Happy New Year. WOW you are so insightful for a young lady. I lost my husband 6 weeks ago just shy of 2 days before our 55th anniversary. You can just imagine how much my life has changed. I am on a new journey now which of course is really sad but also full of new possibilities. I have learned to say: I am not alone, I am on my own. This gives me strength.
Jackie, I don’t even know what to say. I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your husband and the pain you must be feeling. After decades together, it is going to be a road of readjustment and finding a new normal. I wish I could hug you. I hope your sons have been a source of solace and love for you. Are you on Instagram? If you are, will you please direct message me? I am @anotherknittingpod I’d love to be able to check in on you, if that would be ok with you. Please let me know if I can support you in anyway. I’m sending all my love and strength your way. You will find your way through. You are not ever alone.
Hi Jackie-how are you doing this week? You don’t have to respond if you don’t want to, but I wanted to say that I’m sending you my love and that you’ve been in my thoughts.
Re: going back to school. I went back at 38 and it ended up being a great experience! Social work is a great field. Your life experience will help you so much! Your boundaries will be better, you won't take the problems home as much a younger you would have (I hope!). Its rewarding and fulfilling and very much needed in my experience. Good luck and enjoy the learning process.
I think social work is the perfect field for you! You are a joy to listen to. You think things out so well. I learn so much every time I listen to you! This is so much more than a knitting podcast and I feel like it’s only going to get better!
I couldn't agree more when you say we need to follow our path undistracted. Because we can easily deviate from our own path and follow the wrong way. So, we have to be vigilant and ask frequently if this is our way to live or somebody else's. When we are connected with our inner self that's easier. Thanks for that powerful reminder❤
This is why I love your podcast so much. You always the right words to say what I have in mind. It seems that we feel the same about external noise, your own path in life at the same time ! Thank you for another episode and Happy New Year Leena 💖
I am so happy to have found your podcast, and SO happy to hear that school is off to such a good start. I'll be cheering you on, in between my own studying! 📖😀
You are glowing! Either the vacation agreed with you or the start of school or both! If you can’t find a stopped that large my Oma (grandmother) used rubber bands on needles, sometimes she even banded them together 😂 I am loving your life talk! It’s like health whiplash! I’m trying to settle into a workout routine that suits me- I got sucked into the “lift weights heavy heavy weights” but I hate it and it hurt my joints! So I am leaning back into my peloton, walking, barre etc. I think the distinction is the difference between alone and loneliness. I’m never lonely. I take care of people at my work and at home. I have the level of interaction that suits me outside of that.
I’m also loving my Rain or Shine blanket! Mine is scrappy and is giving me so much joy. I love that quote you shared…spot on. As is the thoughtful way you spoke about it. The library hold system has never worked for me either…those books just never show up at a convenient time. I’ve given up on that. If I can’t get the book immediately, I buy it, or just choose something else. Happy new year!
A scrappy rain or shine is even better because you’re using up all that precious yarn! I foresee a scrappy version in my future as well. I think it would give a complete different look to this pattern. I’m glad I’m not the only one who struggles with Libby! I’m trying to take the good ones when the stars align, and the rest of the time I just buy them as well. Luckily my memoir phase isn’t very popular and a lot of them are available right when I want them.
Lena, so much to comment on! Firstly, you shared a technique for provisional cast on with barber cords…I finally finished my weekender crew…didn’t even need to lengthen the sweater. But that’s ok, cause my stitches fell off the cord and I didn’t save the stitches well enough and the first round was a dog’s breakfast but you can’t tell cause I started the ribbing!😅 congrats on going back to school, I finished my masters before I turned 50, it was a different experience and almost stayed to complete my PhD😜 hope u enjoy it! I was in a similar situation…caring for a pet, 2kids, a home and a failing parent and my husband is super busy with work, but you adjust and make things work! I have stopped following everyone except some knitters…mostly designers ‘cause I was comparing myself and it was toxic to my mental health…I also started to watch alot of cat videos!!!😂😂😂I needed to laugh at least daily!!! Happy knitting. 🧶 thanks for sharing all your thoughts, I can totally relate!
I love your podcast and your openness! I was so not shocked when you said you were going into an MSW program - you have that energy! I have worked with many amazing social workers; they are some of my favorite people. Congratulations on your new beginning! 🎉
Thank you so much for your sweet words! Social workers are indeed really incredible people. So grateful to have landed in this field. Happy New Year to you!
