February projects

A little bit of this project, a little bit of that project; I never know when the "creative" mood will strike (although its usually every day). In the context of these projects, I wouldn't consider myself talented in the greater sense of the word. I can be good at color schemes, or planning textures and accents. But (much) more importantly, I've committed to learning and practicing and continued making. It disheartens me to hear people say to me, "You're so talented, I could never do [or learn how to do] that." As a culture we do this all the time, and not just with crafty things. If there's something you've wanted to try, but never attempted it for fear that you wouldn't be good or the finished product wouldn't be perfect, that's a shame, but I know where you're coming from.

Felicia from The Craft Sessions has two wonderful posts where she argues (gracefully) that there are far fewer impediments to making things than we think there are. See: "You're so talented" and other malignant myths and I'm Not Creative.

I've said enough on the subject, since I can be guilty of it too*—and these two posts perfectly capture my thoughts on the matter.

My current projects + progress:

1. Another Imposter's Shawl as a gift for the sweetest sister-in-law :) Progress: At least 75% finished. I cannot say enough good things about this pattern. And to-date, this is my most-worn and probably most complimented hand knit (tied with my Mara Shawl) I've ever made.

2. The Lila Pullover Knit-along (you can search #lilaKAL to see all the wonderful in-progress sweaters). Progress: Just started. I mentioned this project in my previous post, but I'm so excited about it! My yarn just arrived in the mail, so I've cast on, beginning with the cuffs of the sleeves. For those of you who don't knit, a knit-along** is where several knitters work on the same pattern at the same time (remotely) and post their progress, questions, help, and encouragement along the way. Not only is it fun, but there is accountability, because there's a timeline for when certain parts of the project should be completed. I've never actually finished a sweater, let alone made one that's versatile/wearable, so this is exciting for me! Also of note: I'm trying the Magic Loop method for the first time, and I'm hooked.

3. A Sewn Dress from Made By Hand by Lena Corwin. Progress: finished. I really like it. I still need to take more photos of it. When that happens, I'll write a post devoted to that project and what big deal it was for me to finish it. In the meanwhile, here's a photo I shared on Instagram (since then, I've finished the real straps, made of out the same fabric).

4. *Verse-memorizing. Progress: In-progress (eternally). I tend to say I'm not good at memorizing things, and decide, before I've begun, that committing scripture to memory will be too difficult and I shouldn't try. Wrong. It doesn't come easily to me, but I'm still committed to doing it, just as I'm committed to better understanding the heart of God. Right now, this is the passage I'm memorizing:

And it's worth it, even though it takes hard work. In the words of Chuck Swindoll, from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Change,

I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing scripture...No other exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.

What have you always wanted to try/learn, but felt too inadequate or fearful to try?

**There is another wonderful knit-along starting, called the Fringe Hatalong, which sounds really fun to me, and it would be great for beginner knitters, as well! Karen Templer of Fringe Association has already included multiple instructional posts to help you understand the full process of knitting a hat, whether it's your first project or not.