I have mentioned my obsession with completing projects in the
past. I do not want to leave a pile of forgotten projects as my legacy. I also don't want a huge pile of yarn intended for projects long since out of style. In order to avoid either of this crises, I am slogging through my stash of partially finished projects.
I started the
Shalom sweater in August of 2009. I had to fiddle with the pattern to make it a bit bigger. I had scribbled notes on the back of the pattern which was wrinkled and water stained. I knit most of the yoke and encountered a problem. My stitch count was off, so I wadded the scribbled notes and sweater up in a bag. I threw it into the closet in the hopes that all would be clear when I pulled it back out.
I retrieved the partially knit sweater from the depths of my closet at the end of May. I am not sure what happened almost two years ago. My notes are incomplete and too sparse to decipher. I did what any knitter would do. I ripped the whole thing out. Armed with new knowledge, I set out to reknit the yoke. It is going so much better. I have clearer notes on the whole process. My counts match up.
I have been knitting it while at swim team, the park, and anywhere I can grab a few free moments. It is going slowly, but I am currently on the body. I am still planning to make it long sleeved. I really hope to finish it by the end of July. Then I will have two new sweaters for the fall.
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| June 6, 2011 |
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| Yarn Along June 28, 2011 |
I am alternating my knitting with reading a few books. I have finished Ape House, which proved to be a bit too formulaic for me. I recently started
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
by Rebecca Skloot. It is incredibly interesting. Such a complex topic dealing with race, medical research, exploitation, human rights and bioethics.
What a novel concept to finish up half-completed projects! Thanks for the inspiration :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear what you think of Henrietta Lacks!!! I devoured the book a few months ago and still find myself pondering the implications.
Good for you! I wish I could say the same. I seem to be perfectly to content to leave a legacy of unfinished knits to my progeny! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debbie
Good for you finishing up older projects! I put projects in "time-out also sometimes when things aren't working out.
ReplyDeleteThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is such a complex and interesting book. It may be the best book I've read this year, and the story of how it came to be is just as interesting as the book itself.
I'm so impressed by your commitment to finishing up your projects...I'm in danger of leaving a legacy of my own. I'm trying to be good though.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear the Shalom is going better the second time through! How exciting to have two new sweaters for fall!
I need to take a lesson from you and finish my sweater.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that Henrietta Lacks is an awesome book so I am interested in what you think when you are finished.
I love that yarn you are using - the sweater was just waiting for the right time to be knitted.
ReplyDeleteUnfinished projects tend to bug me too, and just now I am reminded of those still sitting in my cupboard... oh dear. Maybe I should just start new on some of them!
That Shalom will be so pretty. I am impressed. Frogging, as well as time away from a project, often seems to clear the mind. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteBe well, Angela (Peach Coglo)
I have two closets full of *projects* .. started or waiting to be started. I never have to buy yarn again! :D :D I'm going to by more like you and attack the closet!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how those knitting problems don't resolve themselves when we stash them in a closet isn't it? I have expected similar resolutions and am always disappointed. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent on finishing a project! That is a current goal of mine, too. But sometimes, you just need the time to put them down and re-focus energy elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your knitting!
Good for you!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to fix the buttons on a sweater that has been languishing in my closet waiting to be worn.
- Jen @ Wife, "Mom", Knitter
How lucky of you to be at the top of the list on yarn along! I am plodding through these boring socks.(for myself) I dont let myself buy yarn often. Have to finish one project first. ;)
ReplyDeleteKnitting on the go is the best kind of knitting. I have a pair of unfinished socks that I am toting around--those stitches here and there really add up!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful project, better late than never :) I like to finish what I start as well.
ReplyDelete