Two different worlds...can my eyes take it?

Right now, I have two projects that are definitely extreme in nature. The first project is knit in which I use knitting needles size 50 US (yes, it's "50", not a type-o). The other is a crochet doily using thin cotton thread & a size 7 crochet hook. Both are so much fun, but as I am nearing age 40, I can really notice the difference in the time it takes for me to adjust my focus.


I wanted to so much work on chunky projects so I could make them fast & give them away to more people, so I did a little research. Lo & behold, I came across these humongous knitting needles & fell in love. In the past 2 months, I've made 6 going on 7 afghans. And this was done at a very leisurely pace. They are so awesome! I recommend them highly. Right now, I'm experimenting with different combinations of yarn. The blanket I make requires 8 skeins of a particular yarn that can run over $4/skein. I'm trying to put together both an inexpensive brand with a more premium type. Since you have to hold at least 4 strands together (depending on the thickness) I've been able to use half & half of each and am very pleased with the results. This should really keep costs down so I can afford to make as many as possible to give to charity.

The next project is always my favorite...crochet lace. It always looks so much more complicated than it is. It appears so delicate & fragile that you can't help from being mesmorized by its detail. Unfortunately, these days, the stitches seem to be getting smaller & smaller. Looks like I'm due for another trip to the eye doctor. I'm giving this one as a gift to a close family friend who has done us a tremendous favor. Hopefully I'll be done with it in the next few days. I can't wait to give it to her!

I truly love doing these things for people because they really are such original works eventhough they may come from a pattern. The way I think about it, as I'm working, I spend almost the entire time thinking about the person I'm going to give it to and, in reality, filling it with my love and joyful feelings. To me, no other gift that can be bought could ever be filled with such enormously positive energy. Some of my favorite gifts are from people who made them for me because I know it's a piece of their soul and their generous thoughts and efforts are more important than anything else. Even if I don't know the person I'm giving it to, whether the item is sold or given to charity, I try to imagine how that person will react when they get it and hope they will get much comfort & happiness from what I made. So whenever you receive a homemade gift, no matter how ragged or perfect it is, you should appreciate it with all your heart. Someone really cares enough about you to spend some time on something instead of just swiping the ole' debit card.