I think I am becoming addicted to all things mentioned – just spent ages checking all posts (I’m knackered from hospital visiting and I am avoiding going in the garden where hubby is being macho and building walls!)
Am I the only one who suddenly decides that I really like the sound of this or that skill -its about time I got back to doing it?
What it is
I surfed the thread about knitting (please dont tell me its a sign I’m getting old!!)
I used to do loads of this when I was younger – but time precludes it now – (if I do it in front of the telly i fall asleep)but I suddenly caught sight of an interesting post – which led to looking up a said book – which led to looking at sights advocated by other posters/websites – and oooh dear – I have the urge to get the knitting needles out!!
Ive already posted my suggestion for it being something for me to take with me in our new motorhome – coming 1st.April!! but I’m starting to seriously wonder ….am I taking nearing retirement too seriously?
Please tell me I’m not going to start taking my slippers with me too and Ive still got 3 yrs to do in school yet- so i mustn’t start wishing my life away just so that ive got time to do all these things!!!
In fact – if i was honest – I’m even having thoughts that there is so much to do and time is beginning to get short – panic, panic – what to do first?
Am I the only 56 yr old who wants her time again?
Please reassure me that all of you that are about my age are – or have had -the same kind of thoughts and that I am not suddenly getting cabin fever!!
Ive just edited this!
Ive not explained – EVERYTHING seems interesting to me and I must have a go!
Oh no – in honesty – making curtains will not be in my list!
Edited 3/17/2007 1:30 pm ET by JanF
Replies
WAIT A MINUTE!!!!!
Nothing about Knitting really says retirement, I am only 20 years old and cried two weeks ago when I realized i couldn't find my number nine needles (from my grandma)....In my opinion, it means you lead a stressful life and express yourself creatively.....or you just need something to do with you hands.....Traveling with your project is nice when you want to sit outside in the cool of the morning...but don't let a frustrating project take over your vacation....You're going to get away from what you normally would do at home. Don't let anyone tell you you're getting old....especially yourself.....you're only as old as you want to be!
Oh to be 20 again -having loads to look forward to - to try everything!
You are so right here - knitting does not mean retirement at all - its just that when u get to my age u can't help having seen it all before. When I was 20 it was all the rage to wear crocheted dresses - as short as u could get away with -before tights came on the scene!
So I made them myself!
Actually life seems much brighter today I've got to say! A day off from work - Mum's day meal out of the way - now just got to appease the hubby for not getting enthusiastic enough over his garden walls!
Ive let him go and play in the garage!
Here's to your enthusiasm and upbeat approach, its what I needed to make me think -" stop moaning!!"
Presumeably u learnt to knit from Mum or G'mum_ I must tell u one daughter gave me today a good book -"Whip your knitting into shape - domiknitrix - by Jenni stafford - got some seriously great stuff in it - but u may already know of it?
I'll check out others who knit - see what they think!
I had not heard of it, but I will surely look out for it. I have several good beginner books, my g-mom taught me when I was very young and gave me books to keep me on the right track....I ended up lending them to my mom a while back.....lol....I got one online from Vogue and love the ideas, but haven't made anything yet....I would have thought that for the price it would have had more patterns though.
that's Vogue for u! All gloss and no substance sometimes!
At the risk of sounding really ageist "Its not what it was in my day!!" Vogue mag really p....ses me off these days 'cos I used to love looking at fashion photos for ideas - indeed in the late 60's at college we were encouraged to buy it for inspiration. Then the pics really showed u what was what.
Now i cant bear the pics that are moody, dark and only really show u the model - not the fashion. I know they are "arty" but at the cost the mag charges i expect to see the clothing in a lot more detail!
Suddenlt thought - u might mean the Vogue pattern book? That I get at school - but I think it should give more info. It usually only has a few articles1 Is there a vogue knitting mag too?
Jan, I feel your pain. I am 57 and there are not enough hours in the day.......... I have the blessing of an early retirement and can easily fill the days with all I want to accomplish sewing-wise. My grandchildren inspire that in me. Just today I spent hours making samples of heirloom stitches and their possiblities. It is so nice to have the time and comfort of trying to achieve a goal as well as get better at your lifelong passion.
