knitting for family

Analysis Paralysis

~ Kristin Tolle ~ 3 Comments

It’s been a big year for a lot of things. Well, everything except knitting. I made quite a few pairs of socks, due to the portability on my extensive travels. But I’m a bit bored with socks now—even with the additional texture work.

I’m ready for something bigger and bolder. But I’m stuck.

I’ve been spending lots of time on Ravelry dreaming and filling up my queue. The problem is I’m not knitting, I’m just doing a lot of creative dreaming and getting nowhere–fast! And lately I’ve been on a yarn buying spree, especially Blue Sky Fibers’ Baby Alpaca. I’m up to 7 (!) colors now.

My questions for you are:

  1. Do you ever get stuck in planning mode, and if yes why?; and
  2. How the heck do you jar yourself out if it?

I guess that’s 2.5 questions. 😊

PS: The project I’m trying to sort out is a yoked sweater and I’m choosing between two Interweave patterns I have: the Brimstone Gulch or Meltwater Pullover in Icelandic colors (see below). And suddenly, I’m looking up patterns for palazzo pants. Geez!

PPS: He chose Option 2. I’d better get winding.

When Knitting Isn’t a Labor of Love

~ Kristin Tolle ~ 4 Comments

I have cast-on-itis. I want so badly to cast on another sweater project, my teeth ache! This is because, at any given time, I like having a “menu” of projects on the needles. This generally consists of:

  • A pair of socks
  • A hat or scarf (or both)
  • A sweater
  • A throw or blanket; and (maybe)
  • Minor household items (rug, dishcloths, etc.)

There was a time when I had one (and only one) project going at a time, with other projects queued behind. The monogamy ended when I started knitting blankets because they are harder to do “in transit”. This led me to realize, I really enjoy having a selection of projects to choose from depending on my mood, where I am, and what I’m doing.

At present, I do not have a sweater, hat, or household item on the needles. And my closet is full of project bags filled with all the necessaries to get started. This is to keep me focused on completing at least one of my two WIP blankets. If I had my way, one of these I’d toss out—yarn and all.

It’s been years since I started the throw, which only gets worked on as a chore. I want to finish it and send it on, but it keeps getting stalled.

How I ended up here was I wanted to prevent my mother buying a pretty throw made of cheap, plastic yarn she saw in an art shop. It was obvious to me it was for looking at, not using. So, I asked her if she planned to use or display it. “Use it, of course!” *sigh*

I regrettedly I told her I’d make her something she could actually use. Unfortunately, mom went out and bought the same velour yarn and picked out a close pattern. And here we are, years later, her without a throw for her couch and me with a project I pick up rarely and reluctantly. Deep in my heart, I’m cetain it will have the same problems as the art shop blanket.

Velour WIP Blanket

Knitting for family and friends should be a labor of love. “Knit to order” is for people that do it for a living. In short, if the urge hits you to stop a person from making a bad knitted item purchasing decision you shouldn’t. Firstly, support to support the fiber artist and secondly for your own sanity.

Has this happened to you? Is so, what was the item and what did you do?