Actually, I have a new name for this syndrome: Psewing Psychosis
Now for more sickness...
I mentioned in my last post that I recently bought two new knitting books. One is about knitting with beads. One of the techniques calls for actually adding beads by sewing them onto knit projects. For whatever reason, the thought of using a needle and thread to sew on beads doesn't make me that crazy! (Though I know I would much rather knit the beads in than sew them on, especially if there were a lot of them.) So, what's the difference? Sewing is sewing, right?
I finally cast on for That Little Scarf with the Nashua Grand Opera. I've gotten through 5 rows and am finding the lace knitting to be somewhat addictive. The yarn is SOOOOO pretty (thank you, Skylar!) and the pattern is fun to learn. I am also knitting from a chart for the first time, I thought that this would be a good pattern to learn on as it's not too complicated. The yarn is a little difficult to work with; it has very little elasticity and has a tendency to want to split. But I am getting used to it, and it looks like it will make for a gorgeous scarf in the end. Patience, patience...
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Fear of Finishing (Sew What?)
I realized today that I have a dreadful disease. Self-diagnosed, true, but a real, unrefutable condition. May even have long-term effects on my knitting career. It's called "Fear of Finishing". I have heard that this disease is prevalent among those of us who knit and crochet. What I didn't realize was that it manifests itself quite differently in each individual. Until today, that is.
I was at Alamitos Bay Yarn Company, killing time before an appointment (and trying to stick to my self-imposed yarn diet). While standing at the front counter waiting to pay for two new books (I did not say anything about a book diet, did I?) I picked up a brochure for custom garment labels. You know, those cute labels your granny used to sew inside your lovingly hand-knit sweaters, that said stuff like "Made For You With Love By Grandma" (OK, well my Nana used them...you're just jealous.) Well, you should see the selection of labels you can now order from this brochure. Some were very clever. Since I now knit so many things for my son, the college dude, for a moment I was REALLY tempted to get some of those labels. My son would appreciate them, he proudly wears all of my hand-knit gifts.
Then I realized, Wow, I would have to SEW the labels on.
I HATE to sew.
I've hated sewing since 6th grade and my first Home Ec class. I couldn't tell you why, haven't got a clue. Never had any bad experiences sewing, never basted my finger to a garment in progress, my dirndl skirts and aprons came out fine, thank you very much. When I was about 11 my mom bought a very nice, state-of-the-art Singer console sewing machine. When we got the machine my mom and I took a little sewing class together. I even had my very own sewing basket with all of the necessities and then some. But, nevertheless...
I HATE SEWING. To this very day, I will do anything to avoid having to pick up a needle and thread. When buttons come off of garments, I "collect"them in an out of the way place until I absolutely have to, and then I will finally give in and pull out the sewing box (yes, I still have one...and a portable machine that can be safely hidden in a closet.) I break into a cold sweat when I see my DH approaching with a dress shirt in his hand, with that beseeching look on his manly mug ("Hon, a button came off this shirt...")
So, about those labels...faggedaboudit!
The funny thing is, I don't mind sewing with yarn (except dealing with lots of ends, but who loves that?)
Now, is that sick, or what?
I was at Alamitos Bay Yarn Company, killing time before an appointment (and trying to stick to my self-imposed yarn diet). While standing at the front counter waiting to pay for two new books (I did not say anything about a book diet, did I?) I picked up a brochure for custom garment labels. You know, those cute labels your granny used to sew inside your lovingly hand-knit sweaters, that said stuff like "Made For You With Love By Grandma" (OK, well my Nana used them...you're just jealous.) Well, you should see the selection of labels you can now order from this brochure. Some were very clever. Since I now knit so many things for my son, the college dude, for a moment I was REALLY tempted to get some of those labels. My son would appreciate them, he proudly wears all of my hand-knit gifts.
Then I realized, Wow, I would have to SEW the labels on.
I HATE to sew.
I've hated sewing since 6th grade and my first Home Ec class. I couldn't tell you why, haven't got a clue. Never had any bad experiences sewing, never basted my finger to a garment in progress, my dirndl skirts and aprons came out fine, thank you very much. When I was about 11 my mom bought a very nice, state-of-the-art Singer console sewing machine. When we got the machine my mom and I took a little sewing class together. I even had my very own sewing basket with all of the necessities and then some. But, nevertheless...
