when knitting feels like a waste of time

[@rebeccainspired]

In 2020, I got into a knitting funk (well several other funks too). I joined a kal for a SUPER COMPLICATED shawl by Agnes Kutas. I was only able to work on it if I locked myself away into a room without kids. Progress was slow, but then as I made progress it was so fulfilling. I absolutely think most of it was forcing myself to take a break from kids and cleaning and the house, etc. I needed to take that time a couple of evenings a week after my husband finished work to remove myself from the constant go go go. Even now when I am stressed, I find having a project that requires intense concentration to be extremely fulfilling. I don't get a mental stimulation from cleaning the house or even simple patterns and that interest ignites the, oh yes I love this, fire again.

[@KendraMakes]

That makes sense!

[@Dezertroze43]

Kendra, I love ur videos seriously. I am 68 years old and after decades of crafting and artwork, the reality is it is never cheaper to make ur own. It takes time, equipment, money and more time: You do it bec u r creative and God has made u awesome in His image. Big hugs.❤

[@e_craftingincolorado]

I can only imagine the craziness of having 4 kids would be like. I only had 1 and my crafts got put aside while she was growing up. Don’t stress over it, enjoy your kiddos while they are little. You will look back to the time you spent with them fondly and the crafts will be there when you are ready to return. Taking care of your mental and physical well being are just as important as raising your kiddos. ❤

[@jessethewestie22]

When I get in a funk I usually have forgotten that’s it’s a HOBBY - not a task, chore, or necessary project. You could do another hobby - read, whatever - remembering your downtime doesn’t need to be ‘productive’, it’s solely for enjoyment and self care. When I create something that didn’t work and feels guilty for wasting the time and money, I remember I can frog and the yarn can be reused. It was a learning experience and not a waste of time if I enjoyed the process at all.

[@dwade1367]

Been there. Just be patient. Take a break. Trust me the knitting urge returns.

[@KendraMakes]

Thanks, that is good!

[@egoreknits]

When it first started learning to knit many years ago, my thoughts were first I'd learn how to make a scarf and then I get into hats and more complicated things and eventually I could make things that I could wear. I still like the idea of making something that I could wear, but there are a few problems. One I rarely buy sweater quantities of yarn. Also, don't really like wearing sweaters because I get hot easily. I think I was making myself feel like I had to knit things that I could wear like tops and sweaters because that's what a lot of really good knitters do. But now looking at it realistically making sweaters and tops isn't the best way to enjoy my knitting. I want it to be something that I can do and not get frustrated over or have to be really focused on it all the time because I have four children and uninterrupted hours don't exist in my days just yet. So I've decided to be happy with making small, simple projects that don't require a lot of focus and that can be put down at any moment when some little person needs me for something. I stick to blankets, hats, scarves, etc. The thing I am enjoying knitting the most right now is really a simple bags. They can be knit every row in the round and then just use a three needle bind-off. I can choose to put on a strap or a drawstring. Knitting bags is a really simple and easy project and in the end I have something that I can either use or give as a gift. Several of the drawstring bags I've made I've used as gift bags and they've all been very well received and appreciated.

[@KendraMakes]

Thanks, I really appreciate your response. I'm glad you found a way to enjoy your knitting. I think figuring out what you like the best and works with the time you have is key and for me, understanding that those things can evolve and change is a part of the process.

[@paulat5921]

I relate to your struggle. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@tools4ewebycarolhowe496]

Work on a small project like a dish cloth. It is useful and a few can keep on hand. Also, it is ok to take a week or so to make it. I love to spin in the morning while drinking my coffee, go to work and come home to make dinner. In the evening, I knit or crochet.

[@KendraMakes]

That sounds like a lovely pattern of crafting throughout the day!