Knitting for Mama
I tried. Really, I did. I tried to resist all the amazing, wonderful new knitting books that have appeared in the past few months. I thought for sure it was going to be Teva Durham's Loop-d-Loop that did me in, but I've shown remarkable restraint. That is, until I walked into my local yarn store (I swear, it was only for stitch markers!), sans children, and with cash in my pocket (you know, intended for groceries or something frivilous like that). Bad, Bad News. I picked up the new Sarah Dallas Knitting book and tried desperately to talk myself out of it ("hmn...let's count again all your knitting books, Amanda, and how many patterns you've actually made out of each," or "what about all the fabulous FREE knitting patterns online," and "so, what about that HOUSE you want to buy?"...you know the drill). I put the book down, walked around a bit, and picked it back up. About three times. Atleast. And then....then, something in me snapped and the downward spiral of justification began. I was a goner, and so was that cash. Because not only did I have to buy the book (a mere $30), but of course, I needed to buy new yarn for my first project from the book. I tried to go "small" and settled for socks. You know, $40 socks. Nope, I couldn't substitute the Rowan yarn in the pattern for something cheaper. Oh no. I was on a roll at this point with the justification--telling myself that surely, after all this baby knitting, I deserved just a little something special myself, right? Something for all those long fall days after the wee one is born, when I'm at home ALL DAY LONG because I can't figure out how to get three children out of the house. Surely, on those days when I'm covered in baby spit up, leaking breast milk, and have peanut butter in my hair, I deserve a little bit of bliss on my toes, right? THIS is why I needed this book, and this yarn. 'Cause I'm a good Mama, damn it.
See the trouble I can get myself into? Yup, $78 later, I got those damned stitch markers, alright.
From one "queen of justification" to another - YOU DESERVE THAT STUFF!!!! Now stop feeling guilty about it! xox.
Posted by: bellablue | June 23, 2005 at 07:23 AM
Ahh, I think that is why I am hesitant to pick up knitting. I know I will become addicted. But after seeing those socks... I think I still need to pick it up. Thanks for all of the inspiration.
Posted by: Susanne | June 23, 2005 at 08:31 AM
Amanda, you really need to write a book of essays/reflections. You know, in all that free time. I love reading what you write. That way you could use the money you make for more books and yarn. Enjoy those socks. Winter here is so damn long, just think how happy your toes will be.
Posted by: jean | June 23, 2005 at 08:32 AM
Yes! As someone else who is part of the "mama justification club", I say YES!
Posted by: kim | June 23, 2005 at 10:26 AM
blame it on your hormones ;0)
Posted by: cara | June 23, 2005 at 11:08 AM
Absolutely a great set of decisions. I have the book and it is worth every penny/cent. And I love your choice of project and yarn.
Posted by: Jane | June 23, 2005 at 11:10 AM
it is in our crafty DNA I think. don't fight it. I am sure there are worse things we could be spending our money on...
Posted by: jenn | June 23, 2005 at 11:19 AM
Not one to buck the enabling trend, I say well done! Mom's deserve *something* in this world, right?!?
Posted by: kelly | June 23, 2005 at 11:23 AM
I think you sound like any sane stay at home mom...we all need a little something for ourselves. I've looked at that book too, on a number of occsions. I've put it down because I did buy Loop D Loop--and not at Amazon, at the knit shop...but now I think you've talked me into buying Sarah Dallas....I'm breathing a sigh of relief....thank you.
Kathie
Posted by: Kathie | June 23, 2005 at 12:03 PM
as if I needed another reason to like you so much-we have been seperated at birth.
Posted by: amy k. | June 23, 2005 at 12:22 PM
Haha!! Hilarious! But, you do deserve it! Wear those damn expensive socks proudly! :D
Posted by: joleen | June 23, 2005 at 12:55 PM
Woohoo for you! I see we are all craft enablers! That's what I love about this group - no guilt trips for our obsessions!
Posted by: Cassi | June 23, 2005 at 03:52 PM
Umm, where are the stitch markers?! xo ko
Posted by: Karine | June 24, 2005 at 12:30 AM
i started knitting in december, but so far have only knit one scarf (that turned out pretty darn good for my first project i must say)...not because i didn't enjoy it but because it got into this blogging thing and now it seems to be sucking up all my spare time (plus my 1-year old, moving recently, changing jobs). anyway, even though i've only knit one thing, i regularly find myself in yarn stores buying yarn, new books, etc. i'm pretty confident this is going to be a long-term habit, so i figure i need to build up my stash, right? so i say, indulge -- well done!
Posted by: kristen | June 30, 2005 at 12:25 PM