knit & chat | big changes, being back home again & tiny needle projects

[@GenkiKitty]

Your story of your transition is very close to my story. One of my major's while in university was Asian studies, so I lived in Asia, my longest stay was in Japan. I returned to America and had culture shock for at least a few weeks. I returned to university and dormitory life two days later, however, I still had strange 'abnormalities' which I had acquired while abroad. In addition, I kept talking in the wrong language. You'll slowly get back into normality and wonder what was different (until you go abroad again). Love your return and hope you keep sharing your knitting journey!

[@lisasknitclub]

Wow that sounds like such an amazing experience, studying in Japan! Thank you for your kind words :)

[@vansa14]

I listened to this whole thing. I love your longer videos because it feels like I’m listening to a friend talk about their day and what is new in their life. I enjoyed hanging out with you today. Can’t wait for the next video! ❤

[@gabrielleyelle]

When I was 21/22 I spent a year backpacking. It was hard and weird coming home. I was so happy to see my friends again and have my own car again but I definitely was a bit lost and depressed. I waited tables for a few months and just tried to fit back in. I ended up getting pregnant haha so I am actually still in my hometown since then it's been years. And I'm very happy and peaceful. I'm glad I had so much fun and adventure before settling down a bit. And small needles! I just knit a child's size sweater in fingering weight merino and 3mm needles. It took me a few months but not as long as I thought, I'm hooked on fine yarns now!

[@lisasknitclub]

Happy to hear I'm not the only one who finds it so weird to come back home. And ahh the child's size sweater sounds so cute!

[@emilykatemadethis]

I absolutely relate to your story of moving back... I lived in Australia for a year when I was 19 and came back and it was so hard to fall back into routine with family and friends. Going from a capital city to a tiny town was... hard! Then I moved to Ireland and then New Zealand a couple of years later and it was actually harder to move back. I think I just can't live in the UK haha now I'm in Berlin and although it's a completely different experience when you can't speak the same language, it's still scratching the itch of being anywhere but the UK haha I also started to knit smaller needle knitting projects simply because it was both more comfortable to wear and to knit. I also don't like having loads and loads of clothes that I love but can't find the time to actually wear. I like that I spend time with my project and enjoy the individual sections. I've been knitting flat projects recently and I like having smaller sections to complete. It feels somehow more satisfying when you complete a sleeve or back piece! But I suppose it's all very personal and dependent on your mood and where you are in life. I wish I had wise words to give you but really... I just think it's the experience of life, and sometimes it's a little uncomfortable and sometimes it's great. But you sound like you're in the right mind frame :)

[@knitsforthesoulpodcast4186]

I studied in Prague for a year when I was at University. I loved it and travelled extensively when there. I visited many countries and places in Eastern and South Eastern Europe. I also studied a lot and finished all but one credit in 2 semesters there, than it would have taken me in Germany. I went straight after my mid term finals, which was the equivalent of a bachelors. And after that one year, I only did one more credit in Germany and finished my degree in 1.5 instead of 3. When I came back I had my old apartment again, which I sub let while away. Thinking back, it wasn't hard or strange or anything. There was no real transition. I met up with old friends, met new friends, worked... I loved my university years. I would do them exactly the same again if I could. They were the happiest years of my life. I never used professional blocking mats. At first I had those puzzle mats for kids. I can recommend. But the past few years I just use my yoga mat actually. But I have the knit pro blocking wires and pins. They are worth the investment!

[@breadshopbakery]

enjoyed hearing the life updates! hope you settle in soon and that life treats u kindly while u adjust

[@malujan]

Your Ingrid sweater looks amazing!.

[@EmKnitting]

I studied abroad in university and also lived abroad for 2 years after graduating! Coming home and living with your parents until you get back into normalcy is always weird but I've found that the times when I've taken a break were really positive and prevented me from burning out, rest can also be very productive!

[@sineperil]

I'm currently working on a historical reproduction of some 16th century stockings, which are knit with laceweight yarn held double on 000 needles. I can only do about 4 rounds a day before my hands protest, so I've been working on them for about a year and it will probably be close to 2 before they are done.

