Sunday, December 6, 2015

Being honest about my projects, a yarn confession.......

Let's be honest there is little extra time this time of year to make things.  But making things with yarn keeps me centered and calm.  So why am I not trying to schedule more time for that in my day?  For one thing there is no more time in my day, maybe I should ask for an extra day a week for Christmas, or even one more hour of the day.  As I sat down to knit last night and promptly nodded off on the sofa, I decided I need to get a little more serious about my projects and the time needed to complete them.  I am hoping that by linking up with Jennifer and her Winter Project Link Up Party, I will get my rear in gear and get moving.  



I missed linking up in November due to my Dad's death, really the end of October and the beginning of November seem all a blur to me.  The three projects I linked in October are just not happening.  I had all these grand ideas of finishing this Flaum and possibly making another one.  Really?  I think I live in a  dream world.  In my defense new yarn fumes can do strange things to your brain, making you feel like a knitting or crochet superhero with unbelievable skills and stamina.  When I bought this yarn for this sweater I was indeed affected by these yarn fumes.  As you can see the Flaum has made a little progress, and the key word in this sentence is little.  It is never ending this sweater and frankly I am not even half way through.  The ribbing takes FOREVER!!!!! All that back and forth, knit, purl, knit, purl.......it is enough to make me go crazy.  But in the end it will be a beautiful sweater, I just need to get back at it.


Then Teresa comes up with the bright idea to have a Hitchhiker knit a long this time of year! She tempts us with her very cool lime green yarn that will gently morph into other colors and I am hooked.  See I need color in my life so I cast on, of course trying to resist the temptation, but a new project always wins out every time doesn't it?  I am almost done with this, so close to the finish line but not there yet.  The rows are taking much longer now with all those stitches on, and I have yarn left so I am trying to use it up.  There are two big flaws in this scarf and you can see them when I don't have them hidden like in this photo.  Somehow I made a hole in it while knitting and didn't notice it until rows and rows later.  I fixed it as best I could without ripping the whole thing back. but my eyes go to it every time I look at it.  I am not sure this is going to be a gift because of that error.  I just have to finish it and give it a good soak to see if it is gift worthy. 


I was recently informed a new teachers helper will be joining Little Buddy's class that means I need yet another Queen Anne's Lace Scarf for a gift.  I need to get this done, and I mean done now.  But my heart is not in it.  This project has been in my purse, in my car, and sitting on my table staring at me in hopes I will just buckle down and get it finished, well just really get it started would be progress!  I think I need to be a bit sterner with myself with this one.  


Because I am living in project La-La-land I thought this yarn would be a beautiful Hitchhiker, a gift for my dear friend Cathy.  If and there is a big If, I get to cast this on before Christmas she just might get an unfinished project wrapped up in a gift bag.  She will totally understand because she is a knitter.  I saw this yummy yarn and thought of her.  I am not in love with the colors because they are a little too Autumn for me, but she will love them.


I am ending this yarn confession with a photo of Little Buddy's homework for the weekend.  The directions were to decorate this tree any way you want.  He had help with the glue, but other than that he did it all by himself.  

How are you getting along with your projects?

35 comments:

Babajeza said...

I have some, ähm many, ideas, but not the strength to get started. So I may make a birthday gift for my neighbour instead .... There are one, two ... almost three weeks left until Christmas, right? Ahhhh, no pressure, please! ;-) Hugs, Regula

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Your yarn is gorgeous and I hope you find a little time here and there to work on your projects. I am getting there with the decorating and hoping to finish packages and get everything mailed! I think the days in December are especially short! Love Little Buddy's art!!
hugs,
Linda

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

I know what it is like when you cannot seem to find the heart to finish a project. Why is so easy to start one, and not finish???
This year, I had several handmade gift ideas in mind, and I'm done all but two, so it is going well. If I manage to complete them all, I will be very proud of myself, as I have never before finished all projects I had in mind for gifts.

Lynne said...

Oh Meredith it all needs to slow down doesn't it? I'm just trying to get the decorations up and for some reason it's taking 3 days. This time of year brings extra pressure and a small amount of panic. As much as I enjoy the Holidays, a part of me can't wait until everything settles down and I can start a new quilt. Besides a very slow growing knitted scarf I'm making - I got nothin'- no quilting, crochet, or Christmas crafts. I'm thinking this week will be better right?
Your sweater looks really pretty so far. You'll be wearing it before you know it :)

Lilly's Mom said...

Your little one's tree is so cute. It's such a special time to see your children grow up. Mine are long gone but my little grandson loves to create and draw. I loved seeing all your projects. The sweater design looks so pretty and the shawl is lovely in its red color. I do hope you get a little more time during this busy holiday season. Enjoy your day, Pat

Stins said...

