Too Much Knitting

I’ve done it again. I’ve knit too much. There are a few other factors causing my right hand and forearm to be stiff and unhappy, but knitting as much as I have been has really set it off. I was so lost last night. I had no idea what to do with myself if I couldn’t knit.

It has been a long time since I have crocheted. My granny square jacket is the last item I hooked and am in love with granny squares. So, I started making some. I took frequent breaks (every few minutes) and found it actually helped loosen up my right arm. I’m still taking it easy, but it feels pretty good to be crocheting again. I want to make a bunch of squares and then stitch them together into sweaters, vests, dresses, etc… It’ll be fun.

I’m doing my stretching again and wrapping my arm in a heating pad every so often. I’m only working with yarn for 10 minutes at a time. I’m also massaging my arms and hands with a foam roller and golf ball more frequently. I need to start icing them down at night again.

I also bought some “swiss army knife” crochet hooks that are so much kinder to my hand than anything else I’ve used. The thick handle creates less strain and I love that all the hooks I need are in two of these. I also bought some granny square books that I’m already having fun with. There are so many interesting designs. I must admit, I have grown to really dislike the color changing necessary in a lot of squares, so I like to use variegated or self striping yarns that take care of that for me.

And I finally bought some blocking mats. This square was a lot of fun to work up. It only takes a time or two through with a new granny square pattern and then it’s in my memory for the rest of them. I am not blocking it yet, I just wanted to pin it out to show it off. These will be for my kids. I’ll figure out what it will be when I get there.

I must say, it feels pretty good to be crocheting again.