Good Idea, Bad Idea
In the course of human events, people (me) sometimes bite off more than they can chew. What seems like a good idea at the time (dinner, promises, really high heels) can turn into a burden disproportionate to the worth.
I would like to add an addendum to this list of not-worth-the-troubles: nine hours of class a day, plus an internship. Not my brightest moment, signing up for that much school, but it will all be over in a few more weeks and the blog should get a little more attention. Knitting is flourishing, though. All that time waiting for the bus makes the needles click-click-click!
New on the needles is the Fir Cone Square Shawl from Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle. I've had a huge girl crush on Madam Oberle since Irish Diamond and this recent foray into big lace is as much fun as I remember. I must admit though, I haven't been totally faithful to Fir Cone. I knit a sweater too, but I'm thinking of submitting the pattern, so no more about that. Two patterns, actually. How embarrassing to have two whole sweaters that never got a peep on the blog.
Progress is actually much further along than you see here in this picture: I'm about a repeat and a half from from starting the first border, but I've only used about half my alloted yarn. The yarn came from the stash- 2,000 yards of a pure silk handpaint. Since my yarn is much finer than the suggested Harrisville Shetland (a fingering weight), I'm using a 4 needle. That should reign in the size a little, too. My Irish Diamond is knit in the Shetland (I used two complete cones) and while the shawl is beautiful and substantial, I'm looking for something a little more downtown and sleek with Fir Cone.
This isn't the most popular shawl pattern around, which is interesting given its relative knitting ease and (hopefully) lovely result. Knitting Nurse Steph is working away on a lovely version in pure white; Eunny Jang knit one in breathtaking blue. What always surprises me is that for all the information at our fingertips- blogs, Ravelry, local circles- interesting and creative ideas somehow still slip past me. Is this a symptom of overwhelming access, or just an inability to see through the mire?
In my Spawn of Satan Chemistry class, I've been struggling to sort the important from the background. Much of my own knitting falls into this give-and-take as well. Swatching is crucial, except when it isn't (like, the sweater is already finished) and the feel of a yarn often has more to say about its end product than any fancy stitchwork. Knitting away on Fir Cone, I've been savoring the feel of the silk and the break from learn-learn-learn. How funny that lace is what finally gets me to tune out.
Next in the lineup is another February Lady Sweater. A beloved knitting friend is knocked up, drowning in baby knitting and offered to hand dye the yarn. One snack deserves another, don't you think?
Interesting how your chemistry troubles relate to your knitting troubles as well. It seems to me that a good teacher can do just as you ask -- help her students see through the mire. Maybe it's tougher in knitting since we have to be our own guides, and there is such an overwhelming amount of creativity out there. I know that there are a few people out in knittingland whose taste I admire and sometimes emulate, but as I've gotten better it's so much easier to be creative with my knitting. No good substitute for experience, I suppose.
Posted by: Nicole | July 23, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I've been thinking about the abundance on ravelry a lot lately... it's like there are way too many beautiful things that they run together after a while... it's hard for me to focus on what I want out of it. Ergo, the queue grows....
Hang in there with class! we'll toast when it's over!
Posted by: ann | July 23, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Oh, yes, biting off too much.
Sure, I'll work full time this month. Sure, I'll transcribe those 10 hours of interviews for your neuroscience research project.
Sure, I'll make your new profile brochure and website. Sure, I'll help at your wedding.
Sure brand new very high-heeled shoes are brilliant for a long hot day running around at work.
I probably shouldn't be blogstalking you right now. There are still nearly 7 hours of interviews left to transcribe ....
I would rather be knitting. And I'm very excited about the secret sweaters!
Posted by: Camilla Alma | July 23, 2008 at 02:22 PM
What a great entry! Nine hours and a job is most definitely a lot. Oh and I used to love chemistry before my summer of MCAT preparation and now I couldn't agree more with you. Why are you taking chemistry? Hang in there! Those heels are sometimes worth it.
Posted by: Elinor | July 23, 2008 at 02:31 PM