pw, K7, K2 tog TBL, k1, turn
_____ _____ Row 5-slip1 pw, P5, P2 tog, P1 turn
_____ _____ Row 6-slip 1 pw, K6, K2 tog TBL, K1, turn
_____ _____ Row 7-slip 1 pw, P7, p2 tog, P1, turn
_____ _____ Row 8-slip 1 pw, K8,K2 tog TBL, K1, turn
_____ _____ Row 9-slip 1 pw, p9, P2 tog, P1, turn



Heel gusset:
Back to 3 needles, with right side facing you, Use the heel needle (this will be needle 1) to pick up and knit 11(13,14) stitches along left edge of heel flap (side w/yarn attached)
Then use an empty needle to knit across needle 2.
Use another empty needle, (this will be needle 3) to pick up and knit 11(13,14) stitches down right side of heel flap, then knit 7 stitches from needle 1 onto this same needle.
There are now and equal number of stitches on both needles 1&3 and needle 2 remains unchanged.

On next round, starting with needle 1, begin heel gusset decreases as follows: (decreases are made on needles 1&3)
Sock 1: gusset tally:
Round 1: 1___2___
needle 1- K across to last 3 sts, k2 tog, K1 1___2___
needle 2- knit across all stitches 1___2___
needle 3- K1, K2tog TBL, K to end 1___2___
1___2___
Round 2: 1___2___
Knit across all needles 1___2___
1___2___
repeat rounds 1 & 2 until 11(13, 14) sts. remain
on both needles 1 & 3.

Foot:
knit plain rounds to desired length. Sock 2: gusset tally:
1___2___
Toe: 1___2___
Round 1: 1___2___
Needle 1-k across to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1 1___2___
Needle 2-K1, k2tog TBL, k to last 3 sts, K2 tog, K1 1___2__
Needle 3-K1, K2 tog TBL, knit to end 1___2___
1___2___
Round 2: 1___2___
Knit across each needle. Repeat.

Sock 1: toe tally: Sock 2: Toe tally:
1___2___ 1___2___
1___2___ 1___2___
1___2___ 1___2___
1___2___ 1___2___


Finishing:
A toe is a personal thing!

The toe I like to use is a bit pointy; giving almost a slipper look. If you prefer a rounder toe, simply stop decreases a few rows before the pattern suggests. Use the kitcheneer stitch to sew your remaining stitches together.

If you choose to use my toe shape, just cut your yarn leaving a tail and use a darning needle to thread the tail through the remaining few stitches and pull it tightly and secure.

Turn your sock right-side-out and wear it or give it proudly!

If you have questions or suggestions about this pattern or any of my work, please e-mail me at busyknitting@mac.com.
For more free patterns and knitting information visit my website and blog at: http://web.mac.com/busyknitting/iweb

Peas-In-A-Pod Free Sock Pattern

PEAS-IN-A-POD SOCK PATTERN

Round 1: * K1, P4 * across to last st. K1
Rounds 2 & 3: * K1, P1, K2, P1 * across to last st. K1
Round 4: * K1, P4 * across to last st. K1
Round 5: * K1, P1, K2,, p1 * across to last st. K1
Round 6: K across
Round 7: * K1, P1, K2, P1 * across to last st. K1
Rounds 8& 9: K2, P2, * K3, P2 * across to last 2 sts. K2
Round 10: * K1, P1, K2, P1 * across to last st. K1

Divide for heel: use heel and toe instructions from basic pattern in previous post.

Easy Froo-Froo Baby Hat

Size: 9-18 mos.

Materials:
Size 5 16” or 24” circular needles
Size 5 dpns
Sport weight or baby weight yarn and some complimentary novelty yarn for brim


With circular needle and one strand each of main color yarn and novelty yarn held together, cast on 84 sts. Knit 4 rounds.

Round 5: Knit
Round 6:* K5, k2tog * around
Work in stockinette stitch for about 2 inches ending on WS row.
Next round: * K3, K2 tog * around
Continue in stockinette stitch for another 2 inches end on WS row.
Next round * K2, K2 tog * around
(At this point you might find it easier to switch to dpns)
Work in stockinette for 1 ½ inches end on WS row
Next round: K2 tog around
Next round: Purl
Next round: K2 tog around.

