It’s totally normal to try to learn a new hobby in the wee hours of the morning. Right? Especially a hobby that is super frustrating, and uses tools that you can either gouge your eyes out with or hang yourself with. Absolutely nothing bizarre about any of this. Nope, nothing.
This is what I do when the world is feeling overwhelming. I attempt to craft. Normally, I loom knit with varying levels of success. (Last year, I did manage to actually finish two blankets. I’m super proud of that.) However, I found this blanket pattern that is absolutely perfect, and to make it turn out right I have to learn to actually knit. No more cheat knitting.
I’ve previously alluded to my ongoing Pinterest addiction, and this pattern is another Pinterest find. There’s this excellent blog called Lattes and Llamas, and they have the most amazing blanket I’ve ever seen. The best part? The entire pattern is free and available. The lovely ladies who write the blog have also provided, “Learn to Knit” videos. So far I’ve really got the hang of casting on to the needle, and I’m slowly getting the hang of the knit stitch. It’s the purl stitch that’s causing me headache. That, and the fact that I can’t seem to keep my yarn from getting super tight on the needle. However, I’m determined to make this blanket. I don’t think I’ve ever found something that more perfectly represents so many of the nerdy things that I love.
The big day is 22 days away at the moment. I’m slowly moving myself from my parents, to the boy’s. Fortunately, he only lives across town, so I can do this move a little more relaxed. It’ll be nice when we’re finally married, and I’m no longer playing the running back and forth across town game. It was fun a year ago, now it’s just wearing on me (and I’m pretty sure it’s wearing on the boy).
22 days. This is surreal. I keep thinking of that moment in Star Trek IV, when the whale scientist ends up on the Klingon Bird of Prey, and Kirk tells her, “Hello, Alice, welcome to Wonderland.” (Seriously, the older I get, the more I love this movie.) I constantly have a million thoughts racing through my head, and I’m feeling about every emotion that can be felt. This is all so new, but it’s a good new.
And if I can solve the mystery that is knitting, it’ll be a great new!
Any Second Now... 
Hi, Malia! I’ve been following your interesting life for about a year, now, and I just want to tell you, I’m so proud of you! I, too, learned to knit, but it was very difficult to get the hang of the purl stitch! And, my mother was there teaching me, so I could ask her for help, right away, I don’t see how anybody could learn how to knit, off of a video! You’re pretty inspirational! I also wish you much calmness and happiness as you continue making the preparations for your upcoming wedding. My thoughts are with you and your dearest ‘Boy’, as you step forward together, into this new stage in your lives. I hope you will be as happy as you hope to be. I hope you will continue to write – your blog has helped me make it through a difficult night, and not feel so alone and stupid, on more than one occasion! — hope you’re enjoying the last few days of snow!