Lena I have missed you! And I think about you every time I look at my four packets of Linen Quill minis! When they went on 25% off, I thought I had to buy it. All because of you.❤😂 So many things I resonated with in your pod and I should’ve made notes as I went along listening, but I didn’t. Regarding Gyst starting your masters work now, my motto in college became “it’s never too late until you die.“ And that was because I changed my major from business/accounting to teaching elementary and middle school math. And so it took me 5 1/2 years to graduate, but I finally figured out what I wanted to do and what brought me joy. now I actually have used all of that education and that I do the bookkeeping for our little business, and I was a middle school math teacher for a couple of years before I had kids, and now I still substitute in math classes at my kids old school (my girls are 28 and 29 now).But that is a motto I have carried on into age 55! Lol. I quit watching the news during Covid and I have never gone back! I kept highlights and important stuff for my husband and other than that I don’t see a need for it at all! Me, knowing what’s happening on the other side of the world does not shape what is happening on the other side of the world . The only thing is shapes is my mental health and not in a good way. I’ve tried to impress this on my mother who frequently struggles with anxiety and depression from watching all the bad news, but she won’t listen. Guess you’ll have to figure that out on her own. I always enjoy listening to you so ramble on Sister! I started my own channel and would love for you to check it out. @MamieGraceDesigns and you are in my Top 5 episode! 😁 Love and hugs …
Hi Christy!! I’m so glad you got the minis! I don’t think you’ll regret it. I’ll be so curious to know what you make with it! And YES-its absolutely never too late to pursue anything. Your girls are lucky to have seen their mom live this motto and know that their lives can be the same! I’m thrilled you started your own channel!!! Woohoo!! I will 100% subscribe and watch and I’m so glad you’re sharing your knitting life with the world!! It might take me a minute to watch but I promise I will. Lots of love!
I love your thoughtful comments ❤ - I'm going through a tough time these days and its so good to hear your viewpoints. I think I'll be watching this again to mull over all you have said. It's wonderful your course is shaping up to be all you want it to - wishing you all the best with it! You're amazing and inspiring. Love your podcast. Jen xx
I’m so with you on the news consumption and what I consume in general. If I enjoy a chocolate bar or a can of coke, glass of wine I will. I’m healthy so why not. One thing I read at a beginning of a book that I affected me so deeply that I couldn’t pick up this book for about a year. Because I’m an immigrant. It said “Remember this: Everyone that came left someone behind.” It still after 40 years being here it’s hard. Loving my son and his family and this country too. But desperately missing my family and my home country so much too.
What you said really landed with me. My parents both immigrated when they were in their early 20s and I know the new country never quite feels like home. You exist in this in between space always. I hope you get to keep your country alive in your life and visit often. Sending you an extra tight hug!
Awww, you’re so sweet. Yes! It’s like being torn between 2 countries you truly love and in some aspects the home I left I don’t feel quite at home anymore. Obviously 40 + years is a very long time and so much has changed. But driving over the hill around the curve and there is my hometown it still brings me sooo much joy.
I’m so so excited for you!! Your point about things happen sometimes later in life because of how your earlier life path was..really connected with me. I just retired early after a long corporate career and thinking about …searching for…open to…next steps!! I love what you have to say SO much.
Leena beautiful soul, can't tell you how much I love love your podcasts, love everything you knit and your wise words life chat today really resonated with me. Your big rib top is one of my most favourite items on you I think it's gorgeous. Small rubber bands about 1/8 " thick make great needle stoppers 🤩
Hi Lina, I don’t comment often but I felt that I needed to share something with You! #1 Your Rain or Shine Blanket is not only Gorgeous but I think with You adding those neutral colors have totally elevated the mood of it! And secondly By You using the linen, You’re creating a great Healing Blanket- Tracy of “The Sewing Channel “ here on UA-cam did a study about adding Linen to her quilts that was very interesting and explained how the Linen is such a healing element be in in blankets and naturally in the clothing that we wear. I hope You check her out- I will try to find the exact video for You, she did it about 3 months ago. Everything that You knit is so Beautiful! I found the video-it’s titled “Fabric research that may change the way we make quilts” 😊
Amazing! I love this! I will definitely check it out. Maybe this is why linen quill feels like a deeply personal yarn to me. I know that makes me sound crazy but its a blend that just feels so right to me.
Happy New Year. Best wishes for 2025. Lots of changes in your life - amazing to be able to lean into a new life phase. As always love listening to your perspective on life.
Ever since I discovered your podcast a few months ago, I have told my husband that you and I would be great friends and how much I’d love to get coffee with you! Regarding Libby - it has never told me about newly available titles, so I don’t get distracted by that. Maybe check the notification settings? I use the hold feature extensively though. If you’re not ready for one of my holds when it becomes available, you can reschedule it without losing your place in line. It’s perfect!
I need to be more disciplined with Libby! It’s funny because a book I really wanted to read just came up today, but I just delayed it for a week like you said! Not getting distracted by the shiny new title 😉 And yes I would love to be friends with so many of you! I feel such a deep connection with you all over this platform. Thank you for being here and maybe someday we will get that coffee!
