Monogamy vs temptation
I finally got around to uploading my projects to Ravelry. (username DogsStealYarn) Not all the old FOs, but most of them anyway. I also went through my WIPs and got most of those up there. There are two WIPs not up on Ravelry because I’m pretty sure I’m going to frog them: the Ribby Cardi that’s been stalled forever and I think I’ll frog it and use the yarn (Cascade 220) for Twist instead, and Rogue, which has been one sleeve for about two years now. This is the second time I’ve knit the first sleeve for Rogue and then set it aside for ages. I think I just don’t actually want to knit the sweater. Time to admit that and reclaim the Peace Fleece for something I DO want to knit. Also not posted on my projects list are several plain socks I have going, and a mitten that I should photograph and post because I do think I’ll finish it. Okay…so maybe there are quite a few WIPs I haven’t put up there. Which is part of the problem.
Anyway, all of this going through the WIPs and organizing them for Ravelry got me thinking about my knitting, and my tendency to start a project with great enthusiasm and then set it aside when the next shiny thing catches my eye. I know I’m not alone in this. Not even remotely. I guess that was fine when I had more knitting time, but it’s not working for me anymore. As I was entering my FOs into Ravelry, and putting in the finished dates, I noticed that 2004 and 2005 were pretty big years for finishing projects. In 2006, not so much. And in 2007? One sweater that was finished on New Years Day 2007 so does it really count as 2007? And then some socks. Wait…maybe not even socks. I need to go back and check that. (But not right now. Call me a crappy fact checker, but whatever…I’ve never claimed this blog to be totally accurate. I may or may not accidentally lie to you in small ways all the time.)
The reason for the lack of FOs is, of course, Thumper. But Amy has a toddler and she manages to turn out beautiful projects all the time. I’ve asked her if she has elves who knit for her at night, but she insists that it’s just that she sticks to one project at a time. Project monogamy leads to finished projects. Shocking revelation, right?
I decided to try it, starting with all these WIPs. I’ll take on one WIP at a time, and nothing new will be cast on until that WIP is finished. I picked up Thumper’s Donkey Jacket, finished the knitting, and set in on all the seaming. (Holy crap, is there a lot of finishing for this jacket!)
And then this came in the mail:
That’s STR Lenore, from this month’s sock club kit. And it came with this brilliant pattern by Stephanie. I’ve liked most of the patterns and colorways from the club this year, but not a single one before this made me feel like I had to cast on for it RIGHT NOW. In fact, none of the other skeins from this year’s club are even wound up yet. But this one? Well…Let’s just say it’s not only not in the skein, but I may or may not be on row 18 of the pattern.
So there goes the monogamy.
But just this one sock. Or pair of socks. I swear. Otherwise, I’m going to do it. I really am. I hope to have all that damn seaming done on the Donkey Jacket in the next few days, and then I’ll move on to the Equinox Yoke Pullover. And then finally finish the Corset Pullover. Etc etc. Really. I mean it. Watch this space for actual FOs. Eventually.
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Walk away from the STR! 🙂 I totally agree that monogamy is the way to go. I’m convinced.
Posted by: Kathy
Hey, I count one pair of socks and one other project as monogamy. (like the husband and “the acknowledged lover at that time” – Dangerous Liasons). Have fun on Ravelry! I’m michknits there.
Posted by: Michele
You felt the same way I did when I opened up the package! Must Cast On!!!! So that’s what I will be doing tonight while I watch my Suns play the opening game of their basketball season. Hopefully I don’t poke myself with the needles when I jump up at a bad call 🙂
Posted by: Kate Lathrop
Walk away from the STR! 🙂 I totally agree that monogamy is the way to go. I’m convinced.
Posted by: Kathy
Hey, I count one pair of socks and one other project as monogamy. (like the husband and “the acknowledged lover at that time” – Dangerous Liasons). Have fun on Ravelry! I’m michknits there.
Posted by: Michele
You felt the same way I did when I opened up the package! Must Cast On!!!! So that’s what I will be doing tonight while I watch my Suns play the opening game of their basketball season. Hopefully I don’t poke myself with the needles when I jump up at a bad call 🙂
Posted by: Kate Lathrop
Long time lurker here… but had to come out of lurkdom to say ‘AMEN SISTER’! I saw that yarn and pattern and cast on within seconds. Seconds I tell you! I finished the whole pair already. Love them.
Don’t feel bad about casting on, it’s inpossible not too. (I’m fiberfish on Ravelry).
Posted by: Cece
I’m hoping to finish up all the projects that I have going before the new year. Nothing like a fresh start.
