shifting
it has been almost three months since we arrived in connecticut. it is now spring. we see flowers and leaves everywhere. everyone is out on the street, hanging out. cotton prints, floral skirts. it’s wonderful and we are loving every bits of life in new england.
i had also take on a new position. and i’m thrilled to be where i am right now. this is probably the best place i can be in terms of having a career, and i’m really loving it. as such, i have shifted my focus away from craft. my knitting and sewing are no longer governing my life. i suppose it has its pros and cons, but surprisingly, i’m very much at peace with the transition.
this change of routine had led me to really think about what i want out of my craft. i think i want them always be something i would enjoy doing, and this portal would be the place where i would share them. i don’t really want to deviate from that, at least for now. and that probably includes not feeling somewhat guilty of letting this blog run dry.
it has been incredibly rewarding and humbling, being part of this online craft community. i have made several really good friends here and had the pleasure to meet a few in real life. hopefully, this interaction would only continue to grow and enrich my life as a crafter.
knitting was sporadic for the past couple months, to say the least, but my clapotis was progressing quite nicely. sewing wise, i was trying to hem a pair of jeans on my now two year old sewing machine, which did not go over very well. i’m starting to accept the limitation on my machine; it is after all, a beginner’s machine, not really designed for heavy duty fabrics.
this summer is going to be busy. my brother and his family will be in boston for work. they will stay for a few months. it’s going to be fun, spending time with family and exploring the loveliness of new england summer. we have a lot to look forward to.
Comments
i hear you on the shifting. recently i thought a lot about to the pros and cons of maintaining a craft blog, whilst other things in life gain more importance.
enjoy your new job and locale. i for one will patiently watch your flickr space for crafting, as your work continues to inspire me.
posted by loriz on May 12, 2008 02:37 PM
As someone who took a break from blogging, I can understand just where you're coming from. I found that I missed my online friends a lot, and I missed the incentive blogging provided. I also found that I didn't push myself as much with my crafting without other crafters out there to inspire me. I'm sure you will find the right balance for you - you've always been so good at that. I hope we still see you a bit.
posted by Stephanie on May 12, 2008 04:19 PM
I keep taking long blogging breaks which mirror the ebb and flow of crafting and other activities in my life, but whenever I do wonder if I should just stop completely, I realize that I would miss it. Yours is one of the first blogs I started reading and I've enjoyed the glimpses of your life and your beautiful projects. Just do what feels right for you :-)
posted by Steph on May 12, 2008 07:19 PM
i'm so happy that you've found a job that you love! that is so important in life. I also understand about crafting taking a back seat, I feel that happens to all of us at one point or another. Your blog and your photos are so inspiring, I hope you continue to share them both with us!
posted by mari on May 12, 2008 11:28 PM
Welcome to the annual three days of spring in New England!
posted by colleen on May 13, 2008 10:07 AM
I'm glad that you have found a job that you like! Yes, I think it's hard to juggle a full time job *and* crafting *and* blogging about it... I don't know how some people do it! But that is life, and I agree with you that you should not feel guilty about it :)
posted by Veronique on May 13, 2008 03:13 PM
I think all of us crafty types go through phases of it being a larger part of our lives and then it shrinks to being a smaller part. You always have such great photos and projects to share, I hope you keep us updated as you keep crafting!
posted by Amy in StL on May 14, 2008 03:00 PM
Did you think to use special jeans needles? They make all the difference. I myself have a very ancient sewing machine and I also found that using jersey needles for ordinary sewing improves its performance a lot. I like reading your blog and do not expect a new blog every week. it should not be an obligation, but I hope you will keep blogging. Best wishes,
A Dutch knitter
posted by Willemtje on May 17, 2008 11:42 AM
It's good to hear that the transitions are going well for you. It is such a struggle to find time for craft and blogging and everything else in life at times! I do hope that you'll be able to find some time, here and there, to stop by and tell us about what you've been making in between everything else you're up to.
posted by di on May 21, 2008 08:35 AM
Ah...shifting. I know how that feels at times...especially career wise! Enjoy your summer with your family.
posted by joyce on May 22, 2008 10:32 AM
... New England summers... they're beautiful. And when you think it couldn't get any better... you get to Autumn.
and Autumn rock there.
I left a piece of my heart in every Fall day I spent there. But that is a story for another day
posted by monica on May 24, 2008 05:05 AM
Hi,
I've come cross your blog by looking for Japanese knitting site. I just would like to let you know that I have found a great Japanese knitting site.
www.selectyarn.com
They sell Japanese knitting books, Japanese yarns, a lot of helpful tips under "translation" menu. It is so cute and fun site. Japanese yarns seem to be sold to only whole sellers right now... I thought you may like this info.
posted by hanako on July 3, 2008 10:02 PM