I love your sumptuous colorful blanket! I want to make one, but I have sooo many projects right now. I can't start one more thing. If I put my mind to it, I could finish them all over January and February. That will be my goal. Anyways, sooo nice to see you back on the podcast!
One of my favorite knitting goals is knocking out almost-finished projects. I’m right there with you!! I finished that random sock yesterday and it felt so good! You can do it 💪
It’s amazing how you always speak what I am thinking. I seriously drop my mouth in shock constantly. I have such similar goals and opinions. I missed you. Happy you are back and so excited to hear about your adventures!! ❤❤
Happy New Year! Your blanket is so beautiful! 😍 I also love Libby. If a book becomes available before I’m ready, I just delay the delivery a week or two. I keep myself on track by remembering someone else might be waiting for the book I’m currently listening to. But I know - sometimes it’s hard to wait. And I have returned a book early so I can start the next. 😂💕🌵💕
Hi Sheila!! It’s a tricky thing to manage! I think I need to just accept the phase I’m in and not try to force myself to read books that aren’t clicking with me right now. All in all we are very lucky to have Libby! I think I just need to learn to manage it better for myself this year.
Happy New Year Leena, just love your blanket and thank you for the heads up on ordering another pack of linen quill. Wishing you all the best in your new endeavors.
Hi Lena, love your Rain & Shine! Thanks for making me aware of fellow South African , Lily from Wishbone yarn’s, R & S shawl in mohair when you first talked about the pattern last year. I’m knitting the blanket pattern with 2 strands of mohair and it’s dreamy. I also do browns, beige, black and and gray inbetween and love the effect❤ Luckily South Africa is s big producer of the silk/mohair🎉 and buying from the mill is actually very affordable. I get the idea that mohair/silk is very overpriced commercially for some or other reason…
I’m so so jealous about your mohair!! I honestly think I will make a mohair shawl version of this because I love it so much, and the mohair just gives a complete different look and feel. I also love how its such a meditative pattern!
Hello and Happy New Year! so glad I found your post. How you feel about books it's how I feel about all the knitting patterns that show up on IG that makes me 1. purchase pattern, 2. purchase yarn 3. stop knitting my current project so for 2024 I got really strong and barely purchased patterns, yarn and I finished projects I started and still have project bags with unfinished projects from 2021 lol. So 2024 was the year of self control for me and I have to say that I feel really good about it. I truly enjoyed your podcast because I resonate in a lot of what you expressed. But with everything, there's a fine line, you can and should have opinions but never to a point where you criticize yourself because of other people and vice versa. I remember what I started working for a huge corporation and all the competition people had, buying this, owning that, what they describe as the American Dream. I honestly took a step back and said, I don't need a tennis bracelet or stud earrings to know my worth. Once I did that, stepped into my own life and stayed there, boy oh boy did I feel fantastic.
Hello my friend! Thank you for being here. I know exactly what you mean!! It is 100% the same. The allure of the new and shiny book or pattern or shoes or whatever is difficult to resist!! Once we catch on that the world is constantly trying to sell us things, it gets easier to resist!! Once we have the new thing and its not new anymore, its not satisfying in any way. I’m definitely goign to try to enjoy the process of my knits more this year, rather than just sprinting towards the next FO.
Ah yes! That’s exactly it!! Every time I went up the lift in Jackson Hole I missed the long lovely blues in Colorado!! I will never ever ski there again!
I love your enthusiasm and how your joy of the knitting process in all its aspects comes across to the viewer. I wish you would stand up to model the garment you are wearing or please post links to the patterns.
Hi Joan!! I’m absolutely terrible at linking things in the show notes. I will do my absolute best. If you go back to the episode where I review everything I knit in 2024, I believe that sweater was in that episode. And I stood and modeled everything in that episode. That particular sweater is the Big Rib Sweater by Jessie Maed Designs 💜
Happy New Year! Nice to see you back. You have me intrigued by the Rain or Shine - after I swore off knitting blankets (I have made three Old Forges). Looking forward to your content this year - one of my fave UA-cam channels to knit to!
Thank you Arlene! That is so kind of you. I totally get why you’ve sworn off blankets. I’d done the same! I think I’m enjoying this one because I’m in zero rush to get it done. Just enjoying the journey with the mindset that it’ll be done by 2030!! 😂
I can relate about the library! I’m getting physical books out but I was still putting TOO many books on hold and getting distracted. So my library website has a For Later category that I now use so I’m not getting holds in all the time to distract me!
