Fidgety Knitting

New Year, New Content

The Sun Sets on 2006... and Hopefully Will Rise in 2007

January is a rough month in my book. First there is that whole resolutions thing I tend to eschew. But with the battering ram that was 2006 hitting head on, I feel the need to try and start this year with some goals... I guess my first goal is to take inventory of my life and make the little steps happen, with kindness and openness. And maybe blog a bit with some knitting again...

Then there is that hibernation instinct that kicks in with steel-toed boots. Not to mention something about wanting to be thankful for sweeping out the old year (and in this case quite the shitty one which can KISS MY WHITE ASS on the way out... in case there is any confusion- THAT IS ALL OF IT) and approbation about the tidings that a New Year might bring. So yeah I am not too fond of January, and at the same time... pissed that half of it is already gone!!

This year no matter what will bring change. I am not sure what I think about this because I am not good with change in general. So far, things have gotten off to a a shaky start, with abnormal medical results indicating possibly cancerous cells that were biopsied yesterday. T Minus 15 to finding out if they are begin or what the hell we do next about them. Thanks Fati Ignoranti... I thought we were clear that the Universe in 2007 would be A-OK if you stopped having a right go at me.

In other changes that I am, but am not, ready for; I left my job. I know it's a pretty big one huh?? I got to NYC/Seattle for the holidays and knew that it was the right decision. It was as if on leaving the building, I got a piece of me back and some tranquility (oh and had a kick ass time in NYC- though being in the states... it is like I am Alice looking through the looking glass!). Only now I have no job and that always gives me anxiety attacks.

In the end it boiled down to this: Anything that eats my soul alive, deprives me of creativity and joie de vivre, gives me a bleeding ulcer, and makes me want to violently maim the SOB I had to work with. Him who tosses a stapler across my desk and says I don't know how to load this you *MUST* do it for me. And then when I do so, shell-shocked, as closing it asks "do you *THINK* it will work??" I don't fucking know let's *STAPLE* something to your *FOREHEAD* and find out... Yeah message clear. My soul has a higher price, and this not worth it. So it is TIME TO GO. Luckily I had time to prepare and I have good "end of duty" benefits. So I will be traveling around and tying up strings until possibly the end of March/beginning of April. Don't ask for anymore details. You know as much as I do and if you ask I will end up in the a corner with my helmet on, banging my head against the wall and humming as I think about the future-unknown that has no forward moving point except for likely moving to another country. HMMMM HMMMM HMMMMMMMM

So what do I do in the middle of all this uncertainty that evaporates that one uni-dose of sanity I had in reserve?? First I drooled over these knitted wee goodies (gallery here). Then I decided to knit them GOD DAMN IT. So I sat down with some luxury yarn that a very Super Reebeeki helped indecisive-me pick while in Seattle (Bollicina how I LOVE THEE, if I were rich I'd make a sweater out of this yarn) and the pattern on my computer screen. I proceeded to make a few not repeatable utterances while trying to figure out the Italian Tubular Cast on. But the result is cool (if a bit floppy for my tastes...)

After that I pulled out graph paper to put the chart on my beloved magneto board. I sat down with my knitting and watched some teen angst shows. Then I searched for more TV because I was addicted to the little buggers and did not want to put the knitting down. Some people knit while they read, me I knit while watching TV. I found Friends and saw I could put it in English. I was disturbed to hear Friends in English for the first time in years. Most American television I watch is dubbed... and the voices now sound WEIRD to me. Next I decided that the 3 colour idea I had doesn't work. (says prayer to knitting goddess that I will have enough yarn) Rip out and start over again.

Get into the colourwork groove (sorry the close up isn't that sharp and a bit blown out, Mr. De Mille would be disappointed). Not doing too bad knit-wise if I say so myself... Gauge seems to be fairly even if a wee bit tight. Colours are gorgeous, if un-photographable (at least with my skills but I am learning more and having fun with the baby :) They feel a bit tight but I want to get higher up on the hand before I rip back to the lifelines I have put in. Or in worst case scenario I go up a needle size and start over again. I can handle it.

BUT WAIT... there is a hitch, also known as a PLEA FOR HELP, otherwise you would see at least one finished mitt, if not a pair. Here it is: I cannot for my life figure out how to do the increases. I don't mean that I can't figure out how to do a M1. No, I can't figure out how to increase in pattern. Granted I read my graph/chart from L to R (I can't remember which direction you are supposed to go) if that is my fuck up characteristic.

But my brain is pulling the "Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect One EndPaper Mitt" card where the directions say:
"Next round: Work across Chart B to first false "seam" stitch, m1 in pattern, p1 in main color, m1 in pattern, work Row 2 of Chart B (working from left to right), p1..
Continue as set, working an increase round as above every 3rd row 8 times more. 75 sts total, 18 increased."

My piddly brain cannot for the LIFE OF ME figure this pattern line out... the increase in pattern thing is KILLING my knitting mojo (next up on the plate is Lara, and Ill be asking for help there too... I need lots of help, I am an Enigma Wrapped in a Spanish Tortilla :) And this is really, really, RILLY frustrating the everliving daylights out of me, as I despite the fact that global warming is eliminating my need for them... I want to finish these mitts!!

Anyone have some illuminating light to shine my way? Bueller???

Posted by Stinkerbell at January 16, 2007 03:02 PM | TrackBack