I am the type of knitter who doesn't mind having multiple WIP's going: a mindless project for TV viewing, a portable project for school-pickup-line knitting, a more involved project (cables, lace, or some other pattern) for quiet times when the kids are busy. While the logic in this is obvious to me, even as I try to talk myself out of it, I realized a while ago that I really should be more monogamous with my knitting. I have two projects that just sit in dark corners of my home, hibernating, making me feel a little guilty for running around with all of those socks and cowls and not thinking twice before doing so.
That Slouchy Cardigan I began last summer is not quite half-way done. I have the back panel knit, and one front panel finished. I love the (soon to be discontinued) alpaca-silk blend yarn that I'm using -- it really does feel heavenly in my hands -- and I do love the image of myself curled up in this particular knit; however, it is the resounding complaint of how poorly this pattern is written that kills my want. Apparently, the sleeve caps and armholes are very cumbersome to piece together in the end and though I had made note of the modifications, those notes did not find their way into the knit process. This project might soon be frogged, or at least tinked back to the beginning of all armholes, and put on top of the WIP pile once my sister's socks are done. If I can find something else to make with all of this yarn, maybe I'll do that, instead. Minimalist Cardigan, anyone?
Also socked away in a drawer is my paneled afghan. It's sort of an homage to this cabled afghan, but I'm not necessarily following the particulars, just finding cable patterns and knitting them into squares. This has been left at its current state for well over a year... It's not a project I plan to rip out, though. I just have to make it more of a priority.
Monogamy does have its rewards. I mentioned the beret that was blocking in my last post, and here it is, done and modeled:
It really is fun to wear, but I'm always at a loss with what to do with my hair when I have it on. The beret is rather different than the other utilitarian hats I've knit. As someone who runs around town in jeans and a sweatshirt, this new accessory pushes me a little out of my comfort zone. I'll have to work on that one.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
monogamy
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15 comments:
I say monogamy in knitting is unnatural. We knitters are adaptable creatures! One thing I have found is every now and then, I pick up a WIP and "rediscover" the joy I felt when I first cast on for it. And the great thing is, it's halfway done!
I so agree with your dilemna. I like my multiple WIPs, to a point. Then I need to enjoy some project monogamy and then, back to the WIP.
The beret looks fabulous!!! Good luck deciding on the slouchy cardigan! The color is gorgeous!
I'm not a monogomous knitter either.
Your beret is lovely!! I'm never quite sure with what to wear them so I've avoided knitting them... but would really like to.
I've found that with the new year I have prioritized, (somewhat), my knits. I, too, knit more than one project at a time. I think each knit reflects the mood I'm in while I knit.
I have to say that I absolutely LOVE your beret. I, too, find it hard to wear some accessories when on a day to day basis wear jeans a t shirt. But go ahead and make yourself pretty so you can wear those knits!
I'm much the same at the moment, a lot of WiPs and I feel like nothing is getting much attention...however I like to have a few things on the go , like you said, something for every situation :)
I love your new hat!!!
Cute cute projects!
So many lovely projects! There's definitely a balance to be struck (at least for me) between enough variety not to get bored yet not so many projects that they get overwhelming. I say just do whatever makes you happy - it's a hobby after all!
I know what you mean...I always have anywhere from a few to a few hundred (it seems) projects going at once and umpteen reasons for each :).
Perhaps with a t-shirt and jeans? Or a cute denim jacket and some khakis? Whatever you do, it will be great - wear it proudly - you are beautiful!
I actually get anxiety when I have too many projects going at once. Crazy, isn't it? I think the minimalist cardi would be so pretty. And I love the cabled afghan. Really pretty color and texture. I'm not good with berets either. I feel a bit "off" when I wear them.
i sound a little like kim. i like to have one big project with one or two little projects. i don't know if i have ever treated a project like my seaside blanket. that thing hasn't been touched in months. so unlike me.
i usually have to finish one thing before i start another.
and you! YOU have to finish your slouchy. do i have to make a trip out there to see you? :)
i promise, melana, it is WELL worth it. i am currently wearing mine. and almost every morning i grab it.......probably like my grandmother grabbed her robe.
althtough......the minimalist cardigan is pretty darn cute......maybe you should make that AFTER you finish your slouchy!
I'm with you there on the beret. Unless I would wear one in Uptown.
It's cute though. Go for it!
I have the same trouble with berets...I love the look of them, but never quite know how to pull them off. I like the idea mentioned above of wearing yours with khakis and a denim jacket. However you wear it, it is a GORGEOUS beret (the colors! the texture!) and it looks so pretty with the color of your hair! I'm also in love with the color of your Slouchy-in-progress. It would make a lovely Minimalist Cardi, too.
I agree that having multiple WIPs is great, but I also find that if I have too many, it makes me very anxious! It's finding that balance...haha, which is true for my whole life!
I love that beret! It's gorgeous on you.
I agree, multiple WIPs lead to feelings that it doesn't seem like any project is really getting anywhere. I love the beret in that yarn, it looks wonderful and the colors work together perfectly in that pattern.
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