When I was frantically busy and my children were young, relaxing into a container where there was a timer, was also the way I truly let go. When I was crazy busy and the kids were very young and I was running my own business I would make sure I meditated each day even if that meant less sleep at night. Now that life is much easier for me I still make sure I meditate every day as it slows my day down and takes away the frantic pace we seem to be in. When I don’t a day or week zips by and I’m like wtf 😳 no slow down. Love your ghost whisperer, the colour looks so beautiful on you. The Noro looks so lovely. I haven’t used that yarn before, but given its fiber content I think it will block out more smoothly in terms of bias twist. Fascinating isn’t it? I’m 95% monogamous and as I am 2/3 to 3/4 the way through the project I start to dream of the next thing, I’ll swatch and get prepared so as soon as I have cast off I’m ready to cast on the next thing. I’ll go to bed dreaming of touching yarn before I drift off to sleep😆🤣🤭 Body image! Wow what a hot topic! Growing up my mum was always dieting and had a best friend was bulimic long before we knew what that word meant (I questioned but got shut down - very confusing as a young girl). I spent 20 years married to one of the cruelest men I’ve met who on a daily basis criticised me in any aspect he felt entitled to. No divorce in our family so it was a rough path I chose - not obvious in the beginning! I’ve always been slim, healthy and for the most part rebellious against societies opinions. I’ve always been more concerned about how I feel and taking care of myself so that I can walk with ease up the stairs when I’m 100 I always refused to break but man, at times the tears I cried from the criticism was intense. So many people around me have issues with eating and body image that it is incredibly difficult to witness. I’m the only person I know without issues in that area , so sad to not love yourself. I’ve got a long list of things I’d change in a heartbeat if a magical wand turned up 🙊😉😆but for right now I’m fabulous and it doesn’t matter what you think of me, it’s actually none of my business. It just makes me really sad 🫤 life hey? What a wonderful journey 💕 Thanks again for the fun and one sided conversation 😆🥰
Hello there! Oh man, meditation is really something I need in my life. I can’t ever seem to stick with it. Maybe I need to recommit to even 10 minutes a day! And I’m so thrilled to hear that you have a solid body image! I’ve found that the older I get the more I want to rebel against the world’s ways and be happy with who I am. It really seems like the ultimate middle finger to the world 🤣 Life is indeed a journey!!
Treat myself like I would treat a five year old child. Leena, this is why I love your podcast. Along with incredible knitting content, you are so genuine and giving. ❤
You always say things that are in my heart. My lovely mum has been ill for the past 4 years but last year I have cared for her much more as she had a stroke. She passed away in February. My heart is breaking and it overwhelms me.I don't have children but I do understand how you worry about your children as mum did worry about me and my brother. I was very close to my brother but over the years we put distance between us. I was worried about this but mum kept saying that brother and I would speak again and of course now we are speaking and wish mum was here to see it. It is good to reconnect with your brother. Thank you for your pods. Really enjoy them from the UK.
Oh Sibel. I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing your mom is something you never really get over. I’m so happy to hear that you reconnected with your brother. I know your mom’s spirit feels that. The journey of life with our family is so complicated. We come apart but hopefully we always come back together. Sending you a big hug. 💚
I really enjoyed this pod cast. You have many qualities I look for in a friend.😊 you’re a good person, Lena. Knitting is NOT a hobby, it IS a way of life...... so spot on!
Dear Lena (hope I spelled that right) . I just want to tell you how much your rambles and rants move me. I am 53 and battled with my body and mental health for so many years. Sadly I have a mother who still at 85 years old won’t tolerate fatness - so of course she has three fat children, one who spent 15 years dealing with anorexia and bulimia (me) go figure 😏. I think you’re so brave to put your thoughts out there and they really touch me so thank you. I’m not Indian but lived there for 13 years , 11 of them in Goa which were the happiest of my life and where I conceived, birthed and raised my son until he was almost seven. And I too had a spinal fusion 30 years ago so… lots and lots of things in your episode today that moved me . Thank you for doing what you do. I’m so happy I found your podcast. Knitting has become my therapy too. Much love Ruth x ps. Good wishes to your mum for her recovery ❤️🩹
Oh sweet Ruth. Thank you for your message. I’m so sorry that you had to struggle with these things from your own mother. I can’t even imagine how painful that has been. I hope you have come to realize that her criticisms are really her own misery, and that you have no need to adopt them as your own. I am so committed to pushing us all towards radically standing behind ourselves. I am sick and tired of how hard we are on ourselves. It’s a daily practice to overcome it. My family is originally from Goa as well! It is a magical place, isn’t it?? I haven’t been in almost 15 years now, but I still have a dear place in my heart for it as well. How lucky that you were able to live there for so long! Lots of love to you Ruth 💚
Love, love, love your podcasts. ❣️ As a mom of four daughters (all in their thirties and forties and three of them raising a daughter of her own), I love everything you have to say on the subject of female empowerment. ⚘️ Knitting has been my salvation since losing my husband nine years ago and having the last of my children (my son) finish college and leave the nest, and the beautiful friendships I have made through knitting are the most wonderful friendships of my life. ❣️SO glad that your mom came through her surgery well and is recovering nicely.
