Where does the time go?
There are two little ones now and the time to knit or write (or even think) is in short supply. But still, there are a few FOs and even more WIPs. I am have completely lost all perseverance when it comes to knitting so whenever I run into even the smallest problem, I cast on something new. This has worked out well because I get to spend my time knitting and not troubleshooting. However, now the knitting box is exploding and I don’t really have anything to show for it.
I was inspired by TangledThread on the Stash and Burn Ravelry board who started a WIP smack down. That’s what I need – motivation and accountability. Also, "smack down" is pretty bad-ass. There is something very appealing about having a knitting goal and about starting 2016 fresh with a clean slate. Every other aspect of my life seems a bit like Groundhog Day, especially the laundry, so it would be nice to feel like I’m making some sort of progress.
I was sick last week and spend some time taking stock of my knitting boxes. Yup, boxes. There were 7 projects that qualified for the smack down:
(Keep in mind I am sick in this picture and still wearing make-up from the day before)
This pattern was really quick and worked extraordinarily well with the Rowan Big Wool I had in my stash. I actually knit two of these ear warmers with one ball of Rowan, but the dog got one while they were blocking. It was the first time she actually destroyed knitting and though I was so mad, I guess I was grateful she didn’t destroy a blanket or a sweater. She once took a project from my knitting basket when she was a puppy but I managed to get it from her before she could shred it. Not so lucky this time! I think the painful memory of the loss of the twin headband prevented me from actually sewing it shut. Luckily I’m over it now.
This cowl is so smooshy. I can’t wait to give it to my niece. All I had left to do was weave in ends and block it. Done and done.
3. Rebecca Danger Inspired Softy
This little monster only needs arms and maybe a scarf to match his little shorts. Maybe. I think he got put into a time out because I wasn’t sure about his head shape. Today, I am not so picky, especially since today I think it looks fine. Now to figure out what I want the arms to look like. This is what happens when you don’t actually buy the pattern…
This was almost done, until I realized that there was a big problem with it. Do you see it? If only I didn’t care the pocket wasn’t centered. I was so angry (even though I was my own fault) that this project has been in time out for a very long time. I'm still not sure how to save it. I am hoping I can just remove the seams on either side of the pocket and see if some creative sewing will fix it. I really don’t want to reknit the pocket.
I have no idea where I am in this pattern. I have a bunch of pieces on a holder but it’s unclear what they are or how far I am along in the piece on the needles. At least I have a note about what needle size I was using. I never used to understand people who needed to write notes about their knitting so they would remember where they left-off…Now, I wish I had done it.
6. Elwood (I think)
I’m not even really actually sure this is Elwood, but since I have the pattern downloaded on my phone, it’s a promising lead. I think this went into timeout because I thought I did not have enough yarn. Looking at it now, I am sure that I do not have enough yarn.
I have bought so much Malabrigo worsted in these colours that I have to have some more somewhere in the stash, right? It would really irk me to have to buy yarn for a stash busting project. I could try to come up with a creative solution – different colour arms and button band? I do have some blue… ugh. I also have no idea which size I was making or which needles I was using. Usually with Malabrigo worsted I use US6 and 8… I really want to stick my tongue out at those small little balls of yarn and throw this WIP back in time out.
7. Monkey Socks
This yellow is so bright it makes me happy despite the gloomy, grey fall days we’ve had so far. I had originally cast these on for Sue but they are coming out too wide. Should I rip them and knit them on smaller needles? The other option is to finish them and give them to Brianne. She tried them on a few weekends ago and it was truly a Cinderella moment – a perfect fit. I will mull it over while I finish the Vintage Car Coat.
There are a few more WIPs, but I wasn’t really sure what those were so I didn’t add them to the list. I wanted a (semi-) realistic goal. Only 5 projects and 57 days to go. Can I do it?
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