Friday, May 8, 2009

When The Going Gets Tough........


...................the tough cast on lace. I know, only a mad woman would consider casting on for a lace project when all around her seems to be falling apart, but........what can I say? When I need comfort, I run to my knitting and hiding in a project which challenges me with YO's, SSK's and K2tog's has been just the therapy I need. I was even brave enough to take it to my knitting group yesterday. Obviously, I wasn't full of conversation, after all I had a lace chart on my lap, but listening to everyone else's jolly banter perked me up no end.

I've been wanting to tackle some lace for a while and so I have CO with some KnitPicks Palette from my stash. The colour is totally 'me' ofcourse and it seems to be knitting up a treat. I'm enjoying hiding in my 'Mist' Lace Scarf project and avoiding the knot in my stomach created by the fact that my husband is about to lose the job that we moved halfway round the world to take up just over 4yrs ago.

Perhaps lace is the perfect project for a situation like this. Maybe gauge is not such an issue as it is with stockinette or garter stitch? Controlling the tension of your needles as you run the full gamut of emotions that possible unemployment throws at you (with loss of medical insurance and everything that that entails) is perhaps easier with lacework? Who knows? All I know is, it's working for me! Every time I feel that lump leaping up to grab my throat, or that anger threatening to harden my heart, I reach for my lace scarf and knit.

Right now, I'm very glad I'm a knitter.

8 comments:

Rudee said...

Oh NO! I'm so sorry. I can't imagine being so far from your origins during a time like this.

I'm glad you have your knitting to comfort you-perhaps things will look better soon.

Amy said...

I think that in times of difficulty when we have no control over things, knitting gives us a feeling that we can do something. We can make things that give our family warmth and comfort while at the same time occupying our minds and hands.

It's hard to knit with crossed fingers but mine will be crossed hoping good things are ahead for you and your family.

Almost American said...

Very pretty!

Sorry to hear about your husband's job. We live in fear of that happening. If his company doesn't bring in a couple of large orders soon there will be layoffs :-( Meanwhile, my job is not secure - and I'm the one who provides the health insurance.

I do have large yarn stash though, so if I end up unemployed I can keep myself busy without spending money ;-)

suse-the-slow-knitta said...

I'm so sorry about the stress that you are under- just keep knitting on that beautiful lace, it will help with the stress and you'll have something beautiful to wear

RogueKnits said...

sending hugs and good lace vibes!

Jane said...

Thanks everyone for your words of support. I really can't tell you how much I appreciate them.

knittingqueen said...

Jane--
You know I know EXACTLY how you are feeling! It's a scary place to be right now. The first thing I do each morning is pray--that is the only way I can get through this. I'll be praying for you and your family too.

Jane said...

Thanks KQ - you're in our prayers too.

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