Should You Take a Summer Vacation from Knitting?

Are you a year-round knitter? I usually knit all year long, but this summer I decided to take a few purposeful breaks throughout the season. Why? I want to share with you what I hope this summer vacation from knitting brings me, and what I’m doing instead.

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Now why on God’s green earth would anyone need a summer knitting vacation?

Most often, I search for open pockets of time anywhere that I can knit a few rows! But this summer is different.

After taking a break from my knitting podcast and all public sharing for a few months, I’m ready to share all about how I’m creating cozy in the chaos by the grace of God. But why not my knitting?

Truthfully, I just need a little break.

I’m not the same person I was when I learned to knit over 10 years ago. I have 4 kids, I have other interests and passions, and I want to keep my love of knitting alive by not squeezing the life out of it by knitting for work and pleasure all year long.

I’ve also learned a lot about myself in God’s eyes, and saw knitting for what I made it in my life: an idol.

I grew up thinking idols were literally little statues that people would worship instead of God. But truthfully, anything that we make bigger in our lives than God is an idol. And for me, that was knitting.

I spent a lot of time in prayer and in God’s word to overcome these struggles, and I feel like knitting and I are in a good, healthy place now. So again, why am I giving up knitting this summer?!

Even if idolizing knitting isn’t an issue for you, we might have similar reasons to take a little breather from the hobby.

So let me share with you the reasons why you might consider taking a break from summer knitting, and refresh yourself for when the leaves start to fall and the air gets crisper again.

Reasons to take a summer vacation from knitting

1. It’s just too darn hot

You could sit inside and knit all summer, but then you’re missing out on some of the magic of summer!

Beach trips, supervising kids in sprinklers, it’s all part of the excitement of the season. And knitting much of anything- except maybe socks- in this heat can be brutal. I’m of the mindset of saving the joy and coziness of the craft for when the air gets chilly and I want to wrap myself up in my knits!

2. Learn to play with fiber in a new way

One way to give a little space from knitting but still be creative is to use yarn…just differently.

This is a great time to get dirty with yarn dyeing outside. Or create some macrame for your bedroom. I’m eyeing this crochet book holder pattern for near our homeschool nook.

3. Get re-inspired and ready for fall

Just taking time to see what yarn, patterns, and techniques are big right now can scratch your knitting itch.

I find myself mid-July looking at autumn photos of pumpkins and sweaters wrapped around coffee mugs just to give myself a little hint of what’s to come. Then I can get back to the summer fun (and heat!) knowing that my season is right around the corner!

4. Avoid burn out

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, sometimes even in knitting! When you push and push, knitting can start to lose its joy, especially if you’re doing it for work.

5. Give room to other hobbies

During my knitting breaks this summer, I’ve read or listened to over 10 books. That might not be a lot to some of you, but for me, it’s huge! I’ve rediscovered my love of books and stories, and it’s spilling over into my mothering and homeschooling. Our entire family is reading so much this summer!

6. Sand and yarn don’t mix

I don’t live near the beach, but doesn’t it sound so magical to sit and knit by the beach?

But when you think about what that actually looks like, I don’t think I’d want to knit with sandy yarn, and definitely I wouldn’t want to wear anything with sand stuck in the fibers!

7. Sketch or swatch ideas

But, bring a sketchbook out to the beach or the bonfire pit, and you’re good to draw out some ideas and different stitch combinations for a stocking or sweater you want to cast on when it cools off.

8. Save your yarn for projects you love

Sometimes, I’ll cast something on that I’m not excited about. This seems to happen when I’m uninspired, unprepared, and forcing myself to busy my hands.

But then, inevitably, I tear it out halfway through. If you’re not loving your summer knitting projects, save that yarn for the perfect project in a few more weeks.

9. Let your yarn stash breathe for a season

Leaving your knitting alone seems like neglect, but actually giving your yarn space to breathe can be a good thing. I like to swap out my chunky winter yarn for lighter fibers to store in my yarn hutch.

If certain seasonal yarn doesn’t see the light of day for another year, the quality of the fiber is going to go down (and no doubt really stinky if it’s animal fiber!)

Do you see why I decided to take a summer knitting vacation?

I love knitting. It’s my favorite hobby, and I’m blessed to have it as my creative work, too. But everyone needs a break sometimes, from work, from projects.

Will I go back to knitting after summer? Umm heck yeah. I’m already filling my Pinterest with vision boards for autumn knitting projects! But these intentional summer vacations from knitting can be so great for your creativity and soul.

Should You Take a Summer Vacation from Knitting?

Are you a year-round knitter? I usually knit all year long, but this summer I decided to take a few purposeful breaks throughout the season. Why? I want to share with you what I hope this summer vacation from knitting brings me, and what I’m doing instead.