PURL PAL: Knitting A Swan Vest For Stress Release
Vest No1 by My Favorite Things Knitwear
I’ll be completely honest – my head is full and my heart is heavy.
This whole situation right now is really challenging for me – covid, a breakup, starting work again (and being unhappy with it), moving to a new apartment and now a raging war close to my home.
Getting up in the morning is hard enough and it is even harder to stay focused. Which is probably the reason why sewing is stressful for me right now. It feels like big and fast steps. You have to take up space when cutting the fabric – when all I want is to be small. You have to sit at a table to sew – when all I want is to curl up in bed. You have to stay focused so you don’t make any mistakes while cutting – when all I want to do is let my thoughts flow. As you might know – I LOVE sewing and it helped me a lot in finding myself again. But right now I need a break.
This is why I started knitting again.
Fun fact: my therapist told me that knitting has the same effect on your brain as running – and for me that makes SO MUCH SENSE!
Vest No1 by My Favorite Things Knitwear
But enough about me, let’s talk about something more fun – let’s talk knitting!
One of my favorite things to knit right now are vests! They are so much fun to style and you don’t have to store them in your closet after winter is over (and you don’t have to knit sleeves – which I always think is a bit boring, to be honest).
The one I’m wearing in these photos is the Vest No1 by My Favorite Things Knitwear. I loved the boxy look of the vest, but after I finished it, it felt like something was missing. So after hours on Pinterest (and I mean hooouuuuuurs) I found the perfect cross stitch embroidery swan pattern. Instead of cross stitches, I tried duplicate stitches for the first time (and I must say) it worked out pretty well! After a small meltdown and some knots (no shame) I now LOVE it! I could honestly wear it 24/7 – Swan over a shirt? YES! Swan over a dress? YES! Swan over a turtleneck, a t-shirt or just swan by itself? YES, YES AND DOUBLE YES!
Vest No1 by My Favorite Things Knitwear
Concerning the pattern: I think it’s very do-able for someone without a lot of practice. Knit, purl, increase, decrease, pick up stitches – that’s more or less all you need to do. And when you break it down – if you know those steps, you are easily able to knit 80% of all knitting patterns (or at least the ones I read in the last months).
So sit down, put your feet up and let those needles click!
Vest No1 by My Favorite Things Knitwear
Bussi
Sophie
PS: I can’t wait to have all my batteries charged to start sewing again. SOON!
PPS: All analog pictures are taken by my gorgeous friend Sophie Nawratil on film.
About Author
Sophie Frank
Sophie is a self-taught sewist living in Vienna, Austria. If she's not sewing or taking analog photos, she's probably running after her son. Instagram: @bitte.mach.dasLeave a comment
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7 Comments
France Quirion
In love with all your things Sophie. Your vest is absolutely beautiful. I knit also, and have a nice one in my basket for my grandson at this moment. For this raging war, the description is so true, it seems that the whole world holds its breath. Even here, in the middle of nowhere, this event affects me a lot. Each morning, I read on Le Monde.fr what happens there. I feel very concerned about the Ukrainians. The only thing we can do is to continue and try to support. They courageously give us this example every day.
Janet Conery
Sophie I love your swan vest, and I enjoy all your posts, Keep putting one foot in front of the other, as we are all rooting for you. And I just sent up a prayer for you.
My best, Janet
Lesia McQuade
Sophie, that swan is part of your healing process, I think. You did a beautiful job of it and it adds so much interest to your warm (hugging) vest. We are living in strange times (not all good) and I understand your feelings. It all wears me out if I think upon it too much,,,,knitting is a therapeutic activity. I hope you can get out in nature for a walk which is healing. Take your shoes off and sink your toes into the moss of the path you are on. You will get through this tough patch, one purl at a time. You will be included in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Burrington
Your swan vest is LOVELY! Storms don’t last forever. (Unless you live near Jupiter’s Great Red Spot) In the meantime, find joy in the little things in life. Like knitting. Sending you big hugs.
Anita Busch
Very nicely done! I can relate to your need for a calming meditative activity. (Gardening is also good). Your swan is lovely and I really like that perfect neutral shade of your vest. I made several ‘fun’ vests when I was younger and they were so useful and versatile- thank you for reminding me to make some new ones! Best of luck to you, you are on the right track, using your creativity.
Karen Mahoney
It is easy to self-destruct when you are sad, but you have put your melancholy to good use and are climbing out of it. Your vest is lovely! I hope I can learn to knit one day as I really like the ability to craft in such a portable manner. Bless you–keep climbing out!
Corinne Skulmoski
Sophie – I love the fun swan vest, looks good on you & it also looks like you’re a great knitter. I’m sorry for all your difficulties, so many of us are with you during this difficult stretch in the world. When I get blocked out for new sewing ideas I revert to crocheting. I have worked on a boxy sweater for 2 yrs.! I crochet at my sewing desk & it is a true wonder what it does for the mind. Nothing more pleasing in the world to me. I obsess over wool, make things from it, yet cannot stand it against my skin 🙂 All problems dissipate when I’m creating & get put into a better perspective. It’s balm for the soul. Keep forging ahead. I enjoy your honesty & your beautiful creativity.