by Christina
Jotted down a few thoughts to motivate myself and turned the words into a poem that I wanted to share with all of you (illustrated by Lisa Orgler).
Hoping that you are having a grand day whether the sky is blue or grey where you live...do something today for you. Get out and go for a walk then treat yourself with a little knitting time.
by Christina
Let me introduce you to my friend and illustrator-extraordinaire, Lisa. She is a true source of inspiration and has mentored me through the entry phases of learning how to create a blog. She created the "HealthyKnitter" logo for which I am so grateful. You are in for a treat....you must read on!
Not only is she extremely talented illustrator (all these drawings are from her collection), her background is in garden design. Ok, that's not the official title but that's my interpretation. Lisa has an amazing website and blog about garden design that you must take the time to read PLUS she is doing something really fun right now that relates to knitting.
Last week, Lisa surveyed her readers for ideas to incorporate into a garden theme. She had lots of suggestions but guess what she picked? Yes, that's right...knitting. She is going to take us through a 4-step process on how to create a themed garden that is definitely outside the box. Read more on the topic on her latest blog post.
The best part is this...she is seeking feedback and ideas while in the brainstorming phase. At first, I thought, "ok, Lisa, see what you can do with knitting and gardening" because how could she possibly create a garden with that topic? The only thought I could imagine were old metal knitting needles as stakes in the garden...but then, it was as if the flood gate of ideas opened. You could use Queen Anne's Lace (for lace, obviously), you could color block sections of the garden (intarsia) plus mix lots of colors together (stranded knitting). The possibilities seem endless. I am so excited (can you tell?) to watch this process unfold. I can't wait to start a new garden.
So, calling all Healthy Knitters...let's capture our love of knitting and being healthy in our "Knitting Garden". Make sure to share your ideas with Lisa. I can't wait to read them.
by Christina
Do you remember the activity in school…the one where the teacher distributed the story and then said “read all the instructions before beginning”. Of course there was always one student that listened whereas the rest of us began answering the long, long list of questions. For the one that took the time to read the instructions all the way through, they found a delightful message “you do not need to answer these questions…turn your paper over, sit quietly and wait”.
Really? What trickery, deceit, how unfair…ok, lesson learned. Actually, I recall being mortified. As one that considered herself a rule follower I was shocked to realize I hadn’t done as told. Moral of the story: Read all the instructions before beginning.
The same “rule” albeit unwritten exists in knitting. Read the pattern start to finish before you begin. It’s a way of orienting yourself and to be prepared. Whether it was the lesson taught in 5th grade or my need to follow rules, I read the pattern start to finish and then begin. Yet, I currently find myself in the midst of a situation that might lend itself to letting go of this “rule”.
I was recently gifted the most beautiful Brooklyn Tweed yarn by my mum. The color “Postcard” is an exquisite tweedy blend of light grey and soft pink; in the right light the grey turns to oatmeal. It couldn’t be more perfect. The pattern is Woodfords by Elizabeth Doherty. I purchased the pattern from Ravelry therefore I was unable to read the pattern from start to finish before buying the pattern so I was committed to the process…for better or for worse.
Once in my hands, I began by reading the pattern…each time I started to read I was overwhelmed. What a ridiculously complicated pattern…how was I ever going to knit this? I read through the comments on Ravelry…no one complained. Actually the comments were quite positive “interesting construction”, “fun to knit”, “easy to follow”. What? Are we talking about the same pattern? Yet the comments gave me the courage to begin, one section at a time.
Every time I read ahead I get that same feeling of panic. I pull myself back to the section at hand. I remind myself to stay present. Don’t worry about what is to come, that is the future. Focus on the present. Let the rest fall away.
To my surprise, this intricately designed sweater is working. As long as I set aside my concerns about what comes next…no reading ahead. Stay present.
Currently, in my life, I need to put aside solving the ‘future’. I need to be more present and focused on each day. Somehow this sweater found me at just the right time in my life. There is no looking ahead…
Despite the lessons learned in 5th grade, this time, I need to take it one stitch, one step, and one day at a time. Be patient, persevere, and live in the moment.
What meaning is there in the project you are currently knitting?
by Christina
Friday was International Happiness Day sponsored by the United Nations. Read more about it here: http://www.dayofhappiness.net/#happiness I've been planning how to spread happiness on this particular day all week long...and yup, I got the day wrong. I thought it was today. Oh well, every day should be Happiness Day. Is anyone going to care that I am late?
I can't begin to explain why this day was so important to me. Bottom line, I really can't think of a better cause...let's spread happiness. Think about what would happen in our world if everyone did one nice thing for someone else...and for themselves on the same day. Not the gushy, over-the-top, leave me alone, sappy happiness. Rather the thoughtful gestures that let others around us know that you really do care. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day activities...here was my chance to spread a little good cheer.
I made my favorite muffins, full of wholesome ingredients and shared them with some fellow knitters. Morning Glory muffins...even the name is happy.
So that's what I did, a day late but not day-old muffins. In the spirit of the "day", I'm now sharing the recipe with you. May each bite bring you a little happiness.
Morning Glory Muffins
½ cup raisins
*1 cup whole wheat flour (I love Wheat Montana flour)
*¾ cup old fashioned oats
¾ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 cups carrots, peeled, grated
1 large apple, peeled, cored, grated
½ cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
3 large eggs (straight from the hen if you can)
2/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup orange juice
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place muffin liners (my preference is parchment) and lightly spray the insides of the liners. When I make this recipe, I end up with 16-18 happy little muffins.
In a small bowl, cover the raisins with hot water, set them aside to soak.
Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt). Stir in the carrots, apple, coconut and nuts (if using). In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, applesauce, vanilla and juice. Add to the dry ingredients; stir until evenly moistened without overmixing. Drain the raisins and stir them into the muffin batter. Using a small (I use ¼ cup) measuring cup, divide the batter among the prepared pan filling almost to the top.
Bake for ~20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven so it may take a few minutes more or less. Let cool for approximately 5 minutes in the pan; turn out on a rack to finish cooling.
*If desired (or needed), substitute your favorite gluten-free flour if desired. It may take a few tries to find the right flour mixture but I would begin with a gluten-free baking flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 baking flour). While oats are naturally gluten-free, oats are often contaminated during processing. For those avoiding gluten, substitute with gluten-free oats.