You write so funny :-)!
Blaming the yarn fumes, that's a good one, I have to remember that!!
Little buddy did such a great job on the Christmas tree, so sweet and with those tiny balls... He really had an eye for detail!
Big hugs from Mirjam.

Mrs. Micawber said...

Yarn fumes ... that explains EVERYTHING!!! :D

Not getting on very well with Christmas projects. In our family we draw names and usually have some sort of theme. This year it's Made in the USA, and the person whose name I drew requested something knitted and Fair Isle in a specific colour scheme - either big socks to wear around the house or mittens. I just got the final details yesterday. So now I have to find some decent yarn that's Made in the USA, get it shipped, choose a pattern, and brush up on my scanty stranded colourwork skills to produce this gift in less than 3 weeks. I better get that yarn so the fumes can get to work....

LB's tree is adorable and the decorations are beautifully symmetrical. (I love symmetry.)

Hang in there Mere and remember January's coming. You can finish your sweater then. Hope the back is doing better.

Caffeine Girl said...

Yarn fumes -- LOL! So funny and so true at the same time!
I don't think you should be so hard on yourself! Find some good TV/video/streaming material and enjoy your knitting.
I know how feel about the colors for your friend's gift. It's hard when they are the colors that we love, but we do want to make thinks the recipient will love. I struggled with the Green Bay Packer socks (not my colors!), but I was glad I stuck with the project.
Be good to yourself!

busybusybeejay said...

SOooooo much to do.sooooooo little time.Good luck!

kathy b said...

WEll I ripped all of yesterday's knitting out last night. I LOVe the cotton misti yarn but I haven't picked a true pattern for it yet.
I LOVE Lil Bud's tree.
Do find time to knit Mere...it keep us centered!

Janet said...

Believe me, you are not alone in project La-La land. We're all knitting and crocheting superheroes here. Sadly the real world has distorted time, and hours have been stolen from the day. Will someone please apprehend the culprit and give us back our time!
A wonderful post, Meredith. We'll get there in the end, I'm sure. Little Buddy's Christmas tree is lovely, and what a super Angel it has on top.

Teresa Kasner said...

My favorite is your Hitchhiker shawl! I'm so glad for you that it's almost done. I doubt anyone will ever notice the hole.. you could put a few stitches to close it with red thread. :-) I think it's gorgeous. Little Buddy is a budding artist! He did a great job on his tree! Try to take some time to rest today, my friend. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

mamasmercantile said...

My winter project just keeps taking a back seat as I keep starting and finishing baby projects, they are so much more fun than a throw for the settee. Little Buddy's tree is a masterpiece, he obviously has an artistic streak.

Jo said...

A colleague (a man granted!) said that some of his adult students had not 'found time' to do their maths home study and he had said to them "you can only 'find' time if you say no to something else." It felt like a revelation to me but then I left the hoovering this week and cracked on with a sleeve for a cardigan and I will hoover tomorrow - No one has noticed and I have been too busy knitting to notice too! But sometimes mum's just HAVE to do stuff, but the secret is, sometimes they don't. Happy knitting Jo xxxx

CJ said...

How beautifully Little Buddy has decorated his tree, and I love the shining star at the top. Nicely done little man. I adore those Queen Anne lace scarves you make, they are absolutely stunning. And I'm rather liking Flaum, have just added it to my Ravelry favourites. I'm trying very hard just to stick to the blanket at the moment though. I only have about 55 rows left (of 200+ stitches). 19 days until Christmas. Hopefully it will be ready by Christmas Eve, then Santa can admire it on his way through. Wishing you a good week. Careful of those yarn fumes. CJ xx

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi there Meredith, my projects are not coming along very quickly but then again I really didn't put to much pressure on myself. Just some mittens and tiny bunnies for youngest granddaughter, soon I think I will get it done! I love all your WIP, and I adore LB tree. IT's the best! xoxo Robin

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

My knitting project is in lala land as well. It was supposed to be done a year ago Dec. I've looked at it recently and I know how to do it. Maybe tomorrow I will work on ir. I am still working on calendars. Getting closer. Once I get all the photos printed it will be easy on assembling. It always seems we can pick out the mistakes but others probably won't. Buddy's tree is cute! Good job little man! Hugs and prayers my dear. Don't be too hard on yourself!!

Christina said...

I love live in yarn la la land! Glad to meet you there, too. Little Buddy's Christmas tree is delightful, one to keep! Have a wonderful week. xx

Joyful said...

