« Reflections | Main | Nothing To Show »
March 30, 2006
The Winds Of Change
I'm turning over a new leaf. Yeah, I know, I've said it before, but I really mean it this time (stop laughing, I'm serious). Let me start by saying that I'm a planner by nature. I like to consider myself organized - I file and compartmentalize and dislike clutter (although Travis would scoff at the idea that I dislike clutter - he thinks I'm a pack rat). But, sometimes planning can just be too much trouble. Now, before you get all worried, I'm not talking about packing my bags and going to the airport just to see if any of the destinations strike my fancy. I'm talking about knitting. I have lists - lists and lists of projects I want to knit that are continually amended and abandoned and reinstated and reabandoned. And as of today there will be no. more. lists. Work with me here - let's talk this through. I'll admit, I have some stash. Not a lot of stash, but some. I have one of those little three drawer carts with sock yarn in the top drawer (and it's full) and then random yarn in the other two drawers, neither of which is close to full, plus Mermaid, which is in her own box. So, some stash, but it hasn't reached the point of needing it's own zip code. Right now, as you know, I'm working on my Sockapaloooza socks, Clapotis, and Butterfly. Three projects is too many for me. I get ADD and hate when I can't see progress on anything. I know it's about the process, but for me it's also about seeing progress and finishing things. Now, let me assure you that I am not abandoning any of my current projects. What I'm saying is that I'm going to be diligent in getting Clapotis and the Sockapaloooza socks done as soon as possible. When I started Butterfly I knew she was a long term project, and she's just gonna have to hang out for a little while until I get these other projects off my plate. And even then, I really won't be able to work on Butterfly unless I'm at home because she requires a lot of concentration on my part. But, the point of all this rambling is to tell you about my new plan. (deep breath) For me, a lot of the fun of knitting is picking the next project. I feel like I've missed out on that lately, and maybe that's making the whole knitting process a little less fun. I've gone from one planned project to another without getting to browse and consider all the great stuff out there to knit and to really decide what I feel like knitting right now. So, as of today, my list is out the window. I'm knitting on the fly. Sounds scary, but who knows, it might be just what I need to get the spark back. There are a few things I know I'll eventually knit - Rogue and Mermaid are absolutes, and one may very well be the next project, but they just don't have to be. And Butterfly will continue to be a work in progress. So, there you have it. My latest crazy plan. I guess I'll just have to see how it works and go from there.
In an effort to get some of these outstanding projects off the needles, I've been working on Clapotis quite a bit.
I'm still in the straight section - I've dropped 8 of the 13 stitches. So, I consider that progress. I'm staying in for lunch today and plan to make some progress on the sock. And if I can work up the nerve, I'm going to try it on. I'm really afraid it isn't going to fit, but I guess knowing sooner is better than later. Get on with it, right?
As always, thank you all for your support and encouragement. You guys really are the best! Have a great day.
Oh, and I can't believe I almost forgot! Sew? I Knit! is moving on to the next project. We're sewing bags this time around. Sign-ups are running through tomorrow and this project will go through the month of April. If skirts aren't your thing, but you'd love to sew yourself a new knitting bag or purse or overnight bag, come over and sign up!
Comments
I completely understand. I'm a planner, too, but I don't have a long list of things I want to knit - it's a little strange! It can be stressful at times, because one day you're done with all your current WIPs, and don't have any idea about what you want to do next, and also probably no yarn! After I'm done with my current 3 WIPs, I have no idea what I'll knit next, honest! Nonetheless, I find it works for me.
Posted by: grumperina at March 30, 2006 10:05 AM
That is how my stash grew. When something wonderful came along that I wanted to knit NOW, I would buy the yarn and then something else I want to knit NOW would come along and the former project went in the stash. It's not a bad way to go. Do what feels good...you'll enjoy your knitting more.
Posted by: margene at March 30, 2006 10:25 AM
I feel your pain - I've got waaay too many projects going on right now. And way too many that I really want to knit at some point. I like your no planning plan. Maybe I'll try that after I get everything knit that I have yarn for. That will be in a year or two! :)
Posted by: Cyndi at March 30, 2006 10:31 AM
Fly by the seat of your pants! =) Clapotis is looking good. Let me know when you start Rogue.. we can have our own little -along.
Posted by: Angela at March 30, 2006 10:36 AM
I agree. It's fun to find new and exciting patterns, but after the list gets to a certain length, it just feels like a to-do list, not that much different from a list of chores that need to get done. We are similar this way. By the way, the close-up of your Clapotis is really pretty. I have, so far, felt absolutely no attraction to knitting that pattern. I'm not sure I do now, either, but I do have a sudden attraction to the colors in yours. And I kind of like that long column of dropped stitches... Well, I'm going to stick to the plan and say that, although I do like it, I may or may not knit it when I next am free of WIPs. I will knit whatever I feel like knitting the most then! And if it's a Clapotis, then lovely columns of dropped stitches, here I (might) come!
