S2 Ep. 6 // Knitting Ruts...Let's chat!

[@patriciahall8733]

I have been knitting now for basically 58 years, and I can safely say I was have never experienced a knitting rut. When I was working I just never had enough time to knit, although I spent all my spare time at it, but I also collected yarn for my retirement. The collecting of yarn is a separate hobby, but now I can go into my yarn room, yes I have a room of yarn, more yarn that I will ever be able to use even if I live to be over 100 years old. But I can go to my stash and find anything I want at least 99.98% of the time. I am very fortunate, but I also planned ahead. Now I just sit and knit as long each day as I want and I am enjoying every minute of it. Making for my family mostly, this is what keeps me excited about knitting. Knitting for others is very rewarding.

[@MrsKWheatley]

Any time I hear myself saying "I ought to ..." or "I should ..." in relation to my knitting, I stop and think. Knitting is my hobby and my pleasure, so I reckon "I want to ..." is the only relevant sentence starter x

[@LeeKnits]

I struggle with product vs process and I can get into a rut when I feel I haven’t done something good enough which is ridiculous since this is a hobby! Something I should enjoy and not add more stress to my life!! Thank you for opening up the conversation.

[@davidnaomiold6303]

Brilliant episode!

[@HyggeCanyon]

This was absolutely me this week! I was in the rut of "I don't want to work on any of these projects!" They're all ribbing or stockinette. When this happens, I try to cast on something that has a technique that I haven't done in a while--this week, that was colorwork. So, even though I have so (SO) many WIPs, I'm happily knitting away on a new colorwork sock.

[@amyj9907]

I loved hearing your thoughts (and loved getting the perspectives of Becky, Emily, and Ali as well-what a fun idea!). I am the type of knitter who likes to have multiple projects going at once, but one thing I have done lately is to try to finish up one phase of a project before I switch to another (ie, a sleeve or the collar or a textured section). This helps me to feel like I’m making noticeable progress while not getting bored with any one thing.

[@KnitandGrace]

Thanks for sharing Hailey! I’ve definitely experienced ruts for all of the reasons you’ve described. One other one for me if I’m overly stressed and anxious. While knitting is a coping mechanism for me and that’s actually why I started knitting, I get to a certain point where I’m so discombobulated I can’t do anything but veg. I think this is also where being multicraftual helps because I can always move on to the next thing and not feel the pressure that it’s create or not create. ❤ Mia

[@Knitweekend]

Yes! I sometimes don’t have enough brain space to tackle a certain part of a project. For instance, I’m actively procrastinating picking up the collar on my cardigan at the moment. I just decided my week was too stressful for a pickup. And…. I cast on something in mostly garter stitch 😆. Thanks for your amazing friendship and reminding me I had a video go live today! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@stitchedvintage]

Yes! If the project is taking too long or I haven’t had a FO in awhile a rut happens. I’m slowly learning to just power through monogamously for that FO high.

[@phyllisburke4141]

Knitting ruts! So real. I’m kind of feeling this now. I want to knit a shawl as I wear them all the time, silky cotton ones mostly, and I love them. Every time I know what I’m knitting I see the next new shiny one. I’ve just walked away from that planning to work on a sewing project I’m excited about and feeling better. I have no problem frogging sometimes that project just has to go. Hey I just finished hand quilting a quilt I started 30 years ago! I’m learning that finishing projects sure does lift the mood. Enjoying what I’m working on is very important to me. Patience and kindness toward myself is a win.

[@leaherickson6070]

i knit every day. I look forward to sitting down and knitting in the evenings or weekends. my knitting rut is overwhelming feels when I am greedy and cast on many projects without finishing. Winter knits are put away until the fall and I have spring and summer knits on hand. I knit only things that I love and if it doesn't fit or doesn't bring me joy frogging is a great answer. perfectionism is a huge waste of time and energy and I find that I am always at the bottom when I compare myself too. I know that you will gain lots of insights as you problem solve and keep open in your knitting journey. good podcast.

