Kick Back . . .

And wait for winter to end (have I mentioned how much I loathe winter?).  At least my socks will keep me cosy. 

Cozy Toes

And remember that messy knitting table?  Not very pretty--not even a little bit.  Too much stuff: half-finished projects, bits of yarn, needles and hooks, patterns . . . well, you get the picture. 

Messy

That mess got me thinking about staying organized--even just a little bit.  So I tidied up (Let me reassure you its a rare event, but the cleaning bug does occasionally hit when I least expect it).  So now my knitting table looks acceptable.  At least there's room for a drink (should someone need to imbibe in the occasional alcoholic beverage). 

Not-So Messy

After all that tidying up, guess what I found?  My knittin' mojo (Who knew it'd be buried under all that stuff?).  Don't know how long it'll last, but I'm gonna take advantage and finish up as much as I can.  There's a vest that needs finishing and I just started a blanket for charity.  And maybe I can cast on for that second pair of worsted socks (they can be my lunch-time knitting).  I also have another project simmering in my brain (that involves my couch) . . . lots to do and think about.

For now, back to my knitting.  Have a great weekend :)

Lost It :(

My knittin' mojo is gone :(   

Knitting Table Littered with WIPs

Personally I think there's a black hole circling 'round my part of the universe and it's just sucking out all the good stuff--but its only a theory and I don't have much proof.

First off, there's my Bernat knitting.  Usually I'm good to stay on top of it-or rather, I was good to stay focused.  Lately, not so much.  And to add to my lack of motivation, all the posts I've written (maybe 4-5) have yet to be published.  Hard to stay motivated when no one can read my words and see my progress. **sigh**

Then there's the other "stuff " goin' on, mostly things on my mind (worries and such) that take the pleasure out of simple tasks.  Hard to focus on my knitting when other thoughts occupy the precious little space of my mind.

Even my happy outings to knit night have ceased of late.  Mostly bad weather and fatigue have put a damper on my nights out.  **sigh**

So with a definite lack of crafty goodness, I am struck by one thing: how did this sock get done?

Sock No 2 Is Done?

Love Day?

Plastic Hearts courtesy of Pixel Perfect Digital

Is it just me or do others feel a little "plastic" about Love Day?  Hubby and I don't really celebrate Love Day.  While I understand the origins and historical roots of St. Valentine's Day, the whole day still smacks of rampant consumerism: excessive, over-indulgent and totally unnecessary.  No thanks.  Isn't love about saying "I love you" and "thank you" each and EVERY day as opposed to just once a year?

Ooops, too cynical?  Guess I better get off my soap-box now. ;)
Have a good week!

Consolation

So to take my mind off the dreary weather, I started flipping through my knitting books and realized I never shared my newest acquisitions.  I bought three before the holidays from Crafters' Choice Book Club which--to my surprise--suddenly announced bankruptcy in early December (at least the Canadian division did.  To the best of my knowledge, the American division is still running although I haven't checked online).

My most favorite book is Knits Men Want by Bruce Weinstein (photos by Jared Flood whose work I've admired for a long time at his blog Brooklyn Tweed.  His patterns and photography are very beautiful and inspiring).

Knits Men Want

Hubby and I read through the book when it arrived and he tended to concur with most of the rules.  For him, most men don't really care about fashion; rather, their concern is comfort (at least in his circle of friends).  And those that do care about fashion have a different sense of style than most women.  Needless to say that most of the patterns in the book were deemed acceptable by dear hubby.

The big plus for me, however, is the multiple gauges offered for each pattern.  Wow!  I don't have to do math!  Yay!  

Since hubby doesn't "do" pullovers, I've got my eye on the simple cardigan pattern pictured below.  He did request a cardi made in a yarn that isn't itchy (I'm thinking an acrylic or acrylic-wool blend).

Men's Cardigan

Some day I'll make this.  Someday. ;)

Uncle

That's it!  I give up: I'm officially sick and tired of winter.  Sure there are aspects of winter that are pretty: intricately patterned snowflakes and light, wispy fluff gently floating down from the heavens.  But I'm way past pretty.

There's so much snow piled 'round my house that if there's anymore . . . well, I don't know where to put it.  The snowpiles can only go so high. And the temperatures keep dipping past
 -20C (although isn't it weird how -20C sounds down right "balmy" after enduring -35C wind chill--just saying is all).  Its enough to make a body hide indoors under a thick comforter for the rest of the dreary season.

I so need a dose of springtime . . .

Budding Hyacinth

But for now I'll have to settle for my budding hyacinth bulb (I had to fish it out of its dark hiding place 'cuz I was worried the deep cold would seep in and kill it).

Is it spring yet?

Not Much

Knitting, that is.  In fact, I'd say there's been very little crafting of any sort this week.  Even my lunch times have been filled with tasks other than knitting.  Still, I managed to completely finish a slipper--all sewn up and ends woven in :)

Finished Phentex Slipper

Yeah, that's ONE slipper--all sewn up and ends woven--but still just one.  It needs a mate.

Just One Slipper

I have yet to cast-on for the second one.  Rest assured, it will get done.  Just not now.  Instead, I'm working on my second blue-tangerine stripey sock.

Beginnings of Second Sock

I've got as far as the cuff and thus far, it's an "almost" match.  I think the striping will only be off by a few rows.  Not bad, huh?

Just the Cuff

The first sock was a breeze.  Hmmm . . . wonder how long it will be before this one gets done?  How goes your knitting?