Fortitude

Well, you knew this book was going to end up in my collection eventually, right? I mean, it was only a matter of time.

I flipped through this at Stix-n-Stitches a couple weeks ago when I was there with Mom, but had met my (somewhat imaginary) book quota for the time being and so didn't buy it . . . but I liked what I'd seen, so, naturally, got it from Amazon when I placed an order the other day. (And, it's not like I didn't buy yarn at the shop or anything, so I'm not feeling guilty about the book. As much as I like to support LYSs and all, I have a book habit to support, and well, discounted books are a good thing.)

So, anyway, this came today and I look forward to browsing more thoroughly through it.

Now, if only one of my knitting projects would pick up some steam so I could maybe make something NEW!

Let's recap shall we?

I've been working on my Tatami cardigan since I got the pattern on December 16th.

I've been working on the Celtic Icon sweater since October, for heaven's sake. FIVE MONTHS ago.

Which means the view inside my knitting bag basically hasn't changed in months. (Except, you know, the actual bag.)

The fact that I've only been working on Mom's socks since the middle of February feels almost refreshing.

Because, let me tell you, there's really no comfort in this regard, no variety, on the spinning front.

Because I am still plugging my way along on this mountain of beautiful stuff. Half merino, half silk, bought from the Sheep Shed at Rhinebeck in 2005. Yes, you heard me. Going on a year and a half ago.

Don't get me wrong. I think this roving is stunning. I think the resulting yarn is beyond fabulous--it's soft and warm and the color is absolutely gorgeous. Dark gray in dimmer lights, but with these fabulous hints of purple in bright lights. It's absolutely wonderful. I love it.

But, OMG, look at how much more there is to spin!

That's still over a pound of roving there. Twenty ounces to be exact. Which means I've spun almost twenty-two ounces of it.

As in, barely more than half.

And the worst part?

I've got all of this beautiful, tempting stuff just sitting and waiting for me.

Sigh.

If that's not fortitude, I don't know what is.

Mind you, I've done a couple other things in the time in between. I spun all sorts of other things last summer, to take a break. I knitted a few little things for Christmas presents. But still, my primary projects--knitting and spinning--haven't changed in months.

So, really, can you blame me for buying new knitting books? At least I can look at new patterns, anyway.... I've thought about working on a design or two of my own, but then I'd need to swatch or something, and well, I don't think I can afford the time away from plodding through these current sweaters . . . you know, if I want them done in time to keep me warm when hell freezes over....

Hey. Did you see, over at JenLa? Chappy got an honorable mention in the Tootsie awards. How nifty is THAT, huh? (And, Kristi, really deserved to win the prize for best picture--hers was pretty impressive.)

And, one last thing. Remember our neighbor, Mom's good friend who was taken to the hospital on Dad's birthday? And was then diagnosed with Arrhythmia, yet when the doctors went in to fix it, could find nothing wrong? Well, since then, she hasn't been feeling well and having panic attacks because, well, she's scared about what could happen (understandable, I think!). Well, today she was at her cardiologist to discuss one of those heart monitors that you wear for a few weeks to measure your heart activity? While she was there, her heart rate dropped down to 40 beats per minute. . . . Long story short, she's in the hospital tonight and getting a pace maker tomorrow (which, if nothing else, should give her some peace of mind). But, if you could send some good thoughts her way . . . it certainly helped last time! (grin) At least she "chose" the perfect place to have another "attack" or whatever this is. According to her husband, even now, hours later at the hospital, her pulse hasn't lifted above 40 . . . scary, but at least she's in exactly the right place in case something goes wrong. Oh, and spare a thought for her son, too, who has to leave on a business trip tomorrow morning and can't be there at the hospital like he was the last time.... Thanks, everyone!

Comments

[Teyani]

what a great bunch of inspiration you have in your spinning pile! Looks tempting to me :-)
Sorry to hear about your neighbor - good thoughts going out her way. pacemakers are miraculous.

[minnie]

you can tell them from me that a pacemaker is a WONDERFUL thing. my mom had to have one put in almost 2 years ago, and the doctor is tickled pink with how she's been. absolutely NO trouble since it was put in. a big sigh of relief for all of us.

[Sheila]

I'll be thinking good thoughts. My Dad had a pacemaker placed this fall. He feels great. He said he didn't realize how awful he felt before he got the pacemaker.

[Carole]

I see some Sock Hop yarn in your future there. Good thoughts for your neighbor and her family, hon.

[Chris]

Thinking of your mom's friend - you're right, at least she was in the right place at the right time...

That is fortitude - I wouldn't be sticking it out anywhere near as well as you have been!

[CindyCindy]

Good karma goes to your neighbors. How frighening. And, you never ever ever have to justify buying a book. They are as esstential as food and water (at least in my world).

[Christine]

I see some yummy fibers there! If you have too much to spin, you can always send some my way...

[Kim]

Talk about good timing! Your neighbor is a lucky lady. All that fiber is absolutely gorgeous. I feel like I'm making no progress on any of my projects except for the one pair of socks I knitting now. I've been avoiding Lace Style because I know I'll want to buy it!

[Debby]

Congrats to Chappy for the HM, and I hope your neighbor gets through this health scare and is all better soon!

[Lorette]

I haven't had much new in my knitting bag in months either. Maybe we need a "finish up all those old projects" KAL.
That lavender fiber is just lovely. Almost lovely enough to make me want to be a spinner!

[Carol]

You have a book quota? I'd keel over if such a thing was mentioned in my presence! I love books. More than I love yarn. which is saying something...Hope all goes well for your neighbour.

[JessaLu]

That's a big *ss pile 'o roving! At least it's merino/silk so it can't be that much of a chore to spin it ;o)

Lace Style is on my 'covet' list, but I think I might be getting it as an early b-day present so I can't buy it myself 'til I know for sure!