Once again, I hand the blog over to Sandi Rosner for an update on her Rocked:
It’s been two weeks since our official cast-on date for the Rocked Knit A Long, and my progress has been dismal.
Now, I’m not a slow knitter, and I’ve not run into any issues with this pattern. But like most recreational pursuits, knitting for myself is quickly put aside when work demands get heavy. In addition to being Creative Director for Premier Yarns, I’m working on finishing a book. My knitting and crochet time has been pretty scarce, and when I do sit down with my needles or my hook, it is usually to make something that is needed for a photo shoot or for the book.
I know Amy has written about casting on for the sleeves, but I’m not even close to that point, and to tell the truth, I was feeling pretty bad about it. The internal browbeating went something like this: “Why did I even sign up for this KAL? I should have known I had too much work to do and wouldn’t be able to keep up. I should be setting an example, and here I am looking like a slacker. I’ll never have time to finish this piece.” Sound familiar?
Well, I’ve decided to let go of expectations. The truth is, this is not a race. There is no prize for finishing fast, and no punishment for being a slowpoke. I really do want to wear this top, and I’ll finish it when I finish it – if not in time for this summer, then for next.
I’ve also developed a strategy to turn my Rocked from a burden that induces shame every time I look at it to a pleasure that I look forward to knitting. With the warmer weather of late Spring, some of us here in the office have been getting together after work on Fridays. We choose a place with outdoor seating and have a glass of wine to cap off the week. My Rocked will be the project I take along to knit on those occasions. Nothing like pleasant associations to make a project go faster, right?
So, how is everybody else doing? Are you zipping right along, have you stalled along the way, or are you somewhere in between?
I’ve said many times that knitting is not a competitive sport. Relax and enjoy!
After swatching a lot and I decided to go with the needles recommended and to get the size I want making 1X. I am using Cotton True Sport. My gauge is what the ball band says and the width is exactly 20.5 inches which is the size I want. Gorgeous color. I don’t think I will block it because I really like the way it looks as is.
Hi Karen,
Which color of the Cotton True Sport are you using? I’m so glad you’re joining us for the knitalong! Are you a member of Ravelry? If so, feel free to stop by our knitalong group to join in the fun. http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/universal-yarn/3174291/26-50#34
Sandi… I’m right there with you! I am only about 5 inches deep, I am really enjoying it, but it takes me about 30 minutes on a 4 row repeat and I only get about 2 done a night if I’m lucky. If I go faster, bad things happen, so I am just taking my time and living in the moment!
Same here, Denise. I’m a little further along, but about one repeat a night is my goal. If I’m lucky, I find myself caught in a waiting room or something. Then I can knock out another repeat and feel very industrious!
I’m so happy to see my fellow slowpokes coming out of the woodwork! Let’s all agree to just mosey along at our own pace. We can wave at Amy and the other jackrabbits as they zip on past.
I am so far behind I’m gonna need a deLorean to catch up! There’s been yarn acquisition delays, travel, and basic work exhaustion since the KAL started, so I’m only two repeats in! Oh well, I’ve been known to take years to finish a project before being able to wear it. Looks like this one may be one of those.