Stress Reaction

I have always considered myself a process knitter. As in, it's about the process, not the product. Despite this, I have found myself suffering with a bit of ennui. Having made the decision not to knit for Christmas this year, it's not like I am suffering from deadline indecision (that paralyzing anxiety that afflicts you when you know you don't have enough time to finish all the items on your Christmas gift list, but you are going to die trying). I have several non-pressure projects on the needles, and yet nothing appeals to me.

To bring you up to date, you see above (clockwise from the left):
1. Chevron Scarf, Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Koigu KPPPM (P511 & P604) on Addi Turbo 3.75mm (US #5)
2. Rib and Cable Socks, IK Fall 2005, Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Garnet on Addi Turbo 2.5mm (US #1)
3. Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks, IK Summer 2005, Opal Hand Painted #19 on Addi Turbo 2.0mm (US #0)
4. Marsan Watch Cap, Peace Fleece in Baghdad Blue on Addi Turbo 4.5mm (US #7)
5. Cozy, Rowan Summer Tweed in Smolder on Addi Turbo 4.5mm (US #7)
6. Lady Eleanor Entrelac Stole, Scarf Style, Noro Silk Garden #84 on Addi Turbo 5.0mm (US #8)

That's it. Those are all the projects I have on the needles. (Midwest Moonlight from Scarf Style used to be on the list. I completed three of the five skeins of Merino Style before giving it to a friend of mine whom I taught to knit, and who was ready for something a bit more challenging. I love the pattern, and I even liked the color. Merino Style in Frost. I just couldn't see myself wearing that particular color with anything. I plan on trying it again, maybe in Andean Silk, in Old Rose).

Two things occur to me as I look back over this list. First, it's obvious that I do not suffer any ennui with my choice of needles. Addi's so rock!! Second is just a random observation. We knitters share a common shorthand. Most everyone who reads this will immediately know what IK and KPPPM stand for. No explanation required. I find that pretty cool.

There was, of course, nothing for it but to cast on a new project. The fiber is the ever luxurious Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Black Purl. The needles? Come on, all together now. ADDI TURBO 4.5mm (US #7).

I didn't knit a stitch yesterday. After a mini vacation which started last Wednesday afternoon, I headed back to work on Tuesday after tossing and turning the majority of Monday night. Too little sleep, an eleven hour work day, and way to much stress left me limp as a noodle yesterday and crashed out early in the evening. I woke up this morning with a book beside me, lying on a bed of popcorn. (Evidently my husband moved the bowl to the kitchen after I fell asleep). I can at least say I woke up refreshed, and knitting will resume forthwith.

While deciding on my yarn selection for the Holiday Sox Exchange, I have been blazing through Ella. LL Shepherd Sport in Black Purl is just heavenly. It's so soft you would think it has some silk in it. Love, love, love the color as well. I have some in the Shepherd Sock and I can't wait to pick a pattern that takes full advantage of this luscious color. Check out the back of Ella. It so totally cracks me up!

Get your banana boobs right here!

..and a mini rant.

Perusing the upcoming patterns from Interweave, and making a list of necessities for those projects that catch my eye. This is not an unusual activity when I suffer some knitting ADD. This is a stress induced occupation, because though Ella is coming along beautifully, I am having all kinds of gauge issues with Grace. Though the swatch might have been spot on, I am finding the actually knitting of the pattern to be fairly loose and without body. My fear being that if I continue with this current gauge, I will end up with a lovely soft jacket sized stadium blanket. Very soft and warm, but no body to speak of. Have to start again. This time I will being trying US 6 on the ribbing, and US 7 on to body. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

In my wanderings, I ran across this Interweave knit project. My ADD kicked into high gear, all thought of Grace flew right out of my head and I began looking for the yarn to make these lovlies!

Its love I tell you! Love a first site!

The six skeins of Plymouth Galway shouldn't be hard to come by, and I'm thinking that Cascade 220 would make a good substitution. Either way six skeins at $6 apiece won't be too hard to swallow. But the six skeins of Plymouth Foxy? The yummy, soft and fuzzy, but less than usually cheesy specialty yarn that retails for $27.99 a skein?!?

What's that all about?

But I just gotta have them. Have to! Any yarn subs anyone can recommend? Anyone at all?

My Secret Pal is the best. Now, I know we all say it, but in this case it is the absolute truth. My Secret Pal is the very best Secret Pal in the whole wide world. The day after Thanksgiving brought the return to regular operations of the USPS, and this lovely package. Debbie Bliss Wool Cotton in Purple and a heavenly scented candle called African Rain.

Thank you, Secret Pal, from the bottom of my heart.