“Now, let us all take a deep breath and forge on into the future; knitting at the ready.” – Elizabeth Zimmerman, The Opinionated Knitter
The last four weeks have been terribly hectic for me. I’ve been fighting a chronic condition for some time now, and in May it decided to get ugly. My wonderful doctor ordered a huge battery of tests, and wouldn’t you know it, I tested positive for an autoimmune condition. “Good to be diagnosed, but also a shame,” my doctor tells me. Things have been busy for me as I’ve completed batteries of additional tests, visited new doctors, driven to new clinics, and started new medications. Huh. It’s like I’m starting a whole new life.
How best to respond to a body blow like this? Obviously the thing to do is to stay calm and knit! I have knitted though all the crisis of my life. I knitted a new sweater the week that my mom died, made a pair of socks while sitting in the ICU with an ill son, and created an afghan while recovering from surgery. Stranded in an airport for two days? No problem, I have knitting! Knitting can sooth and center me in a way few other things can. I feel calm, hopeful and pleased to be creating something of beauty and purpose during the process. Cheapest therapy around!
So, I made a pair of socks for my sister’s birthday present the week I was diagnosed. I then started a big project for one of my friends (a cushy vest that she can wear to Colorado Avalanche hockey games), and bought the yarn to make little purple mitts with owls on them for my grand-niece who just had hand surgery to repair a badly mangled finger. Still, I needed more. I needed to make… a cat!!
My cousin loves all things cat. We saw this meme that has been making it’s way around Facebook that shows a box of kittens with the “Crazy Cat Lady Starter Kit” stenciled on the side. Of course she asked for a starter kit of her own. Of course I started looking for a cute pattern to knit a cat. This pattern by Kath Delmeny fit the bill.
Here it is. Cutest cat ever! I finished it today (on her birthday) and I couldn’t help posing it all over the yard. I’m so pleased with how spunky it is, and can’t help but imagine that it will be a little rascal that gets up to no good once it’s at her house.
Why do I knit? Because it makes me feel wonderful!
That’s the best medicine ever.
“Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises.” — Elizabeth Zimmerman
Yarn, Books & Roses 
Hope: eternally. Confidence: well, mostly. But not when there are steeks. Steeks terrify me.
I may have to hunt down that cat pattern.
Kath Delmeny, eh?
The link to the pattern is in the post. It was free. 🙂
I think steeks are best addressed with a sewing machine! I sew on both sides of the cutting line before I take the scissors out.
Marilyn,
Your are such an inspiring person, outstanding educator ,a talented knitter & more.
“The lady in red” is a true woman with a story to tell & a purpose in life.
I love your blog
Yours
Dina
Dina, thanks for the kind comment! Miss you and the kids. 🙂