drowning in projects

I always do this to myself. I commit (to myself) to making something, and then I have a better idea and want to do something else. Unfortunately, this mind-changing seems to always happen at the last minute. I’ve made one baby blanket for the baby shower (the goal is to make two) and I know what pattern I’m going to use for the second (the Big Bad Baby Blanket from Stitch 'n' Bitch). That was a huge hurdle to get over in and of itself. Now I just have to make it. I started it in acrylic, but I’ve been reading so many warnings lately about babies and acrylic (and how acrylic likes to catch on fire) and because the first is acrylic, I really want to make the second in wool, which is flame-retardant. Not that I think my friend will be letting her baby play with matches, but you never know what might happen.

Originally, I had wanted to dye some superwash wool yarn and use that, but with two weeks until the shower, I’m not sure I have enough time. I like Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted, and I’m planning on going to the yarn shop tonight to look at the yarn and prices. If I can find something I love that they have enough of for a good price, I’m going to use that and use the dyeable yarn for something else. Maybe something for me for a change. If the universe doesn’t align like that, then I’m going to dye yarn this weekend and hope that I finish the blanket. I also have to knit a pair of socks by the day before the shower (I think) for a friend. That date may get pushed back.

I really don’t want to half-ass this blanket. Ideally, it would be a keepsake that could be passed down. so I want it to be good quality and well made. If the yarn shop doesn’t work out tonight, then maybe I’ll be dyeing yarn tomorrow night and letting that dry on Saturday while I organize my room. The deal with myself was that I couldn’t play with the dye until I had finished my room, but time is becoming an issue. Of course, if the yarn doesn’t come in tomorrow, it’s anyone’s guess what I’ll do.

Did I mention I’m also helping to plan this party and so have to take time to shop and send invitations and stuff? I also have a job which takes up valuable knitting time. I just need to find a sheep farm that’s hiring and learn to make my own yarn. That way stuff like this isn’t a problem anymore.

So that’s the plan: go to the store tonight and see what’s around. And also take notes of colorways I like just in case there’s nothing in the store in the right kind of yarn. I hope there is. I want to make something for myself. I’m itching to make something for myself (actually, I’m working on a hat, but I’m greedy and want more). I really think I want a Clapotis from Knitty. And maybe some socks. Another pair of fetching to match my hat. I want I want. For now, though, I’ll be making gifts.

FOs

(That's Finished Objects to any non-knitters who may stop by)

A little over a month until Christmas. I've finished one gift. Well, technically two, but I have to alter the slippers for my brother because they're too big. But I did finish the Irish Hiking Scarf. I'll have pictures once I get them developed. I'm relying on my 35 mm if I want good pictures of my projects.

I have finished some non-christmas things. 3 pairs of Fetching (work friend's birthday, mine, roommate's), a hat in lovely heathered purple alpaca for me, 4 or 5 baby hats, and a Star Trek bear for X. She named it William the Bear Riker.



I have a baby shower to attend before christmas, so those projects are being finished first. I'm working on a pinwheel baby blanket and I think it's going to be really cool. I need to find some ribbon for the one baby hat and make some flowers for another, but those are quick things. I also plan on making some socks, finishing a couple blankets, and maybe a stuffed animal for a basket o' goodies. I really like knitting for babies. I'll be making another set after christmas, and then putting something smaller together for a coworker who I'm not as close with whose fiancee is expecting.

Still to do: Socks and "Baby's First DNA" for science-geek-roommate, design a manatee for friend, pair of fetching to match my hat (these will be in warmer alpaca for winter; the wool/silk will be for fall), lots of baby stuff. then maybe some more stuff for me. enough with the giving stuff away. Except I still need to finish a gondor tree blanket. there is that.

I was going to try to make myself a niddy-noddy, but i have an old coatrack my dad made when i was a kid that just has pegs that i can probably use to make some bobbins and the like. better than the pile of microspun i've got going on at home right now. that crap tangles like whoa, but it's so nice and soft to work with. I'll have to remember to get that the next time I'm at my parents' house.