Oh Janet. Thank you for your note. I’m so happy to know that there are four women out there raised by you - someone who gave them what they needed to survive this crazy world we live in. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, but I can imagine that knitting has carried you through the difficult years. Such a big motivation for me to start this pod was finding the kind of wonderful friendships knitting has brought you. Lots of love to you. I hope we meet in person someday.
I'm glad you have longer podcast because the part at the end about knitting and acceptance resonated so well. As I listened, I got a very heartwarming feeling as it was thought-provoking reminder to be kind to ourselves, our bodies and others around us. Please keep them coming - it is the beautiful lesson we all need. And the advice from your daughter was what I needed to hear at 3am today when I was knitting. ❤
Hi Enig! I agree especially about the part about how we choose to see those around us. I feel like we’ve all been conditioned to have a very narrow definition of beauty. As I’ve expanded mine, I feel such joy at everyone around me in a new way. Thank you for your message! 💖
Love your knitted sweaters especially the color and pattern of rib sweater. Having getting back to knitting 5 years ago even tho loving crochet I'm trying to enjoy both. Not easy but working on it.
Your Very V-neck is amazing with those colors and it will be so beautiful on you! Thank you for the wonderful chat and I always appreciate your positivity! I’m so glad everything went well with your Mom! 😊❤
Another wonderful podcast! I was in the same boat as you when it came to knitting and spinning... then I got an RSI from work! I started to spin at the suggestion of my doctors to increase the variety of repetitive actions my hands do :) now I'm addicted! Plus it's always fun to say "well it's the doctor's orders" when I decide to sit down and spin
Is that right? That’s amazing Megan! I love that. Maybe someday I will give it a try again. It is so soothing and such a beautiful process. I’m always jealous when I see someone at a wheel. I guess that means I still have the urge somewhere deep. Hope your hands are all healed now!
OMG !!!! Thank you so so much Leena, you're such a beautiful soul 🥰 Thank you for sharing my book. I'm glad your daugther liked it so much. I'm a bit behind my podcasts watch list but hey ! You definitely made my day !!! Thank you !❤💛💜 It's a hard work not to judge my body very harshly, but when I look back to my younger self when I thought I was horrible, I'm feeling sad because I looked good ! I wasted my time trying to shrink my body and now, I'm tired of thinking this way. Putting myself out on instagram, showing off myself wearing my knits, or working out (i do also have fitness instagram account) is a way to train myself to not be so hard on my body and the way I look ! I practice self love and yes... it's hard everyday ! But working on it because I don't wanna spend the rest of my life thinking I should look different and that I'm not good enough ! Yay for being kinder to ourselves and long episodes with you Leena !💕
You are so welcome Jenny! I was really excited to share it and I really am inspired by all your talents and creativity. I love that you put yourself out there now! I agree so much with you-my positive changes came from just being too tired to be so strict and harsh anymore. It’s such a relief to realize life goes on despite being kinder to yourself. Lots of love to you always. Keep doing all the magical things you are doing ✨
I’m so so so glad your mom is doing ok and that you got to be there with her. I too grew of age in the 1990s and in my twenties in the 2000s and beat my body into submission. I had very bad eating habits (calorie counting etc) and would exercise as many hours a day as I could as a punishment for eating. Once I hit my 30s I wanted to be healthy and I still LOVE fitness (peloton, yoga, barre, walking etc) but I am so careful with my language around my daughter. I don’t want her to spend years abusing her body. I think once I got into nursing with older people I realized really none of the appearance nonsense matters just be grateful for health. So many peoples bodies betray them and let them down, I am grateful everyday for my body now. Bless you for this conversation!!! Oh it obviously made me think a lot! ❤❤❤❤
Hi Kaetlyn! Our journeys sound so similar. It reminds me of that saying “youth is wasted on the young”. When we are young and able we are filled with self-loathing and take our health for granted. I refuse to waste anymore time! I think with regards to our daughters, we have to be honest about the struggle and that the world will always try to get them to think something is wrong with them. Pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t serve them. But the world in some ways is so much better, right? There is so much more representation across body types and ethnicity…every time I see it I wonder how it would have been to grow up seeing such advertisements instead of the insanity we were constantly exposed to!! Your patients are so lucky to have you! I can feel your bright light from all the way over here 💖
@@AnotherKnittingPod no pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t prepare them for the moment when they will face it. I agree. I hope I will arm her with coping tools. I make sure never to verbally body shame myself or other people so she does not hear it from me, but someday she will be with beautiful girls who look in mirrors and say horrible things about themselves. I think there is far better representation today, thank goodness. ❤️
Hi Lena! So love your pods and the wisdom you share. My mother was a fat shamer so I've had a personal struggle with body image most of my life. My beautiful daughter struggled as a teen but fortunately has found a good balance. My son went to visit my mother on her death bed and she told him to watch his weight. It left him with very negative feelings toward her which was understandable. She always said she had everyone's best interest at heart. It was really all about her. Now that she's gone I realize that my Grandmother's simple, non-judgemental love is what kept me safe.
