Homesteader Era, Maybe

Zara doesn't mind if I sit on my butt for hours at a time and crochet.

It’s been a little while since I’ve given a crochet update.

I finished my blanket last week, and I’m happy to report that after blocking, it held its shape. It came out to 57” by 57.5” — so close to being square.

Today I ordered the materials to turn it into a wall hanging, which I’m excited about. I cannot wait to work on the next steps.

But in the meantime,

I’ve moved on to my next project—

and had a realization I wasn’t expecting.

First, the project.

I now feel like a pioneer woman.

A homesteader.

Possibly even a Quaker.

Because… I’m making my own clothes.

Yes. This is who I am now. Please don’t judge me.

I’m starting with a lightweight summer top. I bought the pattern and yarn from a Facebook ad—almost certainly late at night, because apparently that’s when I make important life decisions.

The kit came with four skeins of yarn. I just finished the first and successfully started the second, which feels like a small but meaningful victory. There is an obvious color difference between the end of one skein and the start of the new one. I'm telling myself no one will notice, because focusing on the imperfection doesn't help anyone.

The pattern is straightforward: easy stitches, repeated rows, crochet two panels, then sew them together. Simple in theory. We’ll see how it plays out in reality. I am mostly concerned about the tension of my stitches and the possibility that one panel will be 50% larger than the other.

There is still a very real possibility that I will have to rip the whole thing out and start over—but for now, I’m choosing optimism. And also picturing how cute I will look wearing something I made myself. I am fully ignoring the pictures of me as a child wearing clothing my mom sewed.

I have a trip coming up in early May—sunshine, hot springs, all the good things—and I’m setting a goal to have it done by then.

Which brings me to the realization.

Crochet… might not be the healthiest hobby.

Now, before anyone panics—it’s been amazing for my brain. The focus, the rhythm, the creativity. It’s been great for my spirit.

But my body?

My body is like… what are we doing.

Because when I really think about it, it’s a lot of sitting. A lot of hours on the couch with a hook and yarn and not much movement.

Add in the fact that I had COVID, my trainer was gone, and I didn’t work out for about a month… and I can feel it.

So now I have a new goal:

Move first. Crochet after.

Earn the sitting.

I had this realization on Sunday.

Today is Thursday. It’s 7:30pm.

And I haven’t crocheted yet today.

But I’m about to.

And honestly? I’m calling that a win.

Go me.