The month since my mom returned to Texas has not been my best knitting month. I made progress on the lovely lilac shawl while she was here, but I seem to have lost the ability to concentrate the past few weeks. Although the pattern is simple, the repeat a short 8 rows, I kept flubbing up and having to rip. I did this a few times before I just admitted that my hands were telling me something, that my mind wasn't really able to concentrate, and something simpler was needed. I had a ball of sock yarn wound and at the ready. The simple action of needles and yarn in hand sets a soothing rhythm that calms the spirits and allows the mind to rest. I wonder sometimes, as I knit, purring cat on my lap, if knitting, at least for those of us who enjoy it, something like a human approximation of purring, a self-soothing technique, allowing us to settle into comfort.
Simple. Toe-up. Mindless knitting at its finest. Except that this photo was taken a couple of days ago and I am now ready to turn the heel. Thank goodness I do believe I am ready for a little more intention in my knitting.