[@ByTresja]

Great topic and thanks for sharing

[@Knitweekend]

Thank you, Tresja!! 🤗

[@woollywips]

I so appreciate this episode and your thoughts about knitting ruts! I can definitely relate. I have seen so many talk cast onitis but I definitely have the opposite. Yes I want to knit all the projects but it's decision making involved in casting on a new projects that get's me in a rut. More like cast on paralysis (cast onalysis?). I use most of my decision making mental energy at work or to other things and when I have time to relax I just want to relax. I don't want to have to make decisions about whether the yarn would work with the pattern, or drafting a pattern, or what kind of mods I want to do. I found that what helps for me is having low stakes projects that I can just cast on without any thinking. I recently did the my little secret crop by Jessie Mae and just picked a random single skein that gave me all the dopamine and cast on. Sometimes just casting on a random sock works. But I am definitely keeping a look out for more quick patterns that are low stake for me. Then when I do have a day (or two) where I have no plans and have some capacity to make decision, I cast on multiple projects. Even though I will work only on 1 or 2 at the same times, but once I finish I know I have a project ready to pick up.

[@knitfulgrace]

THANK YOU!! I am not in a knitting rut per se, but I have some languishing WIPs I do not want to knit (my lovely pressed flower pullover is hurting my hands, I don't think I can finish it! So I found a new pattern for the yarn. I am much more excited now!!

[@lucilesenseney5556]

It's so normal to get into ruts...not just with knitting..I get into ruts with reading. One helpful thing for me about what's next...going to my LYS and knitting with others...seeing what they are working on ...generates the "want to" for new projects. Happy Easter!

[@JaneStratton-27]

Hi Hailey. Great topic! I don’t think I’ve ever faced a true knitting rut but have faced project ruts! That fingering weight sweater with all over color work comes to mind. Took 2.5 years to finish!! I put myself on a schedule to work on it at least one session every week… but knit on other projects in the meantime. I also always have a simple small project on the needles ( socks, hats) to fall back on when needed. Happy Spring! Wishing you joy filled days ahead!

[@chloecoutain4278]

What a joy and a natural you are - so enjoy you!!!!! Happy Spring Easter!!

[@Knitweekend]

Thank you, Chloe! Appreciate you watching!!

[@AHandKnitLetter]

Great episode, Hailey! ❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@KNIT_LA]

Hiya! I don't experience knitting ruts perhaps because I always have three projects going; one garment, one shawl, and a one skein project, usually socks, hats, mini shawl. I also have a long range project crocheting a blanket that I turn to when the knitting isn't doing it for me. xoxo

[@AliMakesEverything]

The suspense on the backwards shawl 😂 Oh my god I love the treatment you landed on for the clips! It was so pretty and relaxing with your b roll 🥲 Your point about the seasonality of the thing you’re still knitting makes a LOT of sense, that would make it hard to stay motivated. Such a good present for future you though if you can wrap it up this spring and then hide it away until you get to open it in the fall 😂

[@Knitweekend]

Ali!!!! This is exactly my plan for it. I’m going to have a little wrapping session with some lavender and cedar and a little note to Fall 2024 Hailey. Thanks so much for being game to send me an audio clip. It was so fun and I hope to do it again!

[@AliMakesEverything]

@@Knitweekend Oh my god BEAUTIFUL, you can do a little unboxing on the channel and everything 😂

[@Alaskaventureswithbrodie]

My knitting ruts are as a beginner. Everything seems intimidating so you put off all the things you want to make and keep knitting washcloths 😂 also shawls. But working on expanding.

[@jhaypennycuff2396]

I don’t experience knitting ruts, probably because the process of knitting is very centering for me. It’s a refuge for my mind. As is spinning. I always have an active project on the wheel and on the needles.

[@QueensYarnBoutique]

Whenever I'm in a knitting rut, I crochet. I also don't like knowing my next project.

[@jla110661]

I don't really allow a rut to happen. Because I don't put any pressure on myself for content as many Podcaster probably do. I just finish things and move on to the next. I'm very monogamous with my knitting and have my main wip and a transition wip when things start coming to an end. I've been waiting on a ball of yarn for 3 weeks to arrive to finish my last inch of a sweater...lost in the mail... reorder... but I've almost finished a pair of socks in the mean time. I think content creators have more of the burden then us regular knitters... we don't care. So go easy on yourselves... we're all human and if nothing is moving we're there with you. Not a big deal. Tell us about those patterns that are calling out to you... god knows I've been spending way too much time looking for patterns but I know my yarn is coming and I can finish my sweater but I'm finding some good hidden gems in the ravelry vault.