Feral Knitting

I was wondering why I get the feeling that I never get anything done. Maybe it’s the harried feeling one has when you have a four month old baby, but, as I was trying to organize my stash, I happened upon some evidence that confirms that I don’t get anything done, not fully anyway.

exhibit a:

The first sock was made with the intention of giving it away. I used Lamb’s Pride Bulky, and had to cross the border to get it. It fits, and it’s very warm, but for some reason I never got around to doing the second one. I think it was because I knit it in summer, and figured I had plenty of time to make the second before it was needed. Then I got distracted by some other project. You know how it goes.

The middle sock I’m not too embarrassed about (yet). I started it last September, and only properly finished it about a month ago. It was from the first Debbie Bliss magazine, and I used some nice wool/alpaca/silk from the shop to knit them up. Cables got a little dull and repetitive, so I shortened the sock by a few inches, but it is still plenty long. Of course, someone with legs like mine does not need an extra inch of cabling to bulk up, but I still kind of like them. I actually think I might finish these. Maybe by next September. Yeah, that will give me plenty of time…

The last sock I actually have no memory of knitting. I think I have a purple one like that lying around too. Somewhere in the jungle madness of my knitting history I used self striping sock yarn and knit a sock. Looks odd and lumpy, but it actually fits really well. I have the second ball, but I’m quite sure I won’t be knitting its partner. Turns out I really don’t like self striping sock yarn. I mostly don’t like the texture of the yarn itself. It seems thinnish and insignificant. I guess I’ll never be a sock knitter.

exhibit b:

My first Lopi project. Well, technically my second. I made a neurotically small gauntlet mitt as a shop sample a few months ago. (Notice I said mitt and not mitts) Anyway, this sweater is not supposed to look like this, it’s supposed to look much cuter. But alas, I didn’t read the tiny tiny in brackets directions close enough and added a few extra rows of colour work into the yoke. Now, it doesn’t look bad, it just doesn’t look as cute as its supposed to. Its also supposed to have a zipper, but hey, steeks, zippers and yokes all in one sweater is a pretty big learning curve.  I’m picking up the button band right now, using my cro-needle, but as I have realized that it won’t fit its recipient until he is quite a bit older, I’ve given myself a break, and moved on to something else. Why? Why do I do this to myself? Just finish it already, finish something! You’ll feel so much better! aaaarg.

Oh, and I realized half way through making it that I subconsciously picked the same colours as those used on the Hartford Whalers. This one’s for you, Zarley Zalapski.

exhibit c:

Rigid Heddle weaving. I’m still trying to figure out what works well, what to use, how to get drape and fullness, and in order to learn, I have to make many mistakes. I actually made this for Sue, but alas, its too craptastic to give away. It is fated to lurk as evidence in my linen closet. I did finish it, but if had taken a bit more care, it would have looked a lot better.

Oh, but here is something I did finish:

Mr. Baby outgrew the flannel blankets my mom made him, so I braved the fabric store and picked out some new flannel for a few larger blankets. I’ve only completed one, mind you, but I really like it (don’t look too closely at the seams..) One one side I have this warplane thing going on, and the other is covered with scary tigers. Baby likes inspecting it and talking randomly to it when he thinks I’m not looking. (I talk to it too when I think nobody is looking.)

Finally, progress from my favourite work in  progress:

He’s holding his own bottle! Didn’t last long, but hey, it’s one step in the right direction.

Okay designers, carry on.