Hi Karen-oh I cringed when I read your story…I can’t imagine what that felt like for your sweet son. I imagine that your mother was haunted by her own demons that were so intense that saying such things felt like love. Obviously it is not. But even when we know this intellectually it is inevitably hurts so much. I am so glad that your grandmother’s love kept you from getting swept away in your mom’s dysfunction. Your kids are lucky to have a grounded mother in you. The world is so messed up but I think we can be a sanctuary for each other and our loved ones. Sending you a big hug from Boulder 💚💜💚
Hi Leena!!! so great so see you back and glad your mom is recovering. I love, love, love your podcast. You are so real and down to earth that I truly feel I am listening to a friend and sometimes I even answer back to you. I would love to be in one of your fitness classes and have our knitting at the end. Your projects are so beautiful and I hope you finish both sleeves for your next podcast. I want to see how your sweater blocks out. See you soon 😊
Hi Lena, I always love watching your podcast even if you don’t have any FOs please come on and discuss future projects or patterns you like. Really glad to hear you’re mom is doing well and on the road to recovery.
So glad to hear that your mother is doing well. Thank you for another great episode and for the reminder to me of what knitting means to me. It is healing. I call it my mental yoga! After and during a serious health challenge I have had, knitting was the one thing that I could find peace from, having it allow my mind to only concentrate on that next stitch or step in the pattern verses the state of my body. It has helped me get through many tough times and I will forever love it for that 😊
It sounds as though you have a wise crystal child in your daughter! A wise being who has come to Earth to sow the seeds for New Earth. These special kids will heal the world.... love your podcasts Leena, I could listen to you all day! I want to buy everything I see on Instagram and as you say l, once I have it, it just sits on my shelf waiting to be knit up.. silly really but that excitement feeling takes over! It's addictive! Ahhhh ❤❤
Omg yes Karen! She really is…she has an innate wisdom that I’m grateful for. And yes I too suffer from the desire to buy all the yarn! The beauty is endless. Like Stephen West says, buying yarn and knitting yarn are two different hobbies 😂
Great podcast yet again :) I personally don’t quite understand the need to knit while doing something else. I have seen a lot of videos on « how to knit while reading” or else but why would we want to do something else than enjoying this great craft ? It’s too boring to be present so we have to multitask ? I multitask all the time with work and child and all so I feel like being in the present for knitting. Regarding the need to cast on something because we are sort of bored on the current project that happens all the time and I agree we just have to accept that. What helps me is remembering the suffering on the cast on or something special about the project. A time when I wish I was bored 😅. Then I feel better about the lack of excitement 😊 See you soon ;)
I love this so much! It’s so true. When we just knit it is truly a meditation. I love your perspective. It’s so easy to forget we can just be present and mindful and that is the greatest gift of knitting.
Another wonderful podcast! I'm glad your mom is doing great, I know how scary loved ones having surgery can be. As always, your knitting is wonderful but I enjoyed your talk on how we should be kind to our bodies. I especially needed to hear this right now because my body is sick right now and so I've made a promise that if I get better, I would poison myself with things I shouldn't have like too many adult drinks or tons of carbs & sugar. Hugs from Texas!!
A lot of food for thought with this one! I too have been a slave to the idea of conforming. I am 5’9” which is tall for an Indian woman. And I looked big in photographs taken with my friends. So it made me keep on trying all sorts of diets, exercises to slim down😅. It took all these years to realise that there is genetics too in play. Now I still eat carefully and exercise daily but it is now to be healthy and to lead a better life now that I have turned 57. Thanks for another long episode.
Hi Anjali! Indian culture definitely has its own craziness! I remember when I’d go back to India, skin color was such a big deal. I was considered “too dark” which somehow always made me laugh. It’s so absurd isn’t it! I’m glad you figured out that you are perfect just the way you are, and that we take care of ourselves to live and thrive. Lots of love to you!
