The scoop from the editors

Dealing with the Nude Normal

Well, it's not knitting-friendly, being nude all the time, but it does save on laundry!

What? It's not "nude"? It's "new"?

Oh.

Never mind.

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Seriously, though, I hope you're okay, physically. And mentally? I hope you're holding up. Because this is the year that will test all of our skills, especially coping skills and self care. I usually find this Editor's Letter easy to write, but today I'm tongue (finger?) tied because what can I say that's worth reading? Also, who goes for an Emily Litella joke in the middle of a pandemic? Me. I do that.

I'm struggling, but I've also found that setting a slightly more strict schedule for me has been helping me focus and get work done. I'm planning on getting a dog, once I can figure out where to get one that will be rabbit friendy. (I'm still in the research phase.) I've started eating cinnamon toast again. And I'm reaching out to a few new people in my city that might turn into friendships. It's hard for me, having so many of my friends an hour away, and my family in a different time zone. So I'm just trying to do what I can.

Here's the other thing I can do: I can make Knitty, with the help of my wonderful friends/co-collaborators and designers from all over the world. This issue is full of the work of so many great people. I hope you can find something that makes you want to cast on. Because sometimes a new knitting project can be just the thing to clear our heads and give us something to concentrate on that's not the nightly news.

I'm sending love your way. I hope you're okay.

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One bright spot in this craziness is the return of our beloved Cast On podcast, hosted by the velvet-voiced Brenda Dayne. Welcome back, lovely.

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Amy Singer
[editor, Knitty]

How are you taking care of yourself?

How are you? 2020 is a rollercoaster we can’t get off of. Every single person I know is affected by it all, and everyone’s tank seems to be empty.

We all still have work to do to take care of our loved ones, fight injustice, and work to pay bills. What are you doing to take care of yourself?

I’ve heard from people who want to spin or knit and just can’t. I see you. There are many days I want to, but the fiber just sits in my lap. I’ve done a lot more touching of fiber and reading about fiber than actual spinning or knitting. And I’ve found just being in proximity to fiber still helps me unwind just a bit.

Now is not a time to feel you have to push yourself to spin or knit to ‘make yourself’ relax. There are enough have-tos, enough pushing, and not enough actual relaxing.

If you feel stuck, you might try exploring or researching a new craft you’ve always wanted to try, or taking a step to the side of the actual making. I’m doing more embroidery, and spending time floating in the bath reading books about sheep. I have friends that have turned to sewing, crochet, and baking. One is doing nothing but planning future projects, based on her stash.

Please try to find a bit of contentment every day.

If you are spinning, or gathering ideas for future spins, check out my Knittyspin column on 4-ply yarns. I can’t get enough of how ply can change knitting.

One more thing – I urge you to vote and to make sure everyone you know votes. This election is important for the health and safety of so many people.

Jillian Moreno
[editor, Knittyspin]