Things are kinda rough for me right now. PT and I broke up, and I’m in the process of moving back to Chicago. I packed up one carload last week and am staying with a friend.
I struggle with how much to share here, on twitter, on facebook. I even struggle with calling good friends to tell them the news, because I hate to be a downer. But here on a KNITTING BLOG it’s like – where is the line?
But at the end of the day, The Sweatshop of Love is me. And I’m sad. I’m sad because I thought I had it figured out, and I don’t. I’m sad because I love Minneapolis and my home there, and now I have to start over again. I’m sad because I went all in, and it just wasn’t meant to be.
So. I’m living on Planet Life Kinda Sucks right now. But I know I’m just visiting. I won’t be here forever. And I’ve visited before! We all visit Planet Life Kinda Sucks. I’m accepting it, and doing the things that you do while visiting Planet Life Kinda Sucks – watching every Julia Roberts movie ever made, eating cookies for breakfast, going to bed at 7:30, laying on the couch watching entire seasons of How I Met Your Mother in a day. See? It’s not that bad. The super suck part is when I have to look for an apartment alone, when I have to pack up everything and drive it back to Chicago alone. Ug.
But I’m going to be fine. I’m going to be fine really soon. 2013! … right?
And just think of all the work I can get done now that I don’t have a pesky boyfriend to take me out! It’s so much easier to work really hard when you are single than it is when you are, say, planning a STUPID wedding, or like, having a STUPID baby. Who needs it?!
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Oh GIRL, I had no idea this all was why you’re here now. It’s perfectly fine to visit the sad place. XO
lauren´s last [type] ..2012 blacklog, in a glance
Comment by lauren — January 7, 2013 @ 11:10 am
((HUGS))
You never know, these things may have fallen apart so that better things could fall together 
Ok, so I don’t think I have ever commented on here before, but I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I love it!
You are one awesome lady and don’t let this get you down too much… think of it as a new adventure…
Hope things start looking up for you soon
Comment by Bekah — January 7, 2013 @ 11:24 am
Thanks so much Lauren! ooyyy
Comment by Allyson — January 7, 2013 @ 12:11 pm
I really appreciate you taking the time to comment, Bekah! Thanks so much for your kind words. They mean a lot!
Comment by Allyson — January 7, 2013 @ 12:11 pm
Oh, sweetie, boy do I feel your pain!
I’m so sorry – sending many HUGS and much understanding. And Minneapolis is REALLY sorry to be losing you.
I really get the “is this KNIT BLOG worthy?” dilemma, which I seriously considered then viewed from my rear view window about 6 years ago.
Every now and then folks will write me snarky posts, “I come here for KNITTING CONTENT, not sob stories about your life” was one memorable one. But those folks can just go somewhere else.
I wish you weren’t going somewhere else.
Annie´s last [type] ..Holiday’s End
Comment by Annie — January 7, 2013 @ 12:39 pm
Life is full of ‘meant-to-be’s” but all to often we misinterpret those as “will-be’s”
I know how hard it can be but we all know that life is meant to be lived for us, the presence of another is just an added benefit. You are who you are and that, my dear, is a wonderfully creative, positive, and gorgeous individual.
Take time to work through it all, and remember life is meant for living. You cannot live in the past cause honey you have already lived it. Now it is time for you to live through and love so much more.
**Big Hugs**
Rohn
Comment by Rohn — January 7, 2013 @ 12:46 pm
babies are stupid. boys are stupid. weddings are stupid. YOU are great.
lilith anne´s last [type] ..Reflections
Comment by lilith anne — January 7, 2013 @ 12:57 pm
AMEN! hehe – thanks Lily!
Comment by Allyson — January 7, 2013 @ 12:58 pm
I loved this, Rohn! I’m going to remember this every time I’m having a hard time. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave me some much needed wisdom!
Comment by Allyson — January 7, 2013 @ 12:59 pm
Thanks Annie! I’m sorry to be leaving Minneapolis! I’ll for sure let you know when I’m back in town so we can have a knit night. And thanks so much for your kind words!
Comment by Allyson — January 7, 2013 @ 1:00 pm
Hugs to you! Good luck with your move and things will get better!!!
Sarah @ Knit York City´s last [type] ..WIP: Faire Isle, Slowly
Comment by Sarah @ Knit York City — January 7, 2013 @ 1:00 pm
Dangit! I want you to be living on Planet Always Rocking Don’t Come A Knocking!
I’m sorry about your breakup & all that entails. You’re the best and deserve to have all the awesome life experiences you want, with someone who wants the same things. And now, you will!
Ashley´s last [type] ..Fun With Facebook
Comment by Ashley — January 7, 2013 @ 1:24 pm
aw man, bummertown USA
i will say this: i am a new-ish follower to your blog and everything the Sweatshop entails and i can tell already that you are a super-motivated, creative and spunky lady who most definitely has her shit together! so no matter how alone you feel right now, and how much you are dreading this change alone….you are NOT alone! you have friends and family that love you, and when things like this happen that’s when those relationships really shine through.
maybe moving back to chicago is just what you need to kick-start into a new gear! focus on your business, your move, and most importantly, YOU! change can be scary, but it can also bring some new fun horizons
keep yer head up! Planet Life Kinda Sucks will soon be a distant memory <3
Comment by angela — January 7, 2013 @ 1:47 pm
Oh man, I’m sorry to hear the news, Allysson. I’m glad you feel as though you can share this, though; it’s not easy to talk about it, it’s not easy to get through – but somehow you will. Your friends and family (and the knitting community, excepting the snarky commenters who are probably also phantom disagreers on Ravelry) will support you. And though the circumstances are less than ideal, we Chicago knitters will gladly welcome you back to our little world of crafting. We’re here for you!
