Slow Stitches & Summer Slices: Sewing, Knitting, and Resting Through a Sick Week

Well friends, this past week did not go quite the way I had pictured it in my mind. Instead of powering through my to-do list and working on new projects for the channel, I ended up down for the count with a kidney infection (10/10 do not recommend). My days were a blur of tea mugs, heating pads, and naps usually with Betsy curled up like a tiny guardian at my side, making sure no one messed with her human.

Slowing Down With Gentle, Comforting Projects

With my energy running low, I decided to lean into the slow and gentle. There’s something comforting about quiet projects when you don’t have much to give those stitches that don’t demand urgency, the kind of making you can do in a cozy nest without any pressure.

Cozy Sewing: My First Nova Jumpsuit

First up was my Nova Jumpsuit from True Bias, made in a wonderfully soft and stretchy knit fabric that feels like wearing secret pajamas. This is my very first time trying the pattern, and I have to say, it’s pure comfort sewing.

The construction was forgiving, the fabric was friendly, and every time I slipped it over my head for a quick fit check, I felt like I should be lounging on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea. If you’ve ever wanted to make something you know you’ll live in, this might be it.

• https://truebias.com/products/nova-jumpsuit

Hand-Quilted Tote Bag: A Slow-Burn Sewing Project

Over in the handwork corner, I pulled out my slow-burn project: a hand-quilted tote bag. It’s one of those makes that’s all about the journey rather than the finish line tiny stitches marching neatly across soft layers, the kind of repetitive rhythm that lets your mind wander while your hands keep busy.

• https://www.abbymaed.com/post/quilted-tote-bag-tutorial

Perfect sick-day sewing, where you can pause anytime to take another sip of tea or let your eyes drift shut for “just a minute.”

Knitting Whimsy: Old Salt Socks by Design by Sew and Sew

When I needed a little burst of color, I reached for my Old Salt Socks by Ashley at Design by Sew and Sew. That fishy little chart in the pattern is still making me grin every time I pick it up. There’s just something about a whimsical motif in knitting it’s like a hidden wink between the maker and the project. The pattern’s releasing at the end of the month, so stay tuned!

• https://www.designbysewandsew.com

A Giant Garden Watermelon

And speaking of bright spots let’s talk about the crown jewel of my week: the watermelon from my garden. This beauty was pure yum! There’s just something magical about stepping outside and picking something you grew with your own hands, especially when it’s the size of a small planet and tastes like pure summer sunshine.

Finding Joy in Rest and Recovery

So while the week didn’t go according to plan, it turned into something else—a reminder that sometimes you have to slow down, that healing and resting are just as important as doing. I may not have a shiny new YouTube video for you this week, but I do have a finished jumpsuit to wear, a tote bag that’s one step closer to done, socks that are steadily growing, and a watermelon that could probably not win a prize at the county fair but definitely won a prize in my book.

I’m hoping to be back next week with something fun and full of energy to share. Until then, I’ll be over here, sipping tea, stitching slowly, and maybe sneaking one more slice of that watermelon.

In the meantime, with summer coming to an end there’s time for one last warm weather knitting project! Now through Sunday 17th you can snag

my Party Line Scarf pattern for 50% off! Just use code PARTYON on Ravelry or follow this link and it should apply the discount for you!

• https://www.ravelry.com/redeem/kaci-apple-designs?code=PARTYON

If you’ve been making anything this week whether you’re going full speed or keeping it slow I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!