Viva la Andas

(clicking a linked image above, will open its larger version in a separate window)

Hi, friends. I've missed being able to share all the yarny recovery goodness there is to be had. This recent hiatus has been useful though, for a couple of reasons. First, I've been rediscovering some techniques I haven't enjoyed since junior high, like Tunisian crochet. Yes, there's a neat project in the works, but it will have to wait for another entry. I will say however, that the finished throw is going to incorporate multiple skills including knitting, crochet and perhaps a touch of embroidery, using the basic Tunisian (aka afghan) stitch as a canvas.

This brings me to the gist of today's recovery tie-in, personal identification in the rooms. There's a curious creature referred to as an "anda" by some program folks. Popular opinion is that their behavior was conditioned by mixed messages they were subjected to in treatment facilities. They generally look like others in various stages of recovery - that is until they speak... "Hi, I'm (name), and I'm an addict anda alcoholic." Whoops! Tradition One, regardless of fellowship, deals specifically with conveying a strong focused message of recovery relevant to that fellowship by fostering a unified identity.

The First Tradition is not that confusing, really. After all, you wouldn't attend a meeting of say Vegetables Anonymous only to declare that you're a vegetable anda green bean, now would you? Why cling to the trifling ego trip of recovery uniqueness? That's the kind of mindset which benefits no one. Would a dead person differentiate him or herself as being both a stiff anda corpse? Well, dead people usually don't have to worry about such things. Still, mixed recovery messages can kill. Perhaps it won't kill the anda, but others who are unable to clearly identify with a fellowship's members and message, may not be as fortunate.

Today in one of my Facebook recovery groups there was a poll on the importance of singleness of purpose. The discussion following said poll neglected to address the very framework which outlines any 12-step recovery fellowship's ground rules necessary for its operation. Please pardon the self-quote...

Singleness of purpose within any group, regardless of fellowship, is reflected in how well its members uphold the traditions of that fellowship. Thanks to all the modern treatment center programs that frequently mangle the traditions of all our fellowships, it's no wonder that newcomers to our respective fellowships' meetings are subjected to mixed messages. Traditions One and Five are very clear on the need for unity, and how I personally identify myself in any fellowship is a direct reflection of upholding those unity-based traditions. If I qualify as a "______ AND A _____" then I have done a disservice to the integrity and focus of that program.

Ok, back to the yarn love. After all, this blog is about promoting the therapeutic benefits of knitting (or crocheting, etc.) as an enjoyable recovery tool. Yes, I am glad to be a knitter anda crocheter, plus a bunch of other things. Lately I've been finding (and adding) more yarn inspiration on Pinterest. If you're looking for new ideas, please feel free to check out my String Theory pinboard. It's full of wonderful projects, stitches, techniques to try, patterns and tutorials. Since so many folks are on increasingly strict budgets, I've been extra careful to make sure that the majority of patterns pinned to String Theory are free. Let me know what you think about singleness of purpose, knitting, crochet, or even how ridiculously expensive yarn is getting. Who's game for a discussion on making the most out of reclaimed or thrift store yarn? =)

Anticipation of Spring

When you have appointments or errands, waiting time passes faster with a small project. Pictured: Yours truly, working a simple k1, p1 test swatch on size US 5/3.75mm needles.

Ah, springtime is just around the corner. Can you feel it? Are you as excited as I am to see nature's seasonal re-birthing progress in action? As I begin storing away my family's multitude of mufflers, caps and heavy blankets, my knitting fancy returns to lace. What better way is there to dress up a plain tee, or to add a refined touch to a skirt hem, or to a pair of shorts? Vintage lace lovers are sure to enjoy the free patterns at Knitting-and's KnitWiki.

Spring. The word alone evokes images of fresh, tender greenery eager to spread its flourishing beauty. What of winter's tasks still languishing uncompleted? Like many of us fiber creatives, I've got a few WIPs (WIP = Work In Progress). They're not all knitting or blog related, but each has its priority, even though direction may be lacking in some areas. As far as this blog though, would you be kind enough to please give me a hand?

I'd love to know what my fellow Dopeless Knitters would like to see for the future of this blog. Yes, that's right- your opinion matters. I'd appreciate it if you would take a few minutes of your time to answer this quick Dopeless Knitter survey. All information will be kept confidential, and will not be sold, shared, or otherwise provided to anyone else, period. Thanks!

Alien Head Motif Chart

Keeping this motif chart off the radar has been driving me happily bonkers since mid December. Add it to your Ravelry queue today!

It's been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but what about theft? Have you ever made something so awesome (or horrible) that it ended up getting taken? Huge thanks to Brad Leclerc and April Leclerc for sharing their fun-loving adventures. ♥ =)

Dopeless Knitter Terms of Pattern Use

Dopeless Knitter and author fugitive247 makes this free pattern available for personal, non-commercial use only. Unauthorized reproduction of this pattern by any means, or mass production either by hand or automated means of any tangible goods which incorporate this pattern, and any other representations of this pattern either physically or via electronic means, are strictly prohibited without the express written consent of fugitive247 or her designated legal assigns. For-profit and non-profit 501c3 licensing options may become available. Inquiries welcome.

Cap pattern coming soon!

Alphabetically Addicted

A is for... acceptance. Maintaining a realistic perspective on my skills and aspirations certainly helps.

B is for... ball. Of yarn. A gargantuan ball of yarn.

C is for... color! Sometimes an ideal diversion for a dismal mood is as simple as practicing new stitches with some bright hues.