[@mowoe]

I'm also currently on an erasmus semester and will have to start my thesis soon when I return home in the summer. (I also finished my Zipper sweater abroad just like you! 😁) Adapting to all different environments like this is so hard. I definitely feel you!

[@amelia13131]

hi lisa:) I haven't studied abroad, but I have had that same sharp transition experience between something called drum corps and starting university. It seems like you're really handling yourself better than I did! It's great that you're going to be reconnecting to your hometown friends and knit club, friendship is a great solution to hard times

[@pagesandpurls]

I spent an Erasmus semester in Portugal when I was in undergrad and then did an internship in London, and I remember it felt so strange to come back. I didn't move back in with my parents, so maybe that helped a little bit. But I totally understand that weird feeling. I actually ended up doing my masters in the Netherlands, because I wanted to leave my country (Germany). I think from here on out you'll have more and more opportunities to move abroad, so you'll have lots of chances to discover the world. May I ask where in the south of the Netherlands you applied? I lived in Maastricht for the past 6 years and I'm curious if it's there (and if you wanna talk to people that have lived/studied there, feel free to contact me). Hope you can settle back in again soon, and keep that curiosity + drive to live abroad, you'll definitely have the chance soon again! (:

[@alexiavega-z7g]

Omg I can’t imagine if you’d come to Belgium 😍

[@elig.20]

Hello Lisa! I really like your videos and I'm always happy to see when a new one is coming up! :) And: The color of the Agnete is soooo stunning!! Wow.. Love it! Now I'm questioning my color choise.. haha :)

[@madisonharris9179]

I really want to travel sometime this year🤗 I would like to experience new things and new cultures and learn more about people in general. It's really nice to be a part of the knitting community because there are so many people from different places. On the majority most knitters are very sweet and they even do meet ups. I would like to go to a meet up or yarn convention this year. Hopefully we both get to travel a bit more🤗

[@sofiamanana9148]

In less than two weeks I will be moving to Spain for three months and I’m so nervous, do you have any tips? As always, love your videos, I feel like I’m listening to a friend. Have a nice week and thank you ❤

[@rosiemcalinden]

what size did you knit your Ingrid sweater in? it looks absolutely amazing!!

[@romywolfofficial]

I am using kid's play mats for blocking which are waaay cheaper than the official blocking matts but do the same job. (Knitter friends suggested it :D ) Btw I live quite close to the Dutch border and I am finally trying to learn Dutch so it made me smile when you mentioned speaking your mother tongue again :D

[@nathalievb3548]

Hoe leuk een brei whatsapp groep!! Ik ben weer begonnen met breien in oktober na heeel veel jaren pauze (had er het geduld niet voor) en kwam toevallig je video's tegen hier. 🤭

[@margotl9756]

Brussels is a lovely city

[@Bihfob3]

Hi, I love your video's. I would like if you made a vlog like video where you knit one a project from start to finish and share your experience. I think it would be fun and could help people who are making the same pattern.

[@hk9990]

hey lisa!! with regards to the WIP insta posts - it could be really great to hear what you're struggling with, too? if there's anything you'd like help with, or any tips you'd have to future knitters of said project. it would really give us a feeling of knitting alongside with u

[@karlijnscorner]

Ngl I never have anything to do ever so if you ever need anyone to meet up you can always send me a message aha ❤️ so happy that you're back we definitely need to meet up again soon!

[@lisasknitclub]

Ahh so sweet! Can't wait to meet up again soon :)

[@knittingwithmaja7543]

South of the NL - you mean Maastricht? It would be amazing if you came there, I study in Maastricht but there are literally no young knitters. 😅

[@lisasknitclub]

Haha yes Maastricht, it kind of came out in a weird way lol. But I am definitely applying to a masters programme in Maastricht, so who knows, I might end up going there next year!

[@ingrid4237]

Your yarn stash

[@Stitchntwist]

I have not done my study abroad yet, I am in 1st year of college, however my boyfriend will be leaving next week to work in Spain for 4 months and then almost immediately afterwards he will be leaving again for his study abroad in Prague