done, sort of

Done*


*well, at least the knitting is done. The underarm stitches are still on pieces of scrap yarn waiting to be knit together. Dozens of yarn tails hang from the body and sleeves waiting to be woven in. And the whole thing would benefit from washing and blocking. With a bit of tugging to even out the tension at the colour-work panels.

remember when?

Remember rushing to the bank at lunch time to deposit a paycheque? Long ago in the dark ages before bank machines? When all banking was done inside bank branches with tellers? Remember how time-consuming, frustrating and inconvenient it all was?

My first Sprocket Sock has been languishing for the last couple weeks. I couldn't figure out how long to make the instep to fit my friend Nancy. One thing I was sure of - her size 7 feet are tiny compared to mine! How amazingly helpful is this chart of foot dimensions for standard shoe sizes? Armed with the knowledge that the average size 7 woman's foot is 9.15" from heel to toe, I finished the instep, knit the toe decreases and finished the first sock. Ready to cast on the second sock tonight. How ever did I get on in the dark ages before the Internet?

a diversion

I needed a break. I needed a diversion. Just something quick and different. A pick-me-up project. Grabbed som Patons Look at Me Acrylic/Nylon blend yarn from my stash. The colourway? "Fun'n'Games" - it combines some of my favourite blues and greens with lilac. Very bright and fresh! And the plan is to make a doll, maybe as a baby shower gift for an expecting co-worker.

I have in mind a flat doll. A big round face with a matching body, and long arms and legs. Maybe 12 inches or so tall and maybe 1/2" thick. Kind of like a gingerbread cookie - front, back and then very uniform sides. So far I think I've started the head ... five needles, columns of increases and decreases at the sides to create the edge. But even as I write, I'm reconsidering. Maybe knit front and back as flat pieces, then the side as a ribbon of knitting all the way around? Think I'll give both ways a try!

still a ways to go

Several years ago, when Mom and I flew into Calgary we were struck by how close the Rockies appeared. From the airport windows it looked like you could walk to them. But, for mile after mile, the mountains didn't seem to get any closer. They're just that huge!

With the neckline of my Taiga sweater I keep thinking that it must be nearly done. But as I knit hour after hour the finish line stays just out of reach. I guess I underestimated how much knitting was involved in the yoke. Oh, I'm getting there - the rounds are noticeably shorter after several inches of raglan shaping. But it's just as well I haven't found a yarn I like for Bethany's Hat.

Bethany's Hat

For quite some time I've been admiring Bethany's September Hat. For months. Since the first time I saw a picture of her wearing it on Ravelry. I just love the brim! I couldn't help myself, I pm'ed her to ask about the pattern. So I was thrilled with her pm to me yesterday - she has written up the pattern and posted it as a free download on her blog. Check it out! She's writing under the blog line with these hands ... there's a link in my sidebar. Now to find some lovely yarn for it!

an excuse

Yesterday I was supposed to be at the SnB at Creative Yarns. Yesterday I was supposed to be knitting my Sprockets Sock. Yesterday I was hoping to finish my first sock. And hoping to find some fresh, spring green yarn for my next little project.

But yesterday a westbound driver skidded through an intersection sideways crashing into our car, as Gavin and I waited in an eastbound lane for the traffic light to change. And you'll never guess what he did next! Call the police? Check whether anyone was injured? Inspect the damage on the cars? Nope, he called another driver to come get the pizzas awaiting delivery in his car. I guess if it's "30 minutes or it's free" that's a priority.

Nobody was hurt. There's plenty of damage to both cars, but both could be driven away. Our composite front bumper is broken, and the side panel adjacent to the headlight is bent. His front passenger door was caved in several inches. A nice woman at the accident scene volunteered as a witness that the other driver was completely at fault. After a couple hours at the Collision Reporting Centre, we were finally home. Just enough time for some reheated dinner and a rum and coke. Not one stitch knitted.

one explanation

On a recent episode of The Agenda, Steve Paikin and his guests discussed whether narcissistic consumerism helped bring about the current economic woes. And as I listened, I was struck by the idea of the increasing materiality of our culture. Who we are is defined by our homes, our cars, our clothes and our gadgets. We've seen all the movies, we've eaten at the best and newest restaurants, we have 2000 songs on our iPods. We have more than we'll ever need and still want more. And when we go to work, few of us do anything that produces a tangible, useful product. Consumerism gone mad.

And some how it's one explanation of why I knit. Sitting quietly, using my mind and hands to to create knitted fabric is very soothing. Like a little holiday where I am in control and I am a producer of goods. Just wait - when I put on my Taiga sweater for the first time, it's going to feel great on so many different levels!