I HATE SEWING. To this very day, I will do anything to avoid having to pick up a needle and thread. When buttons come off of garments, I "collect"them in an out of the way place until I absolutely have to, and then I will finally give in and pull out the sewing box (yes, I still have one...and a portable machine that can be safely hidden in a closet.) I break into a cold sweat when I see my DH approaching with a dress shirt in his hand, with that beseeching look on his manly mug ("Hon, a button came off this shirt...")
So, about those labels...faggedaboudit!
The funny thing is, I don't mind sewing with yarn (except dealing with lots of ends, but who loves that?)
Now, is that sick, or what?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Good Man is a Good Find
Whew! It's been a very busy last couple of weeks. No time to write up a new post, though a couple of ideas have been percolating.
I recently came back from a few days in Vegas with my DH, just a quick getaway for a bit of R&R. While waiting to board our flight home, we were sitting and talking about this and that. I no longer recall how the subject came up, but I found myself casually confessing that I had this fantasy (only now and then) of someday owning a yarn store, perhaps with a knitting friend. After the words fell out of my mouth, I waited for my husband to tell me that it was a bad idea, and all the reasons to go with it. To my utter amazement, not only did he NOT say anything to quash the notion, he was quite receptive! A few minutes later we were deep in a discussion covering what would make for a good location, hiring employees, and viability in the current local retail market. He even suggested that I pick the brain of a woman we knew who had been successful in starting a specialty retail business about 10 years ago.
This little interlude confirmed for me three things about my DH: First, he respects me enough to take my ideas seriously. Second, I married a great man. Last, he really understands how seriously I am into this knitting thing!
I don't know if the yarn store idea will ever become reality. I'm not sure that I actually want to do it, but it's an idea for sometime in the future. Perhaps upon retirement. We'll see. But it IS fun to think about...
On another note, Dear Son (DS) came home from college for winter break last Friday night. I think he is still growing! He definitely looks taller than when I last saw him, 2 1/2 months ago. I am happy to have him home, at least for awhile. We have had some special time together, and I am enjoying how our conversations are changing as he matures (yes, and I do mean the M word, how exciting!) Living away from mommy and daddy has definitely worked wonders. I am working feverishly on his argyle vest; my goal is to have it done by the time he goes back to school late January. Tonight I divided for the armholes, and I am ready to start the intarsia pattern. What joy! This is my first intarsia work, so I am a little nervous, but I know I can do it. I spent some time tonight making the final pattern calculations for the argyle pattern. I am definitely ready to knit something other than tan (the MC). Maybe I will post a couple of pictures of the WIP soon, though I find I am usually too lazy to start messing with pictures; I'd much rather use that time to knit!
I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings, whatever you celebrate!
I recently came back from a few days in Vegas with my DH, just a quick getaway for a bit of R&R. While waiting to board our flight home, we were sitting and talking about this and that. I no longer recall how the subject came up, but I found myself casually confessing that I had this fantasy (only now and then) of someday owning a yarn store, perhaps with a knitting friend. After the words fell out of my mouth, I waited for my husband to tell me that it was a bad idea, and all the reasons to go with it. To my utter amazement, not only did he NOT say anything to quash the notion, he was quite receptive! A few minutes later we were deep in a discussion covering what would make for a good location, hiring employees, and viability in the current local retail market. He even suggested that I pick the brain of a woman we knew who had been successful in starting a specialty retail business about 10 years ago.
This little interlude confirmed for me three things about my DH: First, he respects me enough to take my ideas seriously. Second, I married a great man. Last, he really understands how seriously I am into this knitting thing!
I don't know if the yarn store idea will ever become reality. I'm not sure that I actually want to do it, but it's an idea for sometime in the future. Perhaps upon retirement. We'll see. But it IS fun to think about...
