swathed

i think we yarn people can mostly agree that spontaneity in our crafts is typically a good thing--we become inspired by colors, shapes, patterns, fibers, passing whims, etc., and create something with enthusiasm and excitement as a result.

following through is an entirely different matter, however, and the topic we're here to discuss today.

about two weeks back i was all impressed with myself for finally finishing some long-term projects. yay, progress and accomplishment. and though that was a very good feeling, there's something to be said for being monogamous when it counts (or maybe it's more like getting back together with a former lover after months apart and several flings in between. technically speaking).

roughly an age ago, by shire reckoning, i cast on and knit lightly caffeinated, an alpaca lace-weight version of the now infamous feather-weight cardigan. work was steady for quite some time, but eventually the task of knitting stockinette flat over 224 stitches wore down my strength of will and the project was ultimately put aside in favor of more interesting items.

however, after months of fooling around with shawls, toys, gloves, cowls, and everything else in between, i decided to recapture the momentum of wrapping shit up by hauling the small expanse of fuzz back into the light of day. and by the magic that is second chances, this time around i'm finding the stockinette to be rather satisfying--i find myself pulling it out and tranquilly knitting away during craft nights, while watching movies, or during conversations with friends, and being pleasantly surprised to find it's grown a quarter or half inch without much conscious effort on my part.



at present the body measures 10.25 inches, leaving only 1.25 inches to go before beginning the bottom ribbing. the pattern suggests knitting 10 inches, but i'm not quite as fond of such a cropped look; judging by a coat i really love, 11.5 inches ought to hit more or less where i want, with a few inches of ribbing to complete the desired look.



just a bit farther and i'll enter into the exciting world of one-by-one ribbing... but it will be just enough variation to keep me from abandoning it on the shelf in the future.