You've almost made me cry listening to your words. I am in a state of self-loathing ...my body has changed so much in the last three years and nothing i do seems to help. I actually splurged lately on Moondrake Fuwa Fuwa and Pika Pika to knit the Elton Pullover, but I don't want to cast it on yet....in my mind, I want to knit it in a smaller size for the body I want ....so weird, I know. Maybe if I could just let go and be easy on myself the weight may start to come off. Sorry to be a downer. I do love your message ❤. I am also influenced by social media....Been thinking of a top I knit when I was a young woman....and doesn't James N Watts release a new pattern that reminds me of it! Went right online to order yarn, but noticed that next weekend everything will be 20% off (including the Fuwa Fuwa 🙄😄)...so I'll wait a week. Again, you are a ray of sunshine, keep on sharing ❤
Oh Sandra! No! No self-loathing. You are too precious to self-loathe. I had a therapist long ago who would tell me to start replanting the seeds of self-kindness in my heart and mind. Replace those cruel words with new ones, and eventually they take root and start to blossom. I know it sounds silly but I feel like our minds get stuck in these ruts that we have to pull them out of. It is not silly to want to knit for a different body if you are so unhappy right now. Be kind to yourself. Knit a shawl or something in the meantime. If you are influenced by social media, delete it. Delete the accounts that make you unhappy. You can just mute those people and they will never know. You are worth fighting for Sandra. I believe you can strive for healthier habits from a place of love. I know you can do it. Life is too precious and short to not be your own biggest fan. I’m rooting for you. I’m always here for you if you want to reach out.
Oh I have no doubt! But the shipping would be crazy. And then I feel guilty for the environmental impact as well. Boo. Maybe someday though! Her colors are so stunning.
Maybe you have heard this but what I do on that purl after knit is purl through the back of the loop. It really helps me. If it's 2 purl between I do both through back but if it's more I only do the first one.
I had that conversation with my therapist today. That I should talk to my inner child as I talk tp mine so that I can use that as a shortcut to dealing with my inner critic (that I inherited from my mother).
Yes Helena! I think it helps so much. I’ve been practicing this for a few years now and it has finally become my default voice to myself. It’s incredible that we can reprogram ourselves.
I think the Noro stitches slant because the yarn is a single ply. You usually spin the singles in one direction (say clockwise) and when you ply the two together you twist it in the opposite direction (counter clockwise) balances the yarn so to speak. That’s what Z twist and S twist refer to. So the single ply Noro acts like bias. Maybe another can explain it better than me.
Have you tried square needles like Addi squared (but there are others out there)? I have heard they help with hand issues. May be worth a try. Personally, I just don't get the purling issue. I hear it so often in pods. Its just not a big deal to me but I find it strange how much some people absolutely hate it (not saying YOU hate it just an observation of what I keep seeing).
I have not! But I will look into them. My hands have settled into knitting very well now, but I think I’m still haunted by my forced break and terrified to have to go back to that. It’s not good for my mental state!
I knit English style and I’ve thought about switching to continental but those purls keep me English, where the knits and purls are pretty similar mechanically.
When I was frantically busy and my children were young, relaxing into a container where there was a timer, was also the way I truly let go. When I was crazy busy and the kids were very young and I was running my own business I would make sure I meditated each day even if that meant less sleep at night. Now that life is much easier for me I still make sure I meditate every day as it slows my day down and takes away the frantic pace we seem to be in. When I don’t a day or week zips by and I’m like wtf 😳 no slow down.
Love your ghost whisperer, the colour looks so beautiful on you. The Noro looks so lovely. I haven’t used that yarn before, but given its fiber content I think it will block out more smoothly in terms of bias twist. Fascinating isn’t it?
I’m 95% monogamous and as I am 2/3 to 3/4 the way through the project I start to dream of the next thing, I’ll swatch and get prepared so as soon as I have cast off I’m ready to cast on the next thing. I’ll go to bed dreaming of touching yarn before I drift off to sleep😆🤣🤭
Body image! Wow what a hot topic! Growing up my mum
was always dieting and had a best friend was bulimic long before we knew what that word meant (I questioned but got shut down - very confusing as a young girl). I spent 20 years married to one of the cruelest men I’ve met who on a daily basis criticised me in any aspect he felt entitled to. No divorce in our family so it was a rough path I chose - not obvious in the beginning! I’ve always been slim, healthy and for the most part rebellious against societies opinions. I’ve always been more concerned about how I feel and taking care of myself so that I can walk with ease up the stairs when I’m 100 I always refused to break but man, at times the tears I cried from the criticism was intense. So many people around me have issues with eating and body image that it is incredibly difficult to witness. I’m the only person I know without issues in that area , so sad to not love yourself. I’ve got a long list of things I’d change in a heartbeat if a magical wand turned up 🙊😉😆but for right now I’m fabulous and it doesn’t matter what you think of me, it’s actually none of my business. It just makes me really sad 🫤 life hey? What a wonderful journey 💕
Thanks again for the fun and one sided conversation 😆🥰
Hello there!
