Whew! I’ve had a week! I can’t believe that’s it’s only Wednesday too!
I am a computer tech, and one of our servers had some problems on Monday. Not good. I hoofed it to one of our field offices to give them a “back door” to our other server. I worked almost ten hours…basically pulling a double shift since I normally average five and a half hours each day. Then, on Tuesday, our email wasn’t going through. Are you kidding me? So, I spent another half a day trying to figure out why. Today, I’m playing catch-up from the last two days.
Needless to say, my brain is fried. On Monday, I didn’t even feel like knitting. But, I gave it a valiant effort, pulling out the pattern for my Lacy Bamboo Jacket. The first mistake was in reading about the gauge. Oh no. I’m not good at gauge. Then, I skimmed the rest of the instructions. It looked like blueprints for the Eiffel Tower. Nope…I cannot handle this project right now. Away goes the bamboo.
So then I pull out the lovely purple yarn that I bought in Vegas. I think I’ll start on the Lily of the Valley Shawl that I found in a book in Vegas. The yarn I want to use is a heavier weight, but the lady at the yarn store assured me that I could adjust the pattern. In the excitement of the moment (remember how much yarn I bought in Vegas?), I let her talk me into it.
Well, I already know that I can’t do math. Trying to adjust the pattern just wasn’t happening. I had all the tools too…pencil, paper, calculator…to no avail. Drats. I put away the yarn and pattern. I’ll just order the lace yarn that the pattern calls for and not worry about adjustments.
So, I finally decide to start on a pair of socks. I bought this book back in February.
You might recall that I recently knit my first pair of two-at-a-time magic loop socks. So, I’m game to try something new…despite my lack of brain cells at the moment
I’m using this yarn (the pink one on the left…another Vegas purchase).
So, I get the socks cast on. I’m going to make the famous Monkey Socks that everyone seems to be knitting these days. I easily complete the ribbing and put things up for the evening. Last night, after another trying day at work, I decide to “relax” by working on my socks. I get one pattern repeat completed and eagerly start on the next one. Uh oh…something strikes me as being odd. The socks look fine, but upon looking at the pattern (I’m using a chart), I realize that I’ve totally messed up the easiest rows.
Grrr…what’s a knitter to do. I could let it go. Nobody but me will know. However, I can’t. I remember reading a posting by ArtLady on KnittingHelp.com (she is the knitting guru, by the way). She said that she frogs until she gets something just right. Her work is simply gorgeous. If you’re on Ravelry, look her up (by the same name). No wonder her work is so stunning. She does not accept anything less than perfection.
So, I rip and rip. I took the whole thing apart and started over, determined to finish the ribbing on the cuff before retiring for the night. Two hours of work…and I’m right back where I started.
Isn’t that pathetic?
Despite all of this, I’m learning stuff. First of all, don’t try to knit socks on two circulars using a 16″ needle. I tried using one 24″ and one 16″, per some bone-head thing I read on the internet when I was researching this. The 16″ is way too short. I moved those stitches to a 40″, which is way, way too long, but it’s all I have. I think that either two 24″ or a 24″ and a 32″ would be perfect. I read that two different sizes are recommended so that you don’t get your needles confused. When I have a little more $$, I’ll order some 32″ needles.
I’ve also discovered that I really like Tofutsies yarn. It is wonderful to work with. I’m happy that I have another skein to use later.
Oh, and just so you don’t think I’m totally grr’ed out from this week, I have good stuff to say.
First of all, I gave my co-worker the Drop Stitch Scarf (see previous post) today. I left it in a gift bag on her chair. All of a sudden, my email pops up with the happiest thank you note I’ve ever seen. I went down to take a look, and she was wearing it, almost speechless. She couldn’t believe that I gave it to her. It looks so awesome on her too! That was a great feeling.
Then, when I arrived home, I had another baby blanket waiting for me. When I opened the box, I found a couple of gifts. One was a bar of soap…smells so good!!! The other thing…well, look at the picture below…
These are just adorable! They fit perfectly, despite my huge feet, and they are so soft!!! I’m a happy gal, yes indeed!
Friday cannot come soon enough!
Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: Knitting, slippers, soaring on two circ, tofutsies | 1 Comment »
AuburnChick's Adventures 