Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Res Completae: Stress Reduction Christmas Knitting

Last month, I started making Eunny Jang's Deep V Argyle vest, which had been in my queue for quite some time (there are hints of it here). While driving home from the vacation referenced in that post, I ran out of purple yarn. Not too worried, I figured I could go back to my LYS to get some, order some on the nets, or even find the same dye lot on Ravelry.

Well, I should have been worried. This particular color of Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool has been discontinued, my LYS ran out, and there were only two stores on the web I could find in this country carrying it. The first was struck by two hurricanes and my order was lost (trust me, I feel really bad for calling them all snippy when my yarn hadn't shown up and being informed of these calamities -- I had no idea where they were located!). The second sent me no confirmation email and after a week of being all freaked out, I called and was reassured that the yarn was coming, they just hadn't bought stamps yet (?).

So my yarn should be here soon, but I haven't been able to work on the Deep V for about a month, and I haven't wanted to start anything big just in case my yarn came in and I had to abandon it to finish the Deep V. In that same time, I've started classes again and have been a big ball of stress preparing for the multitudinous trips upcoming in the next few months. Add those things together, and apparently it is just the right combination for some extremely productive Christmas knitting. I have been flying through little projects and have used up a whole pile of odd balls and half-balls of stash yarn.

First there were felted purses:


(The bubble one is the Lucy Bag from Two Old Bags).

And lined/zippered knitted purses:



Not all are completely finished yet...



A hat:


(The beginning of this hat is my original cast-on for Snow White!)

A scarf:


(Kinda want to keep this one...)

Then came the cowls:


(Prickle, without the Moebius-ness)


(Dolores Park Cowl, modified to use up all of this yarn, which I am glad to be rid of!)


(And a Sherbrooke in progress)

Not only has having smaller project to work on felt gratifying (they get finished so quickly!) and given me something to do other than bite my nails when I'm tense, but I'm also feeling pretty good about my progress on knitted holiday gifts, especially in light of how busy this fall is going to be. I think I may have something for everyone this year! Well, maybe not the men. Unless my dad starts wearing cowls.

16 comments:

Philigry said...

oh, i hope your yarn comes soon! I can't wait to see the vest. look how much you go done though! wow!

Aleks said...

IMPRESSIVE amount of FO's! Love the bags... if you think of a men's gift idea, give me a hint...I'm dyin' over here.

Teresa said...

Your productivity is astonishing! I congratulate you wholeheartedly. They all look like wonderful prezzies.
I feel your pain about running out of yarn, and salute you for not starting another big project in case you had to abandon it! When knitting-things get just that little bit "tough" for me, project abandonment is my only answer :p

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

To be that in"vest"ed in a project and find yourself short of the yarn. Well, I feel sick for you and hope they get around to buying stamps soon.... A relief to know that the yarn is available at least!

Love all your quick knits! I have to laugh at your Dad - I have promised my Dad a hat - I just don't see my Dad in a scarf, let alone a cowl either. Must.order.yarn.soon....

erngrn said...

those little zippered purses are a great idea for christmas gifts!

great quick knits.

Kitten said...

WOW! You are such a fast knitter and you make such pretty stuff. I'll admit that I can't wait to see the vest, but those bags are gorgeous and I love the hat.

the Lady said...

Holy cats, look at all that knitting!

I hope your yarn comes, I feel your pain. I was really excited to find 3 balls in the dyelot I needed that I had bought a year ago for my first sweater.

I especially like your lengthwise scarf. I love doing scarves that way. I don't blame you atoll for wanting to keep it.

petra said...

oooo, how lovely! all the recipients are going to have a very merry Christmas!

jennifer said...

Such a frustrating feeling! I myself went to my LYS this afternoon because I'm JUST shy of completing Trellis, and they were out. EEK! Thankfully, more is on order. I hope your replenishment arrives very soon. Your Christmas knits look great, and my goodness, you're productive!

Anonymous said...

You have been busy! I wish I were so prepared for Christmas.

I think my favorite is the scarf, you know, the one you plan to keep.

peaknits said...

Wow - you have got quite a stock-pile of holiday gifties - I say keep the scarf!

At Home Mommy Knits said...

You have some great knits!! Love the scarf. Maybe you should keep it, it looks great on you!

Aline said...

I love knitted bags. What a lovely gift idea. You have given me an idea for my own gifts, thanx!

Thea said...

you're so good. Am totally in awe.

For a good stashbusting Mangift, I've gone with the simple garter stitch slippers. Good for drinking beer and watching football.

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