Episode 50: So Much Hue and Me

[@annettekingsley6414]

Great to see you. You look wonderful. Enjoy spending time with you because of your authenticity and kindness. Stay well. Until next time.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thanks Annette!! It's been so long I felt awkward posting a video, wondering if it was really enjoyable to anyone but me. So you encourage me! I hope you are well.

[@girlinthebookstore]

Hey Michelle, so good to see you again! I miss your podcasts! Nobody talks straight down the line quite like you and it's refreshing to watch :)

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thank you, Evey. I still go back and forth, wondering if I should even do this publicly, lol. Like, what am I adding to the world of podcasts? So that means a lot to me.

[@EventualKnits]

Omg I haven’t even watched yet but I am SO EXCITED

[@EventualKnits]

I loved your 100 sweaters video! Also, you always look so cute in vests. ❤️ I am in love with that Easton striped pullover - I’m a sucker for striped sleeves and uneven stripes in general 😍😍 I took all of December from social media, unfollowed 80+% of accounts I used to follow and dgaf about views/likes/all of that… I feel very disconnected from internet culture now and I’m so much happier just living life. So happy to see you and once I finish this one sweater hanging over my head I’ll make a new video 😊 oh and big changes in my life - well one is the social media detox, I had major upswing and downswing with knitting after being diagnosed with PCOS after years of confusing symptoms, and I completely shifted how I handle my finances and we’re hard paying down all of our debts. I stopped buying hundreds of dollars of yarn per day 😅 I’m so happy!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

@@EventualKnits Oh yeah, not buying tons of yarn makes a big difference. Moving made me see my "problem" with yarn buying way too clearly. It's stuffed in a closet and my goal is to not add to it, only use it up. I am glad you figured out it was PCOS- a lot of women don't and get misdiagnosed and so mistreated. Have you found a good treatment plan for it, and a dr you feel good about? The media detox is a big deal! I kind of did that and it helped me have that quiet, healing time in my life that I mentioned when I was living by myself. I felt a kind of freedom that I didn't even realize was missing. Did you miss any of that internet connection at all? I didn't. Though I like keeping up with friends on instagram, I find it much harder to do now than it once was do to ads and algorithm, so I didn't miss it much.

[@EventualKnits]

@@mysocalledhandmadelife Oh man, moving definitely puts things into perspective!! I’ve also been really enjoying “shopping” my stash, and enjoying pretty skeins in an LYS without feeling the need to buy. It’s been hit or miss with PCOS treatment… I had a good response right away when I shifted my diet away from mostly vegetarian with carbs as the centerpiece to a more balanced approach with higher meat content, but since then it’s been a gradual slide backwards in terms of a cycle. I have had great experiences paying out of pocket for PCOS specialists, but there’s something about being able to talk to someone in person. Every doctor I’ve actually seen in person has been difficult or dismissive or wanting to throw meds at me vs get to the root cause/treat the insulin resistance. I have an appt next week and I’m ready to fight… lol. I missed the handful of people I used IG to communicate with, for sure, but i did NOT miss the scrolling. The ads are out of control. Now it’s like, I watch 5-10 people’s stories per day, see a new post or two, and that’s it. The second I see an ad (which is almost immediately) I’m out ✌🏻Have you found you noticed a clear change in how you spend your time when not on social media?

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

@@EventualKnits oh yeah. I felt younger when I backed away from social media, lol. That sounds weird, but I used to be pretty happy living in my bubble taking care of my kids in my 20s.. Back then we had a small tv with foil on the antenna, rarely read the paper, and thrifted everything. I needed to feel some of that simple living again. To see how I can be a participant in the world while protecting myself from its pressures to buy, the sensory overload, and even too much bad news. I have more energy now. Also I have to work harder to see who I follow in IG so there isn’t as much to miss there now. I hope you find the right dr. The kind who takes lots of notes and looks for answers with you. Conditions like PCOS are so individual and I don’t think any one expert has all the answers. I have read that de-stressing can affect it greatly so it sounds like you are wise pulling away from the internet some and making financial decisions that bring peace.