Posted by: beverly
I’m the same way – my projects list in Ravelry keeps getting bigger and the FO list never grows. I watch with amazement as my friend, a relatively monogamous knitter, churns out socks and sweaters. Someday, I too will finish a project.
But I’d definitely cast on the STR first 🙂
Posted by: Kate
i am a firm believer in monogamy (wow i should have known how that would sound) 🙂
i tend to be pretty project focused…however, i usually have a pair of socks going all the time as my “break” knitting – and HELLO, how can you not start that pattern – the yarn is gorgeous!
funny, when i started ravelry a few weeks ago i realized i do not have pictures of so much of my knitting, trying to fix that slowly but surely.
Posted by: stephanie
I’m personally a believer in limited polygamy when it comes to projects – there’s the thing that barely leaves the den until it’s complete (a.k.a. “sweater: adult-sized”), there’s the thing I take with me when I travel (a.k.a. “sock” – also sometimes goes by the alias “baby garment”). Then there’s the lace whatsit I seem to continually have on the needles (a.k.a. “don’t bother me – I’m concentrating”).
But that’s my lifestyle. I can certainly see how that wouldn’t work with a baby/toddler/bomb o’ cute rampaging through my life.
Posted by: Jill Smith
I’ve tried project monogamy, and I found that if I really didn’t feel like working on the current project, I wouldn’t knit at all. Since that’s unacceptable, I started giving myself permission to take a “break” from a big project and do something small, an instant gratification project that only takes a few days, no more than a week, like a hat, or dishcloth. Or socks. I’m just saying……
Posted by: Sonja
Just weighing in to say I think you *should* catalog some of your less-than-favorite stalled FOs; I think that feedback (“I loved this, but not enough to finish it”) might help someone decide whether or not to make it. FWIW, I am also pretty much a reformed multi-project knitter – progress is just so much faster!
Posted by: Donna
Long time lurker here… but had to come out of lurkdom to say ‘AMEN SISTER’! I saw that yarn and pattern and cast on within seconds. Seconds I tell you! I finished the whole pair already. Love them.
Don’t feel bad about casting on, it’s inpossible not too. (I’m fiberfish on Ravelry).
Posted by: Cece
I’m hoping to finish up all the projects that I have going before the new year. Nothing like a fresh start.
Posted by: beverly
I’m the same way – my projects list in Ravelry keeps getting bigger and the FO list never grows. I watch with amazement as my friend, a relatively monogamous knitter, churns out socks and sweaters. Someday, I too will finish a project.
But I’d definitely cast on the STR first 🙂
Posted by: Kate
i am a firm believer in monogamy (wow i should have known how that would sound) 🙂
i tend to be pretty project focused…however, i usually have a pair of socks going all the time as my “break” knitting – and HELLO, how can you not start that pattern – the yarn is gorgeous!
funny, when i started ravelry a few weeks ago i realized i do not have pictures of so much of my knitting, trying to fix that slowly but surely.
Posted by: stephanie
I’m personally a believer in limited polygamy when it comes to projects – there’s the thing that barely leaves the den until it’s complete (a.k.a. “sweater: adult-sized”), there’s the thing I take with me when I travel (a.k.a. “sock” – also sometimes goes by the alias “baby garment”). Then there’s the lace whatsit I seem to continually have on the needles (a.k.a. “don’t bother me – I’m concentrating”).
But that’s my lifestyle. I can certainly see how that wouldn’t work with a baby/toddler/bomb o’ cute rampaging through my life.
Posted by: Jill Smith
I’ve tried project monogamy, and I found that if I really didn’t feel like working on the current project, I wouldn’t knit at all. Since that’s unacceptable, I started giving myself permission to take a “break” from a big project and do something small, an instant gratification project that only takes a few days, no more than a week, like a hat, or dishcloth. Or socks. I’m just saying……
Posted by: Sonja
Just weighing in to say I think you *should* catalog some of your less-than-favorite stalled FOs; I think that feedback (“I loved this, but not enough to finish it”) might help someone decide whether or not to make it. FWIW, I am also pretty much a reformed multi-project knitter – progress is just so much faster!
Posted by: Donna
So I had this revelation about myself a couple months back.. that I had all these HUGE projects that I had abandonned for the smaller quicker ones.. So I set myself some goals and while I have cast on for other smaller, quicker projects I am only letting myself knit them when I can’t dedicate time to them. Anytime I ahve a chunk o time I sit with one of the BIGGER projects. I’ve gotten 1 done in august adn one done last month.. My plan is to have my last big project completed by dec 31st so that I can cast on a big project. So it is something like you.. only different.. but mostly concentrate on the big, leave the little for those spare stolen moments.
