Knitting and Life Thoughts

For those of you who know me well (or are friends with me on Facebook), you know that I knit. If you know me really well, you know that I love knitting but have been slow in my progress with more advanced knitting. I've been knitting washclothes for years, last year I knit a dress, this last winter I knit many, many pairs of hats and mittens and one scarf, for Christmas presents, In January I knit a Circular sweater. Now these, are finished projects- behind the scenes I've been working on socks for around 3 years now. Yes, 3 years on a single pair of socks. See, I couldn't get it right, every time I finished turning my heel (turning the heel means finishing the heel and preparing to knit the foot of the sock) it was wrong! I either would end up with a hole randomly in the middle of my heel, or I had lost so many stitches along the way that I went from an adult size sock to a infant sock. 3 years ago when I started this adventure in socks I tried turning the heel around 3 times, last spring I tried again and turned a heel (albeit unsuccessfully) 2 times before getting frustrated to the point where I had to set my knitting needles aside for awhile, in regard to socks. This January (along with my circular sweater project) I picked up my bamboo sock yarn once again and went for round 6 of turning a heel. I don't know what was different this time from the last time, besides a new set of bamboo needles (I prefer wood needles over metal, but sadly don't have the cash for rosewood needles. <3) Whatever was different, this time I did it! I not only turned a heel successfully, but finished a pair of socks! (which I am currently wearing as I write this) My dad doesn't completely understand the hype mom and I had for getting these done, but was proud of me never-the-less. :) (I already have sock yarn for the next pair of socks! But before I get those ready for Christmas, I have a special project to complete which I'm sure I'll post pics of  them when they're done. :) ) But now I shall delve into my thoughts as I was finishing up these socks tonight.

In Psalm 139: 13 we're told this "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb." First off, God knits! I want to be in His knitting club! ;) God, our heavenly Father KNIT me together, he stitched me, he designed me. I don't think that you can fully understand the intricacies of knitting unless you've sat and spent hours on projects yourself. But think about this, God knit us together from a one of a kind pattern, with no errors. There isn't a single error in the pattern He used to make anyone. Just thinking about how many times it took me to get a pair of socks done made me think about the fact that God didn't have to take out stitches because he made a mistake. He didn't finish and realize he had dropped a stitch. No, He is the perfect knitter, with no errors, every project 100% unique and special in his own eyes. From conception to death each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. Wow... What wonderful words to fall asleep with on my mind.

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Psalm 139:14

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine." 

Isaiah 43:1b

And one last passage of the Bible that makes my hobbies biblical. ;) (besides being encouraging and a goal to attain to. :) )

A good woman is hard to find,

and worth far more than diamonds.

Her husband trusts her without reserve,

and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,

and enjoys knitting and sewing.

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places

and brings back exotic surprises.

She's up before dawn,

preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it, then,

with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,

rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She senses the worth of her work,

is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,

diligent in homemaking.

She's quick to assist anyone in need,

reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;

their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing,

and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected

when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them,

brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,

and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,

and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,

and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her;

her husband joins in with words of praise: 

"Many women have done wonderful things,

but you've outclassed them all!" 

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.

The woman to be admired and praised

is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

Give her everything she deserves!

Festoon her life with praises!

Psalm 139:10-31

In Christo
-Sara Jean