[@julieturcotte8622]

Finally got a chance to watch-so glad to see you again! You are absolutely glowing! Love seeing all the photos and area you live-my happy place always. I just knit my first Seafarers Cap last week while babysitting sick granddaughter and taking care of sick daughter-started my 2nd immediately! Love the Hue + Me colors and have Juniper lined up for the Winter League Pullover. So much has happened-just wanting this year to find joy and make time for things that bring that joy. Just love your down-to-earth, what I made and my experience, podcast and your humor! Can’t wait to see the next one🧶❤️🤗

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hi Julie! I'm glad you've been able to enjoy family and try to get the most joy out of each moment. Isn't Seafarer's Cap great!?! I'm excited to see your Pullover. Jumpier is my favorite color from that whole yarn collection.

[@meaganfawcett-lunafiberwor2268]

It’s a pleasure to meet you here Michelle. I am excited to get to know you through this platform! I have been knitting a lot with the Hue & Me yarn and love the patterns that Two of Wands has created. I too have been spending more time alone and working to heal myself through counseling and being with myself more which I have been craving a lot lately. Thank you for sharing yourself in such a genuine and raw way. I look forewarn to your next podcast!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

That's wonderful, Meagan! Moving wasn't about healing, but living alone much of the time for a few months really let me sift through some things. I fully dealt with some things, removed wrong thinking, with God's help, and am trying to replace it with truth. I have a feeling we revisit certain vulnerable areas inside of us over the years, just seeing new perspectives on what happened or what we believe.And that's not a bad thing. Anyway, I am glad you have been experiencing peace with yourself and healing. What is your next Two of Wands project?

[@rebeccaj1348]

I'm only now catching up with podcasts and I love your voice! So happy you are back. Now I love your question about how it all affected us. There's a lot of negative, but there's a positive too. Before the pandemic I started looking into highsensitivity for my son, and I realized I checked a lot of the boxes too. It answered a lot of questions I have had for myself the last couple of years. And then the pandemic just made me realize how much energy social contacts take from me, and how much I love having no obligations and just being home. Things are picking up again (though we are now faced big time with the effects of the war in Ukraine here in Belgium so it might all go downhill fast again soon, worse then Covid affected in some ways) and I feel I'm slowly pulled in the same busy shedule. So I need to learn how to put boundaries in place. Thank you for your nice words!

[@yellowbirdknits2415]

So happy to see you back Michelle! What a nice surprise! Thanks for always keeping it real and that bucket head story cracked me up!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thank you, Stacy!! And I'm always happy to enable laughter, lol.

[@adinasalmansohn9842]

It’s so good to see you back, Michelle! I’m fine…knitting at a minimum, as I’ve come out of retirement, and I’m teaching full time again. We have been fine through the pandemic, but I’m back in school again because the poor kids are impacted more than anyone. Emotional crises are up big time, and many students just need that special adult in their corner, and I hope I am that person for a number of kids. Enjoy your lovely woolies. It has struggled to get up to 10 above here in Maine!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

You are SO needed. Districts near me are hiring people without teaching certification with the hopes of them being certified soon because they are so desperate for teachers. And what a hard few years kids have been having!! I'm so happy to hear that you've been able to do this.

[@lisafaules5035]

It’s nice to see your video. Awkward is awesome! Glad you are doing well and I can’t wait to see more of your knits and home projects.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hi Lisa!! Thank you!

[@kathybast4560]

So good to see you back. I loved your 100 sweater episode. So inspiring. You are a joy to watch and listen to.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thank you, Kathy!

[@agneszoldowski3590]

I've so missed your podcasts Michelle, its so good to see that you're back! I'm glad all is well and that your move was a positive one. A big change for our family was a move from Ontario Canada to Vancouver Island on the west coast. Moving in the midst of a pandemic has had its challenges but its been a very positive move. We've also spent a lot more time outdoors exploring this beautiful place we're blessed to call home now. Welcome back ❤️ Agnes

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thanks, Agnes, it's nice to be back. Moving during a pandemic isn't easy. It wasn't so hard for me because it was the same state, and a state with lax guidelines at that. But moves are just life changing, even when all goes excellently. I'm happy to hear yours has been positive! Being able to be outdoors the last year was crucial to my well-being. So glad you get to be too.