Oh man, meditation is really something I need in my life. I can’t ever seem to stick with it. Maybe I need to recommit to even 10 minutes a day!
And I’m so thrilled to hear that you have a solid body image! I’ve found that the older I get the more I want to rebel against the world’s ways and be happy with who I am. It really seems like the ultimate middle finger to the world 🤣 Life is indeed a journey!!
Hi Leena, ❤ the pod! Looking forward to following your knitting journey and sharing your passion, it is contagious and brings me joy! 🇨🇦
Aw, thank you so much!! 🥰
Treat myself like I would treat a five year old child. Leena, this is why I love your podcast. Along with incredible knitting content, you are so genuine and giving. ❤
You are so sweet 💜 Sending you so much love, Kimmy
You always say things that are in my heart. My lovely mum has been ill for the past 4 years but last year I have cared for her much more as she had a stroke. She passed away in February. My heart is breaking and it overwhelms me.I don't have children but I do understand how you worry about your children as mum did worry about me and my brother. I was very close to my brother but over the years we put distance between us. I was worried about this but mum kept saying that brother and I would speak again and of course now we are speaking and wish mum was here to see it. It is good to reconnect with your brother. Thank you for your pods. Really enjoy them from the UK.
Oh Sibel. I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing your mom is something you never really get over. I’m so happy to hear that you reconnected with your brother. I know your mom’s spirit feels that. The journey of life with our family is so complicated. We come apart but hopefully we always come back together. Sending you a big hug. 💚
@@AnotherKnittingPod thank you. She was the best mum. I do hope she is with me. She was very creative.
I really enjoyed this pod cast. You have many qualities I look for in a friend.😊 you’re a good person, Lena. Knitting is NOT a hobby, it IS a way of life...... so spot on!
Aw, you are so sweet and kind. Your words mean so much to me. 💖
Dear Lena (hope I spelled that right) . I just want to tell you how much your rambles and rants move me. I am 53 and battled with my body and mental health for so many years. Sadly I have a mother who still at 85 years old won’t tolerate fatness - so of course she has three fat children, one who spent 15 years dealing with anorexia and bulimia (me) go figure 😏. I think you’re so brave to put your thoughts out there and they really touch me so thank you. I’m not Indian but lived there for 13 years , 11 of them in Goa which were the happiest of my life and where I conceived, birthed and raised my son until he was almost seven. And I too had a spinal fusion 30 years ago so… lots and lots of things in your episode today that moved me . Thank you for doing what you do. I’m so happy I found your podcast. Knitting has become my therapy too. Much love Ruth x ps. Good wishes to your mum for her recovery ❤️🩹
Oh sweet Ruth. Thank you for your message. I’m so sorry that you had to struggle with these things from your own mother. I can’t even imagine how painful that has been. I hope you have come to realize that her criticisms are really her own misery, and that you have no need to adopt them as your own. I am so committed to pushing us all towards radically standing behind ourselves. I am sick and tired of how hard we are on ourselves. It’s a daily practice to overcome it.
My family is originally from Goa as well! It is a magical place, isn’t it?? I haven’t been in almost 15 years now, but I still have a dear place in my heart for it as well. How lucky that you were able to live there for so long! Lots of love to you Ruth 💚
Love, love, love your podcasts. ❣️ As a mom of four daughters (all in their thirties and forties and three of them raising a daughter of her own), I love everything you have to say on the subject of female empowerment. ⚘️ Knitting has been my salvation since losing my husband nine years ago and having the last of my children (my son) finish college and leave the nest, and the beautiful friendships I have made through knitting are the most wonderful friendships of my life. ❣️SO glad that your mom came through her surgery well and is recovering nicely.
Oh Janet. Thank you for your note. I’m so happy to know that there are four women out there raised by you - someone who gave them what they needed to survive this crazy world we live in.
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, but I can imagine that knitting has carried you through the difficult years. Such a big motivation for me to start this pod was finding the kind of wonderful friendships knitting has brought you. Lots of love to you. I hope we meet in person someday.
I'm glad you have longer podcast because the part at the end about knitting and acceptance resonated so well. As I listened, I got a very heartwarming feeling as it was thought-provoking reminder to be kind to ourselves, our bodies and others around us. Please keep them coming - it is the beautiful lesson we all need. And the advice from your daughter was what I needed to hear at 3am today when I was knitting. ❤
Hi Enig! I agree especially about the part about how we choose to see those around us. I feel like we’ve all been conditioned to have a very narrow definition of beauty. As I’ve expanded mine, I feel such joy at everyone around me in a new way. Thank you for your message! 💖
“Knitter the wild” was the best. 😂
Lol! It’s so rare sadly!!
