I seem to have lost my knitting mojo. This is bad for a number of reasons, first and foremost being the fact that I have a cardigan for Julie on the needles that is 90% finished. I have let so much time go by now since I last worked on it that I am certain I will make a huge mistake as soon as I start up with it again. So it sits reproachfully in my knitting bag next to the couch, waiting for me to pick it up and fuck it up.
The second reason this is a bad thing is that I have literally thousands of dollars tied up in yarn and needles and patterns and just stuff that is necessary to have if one is going to knit on a regular basis - which I did for some years. I knit every day for years. Winter, spring, summer, fall, I had at least two or three projects I was actively working on. Now, I have, just, you know, that one.
You might not think so, but knitting is good mental exercise. It keeps my brain and my fingers nimble and quick. I like the challenge of puzzling out a new pattern - if it's not too difficult - and I like the feeling of pride that accompanies the completion of a successful project. I managed two Christmas presents this year, but that was more out of necessity than anything else. Since I didn't have much extra money, I used what I did have - time and yarn - to knit some gifts. Knitting has provided me with a wonderful creative outlet for the past five years, but that's gone, and I miss it.
Why did I lose my mojo? I have given that a great deal of thought, needless to say, and I think there are multiple reasons. But the most compelling reason, I believe, is that I don't have a knitting group anymore, and haven't since I moved here three years ago. I knew that I really enjoyed my knitting groups, and that I loved spending time with the warm, funny, intelligent women who comprised those groups. What I didn't realize was that the exchange - the give-and-take of yarns and patterns and ideas - was crucial to my continued enjoyment of knitting. But it turns out it was.
I am fortunate to have a yarn shop right here in the town where I live. I have gone in there countless times looking for, I don't know, some fellowship, I guess, or the spark of a kindred spirit. I have yet to find it there, and now don't believe I will. (Also, all the yarn I have is better than all the yarn they have.)
So, what to do? What to do? I don't know, frankly. I am open to suggestions.
3 comments:
Totally understand, Anne. Sometimes I think I should open a shop to provide knitting mojo or knitting friendship, because I think there's alot of knitters out there yearning for it. More to come.
You've become stuck before. Let it ride for a little while, it's OK. Then maybe widen your circle of knitting shops you visit. You can visit without buying yarn every time - just say hi. Maybe join a knitting group at one or more of them, or attend their knit nights. Also try picking up a knitting magazine or book next time you're out by Borders. Knitting is a great creative outlet for you. These things might be a good way to get those creative juices flowing again.
Oh, Ben, you take me so literally sometimes.
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