Knitting Restlessness

I've been knitting like crazy lately but keep changing my mind what I want to work on. Finished a felted purse and I'm using it, though I'm not 100% happy with how it turned out. The instructions were confusing and I ripped it out four times before finishing it. The side you can see in this picture looks fine, but on the other side, there is no real "right" side as both sides show lines where new yarn was joined. If that makes sense. So I don't think the instructions were written correctly. Oh well, live and learn.


Then, I made a carrying case for my cell phone. I figured it was a small project that I wouldn't get bored with. In fact, I almost gave up in frustration as knitting the tight cable pattern with worsted yarn on size 3 needles was nearly impossible. But I persevered, and the heavy cabled fabric will make for good protection of the keypad on the phone. The only issue with this pattern was that the heavily cabled fabric pulls in, so the flap, that's done in straight stockinette, is a bit wider than the case itself. Doing the whole case in stockinette, or doing the flap in the cable pattern, would fix it, I think.

I also knitted up a quick scarf made from some gorgeous angora yarn I bought while on the fall Wool Arts Tour here in New Hampshire. The pattern was simple, and came free with the skein of yarn. I've worn it a few times on the very coldest days. I'm not really a scarf person, but stroking the yarn a few times made me think that perhaps I could wear THIS scarf with no trouble! And I was right...

Now I'm working on the Komon kimono, but the large rectangle is getting boring, so I've also started the "Graceful" shawl from "Shawls and Scarves: The Best of Knitter's Magazine." It's self-fringing and although it's just garter stitch, you change yarns every row, so at least it won't make me yawn. I do tend to be a "work on six projects at once" kinda gal. I wonder if I have knitting ADD?

Do you like to stick to one project till it's finished, and if so, why? Or are you restless like me and can't wait to finish one project before casting on for the next?

Final Project of 2008

Ta da! My final finished project of 2008, and I'm so happy it's done. This is the Eastlake Sweater, pattern by Norah Gaughan. I made it in Crystal Palace Yarns Crème yarn, which is 60% wool and 40% silk, in color # 2013. I loved working with this yarn...so soft and smooth, easy to knit with. Unfortunately, it's either discontinued or else my yarn store is not going to carry it. Hmm. Will have to raid the sale shelves.


Here's a detail of the leaf panel. Gorgeous, isn't it? I don't have a picture of me wearing the sweater, but the style is actually quite flattering. I made the size 50, which based on comments of others, had a risk of being too big. But as it turns out, the bustline of the sweater fits nicely, so does the neck, and the flaring A-shape of the sweater skims gracefully over my tummy without leaving any telltale bulges. :-) So, I'm happy. I do notice some pilling developing under the arms, where it rubs on itself. We'll see if that continues or if it's only temporary, until it gets worn in.

Now I'm in that "I don't know what to make next" slump. I am working on a small cell phone case, but that's like an appetizer. I need to decide what the next main course will be. I do have lots of stash yarn...most of it lace-weight, so would end up being any number of shawls. And I do have yarn for a kimono, another long sleeved sweater, two short sleeved sweaters, and a coat. Ah, the plethora of choices awaiting me! And me one of those people who hang up and have to reboot the system if there are too many choices...

What's your first project of 2009 going to be?