Project Critical Mass

I was visiting one of my favorite people this weekend, and we were chatting about projects for ourselves. I remarked to her, "I think I've reached critical mass for scarves, mittens, wraps, and hats for myself."

She looked at me over her salad and I looked at her over my chicken and waffles (she's always a more nutritious eater than I am), and we laughed. It's true, she knits these beautiful sweaters and gorgeous lace shawls for herself (the shawl pictured is one she knit for me):












I'm always working on smaller projects because I get bored easily:











We talked about the projects we make for other people, and that's not a problem. We know we're making it for a specific person, choose the appropriate project and most suitable yarn for it, then it's out the door when completed.

I said something to the effect that I should probably concentrate on all those socks I've been meaning to knit for myself. Before old age robs me of my sight and all those things I need to knit. So I've cleaned up my projects list, I've saved one final scarf because I can't resist trying to knit a plaid scarf for myself.

We'll see what happens by the end of the year.

Bits And Bobs

After talking with friends who knit, they say they go through phases where their knitting projects languish in protective boxes or bags. And sometimes for months. So I don't feel so bad I only pick up this lovely scarf I'm working on every few days.





However, I'm starting to develop Startitus, and I haven't touched this cashmere scarf in ages.




The Shark Hat has been taunting me from my knitting basket, daring me to try it a third time now that the pattern corrections have been sent to me. Then there's the crochet wrap that I can't remember where I stored it. (So no photo.)


I blame the Ombra della Sera (worsted, 110 yards, 90% cashmere/10% nylon) I had purchased for that cowl I made, but my head and neck are too large and I frogged it last year fall. The yarn is a bit spendy at $43 a skein, so if I want to knit this hat I need another skein. Then again, I do have some gorgeous leftover skeins I could pair it with...I think we all know where this will end up.





And I'm slowly making my way through the repairs on a friend's beloved, much worn alpaca sweater.









Meanwhile my decision to get back to spinning has been left in the dust. I do get the fibers out and pet them every few months, but too much to do right now to add spinning to the list of after work activities.

So, executive decision time. Once I finish the sweater repair, I'll knit the hat as a reward. I've already bought the pattern, and I'll save up my pennies for the second skein of yarn.

Then I'll hit that damned shark pattern a final time and IT WILL SUBMIT TO MY WILL.

I'll wing the rest of the WIPs after those projects are done.