If for some reason you're expecting something hand knit from me for Christmas, perhaps you should think again. I'm breaking it to you now so you can all get used to disappointment.
I'm way behind on knitting gifts this season. I finished the Bella's Mittens pattern for my friend, but my needles have been more or less idle since then. I don't know why, but I just don't feel like knitting. To combat this unusual turn of events, I cast on the Brioche Cabled Cowl. While this stitch boggles the mind of some, I have no problem doing brioche stitch, and I rather like the ribbed pattern it produces, but the cable with such bulky yarn makes this project insane! It took me an hour alone to do the cable row which is only 56 stitches across but required an extraordinary amount of finagling. All 56 stitches were twisted on the cable of my needles in a way that made them look like they were tied in knots. They weren't, but because of their appearance, I ripped out the cable row twice. Once I figured out that the crossed 56 cabled stitches were only making all of them look like they were twisted, I stopped trying to fix the row and knit on. The return two rows took another 45 minutes of what felt like battle. My hands were aching when I was done with those three rows so I put the knitting down, which we all know is code for, now the project is in critical care on life support.
This is not my definition of relaxing with needles and yarn and the fate of this cowl is already written: Prognosis poor. Recommend Palliative Care to have end of life discussion with this cowl's knitter. I don't know where I went wrong, but it may be that I'm using bulky wool that isn't as pliable as other bulky wools. I only know that Wrong is exactly the destination this yarn, this pattern and I have gone. It's too bad because good execution of brioche stitch is really pretty. Cabled brioche is even prettier. The cowl's life line will be removed sometime later tonight.
For your entertainment today: I know you all can't wait to get your hands on the movie, The Help. Anticipation must be something else for those of you who have yet to see this movie and have to wait until tomorrow to get the DVD. To ease the excitement, I've got a home made video for you to watch. It's not Oscar worthy, but may be worth an honorable mention. The thing is, the actor just does not take direction well.
Leo's Happy Dance. Was it the squirrel or the snow that got him so worked up? I don't know. I was unable to decipher his attempts at speaking.
13 comments:
"Put the #$%& camera down and give me a treat!"
That, or . . .
Yes, the contractors have gone, but now there is a squirrel in the basement!
I will be sending you a BILL for my translation services, let me know if I can ever be of further help.
smirk.
Alice, I think you're right. As you can see, he gets a few too many treats when he comes indoors.
Now I know the real reason you need a larger kitchen - Leo needs to make bigger circles. But boy he does a great job of spinning in that tiny space.
He is so cute! I really like the video.
And I hear ya' on the Christmas knitting [not that I knit] but it is the same with all craft type gifts - if they aren't started way back when [June?] then they simply don't get done. No worries.
Now that video must be the antidote to knitting that goes wrong. How could you be cross after that display?
Too bad about your cowl. I find knitting with bulky yarn and big needles to be very hard on the hands. Give me my little sock needles for relief.
I'm not into the Christmas knitting either. I finished my daughter's socks and started my mother's.
Some knits and yarn weren't meant to be together.
That is either, I want to go out or let's go for a car ride dance.
Watching Leo makes me miss the family dogs. I am pet less right now, and I hate it.
Oh that Leo - too cute!
It's ok about the knitting - my birthday isn't until March :)
Is it possible that the yarn is just too bulky? Funny, I started a cabled pullover today and I ripped out one row of cables because they didn't look right. I think your right, it's those darn wires. I just live those needles so much I couldn't possibly knit with sticks anymore...ciao
Aww! He's just adorable!
I have a friend who has already started on Christmas gifts for 2012. I pretend to like her and not be jealous, but actually I hate her and am envious. Don't tell her I said that though. I want her to make me something again for next year. :D
I think Leo says, "I want OUT!" at the end. I was watching the video while sitting on my couch next to my dog. My dog got up and went to the door. Did he think Leo was outside? My little guy is not answering my questions now!
I made a cowl from a really bulky yarn last year. Part way in I realized it was not a good match between yarn and pattern but kept going. Should have stopped because now the thing is done and waiting to be frogged.
Oh...love the video of our favorite on line doggy. Christmas seems to be sneaking up on us way too quickly this year. Maybe just try making things for next year.
LOL, dogs are the wonderful creatures of our lives and yours is no exception!!
CJ
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