Posted by: Katherine at March 30, 2006 10:44 AM
Glad you've found a way to keep this fun - it is supposed to be fun you know ;-)
Posted by: PumpkinMama at March 30, 2006 10:55 AM
I like your new plan. I have 3 sweaters in the "wings" and 6 pairs of socks in the "wings. I also have 3 balls of yarn for baby booties. It takes me about a month to do a sweater and 2 weeks to do a pair of socks (until I learn the 2 socks on circular method). So, that is at least 6 months worth of projects. I have to do one at a time or I don't see progress fast enough. Then I see your Sew I Knit bag session. I think I could sew a bag. I have to check that out. That pushes me back to what? 7 months? Forget handmade Christmas gifts again!
Posted by: Stephanie at March 30, 2006 10:57 AM
This sounds like a good plan! Knitting on a to-do list isn't fun, especially seeing all the fun projects out there in blogland.
Posted by: Diana at March 30, 2006 11:03 AM
Knitting on the fly, woohoo! (Sounds like a good blog name, btw). The anticipation, the excitement. This is a good anti-plan.
Posted by: Lynette at March 30, 2006 11:10 AM
Knitting on the fly sounds like a great idea to me! A nice way to take back part of the excitement.
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool at March 30, 2006 11:14 AM
Your post really struck a cord with me because I've been really trying to clean out project/organize/and focus on finishing a few projects to clean out my knitting basket.
Good luck getting those extra things off your plate, and BTW, Clapotis is looking lovely.
Posted by: keri at March 30, 2006 11:20 AM
I look at like a stove - I have the back burner projects that *simmer*, and the front burner projects that are so exciting (or need a quick turnaround) ;) I think it adds to the excitement, like many others have said.
Your Clapotis is so lovely!
Posted by: Lolly at March 30, 2006 11:47 AM
I am right with you on this, sometimes we "overplan" ourselves! Enjoy your knitting!
You have inspired me to pick up my clapotis again!
Posted by: joelene at March 30, 2006 12:06 PM
I'm a planner, too.............can't help it. Am not sorry.
What are you using (yarn-wise) for your clap? It's gorgeous!!!!!!!
Posted by: christine at March 30, 2006 12:45 PM
NO lists? Oh man, that would never work for me. I'd forget everything I planned without my lists. I love me the lists.
But, if it makes you happy, then go for it!
Posted by: Carole at March 30, 2006 1:08 PM
Hmmm... something to think about. I just finished making a list of all my knitting "to-do's." Maybe I'm a little too anal. But I have three projects on the needles right now and it's overwhelming me. I'm a 2 project girl.
Posted by: Zarah at March 30, 2006 1:34 PM
Sounds like a good plan to me. I'm guessing that you'll never be at a loss for what to make next when you need a new project. I always start looking for something else as I near the end of a big project. That way I never have a time when there is nothing on the needles.
Posted by: Emily at March 30, 2006 1:42 PM
oooh I love your clapotis' colors!
Posted by: Kaitie Tee at March 30, 2006 3:08 PM
Sounds like you made a good new plan, and I don't think you should participate in my No Buying Yarn, you don't need any more stress. You need to fly by the seat of your pants and that means being able to buy yarn on a whim for a great new project you found. But of course if you'd like to join your more then welcome.
Posted by: Rebekah at March 30, 2006 3:17 PM
Yeah, I agree totally b/c I tried project polygamy and I'm really much better suited to monogamy =) When I get 3 or more projects going at once I get overwhelmed and then nothing gets knit. =(
Posted by: April at March 30, 2006 4:03 PM
I'm an avid/anal list maker as well, and have the Excel spreadsheets to prove it! I really identified with how you felt, as I've been feeling a bit of the same lately when staring at my stash, then my list (on the spreadsheets, of course). I may try (yes, try) to follow you in your quest for freedom from lists - even just on one project! It does take a bit of the fun out of the "hunt" for a new project....there is so much new and interesting coming out all the time.
Posted by: Stacey at March 31, 2006 5:58 AM
I'm like you. I've made the lists, but then found I was bored by the lists of things to come. In the same vein, though, I went through all of my patterns and magazines to find Spring and summer items to knit, but I don't have to stick with it, but there are some things I would like to make from that list. The nice thing about making a list for the season is getting to go through the stash, finding yarns I'm excited to knit with and that I want to use and then finding suitable projects for them. I'm very excited for this spring. Whee! Be free of the lists and find whatever moves you!
Posted by: Wanda at April 4, 2006 2:10 PM