[@MrPerpetomobile]

Happy you are back! Yours was the first knitting podcast I ever watched. This was before I even started knitting more than a hat. Thank you 😊

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Wow, the first one!! Ha, well they aren't all this weird, lol. So what are you knitting now, if not hats?

[@brandistoker]

It is so good to see you! What happy news that the move has been a good experience for you and your family. How exciting you and your husband have your own business. Thank you for coming back and sharing your life with us!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

I'm going to try and film again today, Brandi. It's been hard to make quiet time for it, but I love reading what you all are up to so much that it was totally worth it to put out the last episode. I hope you and yours are all doing well.

[@knittingpoppy]

Lovely to see you Michelle! Love your approach and philosophy in a world that can be so invented. Still here in the UK, got my now 92 year old dad through the last couple of years. Knitting some, but mainly being there for my family. My daughter had a beautiful baby boy last year, but then severely dislocated her knee so I’ve travelled to Germany to help on and off and travelling has not been easy! I came back to the UK 3 years ago now, from Australia, and it’s been a very weird time to try and meet people, but I did get to a knitting group last week, so hoping things will turn around this year. So glad you are back! 💞

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hi Louise!! I am so happy to hear your father has been doing well. I thought of you and how you were managing the pandemic often in the last year. Congratulations on the birth of your grandson. I'm sorry your daughter has had an injury but happy for you that you can be there for her and with that little one. Meeting people would seem a challenge in these times and with all of the travel in your life. I moved here not really expecting to meet people and not really even thinking about it. I'm introverted (IRL, ha) but I have found this town is unusually friendly and the church I go to is full of outgoing, people who like to really talk. Like not small talk. They're mostly younger than me and like to jump into deeper conversation. I find that in the last year I am surprised by how connected I feel to them. I hope some connections like that surprise you in 2022, too.

[@TheZencha]

Hi Michelle, 🤩so good to hear and watch you again :) Caretaking of our Moms is the major change, I burned out, had 2 Months pause, and now only my mom to take care of...She is turnin 91 :) Hugs🤗 from Croatia , Ada 🌊🌈

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

You are so loving to do this, especially during such times. I hope you are able to get the rest you need to do this. Also how wonderful to have your mom around when she is 91. Are you still making items for sale in local markets? I am so happy to hear from you here, Ada! Hugs from Texas to you, too!

[@carotrike]

Hello! I'm still here too! Great to see you, so glad you're back. Looking forward to watching more (I always seem to be playing catch up with podcasts, about a month late). Good to know that you have found your people. We have moved twice , in quick succession since I saw you last. Don't feel as though I quite fit yet, although people here are lovely, it's a much bigger town.

[@danad4849]

Thanks for the giggles, you are funny! Glad to see you again. I always like your sense of style and unique projects. Cute purse. Looking forward to seeing those sneak peek sweaters. I love to hear that others take years to finish last details because I am definitely one of those. Seeing your cowl inspired me to finish my baby alpaca fisherman rib scarf that I finished early and turned into a cowl, thanks.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Glad I am not alone in procrastinating. And I love that you modified your scarf to have it DONE!

[@Jmewatson911]

I was happy to see you back this morning! Love your podcast!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thank you for this!! I am filming again today. Hopefully I've dumped enough stuff of of my camera to take a bit more time with it.

[@talitharitter3176]

So nice to see you. You’d been on my mind recently. Life continues to change here. In June we had our second son and then lost my father in September. Life is the great equalizer.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Oh, Talitha I am sorry to hear about your father. That is hard, but I imagine having a new life to love, care for, and get to know allows grief to happen in a natural way. At times when I felt I was too busy with family life to grieve properly for a family member, I later realized those very acts were part of the healing process. Hope that is so for you and your family.

