Tons of tags on this one, but really it boils down to this: with knitting, I seem to pick projects that are either a) sweaters knit in one piece or b) really, really big rectangles or c) afghans that will never be finished. Look closely at the photos, and you might see why that is.
Take for example the Spirit Sweater. Granted, it's really the February Lady Sweater but I just can't bring myself to call it that . . . probably because I'm no lady. I knit a row and feel exhausted. Over and over again, I remind myself that I am knitting the whole thing at one time (except for those sleeves), but it doesn't do any good. You've got to love EZ and her simplicity but maybe this is why she had the pattern for a baby. Even Liz might have found knitting for a 52 inch chest in the gull lace pattern a bit daunting (probably not, but it gets me through the day). The Big Fat Girl Crush? Long rectangle. Check back with me in a year and we'll see if I've made any progress. It's not a matter of purchasing all that Noro Silk Garden since I have had all the yarn for two years. The afghans? Good lord . . . three and none of them will keep me warm this year unless I pile the pieces strategically around me.
Maybe that's why I like socks . . . they're quicker, more portable, and seem to be a smaller project. In reality, the only thing they have going for them is the portability aspect. Even that will most likely change in the coming months as I teach myself knitting two at a time so that I can teach a class at the shop.
Enter Interweave's Holiday Knits issue. I was looking for something fast like last year's home run Koolhaas. No such luck this time around. Granted, it was replete with gorgeous (and I would have put periods between all the letters but am too lazy) hand knits, but there was nothing that seemed like it would go quickly that truly interested me. The one that piqued my interest was the Frost Flowers Stole (long rectangle? I'm your bitch). I bought the last copy at the knit shop - there were more coming, lest you think I got greedy - specifically for that pattern until the reality of casting on 992 stitches sunk in. Let me repeat that 992 stitches. The next sentence in the directions is: Casting on a large number of stitches can be a challenge (really? Thanks for the heads up IK) so you might want to put stitch markers every 20 stitches and make the tail of the 100s longer. Again, you are so insightful IK editors. I never - NEVER - would have thought to put stitch markers every 20 stitches. Then again, I never will need to since I would be knitting this. If anyone knits this, let me know . . . I would like to tip my hat!
The girls received their SAT results and we were all very thrilled with the results. Now? We wait to see which colleges say, "Come on down" and which ones say, "Thanks." I don't really remember it being this nerve wracking when I was the senior, but it probably was. I have a meeting to attend today about the girls, and I'm dreading it. Suffice it to say, the mama bear in me is coming out and it usually isn't a pretty sight even when I am trying to control the tone of my voice. Veronica says that tone is worse than being yelled at. I'll post about it later.
Have a lovely weekend . . . and stay warm! It's freezing on the East coast and the wool clogs are coming in very handy.
Ava
PS - the Winter Knotions Preview is up . . . some very tempting items in that one, especially the knee socks. See what I mean? Even the socks are getting longer - UGH!
Well? Scores??
Posted by: MC | October 24, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Ooh...thanks for the link -- the socks may be getting longer, but those are adorable! Congrats to the girls on their SAT scores, I'm sure they'll get into some great schools.
Posted by: Sarah | October 24, 2008 at 09:56 PM
college. i am kinda pissed it took my brother away. i know he is doing well, and loves it, but i miss him. boohoo. um, was your birthday the october one? yeah, finally started finding my blog friend on ravelry. so i am a little late. but i gotcha.
Posted by: mamie | October 26, 2008 at 02:45 AM
great post,, helps me to realized I am not the only one who feels so far behind in the knitting world..oh my again 992 stitches??... I wouldn't even have that many stitch markers...what's that, nearly 50??.that's an insane amount. Way beyond my abilities at this point. Good luck on the school search.:D
Posted by: cici | October 26, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Ava-I saw you on the Martha Stewart show! I was home sick that day and the episode was just starting as I turned on the TV. I scanned the audience...and there you were! Those boys were very charming! I envy your cold temperatures on the East Coast. I am here in California and it's supposed to be 82 today. No, I'm not trying to rub it in. I hate it. Even though I was born and raised here, I think I must have been a New Englander in a former life. As soon as September arrives, I crave cooler temps and nippy air, swirling leaves, hot apple cider, etc. Except that, in reality, it stays in the 80's until the end of October, and sometimes into November. Bummer for me. Good luck with the college search! I hope they find a perfect match!
Posted by: Kristina | October 27, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Get ready to roll your eyes and say that funny word, because I'm up for 992 stitches. That shawl/stole is gorgeous and the new shipment of Fino that Joanne received recently is equally gorgeous. Come on, you know you want to.
Posted by: tricia | October 29, 2008 at 07:29 AM