Finishing:
Using a yarn needle, thread working yarn through all remaining stitches and pull it up tight. Secure yarn ends on wrong side.

That’s it!

Sock-a-booties
Easy, baby Sock/Bootie with Ribbon Detail
A bootie-sock combo that stays on the baby’s foot and looks so cute!

Size: 0-9 months (easily expanded to larger sizes)

Materials:
Set of 4, size 3 dpns
Worsted weight Yarn
Tapestry needle
¼ or ½ inch ribbon in coordinating color

Cuff: Cast on 24 stitches. Work in K2, P2 rib for approximately 1 ½ inches.
On next right side round (eyelet round), * K1, YO, K1, K2tog * repeat from * around.
Next round (WS), Knit around.
Next round (RS), resume k2, P2 rib for approximately 1-2 inches (shorten or lengthen here) end with a wrong side row.

Next round to set up heel.

Heel: K6 stitches from needle one onto needle 3, then slide remaining stitches onto front of needle 2.

There should now be 14 sts. on both remaining needles. Needle one will be the needle with the yarn attached. With needle one facing you, begin heel flap as follows:

Working in rows on needle 2 stitches only-using empty 3rd needle-
Row 1: sl1 pw, * K1, sl1 kw * repeat from * to end of row, turn work
Row 2: sl1 pw, purl across, turn work
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until heel flap measures approximately 1 inch, ending with a purl side row.

Turning the heel:
(Note: always slip 1st stitch pw, then go to gap and work 2 sts. together, work 1 more stitch and then turn work. End having worked a purl row.)

Row 1: K9, K2 tog TBL, K1, turn
Row 2: P8, P2 tog, P1, turn
Row 3: K7, K2 tog TBL, K1, turn
Row 4: P6, P2 tog, P1, turn
Row 5: K5, K2 tog TBL, K1, turn
Row 6: P4, P2 tog, P1, turn

Back to 3 needles:
With right side facing and using heel needle (needle 1) pick up and knit 6 stitches along left edge of heel flap (side with yarn attached). Then use an empty needle to knit across needle 2. With another empty needle, (this will be needle 3), pick up and knit 6 stitches down right side of heel flap, then knit 4 stitches from needle 1 on to this same needle. There are now 10 stitches on both needles 1 and 3 and needle 2 remains unchanged.

Gusset: On next round; starting with needle 1, begin heel gusset decreases as follows: (decreases are made on needles 1 and 3 only)

Round 1:
Needle 1: K across to last 3 stitches, K2 tog, k1
Needle 2; Knit across
Needles 3: K1, K2 tog TBL, K to end
Round 2; Knit around

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 6 stitches remain on both needles 1 and 3.

Foot: Knit all rounds until foot is desired length (approximately 2-2 ½ inches) Then begin toes decreases.

Toe:
Round 1:
Needle 1:K across to last 3 stitches, K2 tog, K1
Needle 2: K1, K2 tog TBL, K to last 3 stitches, K2 tog, Ki
Needle 3: K1, K2 tog TBL, k to end
Round 2:
Knit around all needles.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until there are only 8 stitches left on needles. Using tapestry needle, thread end of yarn through needle and then thread needle through remaining stitches. Pull the yarn up snuggly and pull yarn through to wrong side of sock and anchor it.

Finishing: Beginning close to front center of sock-a-bootie, thread ribbon through eyelet holes in the cuff and tie a bow.

Yippy! You are done.

Diabetic Friendly Free Sock Pattern updated 3/13

This is a diabetic friendly pattern for Stand-Up Knee-Hi socks. It features a special no-turn heel! The heel design allows for a smoother heel and less rubbing. the leg of the sock is designed to stay up, yet is very stretchy to allow for edema (swelling) in the calf area.
The keys to the comfort of this sock are according to my husband- the recipient:
1) the soft yarn choice- I used a new yarn I have not tried before by Universal Yarn Co. Called “Pace’- on the skein it says ‘Knit, relax, smile, repeat” as its slogan. It is a superfine yarn comprised of 75% Superwash wool and 25% Polymide. It is machine washable, 220 yards per 50gm skein, at a gauge of 6.75-8 sts. per inch, on size 1-3 needles. I used #1 needles for a tighter, smoother weave.
2) the different patterns sections in the leg of the sock make it stay in place without being too tight
3) the no-turn heel is smoother than traditional turned heel

