The Mojo

My fiber arts are in a state not so much of Startitis* as having the knitting mojo going, but not having the time to do anything about it. I have three projects on the needles even though in recent years I have only allowed myself two. Furthermore I have projects in the queue that I am anxious to cast-on, but I'm not allowing myself to do so until I finish two of the knitting projects in progress now.

On the needles are:

1. Lily in the yarn I spun for the Tour de Fleece. I am so pleased by myself over this one. Initially, I started this in a mill-spun yarn and then frogged and swatched again discovering that my handspun was a better choice. This pattern needs a yarn with some stitch definition and I was pleased that my handspun met the criteria. Its also deliciously soft and springing, so I’m itching to work on it. I’d hoped to finish it before starting my third project, but I have quiet awhile to go yet and make actually decide to rip back the sleeves and make them wider.
   
2. My In Dreams Mystery Shawl. I’m still on Clue 1 though Clue 3 has been released. This a my bit of beaded extravagance, and I had a few heart palpitations when I saw the first charts. Once I get going on it, its not so bad. Its fussy, but sometimes I like a bit of a challenge. The main challenge, as I predicted, is figuring out when to work on it. I only break out the complicated charts, cup of loose beads and pale yarn when conditions are just right--the kids are firmly asleep, the dog is tired, I’m not tired, and I’m not planning on watching the tv (but maybe listen to it). This is a rare event. But, when it does happen, I’m very happy to be doing it. I have hopes of actually finishing this before July and wearing it to a summer wedding, but maybe donning it for their 10th anniversary party is more realistic.


3. J.D.’s socks. My sister J.D. requested a pair of hand knit socks to wear in the hospital after her baby is born. I spent more time then necessary picking out the yarn/pattern. Now I'm on a deadline since the baby is due next month. Its kind of awesome. Knitting has made it to my chore To Do list. Now, I’m no longer procrastinating when I knit them I’m “working”. I’ll be a bit sad when these finish. For whatever reason, I also decided to do them on dpns. Normally, I’m a magic loop person, but I’m enjoying using the dpns and will have to do that again soon.

And once those are finished, I’d really love to knit some handspun socks, or a lace shrug from some sparkly alpaca sock yarn, or a tunic from some handspun alpaca....

*Startitis: starting multiple projects, but not finishing.