I decided something recently. I should never ever ev-er be allowed to have more than 3 WIP’s going at one time. That’s not to say I haven’t indulged my bad habits in the past, but I’m attempting (emphasis on that last word) to change my evil ways. I’m turning over a new leaf in my desire to simplify my life because, ultimately, simplicity is what I’m seeking and needing most right now. Though I absolutely abhor odd numbers, 3 seems like just the right amount: 1 test knit (that rchrispy is a busy girl writing her patterns & such!), 1 Warm Woolies project, and 1 WIP which should most preferably be a UFO that needs finishing. It’s the perfect amount of challenge, mixed with simple but karmically fulfilling, mixed with the sense of satisfaction that only comes from finishing a project (finally!). So three it is.
And the current roundup?
A Pretty Hem
#1: Pink Fluffy a.k.a. Bell-Sleeved Scoop-Neck Top from Glam Knits by Stefanie Japel (on Ravelry here). I’m using the suggested yarn – Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri – and it is oh so soft I swear I may never take it off once I put it on that first time. If I could marry a yarn, this would probably be it. Except it’s such a little bitch sometimes that I almost broke off our relationship, but luckily I came to my senses. The body is finished and it just needs sleeves and a neckline. I wanted to magic loop the sleeves but I didn’t have the right length and size of circs so I ordered a few interchangeable needles from Knit Picks which are in the mail as I type. This will also give me a feel for their interchangeable needles and help me decide if I want to buy a whole set or not. The gal at my LYS suggested I borrow them from somebody before committing to the whole set, but I don’t know anyone that has any. Then Maryse posted about buying a couple needle tips and a couple cables to go with them and I figured – genius! So I totally copied her :) Thanks Maryse!
Another Hem Shot!
#2: Mystery Sweater for Warm Woolies (on Ravelry here). I’ve finished the hem pattern and am now in the straight stockinette portion. I love the color of this yarn and I almost wish it was going to be for me (are you even surprised?)! Sometimes mindless stockinette can be so soothing and I’m really glad that I have something in this stage right now so I can just pick it up whenever and knit a few rows without thinking too hard.
#3: Secrety Squirrel Test Knit for rchrispy. Sorry guys, no Ravelry linkies or pics to show. But it’s in rotation and I’m working on it. You probably won’t see it for a year (that’s my deadline) but I’m sure I’ll bring it up now and then. Just ’cause I can. ‘Nuff said.
Our New NordicTrack Treadmill
And because I’m the biggest work-in-progress of all, here’s our new toy (if you think it’s cool to call instruments of torture, toys). Yep. We gots us a treadmill. I took the inaugural run last night (and then proceeded to bike 4 miles with R. Darling while he ran some trails) and spent some more time on there this afternoon. My bikini better appreciate all the hard work I’m putting in.
So what are you working on?
May 27, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Three WIPs sounds good. I usually have one big one (gansey), and sneak in some other bits to break up the monotony. Preemie knits are perfect, or squares for the crazy-paving blanket.
MIndless stockinette? Boy, was I glad to get out of the stockinette in the round of the gansey body when the gussets came and I could start the pattern!
The beauty of the KP (or any other interchangeable) system is that you don’t have to commit to a whole set. I bought a basic kit, and get the extra needles and cables as and when I need them, instead of having to fork out for the whole thing in one go.
May 28, 2009 at 3:52 am
I feel ya. If I have more than four projects going … I have to bring myself back to earth and finish something soon.
For me, I always manage to find a reason to knit something for someone, and thus, always have more projects going on.
Not that this is a bad thing. :-)
May 28, 2009 at 7:11 am
I’m with you on trying to come back down to earth with the UFO’s! I have such guilt about the ones I have to put zzzzzzz’s on in Ravelry. Nice treadmill!
May 28, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I’m flattered here… ;-) Three WIPs sounds good to me! I really look forward to see your Pink Fluffy. I had never noticed that pattern before. Beautiful! Is it new? To answer your question, my current projects are: Branching Out, Handsome Mittens, Lilas and Thermal #2! Have a great Friday, and mostly, a great weekend!
May 29, 2009 at 7:31 am
I would call it a toy! We bought one about a year-and-a-half ago, I really like and dislike the convenience of it….as I have to run very early, or very late because of the munchkins! If I let a few days go by without running, she’s right there as I walk through the basement….making me feel guilty.
I can’t even talk about WIPs…..I will say that I have 4 right now….embossed leaves socks, candle flame lace scarf, the dreaded Green Gable, and the Lucy Bag. I am 95% done with the last 2.
Can’t wait to see your Pink Fluffy!
May 29, 2009 at 10:50 pm
My WIP’s come and go, and sometimes stay around for awhile. I choose my battles, and this isn’t one of them. I admire you for getting yarn and projects rounded up and under control. Maybe I’ll do the same someday? Your treadmill looks very Hi Tech and cool.
May 30, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Love the pink! I’m working on a pink baby sweater which will either go to WW or A4A. It is so cute I can hardly stand it. Do you have any outstanding wips that you have to finish to get down to actually only having 3? That is an awkward sounding question. I do think simplifying is good for the soul.
May 30, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Wow, you’re a very busy young lady aren’t you? I love the colour of your sweater. So festive and bright. I bet it will look gorgeous on you. So what’s the verdict on the knitpicks needles?
May 31, 2009 at 10:28 am
Three is a wonderful number :) The pale pink looks so soft… and the magenta mystery sweater is great! (I also love Ocean Waves)
hmmm… there may be such a thing as too much exercise :) (I might suggest spacing things out a bit more)
June 1, 2009 at 8:52 am
I think I need to adopt this 3 (ok maybe 4) WIPs idea. Once I whittle the current list down I think I’ll try and stick to that.
Right now I have on the needles:
pair of socks for Warm Woolies
2nd KAL sweater for Warm Woolies
pair of socks for myself
baby blanket for cousin arriving in mid-July
I need to start a test knit sweater that’s due the end of June. It shouldn’t be too hard but I need to get it started.
We won’t even talk about how much exercise I need to be doing (but aren’t).
June 8, 2009 at 10:28 pm
3?!! I wish for the blissful days of less than 3 wips. I’ve determined to stay within 5 active WIPs. I have this minor problem of needing less troublesome knits on the needles while designing to allow my brain to rest.
Currently I have
1. the same secret squirrel as you
2. stockinette happy piece
3. stockinette socks that I want to kill
4. tapestry cowl
5. vest for churchable
with 3 in time out for bad behavior
1. churchable’s socks another stockinette hell (I hate the yarn but he NEEDs a pair of Mariner socks)
2. Norah Gaughan pattern that was supposed to be my mother’s Christmas present, but it felt she needed to have a longer front with bust darts. Bad sweater
3. Wheat ear remix which needs sleeves but I’m not interested in stockinette on a small circumference.
And I see I need to kill some stockinette before it kills me.