Did you ever have one of those times when everything you touched turned to worms? Well, not literally, but it seems like it. That's where my knitting has been going lately. A list for your perusal:
1. Yartini Cardigan – I reached the armholes and was merrily knitting away when I realized that if I knitted the pattern as written, the armholes would fit me! Yes, I could have figured out my row gauge and the required measurements, but that would have involved actual thinking. Frogged!!!
2. Socks for hubby – I figured it was about time I knitted some socks for hubby. I don't think they will replace his favorite Worlds's Softest Socks, but he needed at least one pair from his loving wife. I picked out a pattern and was merrily knitting away and halfway down the cuffs when I realized I was knitting 11 1/2 sized men's socks on size 0 needles. WHAT was I thinking? Frogged and restarted, this time my own pattern using size 1 needles, Dream in Color Smooshy in Chinatown Apple and a stitch pattern from Charlene Schurch's first book.
3. Shetland Faroese Shawl – Ok, so nothing else seems to be working. How about picking up some tried and true lace? I'm on the last chart, piece o' cake, right? So . . . I'm knitting merrily away (cue ominous music here) and start the last chart only to discover that I have about 20 excess stitches. How could that happen?? I was dead on in the last chart and I've only done four rows of stockinette since then. So I tink back, try again and now I am 4 stitches short. Rinse and repeat about four times with 400 (YES) stitches and I'm starting to sing, "The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out, the worms pay pinochle on your snout." That and giggling hysterically. It's not a pretty sight. Placed in a bag in time out.
My knitting mojo may have flown the coop, but my quilting mojo is hanging in there. I've finished two quilt tops this week. This one is for Quilts of Valor. Their goal is to present every wounded soldier with a quilt. At our last quilt meeting they read a really heartwarming letter from a mother. She said her son had been really disconnected from everyone until he received his quilt. He wanted it with him every minute, only giving it up at the door to surgery and making them promise it will be there when he returns. It's only since receiving the quilt that he's started to talk about his experiences. I'm proud to be able to contribute and incredibly sad that there is even a need.
I'll end on a lighter note and a picture of Maggie's new favorite activity – chasing bubbles!
missouristar 
It is frustrating when knitting goes wrong – hope your knitting mojo returns soon.
How touching that the quilts are so appreciated. As you say, it is sad that there is a need for them.
I wish you never had to make another quilt but the ones you are making touch my heart.
The good thing about worms is they don’t last forever 🙂
Dorothy, being a beginning knitter, I certainly understand – took two knitting projects to San Antonio with me this weekend – and had to discard both. I decided I needed to start my first sock over because I’ve learned more about picking up stitches and want to start the gusset over. Well, the yarn got messed up, and just wasn’t conducive to untangle in the car. Next, I was doing a snowflake dish cloth – my first cables. I got to the cable part and had to take that out so decided I needed to be more focused, and I think I want to try a different cable needle. Had more yarn, not more cables for my knitting needles to start a third project.
And, bless you for the quilts. This weekend I was privileged to meet two injured soldiers who are undergoing treatment in San Antonio. Both made me very proud and know they will make a very strong foundation for the “next” generation – and certainly hope they both receive a quilt. They were both so polite – and one is starting college to teach.
Happy Memorial Day!
Bet you’re still so hyped up from graduating you’re not giving knitting your usual, thoughtful attention.
Meanwhile, blowing bubbles for your puppy looks like loads of fun.
Well, if it is any consolation, the color of the sock yarn is beautiful. Perhaps that alone might get you to restart. (I have sworn off knitting socks for my son’s gargantuan feet. I made him a pair so he could support the NY Jets in style–with JETS in duplicate stitch up the front of each green-and-white sock. I think it took me six months to knit those socks, on size 0 needles. I was too new at sock knitting to even appreciate this fool’s errand. His dormmates at college offered me $500 each to knit another pair, and I refused.)
What? Gauge swatch? Whoever heard of such a thing????
But, that picture of Maggie just makes my day.
Have a good weekend, Dorothy!
That is one intense looking doggy.
Worms….perhaps they have migrated to my house too! I think perhaps my knitting enthusiasm is declining a bit as I patiently await the arrival of new grandbaby. I will not mourn my lack of knitting time nearly as much…..
Bubbles…perhaps I will try that for Sofee. The numerous squirrel families might appreciate a break. As their adolescent children learn the ropes of the back yard, the parents take turns being the “bait” to her chases. Actually I think they all are having a great time, except for me who worries on the off chance she should perhaps catch one. I usually see her purposefully slow down if that looks like it might be a possibility – but when there are 6 or 7 targets, sometimes she just gets SOOOOOOO excited!! I fear that she might make an error in judgment. Yes – I must buy some bubbles!