Thursday, July 2, 2009

Coming Up for Air


I've taken the recommendations of all of my enablers advisors here and I've thrown myself into my knitting-dust bunnies be damned.  As a result, my hands are cramping and I've developed a furrow between my eyes that rivals the Grand Canyon I've completed the main portion of the shawl and have only a few rows of reverse stockinette remaining.  5,166 stitches to be precise.  When I got to the end of the lace portion, I could feel my heart start to beat fast.  I can't believe it.  I still have the border to cast on for and complete, but I'm beginning to see light at the end of this tunnel.  What seemed insurmountable on Monday is now looking like a definite maybe.  I'll show some pictures once I start the border.  Right now it looks like a huge blob of knitting with holes and this is the nature of lace.  

I'd like to be able to finish it in time for the fair, but I'm still not certain that's feasible.  I have 3 squares that are due around the same time for Mareseatoat's afghan so we'll see.  The fair's rules state an item of lace needs to be completed within the 3 years prior to submission.  If not this year, then next.  For only $10, I'll still apply and if it's done by August 15th, well then I'll submit this life sucking project beautiful work of art.

If I can just figure out when I can squeeze a good night's sleep into this insane knitting schedule, I'll be all set.

Photo: Merrilla, the Queen of the Sea, Fox Films, 1918.


13 comments:

Jane said...

You've done brilliantly, make yourself a cuppa and keep going, ;)

Anonymous said...

I can see you now. Can't wait to see it finished. It must be something if you are allowed 3 years to complete it. It sounds like a whole lot of stitches. I bet you get it done. Blessings
QMM

Rose said...

Impressive. Can't wait to see it, I'm sure it's beautiful.

SkippyMom said...

YAY! The life sucking project made me laugh...heehee

And to think we didn't even have to bribe you ;)

Can't wait to see it. I just know it is going to be gorgeous.

Brenda said...

Well done, my friend...well done. I have become very jealous of all you skilled knitters in the world. I stopped doing the prayer shawl last night because I realized it's shape is so off. I don't know if I can block it to make it look better or not. I'll figure something out. Even a plain boring shawl needs more attention than I was giving it.
My hats off to you for doing such fine work.

Rudee said...

Miss, the coffee is on.

QMM, when the dust settles, I'll tally all of the stitches.

Rose, I can't explain the color, softness and sheen. Words aren't enough. Fino may be my new favorite yarn.

Skippy, I've been offering myself bribes: one more row then you can go to bed, or, one more row and you can have some breakfast. This thing has sucked the life out of me!

Brenda, if it's wool, everything will come out in the wash. Don't give up.

Anonymous said...

You are very busy aren't you, I think sleep will just have to wait a while!

CJ xx

Unknown said...

Mareseatoats' afghan is for an auction/charity is it not?
I prefer to think that you're being proactive with the shawl and setting up your plans for next year's fair. There's only so much coffee a girl can drink without adding some Grand Marnier to the mix...

Pyzahn said...

Doing what you love shouldn't make you crazy. For $10, there's always next year.

I hate to think of you collapsed on the floor, white knuckled from clutching the knitting needles and in a gasping whisper say "...b-b-b-utt the fair."

Renie Burghardt said...

Well, it just goes to show you, detrmination is the key. Great going, Rudee!

Huggies,

Renie

Gail said...

Way to go!

Anonymous said...

Oh I'm exhausted for you! I feel like I did back in my working days - at Month End! 13 hour days! Yes YOU CAN!!! :)

NCmountainwoman said...

Finally catching up. Don't drive yourself crazy with this shawl. It's all right if you don't make it by your "deadline." Relax and enjoy your knitting...don't turn it into work.