On another note, Dear Son (DS) came home from college for winter break last Friday night. I think he is still growing! He definitely looks taller than when I last saw him, 2 1/2 months ago. I am happy to have him home, at least for awhile. We have had some special time together, and I am enjoying how our conversations are changing as he matures (yes, and I do mean the M word, how exciting!) Living away from mommy and daddy has definitely worked wonders. I am working feverishly on his argyle vest; my goal is to have it done by the time he goes back to school late January. Tonight I divided for the armholes, and I am ready to start the intarsia pattern. What joy! This is my first intarsia work, so I am a little nervous, but I know I can do it. I spent some time tonight making the final pattern calculations for the argyle pattern. I am definitely ready to knit something other than tan (the MC). Maybe I will post a couple of pictures of the WIP soon, though I find I am usually too lazy to start messing with pictures; I'd much rather use that time to knit!
I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings, whatever you celebrate!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Happy Birthday, Little Man
I am feeling kind of depressed tonight. Today is my son's 20th birthday, and I didn't get to speak to him. He's in his second year of college in Vermont, and we usually speak about once a week, but I try to wait until he calls so as not to be a buttinsky mom. (Note that that's MY description, not Darren's; he's actually one of those rare young people who totally loves his parents without reservation or embarrassment. He's never had a problem with us calling him.)
In any case, we last talked on Thanksgiving Day, 8 days ago. I thought he might call us today, since it's his birthday, but it's Friday night and he's a college student, so he's probably hanging out with some friends and having some fun (I hope) and not thinking about home. I'm glad for that. But I guess I feel the distance a bit more on this special day, and this is the first time since he was born that I didn't get to wish him a happy birthday, at least on the phone if not in person. I did cave in and call him, but only got his voicemail. It's not at all unusual that I didn't reach him; Darren has always been forgetful about turning on his cell phone during the day. I tried his room phone too, but he wasn't in, so I left voice messages in both places. I even sent him an email. Earlier this week he should have received a package in the mail with some gifts, hopefully he got them.
To comfort myself, I sat down this evening with an old movie and worked some more on Darren's vest. The stockinette body in solid tan wool, worked on circular needles, is sometimes maddeningly dull. But tonight it was strangely comforting. My goal is to get the vest done by the third week of January, by the time Darren goes back to school after winter break is over. He comes home for break two weeks from tonight, and I should be working on the armholes and the argyle pattern by then. I am excited at the prospect of Darren seeing my progress as I had started the vest after he left for school last September. We had picked out the yarn together before he left, and he had asked me how long it might take to finish it. I said I didn't know, but I would work diligently so he would be able to wear it this winter.
Now I find I am reluctant to cast on for any other projects until I at least get to the armholes. When I find myself getting tired of going round and round in tan stockinette, I just grit my teeth and work harder. It's like childbirth all over again! Maybe there's some symbolism going on here...
I hope Darren calls tomorrow.
In any case, we last talked on Thanksgiving Day, 8 days ago. I thought he might call us today, since it's his birthday, but it's Friday night and he's a college student, so he's probably hanging out with some friends and having some fun (I hope) and not thinking about home. I'm glad for that. But I guess I feel the distance a bit more on this special day, and this is the first time since he was born that I didn't get to wish him a happy birthday, at least on the phone if not in person. I did cave in and call him, but only got his voicemail. It's not at all unusual that I didn't reach him; Darren has always been forgetful about turning on his cell phone during the day. I tried his room phone too, but he wasn't in, so I left voice messages in both places. I even sent him an email. Earlier this week he should have received a package in the mail with some gifts, hopefully he got them.
To comfort myself, I sat down this evening with an old movie and worked some more on Darren's vest. The stockinette body in solid tan wool, worked on circular needles, is sometimes maddeningly dull. But tonight it was strangely comforting. My goal is to get the vest done by the third week of January, by the time Darren goes back to school after winter break is over. He comes home for break two weeks from tonight, and I should be working on the armholes and the argyle pattern by then. I am excited at the prospect of Darren seeing my progress as I had started the vest after he left for school last September. We had picked out the yarn together before he left, and he had asked me how long it might take to finish it. I said I didn't know, but I would work diligently so he would be able to wear it this winter.
Now I find I am reluctant to cast on for any other projects until I at least get to the armholes. When I find myself getting tired of going round and round in tan stockinette, I just grit my teeth and work harder. It's like childbirth all over again! Maybe there's some symbolism going on here...
