Slow Going

This shawl is progressing at an excruciatingly slow rate compared to expectations. I thought a half silk garter stitch shawl would skate along.

The yarn is delightfully soft and squishy, but is a bitch to work with. It is a bit splitty. Plus, the pattern has two to four increases per row. Weird, fiddly increases. Increase that I have to look at my cheat sheet each and every row. 

At least the easy garter areas increase with each row. I am looking forward to toasting through those garter sections. Near the end, I may very well be cursing the monotony of those same sections. 

Today, it is all about the dichotomy of garter stitch. 

Take 2

I restarted the shawl from the other night.

A few rows farther than before, and the larger needle seems to be working. ("Seems to". I have to qualify my opinion, lest I upset the Gods of Knitting for my arrogance, and tempt them into cursing me with uneven guage, splitting yarn or a shortage of yarn only inches from the end.)

For the next week or two, I think my wifely duties may intrude. My sweetie has SHINGLES.  The rash started this morning, and his bitching had increased exponentially every hour since then. Still, I did promise in sickness and in health, I think this qualifies. 

It is going to be a long couple weeks. 

Today, it is all about the spousal obligations. 

A Truly Pathetic Showing

After two hours at Knittervention, this is all I have to show for it. 

Cast on 5 stitches, work a few rows with some unusual increases, swear, order a second beer, rip out and start over.   Repeat. 

When I look in the clear, bright (sober) light of day, I think I should go up one needle size. I didn't swatch, because the yarn is unforgiving and I am concerned about yardage. 

So I may be starting over. But a bad night knitting is still a good night. 

Today it is all about the starts and restarts. 

Post-Downton Letdown

I swear, I didn't know what to do with myself last night.  No more Downton Abbey.  I know that it isn't like I didn't have a nine-month hiatus between seasons every year anyway, but this year, knowing I had watched the last made it more poignant and depressing.   

Downton was so knit-friendly.  Lots of dialogue in crisp British accents, with little action to miss while I glanced down at my hands.  Lots of eye candy of costumes and scenery, but nothing that prevented knitting.  And the era somehow made me want to knit yards of lace so I could look as sophisticated as the Countess of Grantham.  Downton will be missed, but it nice to know that I can still visit on DVD. 

Today, it is all about the melancholy.   

Here Endeth the Lesson

Last night, Mandy was introduced to the stockinette stitch. She got to knit and purl at the same time. Her conversion is complete. She is a knitter. Last night we talked about her first project.

Meanwhile, I saw something at Knittervention that I have NEVER seen before. I have seen organized knitters with all necessary tools in a handy dandy bag. Measuring tape, scissors, crochet hook, needle, and such.

But I have never seen anyone who carries around twenty or more needles in their bag. 

Congratulations, you just made the blog. 

Today, it is all about the needle overkill.