You are not alone.
In my book u r doubly blessed - early retirement and grandchildren!
U must also have good eyesight too - i do find heirloom stitching a little more difficult these days! I just can't seem to get on with using the magnifying glass around the neck scenario!
Oh poo. I think that we are just getting more creative and the worries of taking care of the children are less and so we finally, get to check out this creative side and do things we have always wanted to do. Knitting is awesome. I wish I could concentrate and do some more of the, not so simple stitches. Right now, I just do hats and scarfs, (and one purse that I have had for ages, now). It's hard to load that machine everywhere we go, so knitting comes in handy. Julia Roberts has taken up knitting and I don't think she's that old. Have fun with it.
Marcy
As my daughter has just given me a book - "Whip your knitting into shape -domiknitrix - by Jenni Stafford" I fully intend to!
Have u seen it?
I just came from the book store, but I didn't see that one. How basic is it? I have some books. When I look at all the do this and then switch to that and do this for 5 and then do this, that stops me from going any further. I bought the Fit For Real People second edition. I figured I could use it and then bought an Easter book for DGD. We just bought a camper and I told hubby I would have to bring along my sewing machine. We don't have a boat and he doesn't really want one. I don't know what you do, other than fish, if you can't get on the water. I don't love swimming anymore. Walking around the camping area is bound to get boring after a while.Marcy
When we were younger we used to camp alot. I got books on birds, wildflowers, geology of the areas and this was a fun part of the two years we did homeschooling. dh fishes. I look forward to having a real RV and being able to sewor whatever. I am too old and physically limited to sleep in a sleeping bag under the stars now, love to have a comfy bed!!!! I cannot wait to buy the RV! Just call me "gypsy gramma"
Edited 3/18/2007 5:26 pm ET by MaryinColorado
This camper is very nice compared to the pop-up and the tents that I use to camp in and it does have a surprisingly,comfy bed. I like to fish. I like sitting outside at night, provided the mosquitos aren't bad. A friend of mine does a lot of camping with her husband and they have an RV. She knows all the secrets to making it livable. I know you will have fun, if you like to travel. I just have it good at home and don't get to spend as much time as I would like here, with work. I will enjoy this to, because my husband will love it. One plus is, it has a great air conditioner. We need a good one where I live, because the summers are so hot.Marcy
Oh, knit away, girlfriend! I do it all the time, finding it a great way to tolerate delays, waiting rooms, etc. I always take knitting on the plane, as it's my "inflight entertainment". I've produced a ton of long, slender scarves, and have never lacked for someone who wants one and appreciates it.
I usually have a quick and a not-so-quick knitting project around. Quick ones are baby hats, scarves, slippers, washcloths, etc. The others are more involved garments. I was totally set free in knitting when I bothered to get a knowledgeable friend (who knit the clothes for each of 3 babies she had) to show me the right way to do basic shaping stitches/techniques. Then, I could create any shape of piece I needed, and sewing patterns could become knitting patterns!
Keep stitching, with whatever type of needles and "threads" fit the occasion.
What do u carry it in?
i'm seriously selecting some stuff to stash in my new motorhome (1 April and counting!)as "in transit" entertainment - mind u I like driving too so can't let hubby have all the joy!
i'm posting info about a book my daughter gave me for Mothers day - Whip ur knitting into shape - domiknitrix - by Jenni Stafford - have u seen it - might appear a little basic for experienced knitters but some interesting patterns!
I use a tote bag I made as my knitting bag. It was my practice piece of freemotion quilting, a large floral print I quilted everywhere there was a shape--making it a totally stable hunk of fabric. Turned it into a tote with zip top, zip and non-zip inner pockets long enough for knitting needles, handles sufficient to go around my shoulder and a smaller inner pocket near the top for lipgloss and small knitting notions. Works great, stores fairly flat, and no one else has one like it, so I don't lose it.
Bag comes from my "Tote-ally Useful Tote" class pattern. Vary the size depending on the end use; knitting bag was larger than regular tote.
Hint--open the vsd in Visio.
