Sadly, I didn't make it to SAFF, opting instead to spend the week in emergency rooms and doctors' offices. It's no big thing- more medications, more tests, more bother- but I got a fair amount of knitting done, knitting myself a hat, converting new and lapsed knitters in waiting rooms, and finishing woefully neglected old projects.
This sweater, for example; this is my first attempt at making a sweater up off the cuff, begun about seven years ago. This languished, armless, for at least six years; it's made of Handpaintedyarns.com Handspun Bulky. HPW has gorgeous base yarns in infamously unreliable colorways- things are not always as they appear on the website- which is how I wound up with a pinky- green instead of the blueish purples I'd seen and dreamed of on the website. I needs blocking, and overdyeing (and not in that order!), but at least it has arms and all the ends are woven in.
There's something lovely in finishing old projects- remembering what I'd initially loved about them, what frustrated me, why I deserted them- so rarely the objects' fault, and usually a refresher on important knitting lessons past. For example: if the color of a yarn makes you crazy, overdye it before knitting the sweater, because if you don't, you'll just abandon the thing for AGES. But it's a pleasure to revisit this: I can see how new of a knitter I was in my choices here- I'd have gone about my shaping differently today, and I would have made the bottom bit of ribbing longer, too, and the neckline doesn't lay quite right, but it's mine, the first sweater I ever made up by myself, and there's a real sweetness to that.
Currently on the needles is another sweater, knit in two shades of Thirteen Mile Worsted I got for a song at Spinster Yarns- she's closing the shop, and everything is on sale for 40%- 50% off. Here's hoping it takes me less than five- six years to finish this one, eh?
I bet that knitting made the waiting room almost enjoyable. Great to be able to show a hat and a sweater for all those hours. I love the idea of overdying, I may have just made something that could use a shot of overdying.
Posted by: misa | October 26, 2009 at 05:37 PM
I do hope whatever the problem was, it has stopped plaguing you. I went to SAFF and it was fun. So sorry you couldn't make it. but I am glad you finished your lovely sweater!
I gave you all the details!
Posted by: fleegle | October 26, 2009 at 07:23 PM
You're such an inspiration, Sarah! - now I'm sorry I frogged those two sweaters that had been languishing instead of finishing them. On the other hand, I discovered that early on in my knitting career I'd tackled things that were (theoretically) advanced simply because I didn't know better. I need to keep that lesson in mind.
I did find one more sweater buried in the vaults (well, in the plastic boxes) and I think I'll have to finish it - even if it is too small - simply because you've set a good example. (oh, the pressure is on now)
Hope you're feeling better
Posted by: Gracie | October 26, 2009 at 08:05 PM
I am sorry to hear you spent time being tested rather than at SAFF. (By the way, I followed a bunch of links to new people recently, and I think I found you through Mel of Purling Plans? Sometimes I drop in on people and I like to read and comment, and I forget to say where I came from!)
I wanted to say that I strongly relate on the old project pleasure, particularly lately. Around Ravelry and blogland, I see people saying things like, This took so long! One year! And I kind of cough and hide behind my computer screen. I'm currently working on a sweater that I began for my brother in 2003! I've made him an entire other sweater while this one was in storage, or on the bottom of the priority list. And I have a few of my own that will get done, one day, but are sitting out for a few rounds, a round apparently equaling 6mos to a year! I think a lot about what this says about me - I like to experiment and move on to new things? I have no follow-through? But in the end, this knitting thing isn't about product for me, and it isn't about trend. I do like to finish things, and I do feel committed to what I'm knitting over time. The thing I don't have, I guess, is that fire under me.
Posted by: Heather | October 27, 2009 at 03:45 AM
I'm so glad you're close to Johns Hopkins, I hope they are taking good care of you. Sad to hear that this is the reason you didn't make it to SAFF, and totally impressed by your stellar attitude (you must have your moments - I hope you allow yourself that!) And knitting firsts ARE very sweet, even/especially if they don't get made up till later! I cherish all mine, even the unwearable ones ;)
Posted by: mel | October 28, 2009 at 12:13 PM