Strained

Knitting can be a painful thing sometimes. I bet some of you didn't know that.

Last month I pulled something in my hand while I was working on some socks for the Tour de Sock competition (not the ones in the picture). After that it was really too painful to knit for  some time. So I filled my time with spinning and crocheting. My hand is still a bit sore, so the next project will be weaving.

For the most part, this hasn't really stopped me from doing other things (like drilling holes in rocks), but there have been moments when I have to stop and reposition my hand before proceeding with what I'm doing. Even something as simple as lifting my coffee cup has become something I must think about so I don't drop it (yes, I've cleaned up more coffee spills lately than I care to admit.)

Why craft at all? Well, it's part of who I am. I'm a crafty kind of person. When I'm not crafting or designing a craft item or even writing about crafts, I start to feel a bit unsettled. There is something soothing about taking bits of yarn, strings & beads, wood & paint, or even paper & glue, and turning them into something pleasing to the eye that really makes me feel happy.

The socks in the picture above are the ones I'm designing for myself. When they are finished I will have a few people test knit the other sizes and, as long as everything turns out well, I will be able to post the pattern for sale. The next pair I design will be using the same yarn with the opposite color scheme and will be a gift. I really look forward to getting back to them.

Until then, I will keep using my hand gently, applying my arnica salve, and avoiding any undue stress to that hand.

May you all have a relaxing, creative day!