Love your knitted sweaters especially the color and pattern of rib sweater. Having getting back to knitting 5 years ago even tho loving crochet I'm trying to enjoy both. Not easy but working on it.
Hi Eileen! Thank you! And just do what you love and what calls to you! If that’s crochet, then enjoy 💖 But its great to be able to do both.
Your Very V-neck is amazing with those colors and it will be so beautiful on you! Thank you for the wonderful chat and I always appreciate your positivity! I’m so glad everything went well with your Mom! 😊❤
Thank you Lisa Marie!! ❤️
Lena you had another great episode. I’m so happy to hear your mom is strong and doing well. The V neck is going to be so pretty on you.
Thank you Carol!! 💖 Almost done with the V-Neck!
Another wonderful podcast! I was in the same boat as you when it came to knitting and spinning... then I got an RSI from work! I started to spin at the suggestion of my doctors to increase the variety of repetitive actions my hands do :) now I'm addicted! Plus it's always fun to say "well it's the doctor's orders" when I decide to sit down and spin
Is that right? That’s amazing Megan! I love that. Maybe someday I will give it a try again. It is so soothing and such a beautiful process. I’m always jealous when I see someone at a wheel. I guess that means I still have the urge somewhere deep. Hope your hands are all healed now!
OMG !!!! Thank you so so much Leena, you're such a beautiful soul 🥰 Thank you for sharing my book. I'm glad your daugther liked it so much. I'm a bit behind my podcasts watch list but hey ! You definitely made my day !!! Thank you !❤💛💜
It's a hard work not to judge my body very harshly, but when I look back to my younger self when I thought I was horrible, I'm feeling sad because I looked good ! I wasted my time trying to shrink my body and now, I'm tired of thinking this way. Putting myself out on instagram, showing off myself wearing my knits, or working out (i do also have fitness instagram account) is a way to train myself to not be so hard on my body and the way I look ! I practice self love and yes... it's hard everyday ! But working on it because I don't wanna spend the rest of my life thinking I should look different and that I'm not good enough ! Yay for being kinder to ourselves and long episodes with you Leena !💕
You are so welcome Jenny! I was really excited to share it and I really am inspired by all your talents and creativity.
I love that you put yourself out there now! I agree so much with you-my positive changes came from just being too tired to be so strict and harsh anymore. It’s such a relief to realize life goes on despite being kinder to yourself. Lots of love to you always. Keep doing all the magical things you are doing ✨
@@AnotherKnittingPod Much love to you too 🥰
I enjoy listening to you from germany 🥰🧶🧶
Sending you lots of love from Boulder!!
Dear Leena, you are THE light ♥
Oh thank you Nuria!! 😘
Wishbone yarn lives in the Karoo in South Africa. Her work is beautiful.
Oh shucks! I feel guilty for getting anything shipped from so far away. Oh well I will continue to be inspired by her 💜🌈⚡️
I’m so so so glad your mom is doing ok and that you got to be there with her. I too grew of age in the 1990s and in my twenties in the 2000s and beat my body into submission. I had very bad eating habits (calorie counting etc) and would exercise as many hours a day as I could as a punishment for eating. Once I hit my 30s I wanted to be healthy and I still LOVE fitness (peloton, yoga, barre, walking etc) but I am so careful with my language around my daughter. I don’t want her to spend years abusing her body. I think once I got into nursing with older people I realized really none of the appearance nonsense matters just be grateful for health. So many peoples bodies betray them and let them down, I am grateful everyday for my body now.
Bless you for this conversation!!! Oh it obviously made me think a lot! ❤❤❤❤
Hi Kaetlyn! Our journeys sound so similar. It reminds me of that saying “youth is wasted on the young”. When we are young and able we are filled with self-loathing and take our health for granted. I refuse to waste anymore time! I think with regards to our daughters, we have to be honest about the struggle and that the world will always try to get them to think something is wrong with them. Pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t serve them. But the world in some ways is so much better, right? There is so much more representation across body types and ethnicity…every time I see it I wonder how it would have been to grow up seeing such advertisements instead of the insanity we were constantly exposed to!!