Yep, I've got numerous projects but no motivation. Yet life seems so very busy. I like little Buddy's creative Christmas tree decoration. It's so sweet to see one's children developing and doing new things. Hoping you get the extra oomph you need to do what you need to, and enjoy the season along the way. Big hugs. xx

Amy at love made my home said...

Gosh, I thought that I had a lot of things on the go, but nothing like you! I hope that you can enjoy getting them all finished! I love Buddy's Christmas tree with the photo of him at the very top! Too cute!! xx

Anonymous said...

Little Buddy's tree is adorable and I see he is the shining start at the tippy-top!

My projects are stalled. The cross stitch Santa is taking WAY longer than I expected due to very little stitching time. Because of some prying little paws I can't leave ANYTHING out. So, I end up not getting everything out and getting it done because it just seems like too much hassle.

My socks were coming along until I noticed a pretty big mistake. So, they hit the frog pond last night. I restarted today, but not too much is done yet.

Betsy said...

The tree is beautiful Meredith. He's a great artist. I totally understand trying to complete projects. I have lots more mittens to make, but I've been working on a scarf for my acupuncture therapist after Piper goes to bed and when she naps. It's made of sock yarn and size 3 needles and is slooooow going! :-). I want to give it to her next week and so I need to hurry. The pattern is very similar to the hitchhiker you're making. Your projects are beautiful and look relaxing to work on, but you also need to just breathe. I hope you find time for just that.
Blessings,
Betsy

Toni said...

I think that as soon as a project has a deadline, the Knitting Gods enchant it so that it is THE most boring project one could ever wish for, and all other knitting projects start glowing with those "come hither" yarn vibes. It's the only explanation. :)

linda said...

Don't worry Meredith if it makes you feel any happier you are not alone! all your projects are beautiful and will be finished one day, just enjoy them. I love the hitchhiker the colour is beautiful and I'm sure the hole will be fine once it's all blocked and finished it won't be noticeable. I think I should do a yarn confession post too but I have that many wips it would take far too long. I love Little Buddies tree it's so cute. Have a good week xxxx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Honestly, Meredith. I am always amazed at all you are able to accomplish with the work you do and keeping up with Little Buddy and everything at home. I have a tendency to always do small projects so that I can finish them but I'm easily distracted, too, and rather than focusing on handmade Christmas gifts for friends, I'm making whatever I fancy at any given moment. I could do with a little focus and direction right now. Whatever you finished, whenever you finish it will be fabulous! Happy holiday hugs, Tammy

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Great projects! Wishing you a lovely day. :)

Threads of Inspiration said...

First off little Buddy's tree is fantastic!!!! Your projects and yarns are all lovely and what you get done, you get done. All of your friends and relatives will love you no matter what!

Jennifer Hays said...

Hi Meredith, thank you for joining in with my link party! You have some really wonderful projects here. I love all of them. Little Buddy's tree is so cute! He did a beautiful job with it. You have to help them a little bit, I think. Even my kids, big as they are, still need lots of art help sometimes. :)

elns said...

I'm looking for those extra days and scraping the bottom of the barrel and scrapping other tasks on the agenda to find the extra hours. It's still not enough. You have so much in progress it's admirable and your hopes and dreams look super fun too.

Honestly, I'm grateful that I'm not the only one who is nodding off in the middle of stitches ...

All the best Meredith. Thinking of you.

Géraldine B. said...

so so pretty yarny projects you have on the go ... You know that I'm spinning and producing my own yarn .. so can you guess my projects for this time of the year ? I wish you a lovely and peaceful day !

Vicki Boster said...

Dearest Meredith-- I think most knitters-- especially me-- tend to dream big!! My list of unfinished projects is quite extensive. You've got some awesome projects in the works though!

The most precious decoration I've seen this year is that little Christmas tree. I hope your sweet boy has a wonderful Christmas..
Xoxo
Vicki

Heldasland said...

As every you have lots on the go .i love your little mans tree , he is so clever it looks fab . Hope u are well

eclectichomelife said...

Meredith, we all have too much on the go and something has to give. I wish I could have longer projects and be more like you but my life and brain capacity these days only allows for quick makes and even then I have too many laying around unfinished. You are a brilliant knitter and they will be finished when they are finished. buddy's tree though, fantastic, love it. x

Judy S. said...

My projects are coming along OK, but I keep thinking up new ones. Maybe we all need to practice the 12 Days of Christmas, instead of just one! LB's tree is perfect! What a cute little fellow he is.

Suzan said...

Ahhhhh - there is the lovely yarn ---- wonderful colors - Tangier!!
Now that would be beautiful also as a Queen Annes Lace as well as the Hitchhikers pattern.
You are such an inspiration!!