OK, so I haven't entirely sworn off gift knitting...
I have a lot of baby sweaters in my Ravelry queue because I find the cuteness just too darn hard to resist. (And as I have mentioned before, I have been surrounded by something of a baby boom in the last while.) I made Fawn Pea's Organic Guernsey for my friend Pauline at work, who's going on mat leave next week. This was a charming pattern, and to my great delight, it was entirely seamless, so it was a quick knit, finished in just a few sittings. Ravelry details are here. I made a couple of modifications to the pattern, as you can see, the principal one being the use of discontinued, machine-washable Patons "Blue Denim Look," a DK instead of an Aran weight yarn, purposely resulting in a newborn-size sweater using the 18-month stitch counts. I am very pleased with this little fella, despite a couple of small imperfections, and Pauline was very happy with it too. She has promised to send me a picture of her little boy, Raleigh, wearing it after he is born (due date is Christmas Eve). I will surely post the picture when I receive it. Anyway, although this was technically a gift, it was so much fun to make, that the knitting itself was something of a gift to myself!
The selfish knitting does continue apace, however, despite the above distraction. I am about a quarter done a red Yarn Harlot One-Row Scarf in Fleece Artist Cashlana, and am also swatching for a turquoise vest in Cascade 220 Quatro sent to me by Trillian42 last year, both for me. I am very excited about the vest, as knitted vests seem to be very trendy right now. Among other treasures, I bought a beautiful turquoise pendant on a silver choker last weekend, during an artists' studio tour in the Dundas area with my friend Tanya. It was a beautiful day to be out for an autumn-colours drive, sunny and not too cold. I can just picture the pendant, a crisp white shirt, and this turquoise vest... I can hardly wait!
In other news: I am really struggling with my job right now. I handle consumer complaints in the financial industry and the market meltdown is, understandably, making for some clients who are even unhappier than usual. (Although I have to say, if I had money sitting around at the moment, I'd be buying some great-value investments while they're cheap!) I keep fantasizing about going back to less challenging (if also less lucrative) jobs I've had in the past. Honestly, I'd be ready for a radical change if I had the slightest idea what I want to be when I grow up. Any advice on staying focused, positive, and satisfied at work during difficult times?
The selfish knitting does continue apace, however, despite the above distraction. I am about a quarter done a red Yarn Harlot One-Row Scarf in Fleece Artist Cashlana, and am also swatching for a turquoise vest in Cascade 220 Quatro sent to me by Trillian42 last year, both for me. I am very excited about the vest, as knitted vests seem to be very trendy right now. Among other treasures, I bought a beautiful turquoise pendant on a silver choker last weekend, during an artists' studio tour in the Dundas area with my friend Tanya. It was a beautiful day to be out for an autumn-colours drive, sunny and not too cold. I can just picture the pendant, a crisp white shirt, and this turquoise vest... I can hardly wait!
In other news: I am really struggling with my job right now. I handle consumer complaints in the financial industry and the market meltdown is, understandably, making for some clients who are even unhappier than usual. (Although I have to say, if I had money sitting around at the moment, I'd be buying some great-value investments while they're cheap!) I keep fantasizing about going back to less challenging (if also less lucrative) jobs I've had in the past. Honestly, I'd be ready for a radical change if I had the slightest idea what I want to be when I grow up. Any advice on staying focused, positive, and satisfied at work during difficult times?
2 Comments:
Aww, Lisa - if I had any advice on the job front, I'd pass it on! Things are difficult everywhere right now, for anyone who deals hands on with their customer base. Bleech.
On the other hand, the sweater is adorable! And I can't wait to see your vest in progress - we need to hook up for a knit night sometime soon. :)
Love, love, LOVE the gurnsey! Cute as can be!
If I had advice, I'd share . . . but I was on the edge of burn-out/meltdown myself just before Sweet Pea came on the scene. Now I dread going back. Remember, as trite as it may sound, You are helping these people. Without you, where would they be? I always tried to make a positive difference in each contact's day. Even if you have to say no, you can say it nicely . . . know what I mean? Of course you do.
Re: Jen's comment -- Knit night. Yes please. Soon.
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