So lovely to have you back and happy new year!!! Make sure you continue to carve out time for you. I’ve worked, studied and raised a baby and although satisfying you can get lost in it all x I’m about to start my rain or shine yours is so beautiful and inspirational ❤ when you used the mohair did you hold 3 stands or drop one and hold the mohair with one strand of linen quill? X
100% agree! Like I said, I have to make time to knit and maintain that part of my life because its truly the only I thing I do for pure joy. Aren’t we the lucky ones to have knitting? When I used mohair, I add it as a third strand to the 2 strands of linen quill. It’s 🤩
I agree with you. It's so confusing to be told that everything is good and wrong at the same time. Not too much fruit and there's pesticide on fruits and veggies but you must eat them and you need protein but don't eat too much meat but it's easier to absorb animal protein vs. vegetal protein and then eat nuts but they take so much water to produce and you should eat local but in cold climates we kinda lack local fresh product during Winter.... WHAT DO WE DO THEN???? We gotta do our best with the information we've got and our judgement but we can't be perfect. We just can't. And yes, we can eat chips or chocolate at 9PM if we feel like it once in a while. ❣
Okay, another comment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and views on the changes you are making in your life. I am really inspired after listening to you. Thank you.
I agree about Libby...but I've found it helpful now thar I've realised I can delay borrowing the book. Something I love about audio books is hearing a memoir read by the actual author. I started The Boys last month, a memoir by Ron Howard and his brother Clint. I didn't get very far because I knew I wouldn't finish before it was due...Christmas and all. I'll probably go and buy the audio because I was enjoying it...or just put another request in on Libby You had me in tears today. I feel completely overwhelmed lately with current events. I remember feeling this way during covid...the constant bad news...then we started getting horrific news here in Canada about the Residential schools. I had to make a huge effort to block the outside noise, I was feeling such despair. I'm getting to that point again, I can feel it 😒😪 Healthwise, I agree with you. I need to find an activity...due to foot problems this year I've become quite sedentary. Perhaps I need to look into yoga or pilates 🤔. As for nutrition...we watched a food documentary last night. It didn't tell me anything new, but reminded me of how difficult it is to eat healthy....time to get back to basics! Sorry to be such so down, but such is life at the moment. Thank you for being you! I need to remember....today I choose happiness, because it's good for my health 😊❤, xo
Sandra, I’m sorry you’ve been feeling down and overwhelmed. Your country (and the world at large) is going through some turmoil, and it is so hard to feel safe and secure. I remind myself that the world has and always will be this way. Now there is just constant information flying at us. Before you would have a newspaper and the nightly news broadcast. Now, you open instagram to look at yarn and are bombarded by the world falling apart. Maybe take an all news/instagram break. Just take care of yourself and find your center again and the world and its messiness will be there. It always comforts me to remember the chaos has truly always been there. Think about past wars and centuries and know that this too shall pass, and it keeps happening because it is the nature of human beings. As for health, if you can start walking I feel like that would be great for your mental and physical health. Sending you a huge hug. You’re a kindred spirit ✨
Thank you 😊...your comment about how the world, and people, have always had difficult times to live through has given me a bit of peace 😊@AnotherKnittingPod
Happy New Year. WOW you are so insightful for a young lady. I lost my husband 6 weeks ago just shy of 2 days before our 55th anniversary. You can just imagine how much my life has changed. I am on a new journey now which of course is really sad but also full of new possibilities. I have learned to say: I am not alone, I am on my own. This gives me strength.
Jackie, I don’t even know what to say. I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your husband and the pain you must be feeling. After decades together, it is going to be a road of readjustment and finding a new normal. I wish I could hug you. I hope your sons have been a source of solace and love for you. Are you on Instagram? If you are, will you please direct message me? I am @anotherknittingpod
I’d love to be able to check in on you, if that would be ok with you. Please let me know if I can support you in anyway. I’m sending all my love and strength your way. You will find your way through. You are not ever alone.
Hi Jackie-how are you doing this week? You don’t have to respond if you don’t want to, but I wanted to say that I’m sending you my love and that you’ve been in my thoughts.
Lena you are so good for my soul.
Oh thank you so much. Thank you for being here and listening 💜
Re: going back to school. I went back at 38 and it ended up being a great experience! Social work is a great field. Your life experience will help you so much! Your boundaries will be better, you won't take the problems home as much a younger you would have (I hope!). Its rewarding and fulfilling and very much needed in my experience. Good luck and enjoy the learning process.
Thank you so much! I am the most sensitive person so I do hope I can handle all the pain, but I feel deeply I’m in the right place regardless.
I think social work is the perfect field for you! You are a joy to listen to. You think things out so well. I learn so much every time I listen to you! This is so much more than a knitting podcast and I feel like it’s only going to get better!
Aw, thank you so much!! You are too kind Laurie. 💚 Hope your year is off to a great start.
I couldn't agree more when you say we need to follow our path undistracted. Because we can easily deviate from our own path and follow the wrong way. So, we have to be vigilant and ask frequently if this is our way to live or somebody else's. When we are connected with our inner self that's easier. Thanks for that powerful reminder❤
Yes! It’s so hard to stay true to ourselves in such a noisy world that is trying to pull us in every direction.