[@therepublicofme]

It is so lovely to see you Michelle and to find you well. I wish you all the blessings in this new year and hope to see you more often. Ivana ❤️

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hi Ivana!! Yes, I want to be on here more. I am having a good new year and hope you and your family are as well!

[@karenbudnick]

So good to see you again, Michelle!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hi Karen! Thank you!

[@aida_tz.]

so good to see you back here Michelle, enjoyed watching this episode and i'm glad that you are doing well.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thank you, Aida! It felt good to reach out to you guys again.

[@jennenns654]

Hi Michelle. It is so good to see you again. I am glad everything is going well with you. Your bulky sweater knits are so inspiring. I am doing well. Back at the gym since winter doesn't allow as much comfortable running. We are in a deep freeze again this week and I am wishing for spring. Always knitting.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Your running pics always make me wistful. I have committed to not running or weight training in ways that could de-stabilize what my chiropractor was doing. I have a new one and he is great. I was aaaaalmost there, when I pulled my psoas so still no running for me. At least we have trails all around our neighborhood, so walking doesn't feel like slow motion to me, lol. I hope you and your family are well.

[@debbie.mckenzie]

Wow I've missed your face! You are so funny and that tall toque rocks! Can't believe the neighbors even noticed your hat...with the bad weather coming they were probably in a big rush to go out for milk and bread! 😉

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

So true! Texas FREAKS out when the weather is bad, even when it's not really that bad. I hate that because you can't find Topo Chico in the stores, lol. Who knew Topo Chico was a disaster kit staple.

[@ChristieArcher]

OMGoodness, Michelle, it’s so great to see another podcast from you. I always enjoy how real and down to earth you are. You are a breath of fresh air. This past year has been one of my best years! I’ve finally settled into my home and have enjoyed MANY hours of knitting (I made about 60 projects last year, lol) The kids are doing well. My middle child will have his GED soon. (He’s homeschooled so that’s how he’s getting his diploma) and my youngest is on the fast track to get hers next year, just a few months after she turns 16. My husband finally has a job he loves so life is great! I have to say, you look incredible girl! Your skin is glowing and your hair is sooo pretty. It’s great keeping up with you on Insta but for me, it’s easier to feel connected to you here. HUGS 🤗

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thanks, Christie! You guys have been so busy. I'm glad to hear you've settled into a place you like, I know you moved quite regularly for a while. That definitely is exciting, but settling a little can be too, lol. 60 projects!!!? I saw your episode thumbnail in your email and thought, "No way! Did she knit all of that in a year!" I can't wait to watch it. I also saw that it is rather long- which i love because I can knit, watch, and listen and relax!

[@TheAussitel]

So good to have you back Michelle. Your knits are gorgeous. Don’t worry so much about the cringe factor. Embrace the awkward I say!!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Ha! Okay, I guess I have no choice. I actually like awkwardness in other people, makes them feel approachable and like we have something in common. So, yeah, I'm going with it.

[@theseamstressatthecottage]

Oh my goodness! This one had me in stitches

[@ardrenalynch1992]

It great to see you again. The pandemic has definitely affected my life. Making the best of a bad/sad situation, I have stayed connected with my Knit-sisters from two groups through Zoom and in-person when the number of cases are low here in Ohio. I’ve been knitting socks and shawls and watching knitting podcasts.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thank you Ardrena! Im glad you have the ability to zoom in with friends. Do you find, like some people, that you actually interact more personally with more people because of Zoom than you did before the pandemic? Any favorite shawl or sock patterns?

[@ardrenalynch1992]

Michelle, your response gave me food for thought, regarding Zoom. In person groups, often have side conversations, Zoom interactions are much more personal, the sharing is heard by all. One person shares their project/life, then “popcorn” to another member until all have shared. Love it!

[@mgunds]

Welcome back. I didn't realize how much I missed your podcast before it was back again :-) No big changes in my life, except that my daughter moved out last month. In Denmark kids don't move out for college at 18, so she finished school - took a 6-month hiatus before starting here on February 1st to study to become a nurse. She's only 15 min away in the car. It doesn't seem so much of a change, life goes on, I see her a least twice a week - at least - at Zumba, she calls daily to ask little things, or just talk about her day. I do think that my son will move soon too - he finishes school in June.