Your patients are so lucky to have you! I can feel your bright light from all the way over here 💖
@@AnotherKnittingPod no pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t prepare them for the moment when they will face it. I agree. I hope I will arm her with coping tools. I make sure never to verbally body shame myself or other people so she does not hear it from me, but someday she will be with beautiful girls who look in mirrors and say horrible things about themselves. I think there is far better representation today, thank goodness. ❤️
Hi Lena! So love your pods and the wisdom you share. My mother was a fat shamer so I've had a personal struggle with body image most of my life. My beautiful daughter struggled as a teen but fortunately has found a good balance. My son went to visit my mother on her death bed and she told him to watch his weight. It left him with very negative feelings toward her which was understandable. She always said she had everyone's best interest at heart. It was really all about her. Now that she's gone I realize that my Grandmother's simple, non-judgemental love is what kept me safe.
Hi Karen-oh I cringed when I read your story…I can’t imagine what that felt like for your sweet son. I imagine that your mother was haunted by her own demons that were so intense that saying such things felt like love. Obviously it is not. But even when we know this intellectually it is inevitably hurts so much.
I am so glad that your grandmother’s love kept you from getting swept away in your mom’s dysfunction. Your kids are lucky to have a grounded mother in you. The world is so messed up but I think we can be a sanctuary for each other and our loved ones. Sending you a big hug from Boulder 💚💜💚
@@AnotherKnittingPod Back at you!
Hi Leena!!! so great so see you back and glad your mom is recovering. I love, love, love your podcast. You are so real and down to earth that I truly feel I am listening to a friend and sometimes I even answer back to you. I would love to be in one of your fitness classes and have our knitting at the end. Your projects are so beautiful and I hope you finish both sleeves for your next podcast. I want to see how your sweater blocks out. See you soon 😊
Toni that would be a dream!!!! Exercising, and then chatting over knitting. Sigh…we’ll put that out into the universe!! Someday!
I really appreciate that you wear your hand knitted garments in your podcasts.
Thank you Heather! I love wearing my knits. They are the only clothes I actually enjoying wearing!
@@AnotherKnittingPod I agree! I try to wear a knitted piece every day.
I love you queen! I can’t wait for more videos. Sending thoughts for your mom
Aw thank you so much! ❤️
Hi Lena, I always love watching your podcast even if you don’t have any FOs please come on and discuss future projects or patterns you like. Really glad to hear you’re mom is doing well and on the road to recovery.
Thank you Cathey! I definitely will!! ❤️
A lovely hour spent with you - thank you. I love your thoughtful introspections on life ❤
Thank you so much. I deeply appreciate you watching 💖
So glad to hear that your mother is doing well. Thank you for another great episode and for the reminder to me of what knitting means to me. It is healing. I call it my mental yoga! After and during a serious health challenge I have had, knitting was the one thing that I could find peace from, having it allow my mind to only concentrate on that next stitch or step in the pattern verses the state of my body. It has helped me get through many tough times and I will forever love it for that 😊
Yes Julie!! Only those who love knitting like we do understand its magic!
It sounds as though you have a wise crystal child in your daughter! A wise being who has come to Earth to sow the seeds for New Earth. These special kids will heal the world....
love your podcasts Leena, I could listen to you all day! I want to buy everything I see on Instagram and as you say l, once I have it, it just sits on my shelf waiting to be knit up.. silly really but that excitement feeling takes over! It's addictive! Ahhhh ❤❤
Omg yes Karen! She really is…she has an innate wisdom that I’m grateful for.
And yes I too suffer from the desire to buy all the yarn! The beauty is endless. Like Stephen West says, buying yarn and knitting yarn are two different hobbies 😂
Great podcast yet again :)
I personally don’t quite understand the need to knit while doing something else. I have seen a lot of videos on « how to knit while reading” or else but why would we want to do something else than enjoying this great craft ? It’s too boring to be present so we have to multitask ? I multitask all the time with work and child and all so I feel like being in the present for knitting.
Regarding the need to cast on something because we are sort of bored on the current project that happens all the time and I agree we just have to accept that. What helps me is remembering the suffering on the cast on or something special about the project. A time when I wish I was bored 😅. Then I feel better about the lack of excitement 😊
See you soon ;)
I love this so much! It’s so true. When we just knit it is truly a meditation. I love your perspective. It’s so easy to forget we can just be present and mindful and that is the greatest gift of knitting.
Enjoyed your podcast, as usual 😊 Loved the chat at the end 👍💖👏
Thank you so much 🌸🌈💚
Another wonderful podcast! I'm glad your mom is doing great, I know how scary loved ones having surgery can be. As always, your knitting is wonderful but I enjoyed your talk on how we should be kind to our bodies. I especially needed to hear this right now because my body is sick right now and so I've made a promise that if I get better, I would poison myself with things I shouldn't have like too many adult drinks or tons of carbs & sugar. Hugs from Texas!!
