Write Hard And Clear

Last Friday I got back from my trip and trunk show up in Oregon. It was a great trip. I talked to lots of people who, perhaps without knowing it, helped give me a better idea of what I want to do with myself next. I have pictures and things to talk about in regards to the trip. But for whatever reason, I've had a really difficult time getting back to the blog to talk about anything. Today while trying to regain some motivation, I read an Ernest Hemmingway quote: "Write hard and clear about what hurts." 

Right now I'm overwhelmed. I'm preparing for Stitches West and against some hard knitting deadlines. I had the flu right before I went up to Oregon, so I'm still a bit tired from all that. But the most frustrating thing I'm dealing with (which is mildly silly, but still bothering me) is that I'm 2 pegs short from completing my IKEA cubbie bookcase.

My room looks like a tornado has been through it. (I didn't photograph that bit.) Today was going to be the day that I put everything back in its place. Instead tomorrow I have to go back to IKEA and see if I can get two more pegs. I'm not sure how difficult that will be, but I'm stressed out about it. I really needed the time for knit design stuff, not getting two pegs.

Anyways, I did finish one design and it is off with test knitters. The next design is coming along. (Although I'll need test knitters for that as well. It'll be a fingering weight infinity scarf with some beading.) And hopefully I'll start feeling much better once the bookcase is up and everything is picked up off of the floor. I know Scooter will appreciate it. He isn't a fan of the construction zone.

How is everyone's week going. Any silly (or not so silly) stressors going on at the moment?

You Bought Yarn, Didn't You

Yesterday was a normal work day. When I got home, I walked by the sink to drop off my sandwich container, like usual. And as I reached my room, I heard my Mum call out, "You bought yarn, didn't you." How the heck did she know. My bag didn't look suspicious. I'd only been home for two minutes.

Turns out the receipt had stuck to the sandwich container. But it's ok. This yarn is for a baby shower gift. As I'm sure most knitters know, it doesn't matter how big your stash is. You never have the right yarn for gift knitting. Especially when that gift has a tight deadline.

The other knit gift is now a longer pile of noodles. I'm still in shawl edging purgatory. Only 30 more repeats until I get to the next bit. The yarn is 100% mulberry silk. I've never blocked out mulberry silk. I hope it opens up well.

My Skyp sock is coming along well... now. I had to rip out large portions of the sock twice. Both times were my fault. I messed up the pattern once and it was noticeable. The second time I missed a repeat of the pattern before the heel. I decided it would be easier to rip the heel than to edit the pattern to accommodate my mistake. But I have tried on the sock and it fit great. I think Socks That Rock lightweight might be a new favorite sock yarn. It just feels like it is going to wear well.

I have to confess that even though it looks like I'm being productive, I am so stressed right now. I have more shifts at work, knitting commitments, and I've been working really hard to learn how to grade sweaters. Sweater sizing is really tough. (Or maybe I'm a little ambitious with what I'm trying to design.) I know that everything will pay off in the end and I'm thankful for the opportunities that are coming my way. But it still feels like my body is being squeezed.
On a positive note, I've noticed that there are a fair number of Celestarium KALs planned in the new year on various ravelry boards. I'm really excited to see people's projects in the coming months.