I've been knitting for more years than I care to remember, and sometimes quite intensively.  And, I've managed to do so without suffering any ill effects to my hands and wrists.  Until now.

Several days ago I woke up to extreme pain in my right wrist.  I couldn't even hold a coffee cup.  I think what did me in was the next to the last clue in the 2011 KALendar shawl:

Usually when knitting lace, there's enough variety that I'm not making exactly the same wrist and finger movements all of the time.  On this particular clue, there are endless rows on I don't know how many stitches (a LOT – enough to fill a 60" cable to overflowing) of the same pattern – k2 tog through the front and back of a stitch.  Over and over – and over.  I probably should have paced myself a little better, but I so wanted to get beyond it to the more interesting border.  I bought a wrist splint and have been icing like crazy and it's much improved.  I haven't entirely quit knitting, but am limiting myself to lightweight projects for no more than about 20 minutes at a time and no more than maybe an hour a day.  For me, that's almost the equivalent of complete withdrawal!  I am prepared to stop entirely if there's the spectre of permanent damage, but since I am getting better, I'll keep doing what I'm doing.  I am seeing the doctor today for my annual physical and I'll discuss the matter with him.

Fortunately I have some sewing projects to command my attention.  Isobel's 7th birthday is coming up and she has been showing a lot of interest in knitting.  So I am making her a learn-to-knit kit.  I found this darling fabric to make a bag and have bought her some bamboo needles.  I'll look for some pretty blue yarn from my stash to complete the kit:

Her mother and I also took a big chance and went together to get her this:

We're not exactly sure what the reception will be.  She told her mother that she wanted an American Girl Doll, but then said she didn't like dolls because she's not a girly-girl.  She does a lot of rubber necking when they walk by the store, so I think she's intrigued.  We're hoping to convince her that tomboys can have dolls too.  We liked this one because it looks like her.  My sister is going to get her a book about women scientists and we'll suggest she name her doll after one of them.  I'll also make her a Karate outfit.  Isobel recently won her first belt in Karate!

We've enjoyed some really stellar weather around here lately – at least between the rain showers.  Last Saturday hubby and I decided to take the Karman Ghia convertible out for a spin and found this charming little example of yarn bombing:

Actually, I don't know if it's technically yarn bombing if you use commercially knit garments, but it's cute nonetheless!  

Next week I hope to post from my parents' house in Missouri, although internet and even cell phone coverage will be sketchy at best.  It should be a fun time.  All of my parents' children and their spouses will be there.  Please pray for a safe journey for all, and no tornadoes!