When things get out of control...

It's odd.  Since retiring, rather than sleeping more, I am getting up at some ungodly hours.  For twenty-three years I got up before 6:30 every day to catch the commuter train to work.  I hated it because it never seemed like I was getting enough sleep.  A sentiment that every other commuter on the train shared with me.  But now that I can, I am getting up at 5:30 and 6:00.  I could psychoanalyze myself but I won't, for now.  Equally odd, Amanda is sleeping later and later.

Is this handcraft obsession related to my getting up earlier and earlier, even when I don't have to?

But on to more distracting topics.
We have two designated "corners of shame" in our house.  The problem with having two handcrafters in the house is that everything is multiplied beyond crazy.  This "corner" reflects two stashes and accumulations necessary for knitting, weaving, sewing, needlepoint...  At any point in time we have 2, 3, 4 or more works in progress each, on all fronts.  Or I am blocking my latest FO.  We are constantly trolling through Ravelry for patterns and insights into what other nuts like ourselves are doing.  Yesterday - how's this for nerdy insanity - Amanda and I spent over an hour organizing the hundreds of patterns that I have accumulated (both free and paid for) - putting each pattern into plastic sleeves.  Every day I troll through the many knitting blogs in the never ending internet universe for even more patterns so this mountain of patterns can only grow over time.  At any given time we are working on multiple projects and seeking inspiration for others.

My version of Catchfly...

Versus the original Catchfly from PomPom Magazine

This is my latest FO.  It's a perfect example of how things never turn out as planned, even in knitting.
I wanted to make something for the sweltering summer - this is made of Bello Lino by Classic Elite Yarns - a blend of linen, viscose and cotton.  Instead of landscape-colored stripes I originally wanted to make something linen-beige in color and feel.  The pattern is from the latest Pom Pom magazine - "Catchfly".  The gauge was close although not exact and the feel of the yarn was crunchy so I decided to make the silhouette more relaxed.  I also finished the neckline and sleeves with 2/2 ribbing instead of I-cording.   I like the finished product.   While the sweater was still pinned to the blocking board, I had already cast on for my second "Relax" sweater using hand dyed yarn from Hedgehog Fibres in Ireland.  Of course I also have 5 inches of Modern Tunic on needles waiting patiently for my return, yarn from Suss... more on that soon.

-Chee Mee