STAND-UP KNEE-HI SOCKS WITH “NO-TURN” HEEL pattern:

(Especially nice for people with sensitive feet; less bulk and rubbing at the heel)

Materials:
Superfine/fingering weight yarn
Size 1 (U.S.) dpns or circular needles

Cast on 72 stitches for Men’s sizes M/L (approx. shoe sizes 10-13)
Cast on 66 stitches for Women’s sizes M/L (approx. shoe sizes 8-10)

The cuff/leg of the knee-hi is worked in sections.

Section 1:
Rounds 1-2 P around
Rounds 3-5 * K5, p1 * around

Section 2:
Beginning with next round,
Work in Pyramid pattern for approx. 3-4 inches, ending with a row 4.

PYRAMID PATTERN:

Round 1: P across
Round 2: K1, P5, across to last st. K1
Round 3: K2, P3, * K3, P3 * across to last 2 sts. K2
Round 4: K3, P1, * K5, P1 * across to last 3 sts. K3

Section 3: * K3, P3 * around
repeat this row for 3-4 inches.

Section 4:
Knit all rounds for 4-5 inches.

Divide for heel:
Divide from 3 needles to 2. End having just worked across needle 2 (instep) then slip stitches from needles 1 & 3 together onto needle 1 (this is the heel needle)
Now there are the same # of stitches on two needles.

With right side facing, work heel stitches only:

Row 1: slip1 PW, K1, repeat across row
Row 2: slip 1 PW, purl across

Repeat rows 1&2 until heel measures 3-3.5” ending having worked a knit row.
Don’t worry about turning the heel. The heel flap is longer than in standard sock patterns and allows for enough ease to move on directly to the gusset. Trust me it works and forms a very smooth and comfortable heel according to my dear husband!


Heel gusset:
Back to 3 needles, with right side facing and using heel needle (this will be needle 1) pick up and knit (approx. 14) stitches along left edge of heel flap (side w/yarn attached)
Then use an empty needle to knit across needle 2.
With another empty needle, (this will be needle 3) pick up and knit (approx. 14) stitches down right side of heel flap, then knit (approx. 10) stitches from needle 1 onto this same needle.


Gusset decreases:
On next round, starting with needle 1, begin heel gusset decreases as follows: (decreases are on needles 1&3 only)

Round 1: needle 1- K across to last 3 sts, k2 tog, K1 needle 2- knit across all stitches
needle 3- K1, K2tog TBL, K to end

Round 2: Knit across all needles

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until the same number of stitches remain on the needles as you originally cast on-66(72). Then begin foot.

Foot:
knit plain rounds to desired length (approx. 2 inches short of total foot length desired to allow for toe rounds.)

Toe:
Round 1:
Needle 1-k across to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1
Needle 2-k1, K2tog then knit to last 3 sts, K2 tog TBL
Needle 3-K1, K2 tog TBL, knit to end

Round 2:
Knit across each needle. Repeat.

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until about 20sts remain on needles. Divide sts. evenly on 2 needles and use kitchener stitch to bind off.




Diabetics and folks with sensitive feet may like this pattern!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

STAND-UP KNEE-HI WITH NO-TURN HEEL P.S. Of course knitters may use a standard heel if they choose and don't bother with the tally sheets if they are confusing. I just use them as a way to keep track of my rows and decreases. Thanks and feel free to email or message me on Ravelry if there are any other questions! :)

Any Idiot Can Knit These Fingerless Gloves-FREE PATTERN

Any Idiot Can Make These Fingerless Gloves


Using your choice of dpns or circulars in a size 4
Any type of worsted weight yarn-good stash buster

Cast on 40-42 stitches
Size fits a woman’s size medium to large and a man’s size small to medium (you can easily add or subtract a few stitches to adjust size as long as you have an even number of stitches to begin) Place a

Join and work in the round in K2 p2 rib for cuff. Place a marker at the beginning of the round. Cuff length is up to you but I like to do about a 3 inch cuff.

