Memorial Day in the USA: Are you ready for Summer Knitting?

Today is Memorial Day in this country, a day to remember those who have died in service to our nation.  It is celebrated with parades, picnics, pool openings and sometimes a smidge of panic.  For most of us it marks the unofficial beginning of Summer. Schools will be out soon if they aren't already, and there will be vacations to take and (hopefully) long hours ahead of relaxation and of course, knitting.  And that, friends, is where the smidge of panic comes into play.

There are many things about Summer that can cause any knitter to panic just a bit.  The sudden influx of free time if you're lucky enough to have it, the change in schedules and locations that travel can bring, the weather, the celebrations...it's enough to make your head spin.

We're going to be smart about it, though, and plan ahead for these things by discussing them in an ongoing series that begins today:        

Summer Knitting

Summer Knitting, part 1: Knitting vs. Holidays
How can I fit knitting into our family's holiday observance?

Remember that family is special and so is your knitting time.  Also, nothing is perfect and if you manage not to overplan your holiday, there should be time for some knitting at some point.  If not, don't sweat it.

Last year on the 4th of July, I sat peacefully indoors by a window, knitting, while my son and hubby blew up fireworks in the driveway and my daughter practiced piano.  It may have been our best 4th yet.

Try to remember that it's summer and you should have more peace in your life. 

Take your knitting wherever your summer plans lead you.  It's a conversation starter, it's a generation gap bridger, and it's a sanity saver.  Be mindful of your manners (of course!) and don't let your focus be completely on your project if it will mean snubbing the people around you.  It's actually easier to pay attention to someone while you are knitting than it is if you are staring at your smartphone, but be as polite as possible. 

A holiday doesn't mean you have to take a break from your knitting.  If you're like me, you won't be taking a break from cooking, so you should knit, too.  Totally.  You have my permission, if you need it ;)

Happy Memorial Day!

Knitting and picnics go together like macaroni and cheese

Happy New Year 2014!

Do you make resolutions? If so, may I recommend making at least one of them knitting-related? Resolve to learn a new technique, finish a certain project, tackle something big, join a Knitting Guild, or start your holiday knitting sooner this year.

As I write this and reflect on 2013, I am amazed at how the year turned out so differently for me and my knitting than I had planned. I started the year as a teacher and ended it as a designer. I started a Guild that took off and became much more than I dreamed it could be, thanks to the talents, vision and hard work of the knitters who joined. I had the privilege of teaching many people new knitting skills, and I was able to learn new skills that I can pass on to others in the coming months. I made some wonderful new friends, gained a couple of incredible minions, and traveled to exciting new knitting conferences. I designed some fun items that hope to be able to show you as they are published.

2013 was a wonderful year full of surprises, inspiration, and all manner of knitting love.

Today I will set some knitting goals for 2014, but I will stay open to possibilities that I haven't yet imagined and I encourage you to do the same!

May your new year be filled to overflowing with good things, great people, and much love!

Happy 4th!

Patriotic wishes for a happy and safe Independence Day for all my fellow Americans! In between the potato salad and the fireworks, don't forget to knit!