During periods of anxiety, it helps me to keep busy. Preferably small things, with instant gratification involved. Because when you are waiting on big things which are out of your control, it's good to go for a little contrast.
Mark is in the midst of entrance exams. I have made a dozen felt rings. Including the one that disintegrated when trimmed too much before it was properly felted and the one that has mysteriously disappeared (looks suspiciously at the cat).
I used to think I was quite good at handling pressure. Seems that's only true when I have some element of control over the outcome. I'm off to hunt down some more scraps of wool.
Oh, I know this feeling. The control via fabric. Good luck for him.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 24 January 2012 at 10:03
Good luck , Mark. I shall be picking your brains next week - it's a year away for us, but still.
I have been sewing like a fiend for similar out of control tendencies ... Might actually photograph them today!
Posted by: Dottycookie | 24 January 2012 at 10:16
Yes, it is a stressful time. Hope you all emerge unscathed. Small projects, funny films and little treats got our sons ( and us!) through the experience. Good luck.
Posted by: Avril Horn | 24 January 2012 at 10:39
Oh Ali, I will keep everything crossed, parenting just seems to get more stressful as they get older!
Posted by: Rebecca | 24 January 2012 at 10:43
All best wishes for Mark. We've been there and done it all - right through to waiting anxiously for finals results, but I still remember the stress!
Posted by: Jane | 24 January 2012 at 10:54
cake helps too xoxoxo
Posted by: driftwood | 24 January 2012 at 12:34
Good luck Mark and Mum! If it's any consolation I'm exactly the same...
Posted by: lina | 24 January 2012 at 13:24
All behind me now, the educational anxiety, thank goodness. Good luck to Mark, but try not to worry too much Ali, maybe I'm overly laid back but raising my four has taught me that they all find their way to wherever they need to be.
Love the rings, can I ask how you felted them ... I'd like to have a go and I'm thinking inside a tights leg along with a load of washing? Hope the cat didn't eat the missing one ... that could be an interesting fur ball!
Posted by: Annie | 24 January 2012 at 14:01
Good Luck to Mark. Those little rings are adorable - the perfect thing to keep your mind off the pressure. The sad news is ... it doesn't seem to get better. They move from entrance exams to job interviews ... Etc. I guess Mother's were just meant to worry...;-(. Happy Ring Knitting!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 24 January 2012 at 14:24
Good luck to Mark. I think you're right about presure, it is easier to fend off the stress when you have an element of control. Hope the ring making keeps your mind occupied and I also think Driftwood is right about cake helping! xxx
Posted by: Julie | 24 January 2012 at 14:48
I swear it's more stressful for a mother when her children are doing exams than it would be if she was doing them herself - and I'm sure she wouldn't make so many completely ridiculous mistakes!
Posted by: Helen in Switzerland | 24 January 2012 at 15:51
Good luck Mark and hugs to you.
Posted by: Gina | 24 January 2012 at 18:03
Good luck to you both! I hope that the felting is helping to alleviate the stress. I've made bracelets but never rings, but yours are lovely so I think I should have a go! Cathy XX
Posted by: pinkgreen | 24 January 2012 at 20:19
Oh, thinking of you!
Posted by: Lynn | 24 January 2012 at 20:43
Hope all goes as smoothly as possible for all concerned.
Lisa x
Posted by: Lisa | 24 January 2012 at 21:12
I remember that feeling! I am sure he will do well - he has always struck me as a very determined young man.
Posted by: Alice C | 24 January 2012 at 22:31
It's such a stressful time, they seem to talk about it at school amongst themselves in quite a metter of fact way so I think the children handle it better then us.
Keep felting the stress into submission x
Posted by: French Knots | 25 January 2012 at 10:10
Those are very good rings. I'd love to know how to make them.
I hope the exams are mostly over now or if not, then the anxiety has lifed a little.
Posted by: Emma | 27 January 2012 at 07:54
Fingers all crossed for you. At least your fingers will be warm as toast!
If you need wool scraps let me know. I seem to be breeding them...
Posted by: mooncalf | 27 January 2012 at 11:56
oh I love them! must tell us how!!
hang in there... it'll soon be over!
Posted by: Monica | 30 January 2012 at 21:36