Few tasks are more like the torture of Sisyphus than housework, with its endless repetition: the clean becomes soiled, the soiled is made clean, over and over, day after day.-Simone de Beauvoir
I suppose it is a characteristic that exists in most homes...the endless repetition...making thousands of cups of tea and coffee, the same way every time. Porridge every morning for two of use (Kevin has a bizarre porridge phobia and won't touch the stuff...strange man). Making the beds. Wiping noses, changing diapers, hanging washing.
Much of the time, I find the endless recycling of tasks so overwhelming. I have been known to stand at the sink and cry over having to do the dishes again (I am melodramatic, I know). I have kicked many a magically refilling laundry basket. I have stomped my way to make those cups of tea and coffee.
Sometimes though, my fingers welcome the opportunity to make and remake things. To improve on a recipe or a pattern or a task with each repetition. To become intimate with the activity in a comfortable and unthinking kind of way.
This is pair 9 of these booties. My favourite yet with Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk and vintage buttons. Honestly, I want to dive into a vat of this yarn and sleep. Most free moments I have you will find me working on the next pair.
This is completed pair 3 of a set of lined baby trousers for new bub. Whilst I love making tiny trousers for kids, I often worry they aren't warm enough for the damp cool weather we have 11.5 months of the year. So lining them with old flannel receiving blankets seemed like the best way to go. Of course I couldn't just make one pair, but needed a set...each time making small changes, refining, perfecting. At least 3 or 4 more pairs are lined up, ready to go. (Fabric info is on flickr)
And while I have only made one of these, my fingers are itching to do more and more. Honestly, I want to set up a child's cooking school or throw Ellis a ridiculously large art/cooking themed birthday party just so I can make them over and over again. (Made with this pattern found via the lovely Aussie Mum).
But then, I am willing to accept that most things, even in repetition, will be more welcome than doing the dishes...again.