The obsession!

I have always known, at least since I reached adulthood, that I am kind of an all or nothing person.  I get involved to the point of being in over my head and then I become paralyzed and do nothing.

Knitting is like this.  I have started many projects and feel as if I've finished none.  I've forced myself to return to my passion and try to complete things.  In the last tow days I've finished two garments!  As I have been getting acquainted with Ravelry, I realizes that I've finished many projects.  They are not all big, but they are still worthy of recognition!

Another UFO finished

Yippee!  Another UFO finished! Today Jen helped me finish the Ultra Alpaca vest.  It's a chocolate bolero and it is so yummy!  I'm ignoring the little bit of "itchy" around my neck and just enjoying the finished product!

February vacation gone!

Wow!  I cannot believe that this week is just about over and I have not taken/found any time to do the things I love to do.  It seems that as the children get older, their schedules are more demanding and I feel less and less like making time for myself.  

With basketball season winding down, we found we had practices or games to get to every day and Meag had skating to make up since she was sick all week last week.  To top it all off, both kids were sick this week; I was sick one day and now my dear hubby is home sick today!  We're just passing illnesses around and have not had any time to "do" anything as a family.

I did spend 2 &1/2 days re-writing my guitar curriculum and it felt good to get that done.  I also moved my knew knitting chair (this was my reward to myself at Christmas, for finally completing my Masters degree!) right next to the radiator the day I was sick.  Last night, for the first time in weeks...since Christmas really...I sat and worked on my wrap project.

It always amazes me and warms my heart to feel how the simple act of knitting puts my body and mind at peace.  I will probably never have an occasion to wear a silk/merino purple wrap; I cannot see myself wearing it to the baseball field or skating rink this spring; but I feel great joy just feeling the yarn magically turn into something so beautiful.

I have many projects that I am working on but three that need my focussed attention to complete over the next few weeks.  I need encouragement and incentives!  I will not allow myself to purchase any more yarn for my stash till I finish these!  

First, the Bolero!  Its warm, yummy wool feels like silky chocolate and I will have to go to the shop for help as I have already ripped the entire project out once!  I used the wrong size needles, forgot to use one whole skein of yarn and my seams were a disgrace!  The good thing is, I'm ready to finish so perhaps I can "find time" to get there this weekend for the help I need.

The second project is my first lace shawl!  It is from a Rebecca magazine and it is stunning.  The problem is the 22 ends that must be hidden!  I don't know how to do this so again I must get help at the shop!

Finally (and this is by no means my last unfinished project) is my sweater from Nanny.  My mother-in-law's last gift to me was the money to purchase something for myself for Christmas in 2007.  I bought yarn and a pattern to knit myself a sweater and began it and finished the back and two fronts in the hospital/nursing home/hospital at her side.  Nanny passed away one year ago this Sunday and I've not been able to bring myself to knit the sleeves.  I must finish this sweater before the cold weather goes away for the year.  I'm not even sure what size needles I was using so again I will need help.

I am going to to post the pics of all of the unfinished projects I've started and post them for inspiration and on-line nagging!  

Feel free to nudge me on!

UPDATE:  Today, Jen helped me finish my ends on the Triangular Shawl!  I'm wearing it now!