Why my wrists are aching...

(and no, that is not a sly reference to a little 'solo' fun!)

The last few months have been filled with knitting. Knitting socks, shawls, scarves, cowls, more socks, jumpers (one in particular with owls on it...I'm in love!) and, as always accompanies my knitting, watching films. It has been good. Probably not great for my joints or posture but it has been an interesting experience, knitting for money, knitting on order. I did have the joy of teaching the lovely Miss A to knit while she came to visit me in Brisbane, and was so profoundly proud of her progress. She is currently finishing off a stripy hat, knit in the round, only her *second* project since learning how...taken to it like a duck to water.

Knitting on someone elses terms has been really different for me. I have learned not to become too invested in pieces that I will have to give away. Knitting to a schedule is still pretty interesting for me. I am working on two pairs of socks at the moment that I had orginally said would have been finished before now, but I'm still working away on them and don't think they'll be in the post before next Monday. I rely on people's good nature in these situations and really wonder about my ability to accurately calculate how much time a project will take me. I think it takes more honest attention on my part to know long my projects take. Thank God for Rav's dating system for projects, it really helps, it doesn't lie!

Knowing how much to charge is also a challenge. If you really considered how much time and energy you invest in a piece they would be worth a lot more, but it is an unrealistic price for people to pay. You hope that they are true appreciators of the Art (yes, I used a capital 'A' on purpose) of knitting. It's a balancing act, something you are not necessarily taught in school, about what YOU and your abilities are worth. What are you worth? Your time, effort and concentration?

On the plus side though, it has thrown into sharp focus my abilities as a knitter and crocheter, and I'm happy to find myself quite suprised by my ability at times. You think hard about what you feel you could do to an adequate standard to actually charge people for...or even just let them see. You realise what corners you are happy to cut in your own knitting...and I find myself thinking 'Maybe I deserve something finished properly and just for me!'. After all this commissioned knitting is over, I think it'll be time for a little knitting TLC, just for me.