It’s been a crazy few weeks around here. We’ve had a ton of out-of-town visitors, which has meant very little knitting and spinning time for me. I’ve had two projects that I’ve been working on.
With the visitors and other things, I was in a bit of a project funk. I had nothing on the needles and there was nothing I wanted to make. I’ve found that the best way for me to deal with this is to just sit down and make something. Socks are usually an easy answer because I know I’ll wear them, I’ve got plenty of stash, and there are a ton of patterns in my queue. So, I sat down and picked a sock out of the new Cookie A. book, Sock Innovation, and I cast on for Devon. The first sock was finished fairly quickly. However, it may be the first time I’ve had a case of second sock syndrome. I finished the first sock and had no motivation for the second. I languished again with nothing on the needles and then finally forced myself to cast on the second. The pattern isn’t the problem, it’s well written and makes a nice sock. I’m on the leg of the second sock, but not sure when I’ll finish them.
At work, there’s a bit of a baby boom going on. Three baby girls are expected in my department over the next three months. When it comes to baby gift knitting, I’ve always been a bit hesitant. It’s a lot of work for someone who may not appreciate the effort, and I usually don’t have much baby-safe (machine washable) yarn in my stash, other than sock yarn. Since the baby parents to be are not knitters, I never feel comfortable giving gifts that require any special washing.
I’ve loved the look of the Tiramisu blanket since I first saw it on Ravelry. Yes, it’s crochet, which I rarely ever do, but I’ve just really wanted to make it. When I was at the store the other day, there was a great deal on a few colors of the Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice yarn. I picked up some in Rose and Fern. I got enough to make two blankets. One will be Rose with a Fern border, and one will be Fern with a Rose border. It’s actually a project that I’m excited about, so I think it may be the way to get me back to knitting.
I’m making quick progress on the blanket. I’m not sure if it’s because crochet uses more yarn than knitting, or if I just am so used to knitting with lightweight yarns. I’ve crocheted about 250 yards, and I’ve only worked on it for one evening. I don’t think there should be any problem getting the first one done before the first baby, as long as she doesn’t come too soon before her July 10th due date.
Finally, this weekend is Black Sheep Gathering. I’m headed down to Eugene with Kate. I’m pretty excited. I wasn’t a spinner last year when I went, and there is a ton of fiber at this event (lots of yarn, too). I’m trying to decide what my budget should be. I have a feeling I might go a bit overboard on the fiber buying. I’ve been managing my yarn stash for so long that it isn’t a huge deal to me to not buy stuff. But, my fiber stash is relatively small, and shows like this are only a few times a year. I’ll be sure to take pictures and post details when I get back.
twistedloops