This was a perfect broadcast for the new year. All knitting, book info and not focusing on bad and ugly. Happy New Year.
Thank you Liz!!
This is why I love your podcast so much. You always the right words to say what I have in mind. It seems that we feel the same about external noise, your own path in life at the same time ! Thank you for another episode and Happy New Year Leena 💖
Aw, thank you so much Jenny. I’m glad you related to it! I hope you have a wonderful 2025! Sending you lots of love!
I am so happy to have found your podcast, and SO happy to hear that school is off to such a good start. I'll be cheering you on, in between my own studying! 📖😀
Leena! No wonder we love you so much! You are everything! 😘😘😘
Thank you, my friend. You are so kind! 😘
Your New Year's rant was a breath of fresh air. You go, girl!
Haha I felt better after I ranted!!
You are glowing! Either the vacation agreed with you or the start of school or both!
If you can’t find a stopped that large my Oma (grandmother) used rubber bands on needles, sometimes she even banded them together 😂
I am loving your life talk! It’s like health whiplash! I’m trying to settle into a workout routine that suits me- I got sucked into the “lift weights heavy heavy weights” but I hate it and it hurt my joints! So I am leaning back into my peloton, walking, barre etc.
I think the distinction is the difference between alone and loneliness. I’m never lonely. I take care of people at my work and at home. I have the level of interaction that suits me outside of that.
I’m also loving my Rain or Shine blanket! Mine is scrappy and is giving me so much joy. I love that quote you shared…spot on. As is the thoughtful way you spoke about it. The library hold system has never worked for me either…those books just never show up at a convenient time. I’ve given up on that. If I can’t get the book immediately, I buy it, or just choose something else. Happy new year!
A scrappy rain or shine is even better because you’re using up all that precious yarn! I foresee a scrappy version in my future as well. I think it would give a complete different look to this pattern.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who struggles with Libby! I’m trying to take the good ones when the stars align, and the rest of the time I just buy them as well. Luckily my memoir phase isn’t very popular and a lot of them are available right when I want them.
I’m adoring your Rain or Shine because I’m making it too! For my daughter as a wedding present. 🥰🥰. It’s been so so meditative.
Lena, so much to comment on! Firstly, you shared a technique for provisional cast on with barber cords…I finally finished my weekender crew…didn’t even need to lengthen the sweater. But that’s ok, cause my stitches fell off the cord and I didn’t save the stitches well enough and the first round was a dog’s breakfast but you can’t tell cause I started the ribbing!😅 congrats on going back to school, I finished my masters before I turned 50, it was a different experience and almost stayed to complete my PhD😜 hope u enjoy it! I was in a similar situation…caring for a pet, 2kids, a home and a failing parent and my husband is super busy with work, but you adjust and make things work! I have stopped following everyone except some knitters…mostly designers ‘cause I was comparing myself and it was toxic to my mental health…I also started to watch alot of cat videos!!!😂😂😂I needed to laugh at least daily!!! Happy knitting. 🧶 thanks for sharing all your thoughts, I can totally relate!
Love seeing your colorful blanket!! And, as always, I love your life chat 🥰❤
Thank you so much! Happy new year!
I love your podcast and your openness! I was so not shocked when you said you were going into an MSW program - you have that energy! I have worked with many amazing social workers; they are some of my favorite people. Congratulations on your new beginning! 🎉
Thank you so much for your sweet words! Social workers are indeed really incredible people. So grateful to have landed in this field. Happy New Year to you!
Lena I have missed you! And I think about you every time I look at my four packets of Linen Quill minis! When they went on 25% off, I thought I had to buy it. All because of you.❤😂
So many things I resonated with in your pod and I should’ve made notes as I went along listening, but I didn’t.
Regarding Gyst starting your masters work now, my motto in college became “it’s never too late until you die.“ And that was because I changed my major from business/accounting to teaching elementary and middle school math. And so it took me 5 1/2 years to graduate, but I finally figured out what I wanted to do and what brought me joy.
now I actually have used all of that education and that I do the bookkeeping for our little business, and I was a middle school math teacher for a couple of years before I had kids, and now I still substitute in math classes at my kids old school (my girls are 28 and 29 now).But that is a motto I have carried on into age 55! Lol.
I quit watching the news during Covid and I have never gone back! I kept highlights and important stuff for my husband and other than that I don’t see a need for it at all! Me, knowing what’s happening on the other side of the world does not shape what is happening on the other side of the world . The only thing is shapes is my mental health and not in a good way. I’ve tried to impress this on my mother who frequently struggles with anxiety and depression from watching all the bad news, but she won’t listen. Guess you’ll have to figure that out on her own.
