Stuck Halfway

I wish I could say that I've been so busy knitting that I haven't even had time to hang out on the internet, let alone blog... but that just wouldn't be true. In fact, I would have to admit to perfecting my efforts at wasting time while accomplishing nothing. I have been a bit under the weather... I'm still struggling with the low blood pressure, lightheadedness and fatigue that seem to be routinely interrupting my life. I need to follow up with some blood work but have been just so busy with sports, homeschooling and wasting all my free time with magazines and web searches that I haven't gotten around to it.

But my real reason for not blogging has been lack of anything to show for my time... and the only things that I've felt a very strong conviction to express were hardly worthy of their own blog. But since I'm here, I'll put it right out there...

If you have a child in youth sports...

1) Look around in you in the stands before bad mouthing the coaches of your child's team. You never know when you may be sitting in front of an annoyed coach's wife with some tiny, sharp sock needles in her purse.

2) If your son gets knocked unconscious during the 2nd quarter of a football game and is experiencing any confusion as to why his head hurts... he is not ready to play by the start of the 3rd quarter... or any other quarter that day. Yes, dads, this applies even if the team is already down 2 key players and they desperately need your boy in order to have a chance to win. And it still applies to single elimination playoff games. You should not be mad at the coach for being unwilling to risk your son's life for a youth game.

Whew! I feel much better getting that off my chest.

So as for knitting... let's see... well it's getting pretty bad. I have half a sweater, half a scarf, half a pair of mittens (Lobster Claws from Morehouse Merino), 3 half pairs of socks, and yarn pulled out for about a half dozen other sweaters I want to knit. Oh, it may not technically count, but I am also halfway through a book.

But, after a long wait, I got Cat Bordhi's new book in the mail today, so I'm feeling a bit motivated now to finish at least a couple of 2nd socks so I can move on. (It's the little "rule" I've just given myself. Like the "rule" I gave my son that he can't have a pet turtle until he can keep his room clean. I think my chances are only slightly better than his.)



Anyway, I ordered it out of curiosity and, I must say, against my better judgment since sock knitting books overfloweth in my home... but I'm so glad I did. While there are a few pairs of socks that make me think, "Well, just because you can, doesn't mean you should," for the most part I am overwhelmed with delight. I've had my nose in it every chance I could get today, fascinated by the beautiful designs and unique techniques.

She starts with a couple of small sample socks, which I would normally be quick to dismiss, but I can see that they are going to be essential in order to grasp a better understanding of the "architecture" she uses. Her basic instructions are very clear and visually distinct. Their construction requires some special alphabet stitch markers that I was able to order from one of my favorite etsy shops so my goal is to finish a sock or two before they arrive. (Take note... if you plan to order the book, order the stitch markers at the same time because you will want to get started!

So obviously I'm going to need some good TV knitting! One of my favorite shows of the new season is Big Bang Theory on Monday nights... ooh! That's tonight! Anyway, it's hilarious and I've downloaded the first few shows of the season that we missed onto my ipod, so hopefully this will help me get past the halfway point on something.