Sometimes I want to knit or crochet at night but I don’t want to think too much about it. I don’t want to follow a chart or read a pattern. And I certainly don’t want to take notes on something I’m designing. I just want to…do. That rhythmic and peaceful feeling that comes from knitting or crochet. I’ve even taken my blood pressure before and after and it’s lower! The ultimate proof of a soothing hobby 🙂

I love the methodical relaxation of just knitting or crocheting.

If I just want to craft – to feel the yarn in my hands and get the satisfaction of making something – I’ve learned that making a swatch for Knotions is perfect. As long as I’ve started it and I’ve done a couple rows earlier – because I definitely don’t want to count. 

In those times, I do find that I love the methodical relaxation of just knitting or crocheting. 

Realizing this is somewhat of a revelation for me! It makes me try to have things ready so I can grab and go. This idea of a grab and go project can really help in several ways:

• Get a project done that I’m not excited about
• Work on something instead of just doing my default (which is often just watching TV)
• Help get a big project a little closer to completion

In this case, I started this swatch during the regular work day. And I did most of the knitting that night!

I also blocked the swatch, and here’s a couple pics of the before and after. The remote is there for scale. I always use a fixed-size object so I can compare how it’s changed.

In this case, the swatch didn’t change much in length. But it did change in width – mostly because it’s flatter. Blocking it also made it smoother.

Now I just need to convert this little lesson to blocking too. I put off pinning out an FO for as long as possible. In fact, if it wasn’t for wanting to get this article out, I’d have postponed this little swatch’s blocking too.

About the Instructor: Jody Richards

Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches. And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).

She’s a serial starter-of-projects and has a serious problem with finishing things without a deadline.

And don’t get her talking about hand-dyed yarns.  You’ve been warned.