I always enjoy listening to you so ramble on Sister!
I started my own channel and would love for you to check it out.
@MamieGraceDesigns and you are in my Top 5 episode! 😁
Love and hugs …
Hi Christy!!
I’m so glad you got the minis! I don’t think you’ll regret it. I’ll be so curious to know what you make with it!
And YES-its absolutely never too late to pursue anything. Your girls are lucky to have seen their mom live this motto and know that their lives can be the same!
I’m thrilled you started your own channel!!! Woohoo!! I will 100% subscribe and watch and I’m so glad you’re sharing your knitting life with the world!! It might take me a minute to watch but I promise I will. Lots of love!
Happy New Year and so glad you are back! I was missing your grace and grounding that you instill in me when I am listening to you 💓
Love love love your podcast Leena. Thank you for being you I feel I am knitting with a friend and having a the best conversations.
Thank you Toni, that means so so so much to me. I feel the same way from my side. Lots of love to you 💗
I love your thoughtful comments ❤ - I'm going through a tough time these days and its so good to hear your viewpoints. I think I'll be watching this again to mull over all you have said.
It's wonderful your course is shaping up to be all you want it to - wishing you all the best with it! You're amazing and inspiring. Love your podcast. Jen xx
Hang in there Jen. Whatever you are going through, the circumstances and your feelings will evolve. Stay strong and I am always here for you!
Thanks Leena - you're awesome!
I’m so with you on the news consumption and what I consume in general. If I enjoy a chocolate bar or a can of coke, glass of wine I will. I’m healthy so why not.
One thing I read at a beginning of a book that I affected me so deeply that I couldn’t pick up this book for about a year. Because I’m an immigrant. It said “Remember this: Everyone that came left someone behind.” It still after 40 years being here it’s hard. Loving my son and his family and this country too. But desperately missing my family and my home country so much too.
What you said really landed with me. My parents both immigrated when they were in their early 20s and I know the new country never quite feels like home. You exist in this in between space always. I hope you get to keep your country alive in your life and visit often. Sending you an extra tight hug!
Awww, you’re so sweet.
Yes! It’s like being torn between 2 countries you truly love and in some aspects the home I left I don’t feel quite at home anymore. Obviously 40 + years is a very long time and so much has changed. But driving over the hill around the curve and there is my hometown it still brings me sooo much joy.
Happy New Year
Happy new year to you as well!
Happy new year Leena. I am always so happy to see your uploads 😍
I’m so so excited for you!! Your point about things happen sometimes later in life because of how your earlier life path was..really connected with me. I just retired early after a long corporate career and thinking about …searching for…open to…next steps!! I love what you have to say SO much.
Leena beautiful soul, can't tell you how much I love love your podcasts, love everything you knit and your wise words life chat today really resonated with me. Your big rib top is one of my most favourite items on you I think it's gorgeous. Small rubber bands about 1/8 " thick make great needle stoppers 🤩
Thank you Lyn!!! You are so kind!! And rubber bands are a fabulous idea!
Hi Lina, I don’t comment often but I felt that I needed to share something with You! #1 Your Rain or Shine Blanket is not only Gorgeous but I think with You adding those neutral colors have totally elevated the mood of it! And secondly By You using the linen, You’re creating a great Healing Blanket- Tracy of “The Sewing Channel “ here on UA-cam did a study about adding Linen to her quilts that was very interesting and explained how the Linen is such a healing element be in in blankets and naturally in the clothing that we wear. I hope You check her out- I will try to find the exact video for You, she did it about 3 months ago. Everything that You knit is so Beautiful! I found the video-it’s titled “Fabric research that may change the way we make quilts” 😊
Amazing! I love this! I will definitely check it out. Maybe this is why linen quill feels like a deeply personal yarn to me. I know that makes me sound crazy but its a blend that just feels so right to me.
I so enjoy your podcast and truly appreciate your willingness to share insightful introspection. You’re remarkable! Perhaps a minor in psychology! 😊
Aw, thank you Carole! You are so kind. I am really glad it landed for you.
Happy New Year. Best wishes for 2025. Lots of changes in your life - amazing to be able to lean into a new life phase. As always love listening to your perspective on life.
Happy New Year to you Janet! I really appreciate you watching and being here and being supportive 💚
Happy new year! So glad you are back, great episode.
Thank you! So happy to be back!
Ever since I discovered your podcast a few months ago, I have told my husband that you and I would be great friends and how much I’d love to get coffee with you!
Regarding Libby - it has never told me about newly available titles, so I don’t get distracted by that. Maybe check the notification settings? I use the hold feature extensively though. If you’re not ready for one of my holds when it becomes available, you can reschedule it without losing your place in line. It’s perfect!