Posted by: anj
At my house, socks don’t count as nonmonogamous projects…
Posted by: PJ
Finishing my son’s(same age as Thumper) Donkey Jacket was definitely my Everest! I procrast on projects just to AVOID seaming! But I think that knowing that if I didn’t finish it soon, he would grow out of it, really lit the fire for me. It was total hell though. Happy Seaming!
Posted by: rubyredruca
I can’t usually do monogamy unless I’m up against a deadline. I try to limit myself to two active projects (with lots still on the needles, but just hibernating). I find it gives me enough variation in my routine, but I still make good progress on both. 🙂 Even with a toddler.
Posted by: Carrie
I’ve made myself a rule lately. I know I can’t just knit on WIPs without failing so instead I’ve decided to try and finish 2 things for every one that I start. So far it’s going pretty good for the past month or 2. I have an adult sweater, a baby sweater and 2 pairs of socks done. Next are 2 baby blankets to finish, then I can start a new sweater for me.
Posted by: Jayme
I am right there with you in the distracted by the new shiny thing camp! I totally focused to get the Scalloped Wrap done for my event last night. Very satisfying, but now that it’s done I want to cast on about 5 new things. Crap.
Posted by: Visionsister
I admire your fortitude. Even if it is theoretical fortitude at this stage of the game. I am an unrepentant slut when it comes to knitting (and maybe other things, but that is another story for another blog).
Posted by: Lizbon
So I had this revelation about myself a couple months back.. that I had all these HUGE projects that I had abandonned for the smaller quicker ones.. So I set myself some goals and while I have cast on for other smaller, quicker projects I am only letting myself knit them when I can’t dedicate time to them. Anytime I ahve a chunk o time I sit with one of the BIGGER projects. I’ve gotten 1 done in august adn one done last month.. My plan is to have my last big project completed by dec 31st so that I can cast on a big project. So it is something like you.. only different.. but mostly concentrate on the big, leave the little for those spare stolen moments.
Posted by: anj
At my house, socks don’t count as nonmonogamous projects…
Posted by: PJ
Finishing my son’s(same age as Thumper) Donkey Jacket was definitely my Everest! I procrast on projects just to AVOID seaming! But I think that knowing that if I didn’t finish it soon, he would grow out of it, really lit the fire for me. It was total hell though. Happy Seaming!
Posted by: rubyredruca
I can’t usually do monogamy unless I’m up against a deadline. I try to limit myself to two active projects (with lots still on the needles, but just hibernating). I find it gives me enough variation in my routine, but I still make good progress on both. 🙂 Even with a toddler.
Posted by: Carrie
I’ve made myself a rule lately. I know I can’t just knit on WIPs without failing so instead I’ve decided to try and finish 2 things for every one that I start. So far it’s going pretty good for the past month or 2. I have an adult sweater, a baby sweater and 2 pairs of socks done. Next are 2 baby blankets to finish, then I can start a new sweater for me.
Posted by: Jayme
I am right there with you in the distracted by the new shiny thing camp! I totally focused to get the Scalloped Wrap done for my event last night. Very satisfying, but now that it’s done I want to cast on about 5 new things. Crap.
Posted by: Visionsister
I admire your fortitude. Even if it is theoretical fortitude at this stage of the game. I am an unrepentant slut when it comes to knitting (and maybe other things, but that is another story for another blog).
Posted by: Lizbon
See, you just make me feel so normal! 🙂
Posted by: Kim
Does knitting for you right now HAVE to be about the finishing? I mean, are you going barefoot and barebreasted because you are lacking socks and sweaters? Because if not, knitting can be all about the new and shiny and no-one would die or go to jail…..
Posted by: claudia
I’m not going to be any help at all here. I saw that colorway on Judy’s blog and nearly died of envy that I wasn’t in the sock club! I’m bouncing with impatience to see the new Raven colorways; I love deep, rich colors. I wonder if they’re going to have any at the sale on the 10th?
But you know…seaming is Not Knitting. So as long as you’re doing finish work, you’re free to knit too! See? It may be lousy logic, but we’ll just ignore that.
Posted by: MonicaPDX
I felt the same way when I opened up my Lenore package! I love it so completely and had to start it right away. Since knitting the first few rows I have stalled though because now I am back knitting my current object, Cobblestone Pullover. I cannot knit more than one thing at a time and expect to get anything done. Oh well. BTW, I have not yet knit any of the other 2007 club socks yet either. But I plan to some day.
Posted by: knittripps
Oh, I agree. This was the first kit that made me want to jump and shout and cast on immediately. Which, of course, I have no time to do!
