Lemming like, I joined Weight Watchers today in order to shed some extra pounds. Being January, it was of course wall to wall people, but I found it motivating none the less. Planning and organization were the topics, the thought being that if you plan ahead, you are more likely to reach your goal. I felt of course that this theme transitioned nicely to knitting projects and blogging.
Apparently I go through spurts of joining. Lot's of joining. Right now, as you can see from my sidebar, I have joined three KAL's and one sock swap. I have also ordered the pattern book for the Crossed in Translation KAL (joining to be determined at a future date when and if I find the pattern to be decipherable) and have been watching closely the upcoming sign up for Sockapalooza.
So, in the spirit of planning and organization, instead of composing a shopping list and planning a menu, I give you my KAL round-up.
The Amazing Grace is back on the front burner. I was having all kinds of gauge issues. The called for Cotton Angora, which I purchased, and would obviously want to use given the expense, was knitting up a bit too loose for my liking on the called for size 8 needles when I used my adored Addis. Size 7 was way too tight. The answer? Bamboo! That bit of extra drag from the bamboo tightens up the gauge just enough that I nailed it first time! Woot!!
I've finally chosen the sock yarn for the Bloomin' Feet sock swap. Fleece Artist Merino, Hand Painted in the Dragonfly colorway. I think my sock pal, who expressed a preference for bold colors, will like this.
The Red Hot Sizzling Socks KAL presented me with a no-brainer as we say in the biz. I scored almost a pound of CTH Supersock in a luscious red on eBay and the urge to knit this up is irresistible. Despite the fact that I have stashed an abundance of Supersock, I have yet to actually knit with it, so I am excited to get started.
Last, but by no means least, I have joined the Harlot's Knitters Olympics. Brave, brave woman that she is, Harlot is organizing a KAL likely to be remembered as the largest KAL in history. Casting on February 10th with the lighting of the flame, I will attempt to complete Ene's Shawl from Scarf Style using Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace in the Mixed Berries colorway by the time the torch goes out on February 26th.
Sixteen short days to complete my second charted lace project ever. I think this embraces the "Citius, Alitius Fortius" ideal, don't you?
Comments (11)
HOLY MOLY!! I'm already exhausted just reading your post!! LOL ! You go girl!!
How is Weight Watchers? My biggest problem would be the meetings - just dont' have the time to go with work, commute, my son's therapies, etc. But I've always heard great things about the process.
Good luck with that!!
Posted by Esther | January 21, 2006 10:16 PM
Posted on January 21, 2006 22:16
Whew - however will you do all of this in such a short period of time -
you must knit a million miles per hour!!
You go girl!
Posted by Teyani | January 22, 2006 4:26 AM
Posted on January 22, 2006 04:26
I thought you would cave and buy the CIT book! And yay! your back on Grace---I'm trying in between socks. The back is done so I need to co for a front piece. And the Dragonfly colorway looks gorgeous -- can't wait to see it come to life under the needles!
Posted by amanda | January 22, 2006 2:39 PM
Posted on January 22, 2006 14:39
Hey- great choice for your Olympic Knitting project- I love that shawl. I'm a little intimidated by my goal, too but really looking forward to the challenge. I'll cheer you on!
Our WIP lists are kindred spirits right now- an Olympic lace shawl, and way too many socks! LOL!
Posted by Mary-Heather | January 22, 2006 4:10 PM
Posted on January 22, 2006 16:10
That Fleece Artist Merino yarn is gorgeous! I am sure your pal will love it. Have you picked a pattern yet?
The yarn you chose for Ene's Shawl will is really nice too. You have a lot of knitting going on right now! :)
Posted by Karen | January 22, 2006 5:29 PM
Posted on January 22, 2006 17:29
So many lovely projects and yarns! I love that soft pink of the Cotton Angora!
Yep, the red sock kal was a no-brainer for me too. Love red. Love socks ;)
Posted by Lolly | January 23, 2006 1:38 PM
Posted on January 23, 2006 13:38
Wow, thats a lot of knitting! I also joined the Olympics but not with an extra project!! I think that “Citius, Alitius Fortius†applies to the sheer quantity of knitting you have to do!
Very nice yarn for both the socks and Ene's shawl too!!
Posted by Kira | January 23, 2006 5:44 PM
Posted on January 23, 2006 17:44
Oooh- I haven't seen the Dragonfly knit up yet! I'm so glad you are using it!
I haven't ever done WW before, but I do find that knitting has helped me shed some pounds. I'm less likely to consume chips at night when I'm keeping busy with a sock project....
Posted by Allison | January 23, 2006 8:50 PM
Posted on January 23, 2006 20:50
Hi Leah. I'm knitting Ene's scarf (really a shawl) for the Olympics too. I bought the actual yarn called for in the pattern, but in a different color. Good Luck!
Posted by sandy j | January 24, 2006 5:07 PM
Posted on January 24, 2006 17:07
Good grief, Leah! How many socks can you knit??? I do love that red stuff, though...
As for the Olympics, I'm thinking you and I have set forth some pretty steep goals. Go for the gold, bay-beeee!
Posted by Lee Ann | January 24, 2006 5:12 PM
Posted on January 24, 2006 17:12
Pretty pretty pretty! You always pick the best colors.
PS One slice of chocolate orange is a point! If you eat it reeeelly slowly it's totally worth it.
Posted by Emily | January 24, 2006 11:02 PM
Posted on January 24, 2006 23:02