I need to be more disciplined with Libby! It’s funny because a book I really wanted to read just came up today, but I just delayed it for a week like you said! Not getting distracted by the shiny new title 😉
And yes I would love to be friends with so many of you! I feel such a deep connection with you all over this platform. Thank you for being here and maybe someday we will get that coffee!
I love your sumptuous colorful blanket! I want to make one, but I have sooo many projects right now. I can't start one more thing. If I put my mind to it, I could finish them all over January and February. That will be my goal. Anyways, sooo nice to see you back on the podcast!
One of my favorite knitting goals is knocking out almost-finished projects. I’m right there with you!! I finished that random sock yesterday and it felt so good! You can do it 💪
Hi! 🎉❤ I missed you. 💯‼️🧶🥢❣️
I’ve missed you all more than you know! So happy to be back in the swing of things 💚
Thank you for you message! Great advice 😊
Happy New Year Holly! Thank you for watching!
It’s amazing how you always speak what I am thinking. I seriously drop my mouth in shock constantly. I have such similar goals and opinions. I missed you. Happy you are back and so excited to hear about your adventures!! ❤❤
Thank you Michelle! You’re the best! We are kindred spirits!!
Happy New Year! Your blanket is so beautiful! 😍 I also love Libby. If a book becomes available before I’m ready, I just delay the delivery a week or two. I keep myself on track by remembering someone else might be waiting for the book I’m currently listening to. But I know - sometimes it’s hard to wait. And I have returned a book early so I can start the next. 😂💕🌵💕
Hi Sheila!! It’s a tricky thing to manage! I think I need to just accept the phase I’m in and not try to force myself to read books that aren’t clicking with me right now. All in all we are very lucky to have Libby! I think I just need to learn to manage it better for myself this year.
Happy New Year Leena, just love your blanket and thank you for the heads up on ordering another pack of linen quill. Wishing you all the best in your new endeavors.
Hi Jeannie! Happy New Year to you as well!! I hope you have a Rain or Shine Blanket in your future this year because it is truly a magical knit. 🌈
Hi Lena, love your Rain & Shine! Thanks for making me aware of fellow South African , Lily from Wishbone yarn’s, R & S shawl in mohair when you first talked about the pattern last year. I’m knitting the blanket pattern with 2 strands of mohair and it’s dreamy. I also do browns, beige, black and and gray inbetween and love the effect❤ Luckily South Africa is s big producer of the silk/mohair🎉 and buying from the mill is actually very affordable. I get the idea that mohair/silk is very overpriced commercially for some or other reason…
I’m so so jealous about your mohair!! I honestly think I will make a mohair shawl version of this because I love it so much, and the mohair just gives a complete different look and feel. I also love how its such a meditative pattern!
Hello and Happy New Year! so glad I found your post. How you feel about books it's how I feel about all the knitting patterns that show up on IG that makes me 1. purchase pattern, 2. purchase yarn 3. stop knitting my current project so for 2024 I got really strong and barely purchased patterns, yarn and I finished projects I started and still have project bags with unfinished projects from 2021 lol. So 2024 was the year of self control for me and I have to say that I feel really good about it. I truly enjoyed your podcast because I resonate in a lot of what you expressed. But with everything, there's a fine line, you can and should have opinions but never to a point where you criticize yourself because of other people and vice versa. I remember what I started working for a huge corporation and all the competition people had, buying this, owning that, what they describe as the American Dream. I honestly took a step back and said, I don't need a tennis bracelet or stud earrings to know my worth. Once I did that, stepped into my own life and stayed there, boy oh boy did I feel fantastic.
Hello my friend! Thank you for being here.
I know exactly what you mean!! It is 100% the same. The allure of the new and shiny book or pattern or shoes or whatever is difficult to resist!! Once we catch on that the world is constantly trying to sell us things, it gets easier to resist!! Once we have the new thing and its not new anymore, its not satisfying in any way. I’m definitely goign to try to enjoy the process of my knits more this year, rather than just sprinting towards the next FO.
Love your philosophy. All the best to you !
Thank you my friend!! Happy new year! Make it a good one!
Yes about Jackson hole! Compared to vail or beaver creek, super hard. blanket is coming out sooo good!
Ah yes! That’s exactly it!! Every time I went up the lift in Jackson Hole I missed the long lovely blues in Colorado!! I will never ever ski there again!
I love your enthusiasm and how your joy of the knitting process in all its aspects comes across to the viewer. I wish you would stand up to model the garment you are wearing or please post links to the patterns.
Hi Joan!! I’m absolutely terrible at linking things in the show notes. I will do my absolute best. If you go back to the episode where I review everything I knit in 2024, I believe that sweater was in that episode. And I stood and modeled everything in that episode. That particular sweater is the Big Rib Sweater by Jessie Maed Designs 💜
@ thanks for the reply, you are perfect and beautiful inside and out!