I'm 55 and been doing needlework for as long as I can remember and started my daughter as soon as she could hold a big fat needle. My mother died about two years ago, and one of the joys we found was going through her needlework. My daughter, sister and I found projects finished which we took and either framed, made into pillows or gifted others with and projects unfinished we are completing ourselves. My husband and I bought her motorhome from the estate and are doing our travels in it. In one of the little closets I found another stash of needlework projects she kept in the motorhome! One is a beautiful crewel piece that she had in lay-a-way for ages that I'm really enjoying. And the thing is, these were projects she kept in the motorhome specifically for her trips and now, they are mine, just for trips. I have projects that are my "television" projects and some that are my "quite contemplative" projects. And now our church has started a stitchin sisters group that I belong to. So, more projects! Therefore, go for it girls. It keeps our minds and fingers healthy.
I can just imagine what it must be like to find stuff ur Mum had stashed away - a bit like finding treasure I would think - what a nice way to remember her by!
Jan
Sorry novaskills - I could only open the sheet with instructions - sometimes I'm completely computer illiterate - cos I couldn't find Visio in any of the lists of programs to use so I can't see the pic -I can visualise though -could you post it in any other program?
Thanks jan
Yep, I'll convert the file to jpeg or pdf.
I am going through much the same thing and have been told it is "age appropriate" behavior! Another life stage, oh bother! I am 54 and dh and I have been going to RV shows and trying to decide between a class C motorhome or a trailer and truck. I would love to be a gypsy and RV full time but dh is a home body so that is out of the question!
I make curtains when I have to but love any other type of sewing. I enjoy reading everyone's posts and learning learning learning! Hope we never grow out of that need! I enjoy the designing and planning and pulling materials together, hate the laying out and cutting out and fitting aspects, love the sewing and embellishment the best! Mary
Ive decided a home body is ok - as long as its not everyweekend!
hence taking the plunge with the motorhome - and yes I'm going to take my knitting! But possibly not when we go to the Algarve - 'cos Im hoping that the weather will be too hot to knit!
Its taken me a little while for hubby to come around to the idea of the motorhome - he is a serious workaholic(or has been cos he started his own business over 25 yrs ago - and no-one does things like he does - apparently!!)but he too is beginning to get a little tired at the end of a working day and possibly thinking it might be nice to be away from it all ....so I have had to bide my time....so if u can do the same with yr hb???
I agree with u entirely about the stuff u like doing - thankfully the new motorhome comes with its own blinds and pretend curtains! so hurrah - I dont have to start planning those - bliss!
I was a nurse, had to retire early due to medical reasons, I miss it terribly. I am blessed with daughter and 3 grandkids nearby, son and dil, and dh. You have inspired me to take up crochet again, I learned by making afghans with the big crochet hooks. Never could quite get straight rows knitting and it is harder on the arthritis for me. This will be good for me to have a "portable" hobby. Hopefully won't want to toss into the "portable potty!" he he
I loved your title, you tart you! Mary
Have u tried http://www.interweave.com for patterns - someone else recommended it in threads and it does seem to have some good stuff on the site!
I might have to start thinking of my first item for knitting now Ive got the bug - better start small I think. Got to be something i can make in 4 days - cos thats how long i can get away for at Easter with hubby in new van!
B in touch jan
Thank You for the website! Mary
You are not alone when it comes to thinking about what has gone and what is ahead. My mil (motherinlaw) used to say getting older is not for sissies. Spring and warm sunny weather will help. Being in New England I am just hoping spring isn't all cold rain. An RV is great as long as it doesn't turn into another job for you.
Everyone I know you has retired (when they want to) gets younger each month for a couple of years. You see them and suddenly they look younger, happier, content. After a couple of years they seem to suspend in space at about age 50 until they are about 70 -75. Then they start to feel older again.
As woman, we spend our lives taking care of other people and in our fifties we need to remember to take at least mini vacations or long weekends where we have someone who takes care of us for a change. On a cruise a few years ago, I discovered room service, so every morning I had fresh fruit, coffee or tea and anything else I wanted delivered to the room at a specific time. It was wonderful, just to not have to go out to get it, I could sit in bed or eat while I was getting ready for the day.. really nice. Since then, if I go anywhere, I remember to treat myself to a little TLC.