D is for... double-pointed needles (DPNs). Whether you love 'em or loathe 'em, eventually you'll probably need 'em.

E is for... Each One Teach One. This "pay it forward" principle applies to knitting, recovery, and well, life in general.

F is for... fibers, of which there are so many wonderful options.

G is for... gauge. Swatch it, then watch it.

H is for... humor. Take your mind off the dope. Laugh.

I is for... increase, as in one's confidence and self-esteem, from successfully applying him/herself to recovery -and- another worthwhile passion.

J is for... justification. Since all my bills are all paid, perhaps I'm entitled to buy those skeins I've been drooling over.

K is for... Knit-A-Long (KAL). It's a great way for folks to support each other while working on projects. Case in point: NaKniSweMo.

L is for... learning. Studies have shown that skills and lessons we learn are more quickly mastered the sooner we share our newly found knowledge with others.

M is for... meetings. Consideration for our brothers and sisters in the rooms is necessary. If there's an established group conscience which prohibits knitting during a group's meetings, please respect it.

N is for... needles. Bamboo, aluminum, straights, circular- anything except syringes.

O is for... open-mindedness. Take a walk on the wild side when it's needed. You never know when knitting a novelty yarn boa might genuinely help keep you clean.

P is for... patterns. Some cost while others are free. The Twelve Steps are free.

Q is for... quixotic: Any half-baked, dangerous notions an addict may have about being able to use without negative consequences.

R is for... Ravelry.com - Get your knit on!

S is for... stash. We've replaced dope with yarn. Yay, US!

T is for... therapeutic. Clinical research conducted since the 1950s increasingly supports the validity of Personal Control Theory (PCT) as a beneficial consideration in addiction recovery. Keep knitting!

U is for... unconventional. Knitters, like addicts, span all demographics. Contrary to popular stereotypes, our lack of fixed convention is the convention.

V is for... vintage. Here you will find a veritable feast of free vintage knit patterns. Enjoy!

W is for... wonderment. Technology continues to bring us marvelous new approaches to doing things. Perhaps in the future we'll be able to knit cool fiber optic clothing.

X is for... xkcd, specifically this strip which serves as an appropriate segue for showing some less-than-three (<3 = love) to a fellow knitter.

Y is for... yarn storming. Don't know what it is? Well, I'm glad you asked.

Z is for... zen. For many, there is a spiritual component to hand knitting.

Haves vs. Have Nots

I like to practice learning new stitches and skills, especially when I need a diversion from life-on-life's terms. Times like these are ideal for whittling down some of my yarn that's not already earmarked for specific projects. This practice of using extras or odd skeins falls under the concept referred to as "de-stashing."

One can choose to de-stash in creative ways, such as yarn storming, gifting unneeded inventory via an organization such as Freecycle™, or by knitting for a worthwhile charity. These methods are wonderful for folks for whom supply or budget considerations are not an issue. These fortunate souls can count themselves as "Haves."

Conversely, there's no shortage of us who, for whatever reasons, find ourselves in the other neighborhood known as the "Have Nots." There's nothing wrong with knitting in this side of town. Heck, isn't that where our familiar "last house on the block" is? It's also quite close to our new suppliers: the discount and thrift shops. What most of the Haves don't like to admit is that way back when, their first yarn was probably an ancient scratchy skein of Sayelle that Grandma bought at Kresge's in 1973.

What continues to perplex me are the self-righteous denizens of the Haves brigade: the Yarn Snobs. Thankfully, these myopic creatures represent only a small percentage of the Haves. Recovery teaches me that there's precious serenity in knowing that others' opinions of me are none of my business. This also extends to my knitting, thankyouverymuch. Still, where is the compassion, or even the teeniest snippet of logic in a mindset that gauges another knitter's worth on his or her yarn, tools, and so forth? If anyone is offended by these observations, there might be an underlying identification factor worth examining. Just saying.

Well, whether one's a Have or a Have Not, when it comes to addiction recovery we're all equals. This dopeless knitter certainly doesn't discriminate on the basis of fiber content. So bring out your Red Heart, your Peaches & Creme, your Andean silk, your homespun- it's all welcome at this stitch fest!

I get my kicks from yarn and sticks.

Huh? What's this blog about anyway? Hello and welcome to Dopeless Knitter. Here you will discover the quirky misadventures of a recovering addict whose daily recovery relies heavily on knitting. I dislike writing in the third person, so I'll spare us both from that pretentious nonsense. After all, when we opt to distance our true selves from our passions via various methods of depersonalization, humanity takes an undeserved hit. At least that's my belief. How long have you been doing whatever it is that you do? I learned to crochet when I was eight, and I still occasionally enjoy it. The knitting bug bit me during my late 20s, so I bought a basic how-to book since I didn't know anyone else who knits. Recovery-wise, I've been clean for several years, but success is only earned on a daily basis -- and that day is this today, right here in the present.

Are you all perfect now, or something?

I am not, nor do I ever expect to be "perfect." I am a guru of neither addiction recovery nor knitting, nor do I ever aspire to be. I'm just a nutty type of drug-free addict whose love of knitting is leading to more wonderful people and experiences.

So, what's your end goal with all this drug-free knitting stuff?

There's really no set objective for Dopeless Knitter. It's my sincerest wish though, that it may prove worthwhile as a medium for learning, inspiration and interaction among like-minded people.

Let the life fabric we knit together become our common bond.