Knitting Rules

Lately it seems as though every time I think about blogging, something more important comes up. I finally have a little bit of time, and a question. My question is: Do you have any 'rules' about your knitting? I do. I have two, actually. The first one is easy: Don't pick a project wildly beyond your knitting capabilities. Work your skills up to the project before starting it.
The second rule is somewhat more complicated, as it has exceptions. On the surface, it seems quite simple and straightforward: Never have more than one knitting project at a time. Easy, right? The complications come with the exceptions: Dishcloths or other small no-more-than-two-sessions projects are allowed. Taking time off from one project to knit a gift is allowed. Taking two projects on vacation is a good idea, in case one of them doesn't quite go the way you'd hoped.

And that's where I ran into trouble. I went on vacation in August. I thought that it would be a good idea to have two projects. So I cast on a knit a few rounds of two separate projects. Somehow that started things spiraling out of control and I now have three four knitting projects going. One is a gift, so that doesn't really count, right? That still leaves me with three WIP's, though.


The first two pictures are the projects I took on vacation. The top picture is of Cat Bordhi's Spring Thaw Socks. (Knitter's Magazine Summer 2008) I haven't worked on the socks since the day I cast on.
The second picture is "Cabled Wristlets" by Silka Burgoyne. (Creative Knitting November 2008) I worked on these the first day of vacation. Haven't touched them since.
The third picture is of a vintage stocking that I started. The pattern was downloaded from Vintage Purls. I have no idea why I started it, especially since I already had two projects going. I have no idea why I bought the yarn, either, since I'm not supposed to be buying yarn until I use some up.

This brings us to the fourth project. All I can show you is the yarn - it's a gift, and I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for the recipient.

Million dollar question of the day: What project should I go back to after I finish knitting the present?

Too Many Projects

I have come to the conclusion that I have way too many projects. My first clue is that I have projects in three places in my room, two places in the craft room, and a few in the basement that fall into the 'I never want to see that project again' category. To combat this problem (and keep me from starting any more projects,) I'm going to add a WIP list to my sidebar. I'm also considering a list of queued projects. Hopefully I will be guilted into finishing a few, and not starting any more.

My goals didn't go so well this week. I haven't done any tatting, and my knitting project has been...uncooperative. I had to take Mom and Dad to an appointment, and took my Queen of Hearts Afghan. I'd started the first square, and when I took it out I realized that I started the heart in the wrong spot. I took out three or four rows and started knitting. Then I realized that the 6 stitches on the ends weren't in pattern. So I took out 8 rows and stared at what was left. Took out 3 more rows. Stared some more. I finally decided it would be simpler to frog the entire thing and start over. Thirteen rows later, I realized I started the heart on the wrong row. Took out two rows, finally figured out where the heart was supposed to start, and made it to row 20! I had thought that it would be a good weekend project -- however, I'm not so sure now. I'm also not sure heart is in pattern. Right now I don't really care. I am not taking it out again.

My sister saw this pattern, and I bought the magazine on ebay. She loves to wear scarves, and thinks this one would be a great fashion statement. I'm currently debating what yarn to use.

I'm not going to make a goal list this week since I haven't been doing to well with my goals. Thursday is crafting night, so maybe my creative juices will start flowing again.

~Sarah

Goals/Resolutions for 2008

I've included a few personal goals as well as my crafting goals.

1. Lose those stubborn Last Five Pounds.
2. Create a list of crafting goals every month.
3. Finish 4 sewing projects - a dress, a chemise, and 2 blouses.
4. Be more punctual about getting chores done.
5. Start Christmas gifts earlier.
6. Post and organize pictures sooner.
   

That's it for now. Check back for my January and Weekly Goal Lists. I'm a little late because I got sick again. I've had 3 colds this season, and now I've got a nasty stomach virus.
Check out my other blog for my gardening goals.
~Sarah

Blogs That Inspire Me

I've been inspired to start a blog about my crafts and hobbies. Partly because I won't have very much to post about at my garden blog over the winter and partly because of the inspiration I've found at these wonderful blogs:

• The Picture Effect: My Sister's blog. She blogs about her photography, and takes absolutely stunning pictures.
  
• A Crafter's Chronology: This is my Mom's blog. Ever since she started it she's been turning out projects left and right.
• The Happy Stitcher: I love this blog and all the cute patterns, pillows and nature pictures.
• The Crafty Gardener: I just found out this week that the Crafty Gardener has a craft blog. Be sure to check out The Garden Side as well as The Crafty Side.
• Jen Loves 2 Knit: I love to knit to, and have been enjoying this blog a lot.
  
• Knitting 40 Shades of Green: This is one of my favorite blogs because, like me, the author has a huge yarn stash and multiple projects going on. It's nice to know that there are others who refuse to limit themselves to one project at a time. :)
• SewChic: A blog published by a mother and daughter.
  
• The Purl Bee: There's always something interesting to be found at this blog.

In future posts I will share pictures of my projects in progress. I'm hoping that blogging about my projects will help me knit, cross stitch, embroider, tat, quill, crochet, and sew faster. :)

~Sarah