Frozen in the beginning of Summer
Ok - I can't seem to move forward on any of the projects I have going. I'm totally frozen. I am working on two summer weight cardigans on size 5 needles that I have convinced myself I will never finish. I have two shawls that I've started out of DK on size 6's that start at the point and continue to the wing-expanse of a large teridactyl. All the projects are simple garter or stockinette stitches in one color because OF COURSE I thought that would make them go fast when it fact - they're all so boring - I can't seem to stick with one without wanting to impale myself on my sticks. So, I'm jumping from one to another so nothing is progressing. And I'm getting more and more frustrated. My sick knitter mind thinks, "Maybe I should start a new, smaller project - like a little neck wrap that I can go to intermittently that will knit quickly and give me finishing satisfaction to give me the will to return to the four big projects." But isn't that just more distraction?
Help? Any words of advice before I have a total meltdown???
I actually have 2 words: baby hats. Quick and you can make them as simple, as colorful, as complicated, and (especially) as small as you want. You can even design as you knit. The sense of accomplishment arrives quickly, as does the relief of a finished object. You can knit them on the size needles you crave. That's my suggestion. Which I gave myself and took a couple of days and 3 hats ago. Now it's back to he world's most never-ending stole for me.
Or just go for a walk this beautiful evening.
Happy to see you posting.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 10, 2007 at 01:05 PM
I'm with the sick knitter mind. And the earlier commenter. Baby stuff. Perfect to take the edge off larger projects.
Posted by: Kirstie | June 10, 2007 at 01:22 PM
I agree: put aside any feelings of guilt for not finishing what you SHOULD be knitting. I set aside a few things to do a simple baby blanket that's knitting up quickly. I think it's really hard to get motivated to knit in summer. Maybe we should come up with a name for this condition: summerknititis? I'm sure you could come up with something much cleverer.
Posted by: Heidi | June 10, 2007 at 01:29 PM
You pretty much summed up the problem yourself: you're bored with the big projects. Knitting should be fun, not boring (unless you're doing it for profit). I refuse to knit things that bore me. The first sweater I ever tried to knit was started in 1995. Because I was a new knitter, I decided against the intricate cables that attracted me and went for a simple knit/purl combo instead. Eight inches in, I got bored with the pattern. It's been on the needles like that for 12 years. The yarn is good, so I'm going to frog it. Now, I stick to things I can do quickly (socks) or that are very intricate needle dances (like Arans or Fair Isle). Go for the instant grat—knit the neckwarmer. Remember what it's like to complete a project, and by all means, if you do decide to continue with the shawls, convince yourself that you ARE finishing it. Cuz if you're convinced you never will, you're right! ;-)
Posted by: Jeanne B. | June 10, 2007 at 03:11 PM
How about a cotton dishcloth or 2? Or a few afghan squares for one of the charity blankets in progress?
Posted by: Amy Artisan | June 10, 2007 at 05:15 PM
I'm all over the small project idea. It really does help to have a quick, easy to accomplish project. I guess that would explain why I've finished all the dishcloths and hats this year (and only one sweater!).
Posted by: Beth | June 11, 2007 at 08:39 AM
i have been lurking here forever and kept meaning to comment especially during the awesome knitting xmas carols you posted! anyway, my suggestion is hats also. they are quick and a fun knit, maybe tell yourself if i get so much of the big project done you can knit a fun little project. i hope you get your big project mojo back!
Posted by: jen | June 11, 2007 at 09:32 AM
Go for the neck warmer!
Posted by: Scribbles & Bits | June 13, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Yes! Something small. Something quick. Something gratifying. You'll feel so good about yourself, and hop right on those sweaters, despite the size 5 needles.
Posted by: elizabeth | June 16, 2007 at 12:28 AM
One more vote for 'something small'. Why not do a test square or two of some new yarn? Take a look at your 'war chest' of yarns. Knit up a sample block and keep that with the yarn - you'll have a head start on the next project. Pull out the odds and ends of yarn and knit up a pillow top - the variations of stitches and yarn will help break the log jam.
And bring the joy back!!
AzG
Posted by: Amazn Grace | June 17, 2007 at 11:44 AM