The Humble Hobbyist vol.17 – The Humble Hobbyist

This summer ☀️ has been so good to me! In many ways summer is my least favorite season — I really don’t like being hot, but this summer brought me immense joy. I’ve been present and in the moment hanging with my favorite people, making memories and taking a load off where I can.

A few months ago, Datrianna asked if I’d run a 5k (3.1 mile race) with her (although she remembers it as me inviting myself) and it was the perfect excuse for me to start moving my body.

I prepared for 7 weeks using a “Couch to 5k” training plan and we officially ran our first 5k on September 7th! 🏃🏾‍♀️

My newly developed running practice has been incredible; I consider it to be much more of a lifestyle change than a hobby. I’m able to clear my head in the morning before work, I have more energy, I feel better in my body, I’m growing and learning what I’m capable of, and I’m proving that I can do hard things!

We’ve already signed up for another 5k in November to keep the momentum going and invited a few of our friends and family members to join us.

Remember that trip we took to Berlin last winter?! In Berlin, I asked Datrianna to pick out yarn so I could make her a pair of socks and she chose a ball of Zauberball self-striping yarn.

The sport/light DK weight yarn worked up quickly and will keep her toes super cozy when the weather cools.

Since finishing Sweater No. 18 I’ve only had the stamina to knit socks so I knit myself some too!

Although they’re just vanilla socks, I got to practice a few new techniques:

• 9” circular needles

• Contrasting toe and cuff

9” circular needs are rough on the hands but the finished product was so worth it. Compared to the magic-loop method my stitches were much more consistent, no laddering, and no holes at the side of the heel flap.

With the contrast toe and cuff I’m building up my confidence to try color work. I’ll likely start with a color work sock cuff before attempting a garment of any kind.

Back to garment making….

My next knitting project will be a Friday Slipover! Vests are great when you don’t quite feel like making a full sweater.

I made a swatch of the yarn to see how the stitch pattern and gauge (using two diff needle sizes) would work up. Now I’m ready to cast on, keeping it going with the year of textured garments!

…we’ve decided to see other people, no hard feelings 🤷🏽‍♀️

I left you all hanging a bit longer than usual between newsletters, charge it to my head and not my heart.

I hope that you’ve all had a great summer and are ready to welcome in cozy season!

✌🏾TGM