[@thedreamknitter]

Hi, that was a long 2021 break.. ☺️ i like to follow your talking about the knitting and your thoughts around- whatever you feel talking about.. ..a glimpse of what life brings in your part of the World. Thank you. Regards from Ellen, in the Dark and winterstormy Denmark🌨

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Ooh "the dark and winter stormy Denmark" sounds so picturesque, Ellen!! Thank you for your kind words. How different our winters are on different sides of the world. Hope you are getting lots of crafting time while bundled up indoors, too.

[@brendadenda9138]

I couldn’t believe it when I saw your notification pop up! I am so glad to see you. I hope all is well!😊😊😊

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hi Brenda!! I know it took me forever, but I'm glad to be dong it again. I am about to film another episode. Thanks for welcoming me back. And checking up on me here and there on instagram :)

[@denised2022]

Missed your podcasts and so happy you are back! Sounds like there have been a lot of changes in your life. My biggest change was accepting a retirement package after 20 years with a company and then starting a new job. It’s been a big adjustment and I’ve learned alot about myself in the process. Happy to hear the changes in your life were mostly positive. Looking forward to future podcasts!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Yay, Denise!! Congrats on the retirement and a new beginning. I hope the new job is fitting into your life well. Was the new job kind of a leap you were nervous about? Working with my husband has been a little like that. It's all very new, but I can see the benefits.

[@jaynebramley4159]

Hey conehead!! So lovely to see you and hear about your move and knitting projects, I have missed listening to you Michelle. I don't feel like much has changed for me over the last year, still hiking when we can and still knitting and sewing. You have me excited to knit a Harvest Throw and a Keaton Vest, I haven't knit with Hue & Me yarn before, is it a warm yarn? Excited to see more episodes and hear about your sweaters, hugs Jayne.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hi, Jayne!! I think Hue and Me is warm, but we don't get the same cold weather you do. For spending lots of time in the very cold outdoors, like you do, you may prefer 100% wool. But like for around the house and around town, I think it's perfect. I think it's great for gift knitting too, because no one I know washes wool correctly, except knitters. I'm glad you're still out on the trails. It has been so therapeutic for me to be out in nature, that actually functions like nature, lol.

[@IGAIAKNITS]

So good to see you again Michelle! A big hug from El Salvador 🇸🇻! Last year was a lot of changes, Home like you, jobs like you, my son graduated from high school, had to go through surgery to get my uterus removed, and many other things changed. After all, I’ve survived and like many others and as you said, it has also been a time of healing. So nice to see my hope sweater 🥰

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

That is a lot of changes, Els! I am glad you have healed from your procedure and congrats to your son, and to you for getting him there. How is your new home and job going?

[@IGAIAKNITS]

@@mysocalledhandmadelife I’m so happy in my new home and job! Thank you! Yes, it’s been quite a ride but it’s been worthwhile. Hugs! 😘

[@pam3744]

Enjoyed seeing and hearing what you’ve been up to - and the cone head thing is just hilarious to me ! Changes in my life in the last few years? Just off the top of my head, I’ll say that I’ve gained clarity about some of the relationships in my life, what my friends mean to me and what I mean to them - who’s been here for me. Still working on some of those things. And, I’ve experienced a deepened realization of just how much my family means to me - the time I’m spending with my loved ones is all the more precious right now. So glad to hear that you’ve found a church community and people you like.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

I thought i answered this but maybe I didn't click reply. your comment makes me think of something you said about really appreciating family at the start of the pandemic. It sounds like you[ve delved even deeper into those thoughts and maybe refined them. I'm happy for you that you get to spend so much time with your loved ones. I hope 2022 is great for the whole gang.

[@ajroberts909]

Oh how I’ve missed you!!!! Welcome back!!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hi Alena! Thank you so much. It's good to be back!

[@KatinkaPonders]

So glad to see you here!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thanks, Katinka!

