Scattered

Stephanie wrote:

This time of year can be crazy busy. The calendar is full of extra parties, celebrations, commitments and obligations. We really should attend this. Can I fit one more activity in our schedule? Constant juggling. Never enough hours in the day. Is this the price we have to pay for the relaxed, playful days of summer?

As a result I feel like this.

Scattered puzzle pieces.

We are on a serious puzzle jag here. Everywhere I look there are puzzles. Completed puzzles because once you've put in all that time and effort, you can't bear to take them apart.

And puzzles in progress.

Flags of the World in 1000 pieces.

This morning I woke up and vowed to regroup and take some time for myself.

Time for this.

Coffee is the elixir of my life. Beer is in the same category, but I save that for later in the day. Isn't this mug funky? It's one of Jennie the Potter's creations.

Time for this.

This is my third time knitting Holidazed, and I'm determined to keep this pair. The light shade is out of my usual color comfort zone, but the yarn, Regia Stretch, is a good match for the pattern. And it was in my stash.

Time for this.

The beginnings of Herbivore (Ravelry link). I had a couple of false starts with colorful, busy yarns that detracted from the pattern, but I think I'm on the right track with this combination.

And time for this.

Maybe I'll find the missing piece to Canada.

Getting It Right and Contest

Stephanie wrote:

Lately I've been putting in some long days. At the end of the day if I get a chance to knit, I want my knitting to be uncomplicated - the kind of knitting where you follow the pattern and everything falls into place.

But of course that's not how things work out when you're tired, your feet hurt and you seek solace in your knitting, even if only for a row or two. Instead, it seems that every project I touch has "issues".

I was cruising along on this fingerless mitt until I stopped to count my stitches after all the thumb increases had been made.

I had the right number of thumb stitches, but the total stitch count was off. I counted and re-counted a couple of times. I was tempted to start ripping it out, but decided to set it aside until I could take the time to work it out on paper.

After doing all the math I discovered that my stitch count was right. The pattern was wrong. I love it when that happens. Now finishing these will be a snap.

And then there was a slight problem with these socks.

Isn't it beautiful? These socks are a gift, and I thought I had the sizing right. Turns out they are a smidge too long. As you can see I haven't taken this one off the needles yet. It's nothing that can't be fixed, but it's not something I look forward to doing when I'm tired and crave effortless knitting.

This pattern is Holidazed by Anne Hanson. I'm in love with this design and am resisting the temptation to start a pair for myself. Maybe after I finish this pair.

Now that we're in the deep freeze of winter, I think we're due for another contest. Leave a comment and tell me where you find your knitting inspiration these days - blogs, Ravelry, knit night, local yarn shop, magazines or something else. I'm fascinated by what inspires people, and I'm always looking for new sources of creativity. The winner, chosen at random, will receive a $25 Dye Dreams gift certificate. Contest closes Sunday, January 17, 2010.