Frustration

A few weekends ago I had the standard knitters' dilemna: what to take with me for a weekend away. We were going up to the in-laws for 2 days, including a 3 hr drive each way - knitters heaven! I ended up packing some Handmaiden sea silk that I wanted to use for the Vogue drop stitch scarf. I also decided on starting some socks, the ultimate in portable knitting. I think I showed perfect restraint by only packing 2 projects for my 2 day visit.

To my delight, there is a wonderful little yarn store in Owen Sound. It had a few gems, brands I haven't seen locally and a couple colors of Mission Falls cotton I had been looking for. I may have to visit the in-laws more often so I can visit the shop again!

I found some time here and there to knit. But as I worked on the drop stitch scarf I wasn't particularly enjoying how the colorway was knitting up. The yarn is dyed a beautiful blue/turquoise/green/gold. Unfortunately the colors weren't pooling in any manner whatsoever, so it just seemed like a hodge podge of conflicting colors.

After investing a couple hours, I wrestled with deciding whether I should rip back and see whether a different gauge or width would change things. I ripped it. Then I realized I didn't have a bigger needle to cast on a second time.

Then I looked to the sock yarn to satisfy my yarn craving. The pattern was for toe up in a method I hadn't done before. Foiled again! No instructions. :(

So there I was with beautiful yummy yarn and nothing I could knit. I felt so helpless. So frustrated. So....unfair!

Of course, this made it easier for me to offer to do the driving on the way home so hubby could rest.

New threat to my stash

They don't look very dangerous (except to chicken and tuna), but with all their kitten energy, I'm sure I'll have an adventure or two to relate once they get better acquainted with my stash.

Meet the newest members to our family: Chewy and Crumb, 3 month old female tabbies.

Oh my word! I must try this.

I came across this piece of yumminess while reading a Ravelry friend's blog. Must try!

I've been working like crazy on my Rona shawl. I'm almost 2/3 of the way through - row 90 out of 153. Had a few near disasters...stitches falling off needles and the like, but Rona and I survived.

I'm really hoping that my Rona looks like the original Rona. All I can see right now is a big blob hanging off my needles.

In other news, I'm also working up a stuffed toy for Suzy. She saw the Gurumi kit on KnitPicks and repeatedly asked for the kitty kat. I'll have to get some pictures. I really like the Shine Sport yarn that came in the kit. It's very soft, yet strong. A knice (typo, but it stays) knit. It would make a nice summer cardi in a DK weight.

More Handmaiden followed me home last week. The two skeins of "Smoke" practically threw themselves at me. Then, I got mugged by 4 skeins of Misti Alpaca. Don't let the soft smooshiness of the yarn fool you. That alpaca is tough!

Fibre floozy

I admit it. I've been fooling around lately. It's part of the reason I haven't been blogging. I've been ashamed of my behaviour. Maybe it's the spring air, the blue skies. Everything seems promising and new, and oh so tempting.

I've tried to stick to one project. But it's been impossible. I've had a toe-up cotton/wool magic loop sock cast on for ages. But I keep straying. For a while, I managed to commit myself to My Favorite Cardigan.

But after a couple weeks of dating, a sexy little Wanida caught my eye. Her lines and artistry intrigued me. Tempted me. I cast on. I even imagined I could make a long term commitment to her, so I bought some reinforcing yarn for her heels.

One weekend, left alone while my husband and child were out, I had a moment of weakness as I ran into an old flame. There it was, the block of the month blanket, preening itself and showing off its glorious colors. "Let's have a quickie," it whispered. "No commitment, no strings. Just finish off this block." Before I knew what was happening, mercerized cotton was zipping through my fingers and off my needles. In the warm afterglow of the last row of garter stitch border, we agreed to go our separate ways. But we'd definitely need to hook up again next month.

I ran back to Wanida, telling her my fling with the blanket had meant nothing. I spent a few repeats with her, admiring how her pattern was growing. She forgave me.

But oh, the lace! A fellow knitter piqued my interest by showing off all the lace she'd indulged in while down South. The yarn overs! The nupps! The post-blocking glow they both exhibited. The desire overwhelmed me.

So I dug up an old lace scarf I'd neglected. "Hey baby, I'm free tonight. Whaddya say we get together?" After a few rows I remembered why we'd split up. She felt so soft and silky, meriting her name: Silky Alpaca Lace. But she was finicky. A complex pattern that required constant attention. I enjoyed her, but couldn't relax around her.

And so the cycle, the downwards spiral continued. I picked up some silk and other treats at the Knitters Frolic. Kind of a singles club for knitters looking to hook up with new playmates. I dallied with them but couldn't commit to the long term. For a while, Rona stole my heart. I've even made it almost halfway through her.

I could go on. There are more shameful secrets to confess. But you see the problem. And to top it all off I've bought a couple Kama Sutras of lace making... Victorian Lace Today and Knitted Lace of Estonia. I can only imagine what dark path this will lead me.

So if you see me out and about with my cotton sock, please don't tell her about the others. I've finished one half of her and promised her I'll complete her mate soon. But first I need to put some handles on the market bag that's been hanging around for the last 2 weeks.

Resistance was futile

"I can resist anything but temptation." - Oscar Wilde

"The only way to get rid of a temptation is to give in to it." - Oscar Wilde


I bought the Rona lace shawl pattern and yarn. taps fingers, waiting for order from Knitpicks.