The Final Stitch

I cannot explain why I feel this way, but everytime I finish a knitting project, I go through a short period of mourning. I have a feeling of loss, a lack of anything to do, almost like helplessness. Isn't that funny? I felt it this morning, when I sewed the last button on my February Lady sweater, this immediately after finishing a donegal tweed vest called Olivine, and a new design by yours truly called Isabel's Peace Hat. The knitting process is like a journey, of perseverence (rows upon rows of lace) and a willingness to learn new techniques (like the tubular cast-on), taking risks (designing a fair isle hat). When the destination is in view, it's downright exciting! The heart beats faster and I can't stop working until it's done. I take my pictures, post them, and then I back off, grieving the end of a wonderful experience, before I'm ready to start one up again.