Hugs,
Stef
Stefanie´s last [type] ..Belated Xmas Swag
Comment by Stefanie — January 7, 2013 @ 1:50 pm
Wishing you lots of Love and Happiness!
Comment by James — January 7, 2013 @ 3:46 pm
I’m really sorry to hear about your temporary stop on Planet Life Kinda Sucks. It sounds like you’re doing the right things to ride it out, and I hope you find a fantastic apartment and the move goes smoothly. Life does Kinda Suck, but it’s going to get better! Go, 2013!
Bonnie´s last [type] ..Grieving
Comment by Bonnie — January 7, 2013 @ 4:29 pm
Hugs to you! I find that another perk to Planet Life Kinda Sucks is wine at 4:30 in the afternoon. Just sayin’
This blog is about YOU. That’s why I read it. I’m glad you shared. I’m sad for you, but once you’ve had time to be sad, embrace the excitement that comes with change!
MariGayle
Comment by MariGayle — January 7, 2013 @ 5:46 pm
Oh girl, major hugs, I know exactly how much this sucks and I felt exactly the same way about whether or not I should post about it on my blog too. I’m commenting from my parent’s basement where I am now living because my boyfriend of 10 years broke up with me 5 days before Christmas. I had to be out by Jan 1st, no time to look for a place and everyone was out of town. What timing. Anyway, you are awesome, talented, hardworking, a major cutie, etc so things will work out in the end, don’t fret. If you ever want to meet up for a coffee/tea hang or whatever when you’re back in Chicago, bring it!
Jen´s last [type] ..Polka Dot Moss Skirt
Comment by Jen — January 7, 2013 @ 7:25 pm
Keep our head up miss! You are an amazing person and I am so greatful to have you in my life. And hey without boyfriends, and weddings, and babies, you can spend more time visiting MI to be the best auntie EVER!
Emily´s last [type] ..Championship Bound Notre Dame!
Comment by Emily — January 7, 2013 @ 8:09 pm
I hate hearing that, Allyson! Of course, everyone’s comments are right- you’re strong, beautiful, and creative. And you’ll feel stronger sooner than you would have thought. I’ll stop before I start quoting Gloria Gaynor.
Michelle´s last [type] ..Scallop of the Sea
Comment by Michelle — January 7, 2013 @ 8:53 pm
Oh no, *hugs from across the sea*. Things can and will get better! And until then, enjoy your cookies…
Comment by Lilje — January 8, 2013 @ 1:59 am
YES! I’ll remember that one, too Mari! Thanks so much!
Comment by Allyson — January 8, 2013 @ 10:03 am
UUgg solidarity? Hang in there, lady! I shot you an email with my phone number so hopefully we will hang soon!
Comment by Allyson — January 8, 2013 @ 10:04 am
Best Aunt Ever! I like that title! hehe – thanks Emily!
Comment by Allyson — January 8, 2013 @ 10:04 am
Thank you so much Michelle! I really appreciate it!
Comment by Allyson — January 8, 2013 @ 10:04 am
COOKIES4LYFE! hehe – thanks!
Comment by Allyson — January 8, 2013 @ 10:05 am
Oh darling!! Hugs, hugs, and more hugs!
Whatever happens in the next few weeks, just know that you are super-awesome and that you, like Gloria Gaynor, will survive and grow stronger.
Jessica´s last [type] ..Happy Holidays to Everyone!!
Comment by Jessica — January 8, 2013 @ 11:56 am
Aw, I’m sorry dear. Here’s to more time for getting work done, though! I expect to see some amazing Sweatshop of Love designs in 2013
Gynx´s last [type] ..The Dyer’s Notebook – Episode 16
Comment by Gynx — January 8, 2013 @ 2:27 pm
I’ve been reading your blog for almost 2 years now and knowing I could come to your blog and read about your crafty adventures got me through a hard time in my life. I love your creativity and spirit. I know you’ll get through this hard time with grace and a whole lot of cookies. Best of luck.
Comment by Denise — January 8, 2013 @ 9:03 pm
Thanks so much Denise! I’m going to craft myself right though this hard time, too!
Comment by Allyson — January 9, 2013 @ 10:37 am
Delurking to say: I think you shared just the right amount; congrats on Holla Knits; and loved your Mollie Makes feature. It’s been a great year! Go 2013!
Comment by marthawinger — January 9, 2013 @ 11:05 am
Dude. That’s hard. I’m really sorry. Take care of yourself. Watch lots of videos of puppies and kittens.
Rainy Daisy´s last [type] ..Stuff I couldn’t Show you Before
Comment by Rainy Daisy — January 13, 2013 @ 4:16 pm
So behind on my blog reading, and I just saw this…
So sorry that you are hurtin’, dear. Hug the fur-kids, and know that you will be all right. Thinking of you.
Comment by Colleen — January 17, 2013 @ 10:23 pm