Back in 2022, as I was preparing for retirement, I innocently typed “retirement hobbies” into a search bar. Big mistake. The internet cheerfully informed me that the two pillars of post-working life were knitting and chair aerobics. Not simultaneously, of course—that might be a bit too adventurous. Wouldn’t want to startle a retiree into a cardiac episode with too much excitement.
Fast forward to this year’s 100 Days of Summer challenge. On Day 3, the heavens opened in a dramatic downpour, and as there was nothing else to undertake (well, housework was available but frankly... no), I dusted off my trusty knitting needles. Rainy days and wool just go together somehow—at least better than dusting and vacuuming do.
With misplaced confidence and no small amount of optimism, I grabbed a pattern and cast on without really reading the fine print. Rookie error. It turned out I had committed to knitting a batwing jumper. In one piece. Yes, ONE piece. Very 1980s, very ambitious, and very much a journey.
I started at the bottom front, happily clacking along, until I reached the sleeves. That’s when the pattern called for casting on more stitches. And more. At one point, there were 278 stitches on a single needle. I swear I was knitting a tent. Holding it up became an upper body workout that would put any gym session to shame. Who needs resistance bands when you've got wool and overconfidence?
There were moments of pause, especially when the weather improved and sunshine lured me away from the woolly beast. But eventually, I returned, determined. Yesterday, I cast off the final stitch, sewed it together, and gave it the grand “Tah-Dah” it so richly deserved,
So now what? Is it time for Chair Aerobics?
Let’s not get carried away.
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