Posted by: JulieFrick
That yarn is far too tempting! Completely understandable.
Posted by: abby
What gorgeous sock yarn! Oh wait, I’m not helping, am I?
Posted by: Phoe
See, you just make me feel so normal! 🙂
Posted by: Kim
Does knitting for you right now HAVE to be about the finishing? I mean, are you going barefoot and barebreasted because you are lacking socks and sweaters? Because if not, knitting can be all about the new and shiny and no-one would die or go to jail…..
Posted by: claudia
I’m not going to be any help at all here. I saw that colorway on Judy’s blog and nearly died of envy that I wasn’t in the sock club! I’m bouncing with impatience to see the new Raven colorways; I love deep, rich colors. I wonder if they’re going to have any at the sale on the 10th?
But you know…seaming is Not Knitting. So as long as you’re doing finish work, you’re free to knit too! See? It may be lousy logic, but we’ll just ignore that.
Posted by: MonicaPDX
I felt the same way when I opened up my Lenore package! I love it so completely and had to start it right away. Since knitting the first few rows I have stalled though because now I am back knitting my current object, Cobblestone Pullover. I cannot knit more than one thing at a time and expect to get anything done. Oh well. BTW, I have not yet knit any of the other 2007 club socks yet either. But I plan to some day.
Posted by: knittripps
Oh, I agree. This was the first kit that made me want to jump and shout and cast on immediately. Which, of course, I have no time to do!
Posted by: JulieFrick
That yarn is far too tempting! Completely understandable.
Posted by: abby
What gorgeous sock yarn! Oh wait, I’m not helping, am I?
Posted by: Phoe
Oh my gosh what beautiful yarn. Be monogamous to the socks, and THEN the donkey jacket. Give yourself some quick success before tackling all of that finishing.
I should also say that my knitting progress is helped by the fact that Jacob is a very independent player, and always has been. He wants me by his side, but one attempt from me to help him do a puzzle or draw or whatever results in a very firm “No, Mommy. Jacob do it by all self.” So I spend a decent portion of the days I’m not working just sitting next to him with knitting in my hand. Hence the proliferation of stockinette over the past year. 🙂
Anyway, I’m sure project monogamy will help you get the thrill of success again. Good luck!
Posted by: Amy
Clearly, my work here is done.
Posted by: Stephanie
I don’t believe in knitting monogamy. That’s all I have to say on the subject.
Posted by: Amy
Bravo! Good luck! I don’t really do well with knitting monogamy! There is always something out there tempting you with there knitty goodness. There is ALWAYS a small project and then a bigger one on the sticks. Then something else comes along……..
Posted by: Katie
If I have more than two active WIPs at any given time, I feel stressed out. Two, including one pair of socks, is ideal for me. Good luck!
Posted by: alison
I had the same thing happen when I went from being at home and trying to study, to working full-time. It’s just not much fun to have all those projects going on and never finishing anything. I’ve only limited myself to bigamy however – one carry-along project and one stay-at-home one. It has made knitting and sewing more fun again, since I actually finish things resonably often. I’m sure you’ll find a way that works for you.
Posted by: Monika
Oh my gosh what beautiful yarn. Be monogamous to the socks, and THEN the donkey jacket. Give yourself some quick success before tackling all of that finishing.
I should also say that my knitting progress is helped by the fact that Jacob is a very independent player, and always has been. He wants me by his side, but one attempt from me to help him do a puzzle or draw or whatever results in a very firm “No, Mommy. Jacob do it by all self.” So I spend a decent portion of the days I’m not working just sitting next to him with knitting in my hand. Hence the proliferation of stockinette over the past year. 🙂
Anyway, I’m sure project monogamy will help you get the thrill of success again. Good luck!
Posted by: Amy
Clearly, my work here is done.
Posted by: Stephanie
I don’t believe in knitting monogamy. That’s all I have to say on the subject.
Posted by: Amy
Bravo! Good luck! I don’t really do well with knitting monogamy! There is always something out there tempting you with there knitty goodness. There is ALWAYS a small project and then a bigger one on the sticks. Then something else comes along……..
Posted by: Katie
If I have more than two active WIPs at any given time, I feel stressed out. Two, including one pair of socks, is ideal for me. Good luck!
Posted by: alison
I had the same thing happen when I went from being at home and trying to study, to working full-time. It’s just not much fun to have all those projects going on and never finishing anything. I’ve only limited myself to bigamy however – one carry-along project and one stay-at-home one. It has made knitting and sewing more fun again, since I actually finish things resonably often. I’m sure you’ll find a way that works for you.
Posted by: Monika