So, take your knitting, crochet, or books for reading and enjoy, do it because you want to and not because you need to or are getting ahead for Christmas or birthdays. Also, those of us with "indoor" addictions need to get outside and walk or garden. Relax, knitting isn't a problem, it is your brain getting ready for all the free time (lol) you will enjoy when you retire.
I like the idea of room service - but how to order it when I'm in my new motorhome?
Mind u - hubby will probably be trying it all out for a while - so u never know - he might just try out the cooker!
in fact - I think in my imagination - i could easily forsee an occassion that might warrant room service - but his idea of room service might not always be mine!
Here's looking forward to it!Jan
Jan, do what they do on a cruise. The night before you fill out what you want delivered and you hang it on your door knob. How many fresh fruit or fresh fruit cups, any breakfast items you want, tea, coffee and the time you would like it delivered. You may have to hand it to him with directions to where he can get it, but I bet he can manage it. And I know you deserve it.
I did camping for a while, in a pop up camper until the summer in Maine when the waterproofing in the camper couldn't hold the rain. We spent our days drying out our sleeping bags and the nights getting rained on again and then I said never again.
Lately, my vacations have consisted of going on a weekend to my daughters in NJ so she can have time off. I stay up with the baby until 3-4 am and then get up with the 2 yr old at 5-6 am so they can sleep. Then I come home to my vacation, being alone with no one to take care of until dgd comes on Monday morning at am.
I'll let u know after the Easter holidays how it went - first time out in the new van the week after the Easter wknd. - not going too far - but far enough to be away from his work - and for me to relax and not think about school exams. I'm getting my breakfast wishes sorted out as we speak!
JanAs I have never been on a cruise - I didn't think of this - me and water/waves do not!!! mix - I have to grit my teeth evrytime we cross the Channel to France and its only an hour!
Edited 3/22/2007 1:51 pm ET by JanF
Jan, I have been on 3-4 cruises and the boats are so big you really don't feel it. As an excursion trip from one island we went whale watching - and I spent the day feeding the fish. I couldn't walk straight and broke my toe while we were out there. Enjoy the weekend. jane
Okay, I'll try sending the layout file again. This one is in jpeg. This is the tote bag.
It works fine - thanks very much - might just use it at school - unless u have a problem with me doing that?
thanks Jan
No problem--it's sorta similar to lots of others people have made, and I don't mind sharing. Here, you can get lightweight fleece with one fusible side, or non-fuse. I find that it's just as easy and often cheaper to use the non fusable fleece with two pieces of Stitch Witchery fusible (no paper release.) I like the lightweight but stiff hand it makes, compared to heavier fleeces.
What I do is cut the fleece and the fashion fabric, then cut the fusible web double the size of the fleece. I wrap the web around the fleece, almost like the fleece is the hot dog and the web is the bun. That way, I have a very neat edge where the web is folded. I carefully line this up with a corresponding edge of one fashion fabric piece (right side down), then lay the other fashion fabric piece on top (right side up). Now, I have a 5-layer stack. Fusing the top of this stack will melt the web enough to keep it stable as you flip it over to fuse from the opposite side. And, I am less likely to stick my fabric to the ironing board, by mistake!
I have found that I prefer the self-fabric handles to using nylon webbing, but that works, also. The key to durability is that the handles go all the way under and around the bag to support the weight. If you seriously stiffen the bag bottom, you can attach those metal feet to it, or have a cobbler do it. To do that, use the thinnest plexi-glas (Lexan plastic) or other plastic you can find, covering it with a light layer of fleece so it wears better.
If you don't want zippers as the top closure, make a casing for two dowel pieces, or use pieces of bamboo.
This was a very popular class when I taught it, so your students should like it. They can add all those hardware closures we see on the designer totes and purses.
jenna
Oh, my gosh, yes, there is not enough time for all I want to do either. I'm happy to tell you, though, that being retired doesn't provide enough time either...I was so afraid my husband and I would be bored - I actually used to wonder what in the world we would do, but there's too much to do to have time for boredom!
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