The other day when I was getting ready to go to the fiber revival, I pulled out my wheels deciding which grrl should go with me. Given that my little Lendrum was still folded in her bag from my last trip to Newburyport, I figured I would just take the easy way out and bring her again.
As I was looking at the wheels, it dawned on me that I had not actually spun for quite some time. I also realized with the fall like weather we have been having that Autumn is right around the corner and I NEED a new favorite vest, as my old one is getting a bit worn. With that in mind, I picked up my Robin and started spinning the lovely mohair/border leicester blend that I have been working on for ……..drum roll please………..2 YEARS. Holy crap! Get that vest done already woman!
As I spun this bobbin, I thought about my life over the last few years and why I don’t seem to have the down time that I used to. My conclusion is….I create my own stress by trying to do it all, which of course we all know unless you are wonder woman (which I am not), many things start to fall by the wayside. For me these past few years, it has been my spinning and weaving. (both loom and basket).
It’s a fine line………I love to work with dyes and create colors and I love working at festivals where I get to chat about what I love most……color and fiber. On the other hand, the sad reality is, I have to work to make a living, which cuts into my creative time , so I find that I am spending my free time working on yarns so other people can be creative.
During the hours I sat spinning, I thought about it. I go thru creative cycles when I create for myself, which I enjoy and then I go thru cycles when I create for others so that they can enjoy………and really it is balanced. I am just realizing that the pendulum needs to swing in the create for myself end for a little spell, so it can once again sit balanced again in the middle.
One of the things I really do need to get off my plate is Ashley’s vest. Ashley saw this pattern on my desk one day and declared that she MUST have one. So for her birthday, I ordered the yarn that the vest in the pattern was made with and there it as sat until she reminded me 2 days ago that she would be leaving in one short month, so I tackled the task of getting it done. I have to admit it truly has been a task. The yarn, Tahki Donegal Tweed, reminds me very much in texture of Black Water Abby yarn……..a bit scratchy and hard on the hands. Remember…..a Woolen Rabbit is used to working with fine angora type blends so this yarn is a real challenge to stay committed to, as those soft little hussies whispering in the corner are very hard to ignore.
Once I get thru the fair season, I think I will take a short break and get comfortable with my wheels and loom and put the dyepots away for a spell. One of the songs I loved best as a young teen was Turn, Turn, Turn…………those words, "To everything there is a season" still resonate in my head to this day. It has taken me a long time on my life path to understand balance as I am a jump in the deep end kind of person….but I am learning, slowly, but surely. 🙂
The Woolen Rabbit 
Balance really is important. And it can be so elusive. I hope you find yours in the way that you want.
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I don’t think I could maintain a balance between knitting, dyeing, spinning so I will just stick with knitting. Besides, my bank acct probably would protest!
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I hear you Kim and I completely agree with Carole. The vest is going to be super! Love the color!
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But it would all be so much easier if we were independently wealthy. That’s what I keep hoping for… If you’re going to dream, you might as well dream big. 🙂
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Think this is a universal problem for most “creative” types…too many interests, too many projects and not enough time. I find that I have to stop myself and move to something else, not only to re-charge, but to let those creative thoughts come to the fore. Love the colors in the yarn you are spinning and take the time you need for yourself. It is one of those privileges of getting to that certain time of life!
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I, too, had the “find a balance” moment this summer. I was feeling like a rope being twisted in too many directions at once… and falling apart. So, I have decided on a few things: knit more for me, ask for more of what I need, and repeat the mantra “work to live, not live to work”. Each night after dinner, I sit down and knit and enjoy a coffee, while Dan does the dishes and cleans the kitchen. I used to do it while he sat. I realized, all I needed to do was ask. He didn’t even flinch. A big part of relieving your self-imposed stress is to ask for help and for what you need. It’s not putting the stress on someone else, it’s taking it off you. I hope you find your balance and start to be able to enjoy your creative process in a way that’s meaningful to you.
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I loved everything the Byrds sang! Aren’t we lucky to have the changing of the seasons to keep life interesting? It’s a good idea to take time for yourself…good thought.
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Balance is what it’s all about! I’ve found that knitting and spinning has kept my balance through all of the crazy health issues I’ve had this year. Even when I was too tired to knit or spin, just looking at the basket of fiber and my spinning wheel or at my knitting projects helped me to relax. I use the early morning time to knit in peace before the busyness of the day begins!
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Life has a way of beating that lesson into the heads of those of us who don’t listen to gentle reminders, doesn’t it??? I look forward to your creating for you phase.
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I had no idea you had a full time job. In my imaginary world, fiber artists are able to dye and spin and knit all day long! I am really impressed with all that you manage to do – and that fabulous garden too! Hats off to ya!
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It’s interesting you should mention this balance thing with knitting at the moment…The past week, I’ve been knitting baby gifts and a beach tote bag for someone else, and all the while, as much as I have enjoyed knitting for others, my thoughts go to my next sweater and how much I want to start it! I have always loved that song, and loved the scripture From Ephesians 3 even more! I guess we are riding the same train this week!
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I often wonder how the producers of the hand-dyed fiber we all covet so much actually get any projects of their own done. 😉 And I guess I know the answer now…
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glad that you are taking time for you.
I’m doing a bit of spinning for myself as well – it’s grand.
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Very insightful discussion on balance; I felt I was talking with you because a friend and I were just last night sharing and brainstorming about vocation and avocation throughout a woman’s life. Hope you’ll keep us posted on your progress and revelations.
Thanks for sharing!
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Hello,
So much of your post i can identify
with.
Your garden looks wonderful.
How about that sweet blue morning glory.
Ending with that wonderful song from the sixties.
You know its older than that.Its Bible,im sure you know.Ecclesiastes3.
Now there s a good book.
Your Blog remains one of my favorite
I
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