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This isn't really a post about knitting
but let's use it as a starting point.
Lace knitting is about the creation of space,
about balancing increases and decreases.
If you follow the instructions carefully
a complicated pattern will slowly unfold.
I cannot deny that the start of a project
has moments of excruciating self-doubt
but as you become confident with the rhythm
the knitting becomes a pleasure.
When I write,
the words are woven around
tiny pockets of silence.
I have periods when the words flow easily
and other times when I struggle.
Silence is in short supply at the moment
and so I find it difficult to write
but I know that will change
and I will find my rhythm once again.
I am not sure why I stopped knitting
and packed away the needles for years
but I have rediscovered
the quiet pleasure of creating
intricate patterns out of spaces.
I think that I always knew I would...
eventually.
but let's use it as a starting point.
Lace knitting is about the creation of space,about balancing increases and decreases.
If you follow the instructions carefully
a complicated pattern will slowly unfold.
I cannot deny that the start of a project
has moments of excruciating self-doubt
but as you become confident with the rhythm
the knitting becomes a pleasure.
When I write,the words are woven around
tiny pockets of silence.
I have periods when the words flow easily
and other times when I struggle.
Silence is in short supply at the moment
and so I find it difficult to write
but I know that will change
and I will find my rhythm once again.
I am not sure why I stopped knittingand packed away the needles for years
but I have rediscovered
the quiet pleasure of creating
intricate patterns out of spaces.
I think that I always knew I would...
eventually.
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So.
ReplyDeleteNow we see you are capable of poetry
with needles as well.
I think lace knitting is the careful and intricate tying-together of lots of holes.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm fairly new to your blog and think you are super-witty...but this post is just plain lovely. there's a lot to be said for the space between everything else.
ReplyDeleteLovely sweater - and the color is beautiful, too.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried socks yet? Do! Come on over to the dark side...
So very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is life, is it not?
ReplyDeleteThe webs, spaces, patterns..weaving, knitting our lives, ripping out some and beginning again, spaces and patterns..and all held together by threads.
and with love.
You are amazing.
Thank you so much for the gift of your words and images. You prompt me to reflect on simple pleasures. Perhaps I will take up long forgotten knitting. It was a true delight of my childhood and even of my years as a young mother. As our winter draws in who knows what little project might inspire me.
ReplyDeleteThere is a Japanese concept that the space around objects is as important as the object itself. This is true of your lace knitting, and also of life.
ReplyDeleteAn object in a crowded room can be overlooked, but given the right amount of space, even the simplest of objects can be appreciated.
Lace knitting. Oh I wish. Every time I try it ends in a mahoosive snarl of yarn and thrown needles. This is why I am currently knitting a warthog.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful (how many times have I used this adjective here) ...
ReplyDeleteI find I can only approach lace knitting when life is on an even keel - I need the space to make airy holes and twists. I'm curretly knitting cables - not sure what that means. Very pretty pattern, Alice
ReplyDeleteGlad that you have rediscovered that quiet pleasure again. The gentle repetitive rhythm of knitting allows the mind to wander while the hands are busy and soothes the soul in busy times - at least that's what I find and I hope you do too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful shade of blue. It's good to read of your rediscovery.
ReplyDeleteMrsM is always very holey
ReplyDeleteOkay, I came to say that your knitting is beautiful. I can never get far enough in to a lace pattern to really believe it's going to work. But I'll try again -- knitting is like that -- you can stop and then come back to it years later. But then I read anonymous's comment and laughed.
ReplyDeleteWishing you much space and pockets of silence my friend.
ReplyDelete(I am admiring your knitting bag as well as your knitting.)
Beautiful, as usual.
ReplyDeleteI admire you - I always struggle to stay concentrated on lace! I find my mind wanders when I knit, and that's when disasters happen. I must try a bit of mindful knitting rather than knitting and doing something else at the same time.
ReplyDeletePomona x
As a very young New Man - ok I was about 6 I think - I knitted my teddy a cloak (of sorts. Fitted him quite well all things considered - when he got bored with it I unravelled it in a trice and never reassembled it.
ReplyDeleteI can remember being very touched when MrsM knitted me some mittens for use on exercise. Felt like someone out of the Crimean War getting 'comfort for the troops'.
Knitting and writing both take patience, perseverence and time, but the rewards (as you demonstrate so well) are priceless.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! And who is the lucky toddler recipient?
ReplyDeleteAh yes Knitting and crochet are my daily meditation, unfortunately my writing is mostly blog comments :-( Love that lace pattern :-)
ReplyDelete