Progress on the Tip Top Tank was slow last week, and the project has entered a particularly repetitive phase where I am knitting the four triangles that make up the V-neck shape for the front and back, plus the associated straps. And, yes, I opted for the bow version of the top, which I have questioned ever since I finished the left-front. I’m now on the second strap.
The slow progress would usually offend my high sense of urgency, but I’ve found some peace within this project, and the pace isn’t worrying me. For the first time in ages, I am living without deadlines, and it feels good to just let something take its time.
As I’ve slowly worked on the tank, I also attended portions of the Knit Happy Summit, coordinated by Jessica Ays of Double the Stitches. I signed up for the free virtual summit on a whim, with the hope of getting a few tips to aid in my personal knitting addiction. It certainly delivered on that goal, with introductions to new techniques, tools, and technology for knitters.
But, there was another benefit. It also opened up my eyes to more of the knitting industry. The speakers ranged from sponsors with cool knitting products to tech editors and pattern designers. It was intriguing to see how people found their own personal way to be connected to the craft as a career.
In my 2010-era of blogging, I explored a few of these arenas myself by selling finished knits at craft markets and got certified by The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) as a Level 1 Master Knitter. I taught people around me to knit. I recorded and published a few podcast episodes. And, of course, I was blogging about my love of all things knitting and yarn. At that time, I was pursuing my undergraduate degree, and my dreams of a knitting-focused career became secondary to the more realistic option of using my degree in a corporate space.
Now, I feel a sense of déjà vu, with hopes of knitting for work re-emerging in my thoughts. As a result, I was reminded of some goals I made for using my TKGA membership back in August. I originally stated that I would like to complete the levels 2 and 3 of the master hand knitting program, but now I’m considering the other certifications too. I’ve got my eyes on the following options:
- Professional Knitter Certification
- Certification for Knitting Instructors
- Certification for Technical Editors
I’m going to research each option and get started with one at the beginning of the year. My enthusiasm wants to start sooner, but the holidays will have my attention (and enthusiasm) soon, so it makes sense to wait.
This feels like the beginning of a plan for something new and exciting. I’m looking forward to how it shapes up. Like the Tip Top Tank, I suspect that my progress will be slow. Let’s hope I can stay steady…
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