I decided to spend my lunch hour hunting down a yarn store I hadn’t been to yet - Ann’s Yarn Gallery in Tigard. It’s actually just 15 minutes or so away from work, though it’s not the kind of store that carries everything you need. The Yarn Garden is that kind of store (when their stock is filled) - you need yarn, whatever it is, The Yarn Garden typically has it. Ann’s is more of an eclectic boutique with lots of sales. I met Ann herself, a pleasant English woman, who was, understandably, a little scattered as she taught a class and ran the store single-handedly. (Why is it I feel like yarn store owners are celebrities? I guess just because I’d like to be one of them).
I gave Ann $43 and in return she gave me 5 skeins of Alice Starmore’s Scottish Campion, 1 coordinating skein of Jamison (just to mix up the bad blood), 4 skeins of cream Classic Elite Waterspun, 1 burgundy skein of Brown Sheep Handspun, an 1 grape-colored skein of Brown Sheep Prairie Silk. Sales are fun. I did, however, promise myself sometime ago that I would stop buying yarn that I didn’t have a specific project in mind for, especially as I’m trying to shrink my overflowing stash. I may have to come to the conclusion that it’s okay to just own the pretty ball of yarn and hold it and play with it - I don’t always have to make something with it - is that reasonable or am I insane? (there is a theme for the day)
I have been so busy, not that you would know it from this blog (or perhaps you would - where’d she go?). First things first, thanks so much for the input on my horse blanket, I mean, felted sweater below. I’ve decided to attach the collar - I think it adds balance. And really, it’s so warm that I will only be able to wear it anyway skiing in a snow storm, and then I would want the collar.
I’ve been working from home since Monday and you would think that this would enhance secret breaks for my knitting, but I actually ended up working many more hours than normal without the daily luncheon with my needles. So today, I am happy to be back at work and looking at taking lunch in half an hour. My projects are very scattered right now. I have a baby cardie to sew up, but I need to steam the edges flat first. I just finished my first design (!) to be submitted to Knitty if I can get a decent picture taken in this constant rain and the pattern typed up - I think I’ll do that tonight. I started a pair of felted clogs for Bob but I’ve left those in the basket next to the couch at home. In fact, I’ve just realized, as I’m typing this, that I’m so out of practice, I’ve completely forgotten altogether my knitting basket full of my scattered projects, sitting next to the couch at home. I think in the back of my mind I thought I would get started on the two balls of red alpaca I have waiting for my own Bucket-o-chic hat, but alas.
So, now I’m at a loss. Which brings up another point, if you don’t mind my rambling on for a moment. I’ve been wondering lately, as I see that my obsession with knitting is not slowing, if what I’ve done in quitting smoking was to trade one addiction for another. I do feel withdrawals when I haven’t knit for a day (or, really, let’s admit it, a few hours). When I get a break at work, instead of heading outside for a smoke, I jump online and check out my favorite design sites or yarn stores or eBay. As I’m falling asleep at night, I find myself thinking of projects I have going or ones I want to start. Do I have a problem? Is this common? Normal? (Do I care?) Not really, but it’s just another knitting-related topic to overanalyze…
So, this is way more bulky than I expected. I’m trying to decide whether or not to attach the collar - it feels a little overwhelming with it on, like I’m being swallowed by it. You tell me. I like the sleeves, though - don’t my wrists look dainty?
I have no head in these pictures because it’s Super Bowl Sunday and I haven’t yet showered. Bob and I are nested in for the big game, though I’m just in it for the nachos, the commercials and the knitting time. Go Raiders!
Here’s the collar on the felted sweater - the last piece - I’m almost done! I’m working frantically tonight to finish the blasted thing so I can wear it tomorrow for casual Friday (gotta love the office). I can’t believe I’m going to get to wear this fabric. It’s very luxurious. Very comfy like pajamas but, because I’m at work, it’s kind of luxurious.
