coulda woulda shoulda

Posted on | April 1, 2009 | 15 Comments

I have not been myself this past week. 

This is what I should be finishing up.  Just two sleeves to go.  Two little sleeves…but sometimes two little sleeves are just too much.  I found myself sitting in front of an armoire full of yarn last week, shaking my head and saying “I have nothing to knit.”  Nothing that I wanted to knit, nothing that is weather-appropriate to knit, nothing I could get EXCITED about knitting.

So I ordered some yarn and while I waited for it to arrive, I spun.  I spun 7 oz. of a fabulous batt I got at SAFF 2007, almost 600 yards of tweedy navy two-ply, but no picture until I’ve given it a wash.  I was so un-excited with my knitting that I didn’t knit a stitch for an entire week.  So unlike me.

I was very happy when the mail came Saturday and my yarn arrived! 

Distraction #1 – Hempathy in Aubergine.  I cast on for the Girly Tee from Knitter’s Book of Yarn on US3s that I won in a contest from Wanda a few months back.  

My first handcrafted needles.  Look at the points on those babies!  These are incredible needles and I will definitely be ordering more from Ed in the future – thank you, Wanda!

Unfortunately, even those fabulous needles couldn’t keep my restlessness at bay.

Meet Distraction #2.  I have had the Abstract Jacket in my head ever since I won a copy of The Knitter from Diane.  I’m linking to my own blog post since there are no pictures of the Abstract Jacket on-line that I could find, not even on Ravelry!  I had a discussion with a friend about the yarn called for in the pattern (Louet MerLin) and my resistance to buying that yarn because (a) it would cost me about $100, even at the closeout price; and (b) 70% wool does not a spring jacket make in Alabama.  She had good points about the drape and durability of the yarn and she may end up being right, but the miser in me won out.  I’m substituting RYC Cashcotton DK in Cashew.  So far, I am really loving this yarn.  It’s 35% cotton, 25% nylon, 18% angora, 13% rayon and 9% cashmere.  It has a little of everything!  And it’s sooooft!

The pattern is going to be a challenge.  It’s five pages long with different charts for each front and a chart for the back.  Also – it has no schematic.  :o)  It’s a total crap shoot, but I prefer to think of it as a leap of faith.

I’m allowing myself to knit the peplums and then I have to finish the sleeves on the red cardi. 

Sometimes a little bribery is needed to get past the distractions.

Category: April, NaKniSweMoDo, she's cast on again!, Stash Growth

Comments

15 Responses to “coulda woulda shoulda”

  1. margene
    April 1st, 2009 @ 10:34 am

    The t-shirt is cute and would knit up quickly….hmmmm. Good luck with Abstract. Enjoy your spring…we’re still having winter!

  2. Cookie
    April 1st, 2009 @ 10:40 am

    Nothing to knit. That happens to me all the time. Sort of like looking into the pantry and thinking there’s nothing to eat when you’ve just gotten back from the grocery.

    I love your distractions.

  3. Anne
    April 1st, 2009 @ 10:41 am

    Spring…when a knitter’s thoughts turn to…. new projects? :) Nothing wrong with a little start-itis.

    I’m anxious to see how the Cashcotton works for you. I have some in the 4-ply to make a hoodie with this summer.

  4. Carrie
    April 1st, 2009 @ 10:43 am

    Yeah, sometimes being responsible and doing what you “should” is so boring.

  5. Tina M.
    April 1st, 2009 @ 11:16 am

    You are a brave woman. The lack of schematics alone would have given me pause, but I think you’re spot on with the yarn choice. While the “correct” drape may make all the difference, there’s something to be said about “almost as nice” and actually wearable.

    I was thinking about you last night at knitting, totally wishing you lived closer.

  6. Cheryl S.
    April 1st, 2009 @ 2:24 pm

    Oh my – what wonderful needles!
    And the projects all look great too.

  7. Bubblesknits
    April 1st, 2009 @ 8:30 pm

    Looks like you’re going to be a busy girl. :-) I often complain I don’t have anything to knit. That’s usually when the hubby reminds me that I could work on his scarf. lol

  8. Diane
    April 1st, 2009 @ 8:47 pm

    You may not have knitted those 2 sleeves but you’ve been busy so eventually it’ll all come together.

  9. Sara
    April 2nd, 2009 @ 5:32 am

    I do not blame you at all for making a substitute. Heck, wool does not a winter jacket make in Alabama. (Well, maybe for two or three days…lol)

    The needles are just lovely!

  10. Becky
    April 2nd, 2009 @ 6:45 am

    Maybe it’s the time of year because I’m having a similar problem with my spinning. There’s nothing that’s really thrilling me. Frankly, I’m kinda bored with spinning right now.

  11. crazy for yarn in alabama
    April 2nd, 2009 @ 2:34 pm

    It must be the weather….I am excited about knitting….but not enough to actually do much of it!! LOL!!

  12. cyndy
    April 3rd, 2009 @ 5:56 am

    Ah yes, knitting projects are like that old circus act of spinning plates on a stick…a little bit here a little bit there…add a new one…etc.

    Just be careful you don’t get too many on the needles at once (and how do I know this?)

    Your photograph of distraction #2 is a good one! Perfect stitches.

  13. Emily
    April 3rd, 2009 @ 6:30 am

    *swoon*

    That was for the seed stitch as much as the cashcotton.

  14. Laurie
    April 4th, 2009 @ 3:49 am

    You are totally serious about your distractions. But they do get you farther down the NaKniSweMoDo path.

  15. mel
    April 6th, 2009 @ 11:25 am

    I can see why you are so distracted ;) Those needles! The Hempathy! Oh, that jacket… Mighty good diversions.