I hope Darren calls tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Many Thanks
This past summer I unexpectedly lost a friend to ovarian cancer. She was a week shy of turning 52...just two years older than me. I find myself thinking about her a lot since she passed away, especially whenever I find myself stressing out about stupid shit (like gaining 3 pounds or the cat barfing on the rug.) I think Donna's passing was a wake-up call of sorts; lately I find that her untimely death has become something of a yardstick by which I measure my life. It helps me put things in perspective.
Along the same lines, the past few days I have been thinking a lot about things I have to be thankful for. There are many. Admittedly, some are much more trivial than others, but I do think it is the little joys that make our ordinary lives richer and should not be overlooked.
I'm always deeply thankful for:
My good health (extra 5 pounds be damned!)
My loving family (immediate and extended)
The basic necessities of life in abundance (food, clothing, shelter)
The best husband any woman could ask for
A wonderful child (quickly turning into a young man)
My loving and supportive friends
Some of the little joys (in no particular order):
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Splenda
CBTL green tea ice blendeds
Beautiful, soft, glorious, yummmmmmmy yarn
Golf on Wednesdays, and all of my great golf buddies
Wednesday nights (knitting meetup) and my great Stitch and Beach friends
My two crazy cockatiels, Tango and Cha Cha, who always make me laugh
My cat, Domino, who sleeps with us every night
Yarn stores
Knitpicks Harmony and Options needles
Leaves that turn in autumn
Kntting podcasts
Computers
Bookstores
Time to knit...little as it may be
Along the same lines, the past few days I have been thinking a lot about things I have to be thankful for. There are many. Admittedly, some are much more trivial than others, but I do think it is the little joys that make our ordinary lives richer and should not be overlooked.
I'm always deeply thankful for:
My good health (extra 5 pounds be damned!)
My loving family (immediate and extended)
The basic necessities of life in abundance (food, clothing, shelter)
The best husband any woman could ask for
A wonderful child (quickly turning into a young man)
My loving and supportive friends
Some of the little joys (in no particular order):
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Splenda
CBTL green tea ice blendeds
Beautiful, soft, glorious, yummmmmmmy yarn
Golf on Wednesdays, and all of my great golf buddies
Wednesday nights (knitting meetup) and my great Stitch and Beach friends
My two crazy cockatiels, Tango and Cha Cha, who always make me laugh
My cat, Domino, who sleeps with us every night
Yarn stores
Knitpicks Harmony and Options needles
Leaves that turn in autumn
Kntting podcasts
Computers
Bookstores
Time to knit...little as it may be
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Twelve Steps
Are there any 12-step groups for knitters? More specifically, for knitting gadget whores?
Just curious, but I don't think I really want to know the answer to that just yet...
Just curious, but I don't think I really want to know the answer to that just yet...
Needle Lust in High-Def
I can't help myself. I am totally and completely out of control when it comes to knitting tools. I just gave in to my addiction and purchased the Knitpicks Options interchangeable needle set.
Back up about 5 weeks, to when I purchased the KP Harmony interchangeable set. Those of you who may have been knitting under a rock (and that's okay, the guilty should not point fingers) may not have heard about the ab fab Harmony needles. This was KP's follow up to the Options nickle plated needles they introduced last year, which were a huge hit in the knitting community. The Harmonys are made of colorful, laminated birch, and can be interchanged with the Options tips using the same wonderful, flexible cables. I initially went with the wood set as I found that suited my style as a novice knitter (think fewer dropped stitches) and I loved the colorful tips. After I got the new set, I immediately started a vest for my son with the size 6 tips and superwash wool. Things went swimmingly for a couple of weeks, until one of the tips came out of its metal base (fortunately I noticed it was loose BEFORE it actually came out, and averted a knitting crisis.) I contacted Knitpicks, and they were wonderful about immediately sending a replacement pair of tips at no charge.
Unfortunately, KP sent me a pair of the nickel-plated tips instead of the wooden ones. Once again, I contacted customer service, who was very apologetic, and sent me out yet another pair of tips, this time the wood ones as I originally requested. They told me to please keep the nickel tips anyway.