[@ateliersarahjane]

Hi Michelle, so much fun to see you again. Love the bulky knitting projects! And curious to hear about you home DIY's. Oh my gosh, this last year has just flipped my life up and down, round and round, it has been tragic and hard, I am a changed person. I am not sure about sharing on youtube but will share a private message if I can. I have decided to start gardening this year, shaping the garden anew and have a plan to grow organic veggies and lots of flowers. I need to heal and see things grow, and experience some magic again. Also I have closed my shop and will be dyeing for a local yarn shop, she produces her own yarn from sheep of my area, so cool. schaapjeswol it is called, which is just sheepwool translated. Now I get to just do the fun part of dyeing and not the businesspart, win win. Looking forward to conversing via your video's again, yes the commerciality if everywhere but I do think community is very inspiring and sharing is too, and this rises above the commerce attached to any business. See you soon X

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Sarah Jane, I am sorry this last year has been traumatic. You seem to be adapting and have a path to healing. That is so good. The change in your business plan sounds like one you will love. I think I'd like the actual making part more too. Message me anytime. I am rooting for you this year- for your healing and a measure of joy in this. I won't talk about this comment on the podcast.

[@yolit9067]

Hi Michelle, so glad to see you again!!! Can't wait to watch and hear what you've been up to.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thanks, Yolanda!!!

[@jaynecroghan1573]

Good to 'see' you!

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thank you, Jayne!

[@jhenderson2286]

Glad you are back and happy! "5 tips" hahahaha

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

LOL! Thank you!

[@catherineb9857]

Hi I am about to start to watch, I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are, so glad to see you are back. Catherine

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Yay!

[@southerncomfortknits583]

Omg! That hat. You had me laughing out loud! 😂

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Happy to oblige!!

[@HandmadebyLorelei]

Personally I am THRILLED that you are back! l adore your podcasts/vlogs. :)

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Thank you, Lorelei!! I was just checking out your channel and you've got a lot of knitting content I can't wait to watch. I'm excited to start watching knitting vlogs again. I guess I took a break from youtube except for a couple of newscasts. Anyway, so nice to be back.

[@sherryncraig6179]

It is so wonderful to see you again! Your blog and your podcast were the first I ever engaged with...which is a bit ironic, because in terms of a big change this year, I quit social media (with the exception of You Tube, obviously). I loved IG for a long time - it was inspirational; it created a feeling of connection/community, especially since no one around me is a knitter. But somewhere along the way, the platform changed...or perhaps, my relationship/how engaged with it did. It just felt less organic, and more market driven - practically every post seemed to sell something - a product, an image, an experience. And I didn't like how it made me feel or even my relationship with the craft I loved. I watched the Gentle Knitter podcast and after she explained her reason for leaving some social media platforms, I read some of the books she referenced and it really was eye opening for me. Like you, I've decided to not say I'm doing anything anymore. Maybe my break with IG won't be permanent. Maybe it will. But for now, it feels right and that's good enough for me. Again, I'm so excited you're back - and never apologize for being authentically you. It's what I love about your podcast!!!

[@emamarinescu7000]

Hey Michelle, so nice to see you again!! I love your videos, and the awkwardness, your sense of humor, everything you're sharing with us! Most of all I love how you approach podcasting as a conversation with actual feedback rather than just another show and tell thing :) Can't wait to hear what you've been up to, keeping my eyes peeled for the next one :D

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Hopefully your eyes will be able to relax in the next day or so. I am filming today. I'm so glad you enjoy my rambles. Thanks for your feedback. I'm curious do you like long form podcasts, or shorter ones that are more numerous- same amount of information, just broken up? I always plan to be brief but never can be. The last one was only 30 minutes and so easy to upload that I wondered if I could keep that up more frequently. I was curious if it makes a difference to viewers.