Next RS round: knit

Knit one more round.

Increase rounds:

Next RS row Knit 1, inc. one stitch-kfb (knit into front and back of second stitch), knit the rest of the round until 2 stitches remain. Kfb in next stitch, knit last stitch.

Knit one round.

Repeat these 2 rounds 6 times to form thumb gusset.

Transfer thumb gusset stitches to waste yarn or small stitch holder.

Continue to knit plain in the round on remaining hand stitches only until glove is desire length less one inch. (about to the base of the knuckles)

Now work about one inch in K2 P2 rib and bind off.

Transfer thumb stitches to dpns and pick up a couple of additional stitches around thumb opening as needed to prevent there being any gaps or holes (around 18 stitches or so).

Knit around the thumb stitches 8 times. Bind off.

Weave in ends.

Rock and roll in your new fingerless gloves!

Basic sock pattern-FREE

Karen’s Best Sock Pattern

Worsted weight: Cast on 44 stitches for women (needle 1-11, needle 2-22, needle 3-11 Cast on 48 stitches for men (needle1-12, needle 2-24, needle 3-12)
Sport weight: Cast on 52-54 stitches for women (needles 1 & 3-13, needle 2-26)
Cast on 56-58 stitches for men (needles 1 & 3- 14, needle 2-28)

Leg:
For all work in K2, P2 ribbing for leg.

Heel:
Divide from 3 needles to 2. End having just worked across needle 2 (instep) then slip stitches from needles 1 & 3 together onto needle 1 (this is the heel needle)
Now there are the same # of stitches on two needles.

With right side facing, work heel stitches only:

Row 1: slip1 PW, K1, repeat across row

Row 2: slip 1 PW, purl across

Repeat rows 1&2 until heel measures 2.5” ending having worked a knit row.

Turn heel:
With purl side facing-(always slip 1st stitch purlwise, then work to gap, work the 2 sts on either side of gap together, work 1st and then turn) end having worked a knit row.
Sock 1 Sock 2
____ ____ Row 1-purl first 13(15,17) stitches, P2 tog, P1, turn

____ ____ Row2-slip1 PW, K5, K2 tog TBL, K1, turn

____ ____ Row 3-slip 1 PW, P6, P2 tog, P1, turn

____ ____ Row 4-slip 1 PW, K7, K2 tog TBL, K1, turn

____ ____ Row 5-slip1 PW, P5, P2 tog, P1, turn

____ ____ Row 6-slip1 PW, K6, K2 tog TBL, K1, turn

____ ____ Row 7-slip 1 PW, P7, P2tog, P1, turn

____ ____ Row 8-slip 1 PW, K8, K2 tog TBL, K1, turn

____ ____ Row 9-slip 1 PW, P9, P2 tog, P1, turn

____ ____ Row 10-slip 1 PW, K9, K2 tog TBL, K1




Heel gusset:
Back to 3 needles, with right side facing and using heel needle (this will be needle 1) pick up and knit 11(13,14) stitches along left edge of heel flap (side w/yarn attached)
Then use an empty needle to knit across needle 2.
With another empty needle, (this will be needle 3) pick up and knit 11(13,14) stitches down right side of heel flap, then knit 7 stitches from needle 1 onto this same needle.
There are now 18 stitches on both needles 1&3 and needle 2 remains unchanged.

On next round, starting with needle 1, begin heel gusset decreases as follows: (decreases are on needles 1&3 only)
Sock 1: gusset tally:
Round 1: 1___2___ repeat rows
needle 1- K across to last 3 sts, k2 tog, K1 1___2___ 1 & 2 until
needle 2- knit across all stitches 1___2___ 11(13,14) sts remain
needle 3- K1, K2tog TBL, K to end 1___2___ on needles
1___2___ 1 & 3
Round 2: 1___2___
Knit across all needles 1___2___
1___2___
Foot:
knit plain rounds to desired length. Sock 2: gusset tally:
1___2___
Toe: 1___2___
Round 1: 1___2___
Needle 1-k across to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1 1___2___
Needle 2-K1, k2tog TBL, k to last 3 sts, K2 tog, K1 1___2___
Needle 3-K1, K2 tog TBL, knit to end 1___2___
1___2___
Round 2: 1___2___
Knit across each needle. Repeat.