I agree with you! It is easy to forget how much our bodies mean until we are sidelined. I hope you are feeling better now! 💚
You are great ❤thank you so much for your podcast
Aw, thank you Maria 🌸
A lot of food for thought with this one! I too have been a slave to the idea of conforming. I am 5’9” which is tall for an Indian woman. And I looked big in photographs taken with my friends. So it made me keep on trying all sorts of diets, exercises to slim down😅. It took all these years to realise that there is genetics too in play. Now I still eat carefully and exercise daily but it is now to be healthy and to lead a better life now that I have turned 57.
Thanks for another long episode.
Hi Anjali! Indian culture definitely has its own craziness! I remember when I’d go back to India, skin color was such a big deal. I was considered “too dark” which somehow always made me laugh. It’s so absurd isn’t it! I’m glad you figured out that you are perfect just the way you are, and that we take care of ourselves to live and thrive. Lots of love to you!
You've almost made me cry listening to your words. I am in a state of self-loathing ...my body has changed so much in the last three years and nothing i do seems to help. I actually splurged lately on Moondrake Fuwa Fuwa and Pika Pika to knit the Elton Pullover, but I don't want to cast it on yet....in my mind, I want to knit it in a smaller size for the body I want ....so weird, I know. Maybe if I could just let go and be easy on myself the weight may start to come off. Sorry to be a downer. I do love your message ❤. I am also influenced by social media....Been thinking of a top I knit when I was a young woman....and doesn't James N Watts release a new pattern that reminds me of it! Went right online to order yarn, but noticed that next weekend everything will be 20% off (including the Fuwa Fuwa 🙄😄)...so I'll wait a week. Again, you are a ray of sunshine, keep on sharing ❤
Oh Sandra! No! No self-loathing. You are too precious to self-loathe. I had a therapist long ago who would tell me to start replanting the seeds of self-kindness in my heart and mind. Replace those cruel words with new ones, and eventually they take root and start to blossom. I know it sounds silly but I feel like our minds get stuck in these ruts that we have to pull them out of.
It is not silly to want to knit for a different body if you are so unhappy right now. Be kind to yourself. Knit a shawl or something in the meantime.
If you are influenced by social media, delete it. Delete the accounts that make you unhappy. You can just mute those people and they will never know.
You are worth fighting for Sandra. I believe you can strive for healthier habits from a place of love. I know you can do it. Life is too precious and short to not be your own biggest fan. I’m rooting for you. I’m always here for you if you want to reach out.
I'm doing a rain or shine shawl. And I am loving it.
Are you?? Maybe I should just do that…but with fingering and mohair. I just find that I don’t wear shawls as much!
Thank you❤
Wishbone yarn is in Africa. It's my favorite yarn. You will love her yarn.
Oh I have no doubt! But the shipping would be crazy. And then I feel guilty for the environmental impact as well. Boo. Maybe someday though! Her colors are so stunning.
Maybe you have heard this but what I do on that purl after knit is purl through the back of the loop. It really helps me. If it's 2 purl between I do both through back but if it's more I only do the first one.
I’ll try it! Always looking for tips to tighten it up!
I had that conversation with my therapist today. That I should talk to my inner child as I talk tp mine so that I can use that as a shortcut to dealing with my inner critic (that I inherited from my mother).
Yes Helena! I think it helps so much. I’ve been practicing this for a few years now and it has finally become my default voice to myself. It’s incredible that we can reprogram ourselves.
I think the Noro stitches slant because the yarn is a single ply. You usually spin the singles in one direction (say clockwise) and when you ply the two together you twist it in the opposite direction (counter clockwise) balances the yarn so to speak. That’s what Z twist and S twist refer to. So the single ply Noro acts like bias. Maybe another can explain it better than me.
Yes! I knew it was something like that. I find it so fascinating. Thanks for explaining 💜
Being content with our lot - what we're doing and with the place we're living in, but trying to make both of those things better or finished.
I love this. Striving for more possibly but from a place of love, gratitude and contentment. 💚
Also drops mohair is fairly inexpensive
Have you tried square needles like Addi squared (but there are others out there)? I have heard they help with hand issues. May be worth a try. Personally, I just don't get the purling issue. I hear it so often in pods. Its just not a big deal to me but I find it strange how much some people absolutely hate it (not saying YOU hate it just an observation of what I keep seeing).
I have not! But I will look into them. My hands have settled into knitting very well now, but I think I’m still haunted by my forced break and terrified to have to go back to that. It’s not good for my mental state!
❤
I knit English style and I’ve thought about switching to continental but those purls keep me English, where the knits and purls are pretty similar mechanically.
I wish I could try English…I’m hoping trying colorwork will give me a little practice. But its hard to switch over.
@@AnotherKnittingPod yes, I agree. I can knit continental but not purl.