While waiting for my wooden tips to arrive, my vest project was languishing and I was getting very antsy. I decided to try knitting it using the nickel tips while waiting for the wooden ones to come in the mail, being very, very careful. (My previous experiences with metal needles left me feeling like they were running away with my knitting, and lots of dropped stitches.) So...
What a revelation! I love, love, LOVE the nickel-plated tips too! Especially with the yarn I'm using for the vest. If the wooden tips with their nice, sharp points had already increased my speed, now I'm FLYING through the rows! And, strangely enough, I no longer feel like my needles are running away without my hands. Guess I am finally past that stage (can I now call myself an "intermediate" knitter? Oh boy!)
So...
It wasn't long (minutes? seconds?) until I concluded that I need (need? ???)...Okay, okay, MUST HAVE the Options set of nickel-plated needles. Besides, I can easily justify having both sets beyond pure, unadulterated lust. First, now that I am an Intermediate Knitter, I will want to use both wood and metal needles, depending on my yarn. Second, it's Knitpicks' fault anyway; if they hadn't sent me the wrong replacement tips I might never had tried the nickel ones (at least, not for at least a few more months). Third, I travel by air a fair amount and need to beat the airport security Nazis at their own game by being able to sub wooden needles when I fly. Last, my DH is getting ready to drop $4500 or so on a top of the line, 50" plasma HD TV.
Not that I have a problem with getting a new TV or anything, it's got an absolutely awesome picture...
...it's just that we don't subscribe to the (only slightly more expensive) satellite package that includes the channels with the fiber arts shows, so what good does a $4500 idiot box do me?
Back up about 5 weeks, to when I purchased the KP Harmony interchangeable set. Those of you who may have been knitting under a rock (and that's okay, the guilty should not point fingers) may not have heard about the ab fab Harmony needles. This was KP's follow up to the Options nickle plated needles they introduced last year, which were a huge hit in the knitting community. The Harmonys are made of colorful, laminated birch, and can be interchanged with the Options tips using the same wonderful, flexible cables. I initially went with the wood set as I found that suited my style as a novice knitter (think fewer dropped stitches) and I loved the colorful tips. After I got the new set, I immediately started a vest for my son with the size 6 tips and superwash wool. Things went swimmingly for a couple of weeks, until one of the tips came out of its metal base (fortunately I noticed it was loose BEFORE it actually came out, and averted a knitting crisis.) I contacted Knitpicks, and they were wonderful about immediately sending a replacement pair of tips at no charge.
Unfortunately, KP sent me a pair of the nickel-plated tips instead of the wooden ones. Once again, I contacted customer service, who was very apologetic, and sent me out yet another pair of tips, this time the wood ones as I originally requested. They told me to please keep the nickel tips anyway.
While waiting for my wooden tips to arrive, my vest project was languishing and I was getting very antsy. I decided to try knitting it using the nickel tips while waiting for the wooden ones to come in the mail, being very, very careful. (My previous experiences with metal needles left me feeling like they were running away with my knitting, and lots of dropped stitches.) So...
What a revelation! I love, love, LOVE the nickel-plated tips too! Especially with the yarn I'm using for the vest. If the wooden tips with their nice, sharp points had already increased my speed, now I'm FLYING through the rows! And, strangely enough, I no longer feel like my needles are running away without my hands. Guess I am finally past that stage (can I now call myself an "intermediate" knitter? Oh boy!)
So...
It wasn't long (minutes? seconds?) until I concluded that I need (need? ???)...Okay, okay, MUST HAVE the Options set of nickel-plated needles. Besides, I can easily justify having both sets beyond pure, unadulterated lust. First, now that I am an Intermediate Knitter, I will want to use both wood and metal needles, depending on my yarn. Second, it's Knitpicks' fault anyway; if they hadn't sent me the wrong replacement tips I might never had tried the nickel ones (at least, not for at least a few more months). Third, I travel by air a fair amount and need to beat the airport security Nazis at their own game by being able to sub wooden needles when I fly. Last, my DH is getting ready to drop $4500 or so on a top of the line, 50" plasma HD TV.
Not that I have a problem with getting a new TV or anything, it's got an absolutely awesome picture...
...it's just that we don't subscribe to the (only slightly more expensive) satellite package that includes the channels with the fiber arts shows, so what good does a $4500 idiot box do me?
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