[@emamarinescu7000]

@@mysocalledhandmadelife Yay, glad to see you in my feed again :D For me personally, shorter videos are easier to digest and to watch in one sitting, but I also like longer ones when I can just sit back and relax (which happens less though because, well, work and life in general)

[@terridenno6373]

Hi Michelle, good to see you again. I’m so glad your move is making you happy. After watching your post I really wanted to buy some Hue and me, but I’m not buying any yarn this year. But what did I find? A gift card! That doesn’t count, right? My son is getting ready to start college this year snd I am not ready. Could you share how you handled this situation? So nice to have you back! Terri

[@b3VakaB3v3rLyMaRsh]

I love two of wands! Hue and my is such a good yarn! I have no many of her patterns and not enough time lom

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Same, Ann! I do find that I get around to her designs quickly though because so many call for that yarn and it is a fast knit. I tell myself, "Just a quick weekend project between larger knits..." They stretch out past the weekend but they're very satisfying. I am going to finish the Graduate Scarf soon. That was fun to knit while watching tv at night.

[@catherineb9857]

So many changes., All sounds good tho'. The news coming out of USA or Texas never seem to good, so I was hoping you weren't away because of bad covid news, or the weather etc. Your changes sound exciting. I am well, I commented a bit from when I found you. I live in New Zealand so we are doing well, but living in a kind of limbo. You inspired me to do a podcast too, so that has been fun. The first lockdown made me reslise that I really wanted more time to myself so I have gone part time at work which has been great, lots of resting initially and now lots of creativity and making. Take care and I look forward to your next episosde., Catherine

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Catherine, I thought I answered you but maybe I didn't finish. If you get two answers, that's why. I'm so happy you figured out a work/ life situation that is better for you. Also, what is the name of your podcast and where can I find it? What have you been making lately?

[@nancymorales2741]

So wonderful to see you, Michelle! Love that you’re so real! Big hug your way! -lajoyagirl

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Nancy!!! I'm so happy to see you here too. Thank you for those kind words. I hope you are staying warm and getting some good knitting time in.

[@nancymorales2741]

@@mysocalledhandmadelife Thank you. I recently retired and am adjusting. Take care and hope to see you sometime!

[@aeastman59]

Yay! I was just thinking of you last week Michelle! I figured you had just moved on to other things and were busy and I suspected you might have moved which is wonderful! Never 'has-been', we are evolving and changing but like you say our desires and focus changes to different things over time... I have slowed way down with my knitting and posting too... Im not on instagram for over a year, not on any other social media anymore... dont have the need to do all that anymore so things change! but I am so glad to see your podcast! your knitting looks great, looking forward to seeing the sweaters and laughing along with you with your wonderful sense of humor! Yay for conehead hats!!!!!! oh and my past year has been fine, we've been lucky and have steady work and good health

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

I'm so happy to hear that your year was good, Amanda. Were your reasons for backing away from social media because you weren't knitting as much or vice versa. I felt overwhelmed by changes in my life, but I found the volume of information (not all of it good) was too much for my brain. and so I stepped back from everything but people in my everyday life for a time. I would set aside time for instagram or news but it was much less than before. And like any scientist will tell you, it was for the better. Thank you for tuning in! What are some of your new interests now, if not knitting as much?

[@aeastman59]

@@mysocalledhandmadelife I paint and I am learning to play irish tunes on a fiddle much to the dismay of my dog, lol! I stopped social media first... I realized especially IG was sucking me in to a speeded-up, competitive type of feeling for knitting - getting more things done faster, faster! so I stopped and got back to my normal pace without pressure to knit everything as fast as possible to start the next new thing.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

@@aeastman59 I love it! And am picturing your dog’s cringe, lol. I mention in these comments to Eventual Knits how backing away from Instagram made me feel like myself 20 years ago. I felt more energy to create and read. And have more peace. I’m glad you do too.

[@sharib5922]

Wondering what is the name of the color of the Two of wands yarn used for the vest and Seafarers hat? 🧶🧶🧶

[@katiecanavan]

Why are you so anti-fisherman?!!? Lololol... So nice to see you and hear your voice again over video!! You're the best and I've missed you.

[@mysocalledhandmadelife]

Sorry, avoiding spontaneous combustion is just for subscribing Pain-treon members, lol! Thanks for the kind words. I missed talking to my camera, then later talking to you guys.