Sock 1: toe tally:
1___2___
1___2___
1___2___
1___2___
Sock 2: toe tally:
1___2___
1___2___
1___2___
1___2___

Welcome!

Knit Through It!

Welcome to My Page
The goal of this site is to discuss the impact of knitting and other arts on wellness. I also hope to use the site as a venue for offering FREE patterns of my own design and links to helpful tips and patterns for knitters. I hope to encourage others to share their thoughts and experiences about how creative endeavors have positively affected their health and well-being. By all means offer your comments and critique!

My first entry:

In 2003 I finally made the decision to stop working due to illness.

Having been a type-A driven person; working long hours as the Marketing/Development director of an arts related nonprofit organization and being a mom to two daughters, etc. I was stricken with Fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic anemia and some other health challenges.

My hectic, busy life became a never-ending cycle of medical tests and doctor visits, chronic pain, fatigue and depression and anxiety.

At first I stubbornly denied the diagnoses and tried to “mind over matter” the problems. Pushing myself for a long time to work despite the pain and illness. Popping Vicadin and Oxycontin prescribed to help manage the pain and forcing myself to work no matter what. At a certain point, I finally had to admit defeat and quit the job and stop participating in the things I worked for, enjoyed and by which I had always identified my self.

After the unbelievable and daunting 3 year process of working to get my disability benefits (which is a subject that one has to experience to understand!) I was left with a blank screen, a scary emptiness. What now? Who am I now? How will I fill my days. What am I even able to do now? What makes my existence worthwhile? So many monumental questions and no energy or will to even consider what the answers might be.

Even now, I continue to struggle with these issues. I’ve come a long way, but it isn’t easy and I stumble a lot. Throughout these transitional times, the only thing that has brought me any sense of peace has been my interest in the arts and the process of creating something with my hands. Through a lot of counseling from myself and from professionals, a little light of opportunity flickered weakly in the distance. A small glimmer of something I had lost sight of in my pain and confusion...all the years of hectic work,career, marriage, divorce, single parenthood, re-marriage, etc. I vaguely remembered a mantra from my former life. I remembered crazy, busy times and thinking at that time “If only I had just a bit of time, I would love to have the time to sit with a cup of coffee and truly relax without screaming children, demanding bosses and a million things over-flowing my “to-do” list.

Wait a minute! Could I see a positive aspect to this desolate situation? Was there something I could do despite my limitations? You are a visual, creative person”, my counselor insisted. ‘Paint, sketch, write...do something to express what is going on with you!”

Slowly, I begin to dig through boxes,bins and drawers; dusting off books and other tools used to create various arts and crafts. For a long time I just placed some of these items around me as I rested in bed. I hoped inspiration and motivation would spring me into some sort of action. Anything would have helped me. I was mired in inertia. It seemed so difficult to move. I felt worthless and lacked confidence. I'll skip the details. Suffice it to say that it is still a battle sometimes. But finally I picked up a book and aimlessly flipped through it and then another and another. Then a sketch pad; a paint box, a tapestry needle, beads to create jewelry and of course knitting needles.

I had never really advanced beyond the beginner level with knitting, mostly due to the lack of time in my former life. Guess what?! Now all I had was time! I still can't do long knitting sessions at one time, but I have found an incredible enthusiasm for the art form. I believe there is comfort in the earthiness of natural fibers, just as I enjoyed the organic pleasure of pottery making before my illness. Pottery is a bit too physically challenging for me anymore, but not so knitting. Thank heavens!

I became enthralled with knitting magazines, books,web sites and shops. My husband, pleased to see me spark to ANYTHING!, mapped out area shops for us to visit. I started simple but soon was wanting more intricate designs. The reintroduction of productive thought to my fuzzy brain slowly awakened my synapses and I saw things in color once again!

This my first entry. I hope others will share their experiences with change, knitting, art, illness and anything else that comes to mind, I would also appreciate any constructive criticism or critique.

Many thanks and remember no matter what happens, Knit Through It!!!

New Location for Busyknitting-Knit Through It blog

I am in the process of moving all of the patterns and articles from the former Busyknitting location. Be patient with me. I hope to have everything updated soon!