Happy New Year to all❣️🧶
Happy New Year to you too Shawn! 🧶
Happy New Year! Nice to see you back. You have me intrigued by the Rain or Shine - after I swore off knitting blankets (I have made three Old Forges). Looking forward to your content this year - one of my fave UA-cam channels to knit to!
Thank you Arlene! That is so kind of you. I totally get why you’ve sworn off blankets. I’d done the same! I think I’m enjoying this one because I’m in zero rush to get it done. Just enjoying the journey with the mindset that it’ll be done by 2030!! 😂
I can relate about the library! I’m getting physical books out but I was still putting TOO many books on hold and getting distracted. So my library website has a For Later category that I now use so I’m not getting holds in all the time to distract me!
So lovely to have you back and happy new year!!! Make sure you continue to carve out time for you. I’ve worked, studied and raised a baby and although satisfying you can get lost in it all x I’m about to start my rain or shine yours is so beautiful and inspirational ❤ when you used the mohair did you hold 3 stands or drop one and hold the mohair with one strand of linen quill? X
100% agree! Like I said, I have to make time to knit and maintain that part of my life because its truly the only I thing I do for pure joy. Aren’t we the lucky ones to have knitting?
When I used mohair, I add it as a third strand to the 2 strands of linen quill. It’s 🤩
I agree with you. It's so confusing to be told that everything is good and wrong at the same time. Not too much fruit and there's pesticide on fruits and veggies but you must eat them and you need protein but don't eat too much meat but it's easier to absorb animal protein vs. vegetal protein and then eat nuts but they take so much water to produce and you should eat local but in cold climates we kinda lack local fresh product during Winter.... WHAT DO WE DO THEN???? We gotta do our best with the information we've got and our judgement but we can't be perfect. We just can't. And yes, we can eat chips or chocolate at 9PM if we feel like it once in a while. ❣
YES!!!! This is exactly it. I’m done. We all die someday, and I refuse to just run around trying to do the “right thing”-whatever that is!!
Okay, another comment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and views on the changes you are making in your life. I am really inspired after listening to you. Thank you.
You are so welcome, I appreciate that so much!!
I agree about Libby...but I've found it helpful now thar I've realised I can delay borrowing the book. Something I love about audio books is hearing a memoir read by the actual author. I started The Boys last month, a memoir by Ron Howard and his brother Clint. I didn't get very far because I knew I wouldn't finish before it was due...Christmas and all. I'll probably go and buy the audio because I was enjoying it...or just put another request in on Libby
You had me in tears today. I feel completely overwhelmed lately with current events. I remember feeling this way during covid...the constant bad news...then we started getting horrific news here in Canada about the Residential schools. I had to make a huge effort to block the outside noise, I was feeling such despair. I'm getting to that point again, I can feel it 😒😪
Healthwise, I agree with you. I need to find an activity...due to foot problems this year I've become quite sedentary. Perhaps I need to look into yoga or pilates 🤔. As for nutrition...we watched a food documentary last night. It didn't tell me anything new, but reminded me of how difficult it is to eat healthy....time to get back to basics!
Sorry to be such so down, but such is life at the moment. Thank you for being you! I need to remember....today I choose happiness, because it's good for my health 😊❤, xo
Oh, and I totally follow my gut. The times I haven't have been followed by regret
Sandra, I’m sorry you’ve been feeling down and overwhelmed. Your country (and the world at large) is going through some turmoil, and it is so hard to feel safe and secure. I remind myself that the world has and always will be this way. Now there is just constant information flying at us. Before you would have a newspaper and the nightly news broadcast. Now, you open instagram to look at yarn and are bombarded by the world falling apart.
Maybe take an all news/instagram break. Just take care of yourself and find your center again and the world and its messiness will be there.
It always comforts me to remember the chaos has truly always been there. Think about past wars and centuries and know that this too shall pass, and it keeps happening because it is the nature of human beings.
As for health, if you can start walking I feel like that would be great for your mental and physical health.
Sending you a huge hug. You’re a kindred spirit ✨
Thank you 😊...your comment about how the world, and people, have always had difficult times to live through has given me a bit of peace 😊@AnotherKnittingPod
I gave up on Libby, too. The one I want to read is never available when I want it.
Could we see your stash?
Ah! That might be the longest pod of all!! That’s a good idea…I’ll think of how to make that work!
I have the big shorties beside me right now and the set is only size 9, 10, 10.5, and 11, not up to 15! I think they might sell separate sizes though.
You’re incredible rocket girl rocket love you
Love you right back!!!
Happy NEW YEARS TO ALL OUR KNITTING 🧶 FRIENDS
Happy New Year Sheila! Thank you for saying hi, I hope you are well!