There I was, cranking out knitting for all my friends for Christmas, prioritising by
(1) People who have never received anything made by me
(2) People who I really wanted to make something for
(3) People who were going to get chocolate because I knew there was no way, I was going to be able to make the deadlines.
I firmly decided, that anything not on the needles by Dec 20th was going into (3).
All through this, I really wanted to make something for myself. Every year, we always get a chill from the north around Christmas, and after a tromp down the Deer Park, I realised, that I really need some warm socks for me. So the last thing that I will finish in 2004 will be something for me. Yes, I'm making myself some Opal socks. This yarn is from the Brasil Collection. I bought it ages ago (about 2 years) and kind of went into a hiatus for buying sock yarns like mad from Martina. I was buying boxes of 16 and knitting about 3-4 pairs before I bought more. Whilst I love all my sock yarn, I had to be more realistic. I can only continue at that rate, if I was willing to give up all other knitting. Anyway, 2002-2003 was the year of sock. 2004 is/was most definitely the year of lace. I've noticed that I've done a large proportion of Evelyn Clark and Kim Hargreaves patterns and managed to branch out significantly from Rowan/Jaeger/Debbie Bliss patterns. That's must be the influence of the web because with the exception of socks, I'm primarily a Rowan/Jaeger/Debbie Bliss knitter.
I'm enjoying these socks so much (and they are really just a simple 4 x2 rib), that I might just make another pair for myself when I'm done. So there you go, I've become a **selfish** knitter. The only thing is, I can't decide what next. Should I use up some of my precious Knit Happens Dale Tiur and make the Denmark socks from Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road ?
Just as I was writing this, I get an e-mail from Temptress Dawn, alerting me to a sock exchange at the Blue Blog . Am I in? Oh please... of course, I'm in. Just call me lemming.
I'd better finish these opals first. I do intend to wear them on Jan 1 2005.
What a better way to welcome in the new year... well, I mean what a better way, aside from attending the annual Cherry Tree Hill sale. Yes, my alarm will be set at 4:30am and I will be armed to order all and sundry. Yes, I know, how sad. Some people plan their New Year festivities around parties and seeing friends, and I plan mine around annual yarn sales.
Posted by atu at December 29, 2004 08:02 PM | TrackBackWhat a gorgeous green that Dale Tiur yarn is - I love it. Exactly the same shade as my wedding dress many moons ago as it happens so they will definitely be serendipitous socks !:0)
Posted by: Heather at December 31, 2004 02:19 AMI don't think that making yourself socks is selfish. And the Denmark socks from KOTR are absolutely beautiful, knit up (although I wonder if the mohair in Tiur wouldn't obscure the cables a little? not to be obnoxious or anything).
I love #3 on your list. ;-)
Posted by: Cassie at December 30, 2004 02:03 PMIt is not selfish to knit for yourself ..
I agree, make it a Polly year!!
Lovely socks.
- about the sock swap - you made me join too.
Happy new year
IDA
1. Love the Opal socks I have a pair in that same yarn but different color. They are one of my favorites.
2. Selfish knitting is ALWAYS in order.
3. Ummm so I wont be there for th eCherry Hill sale (not "in the know" about that one) But when is the Liberty sale?? Depending on when it is I might be able to make it over...
4. Happy New Year! and to the new year of teh knitting (not to be confused with the chinese year of the "animals" :)
Posted by: stinkerbell at December 30, 2004 01:25 PMYou're not fooling anybody, missy. Selfish my elbow. I read someplace that nobody calls surfers selfish for spending their time by themselves on a board on the water. Next year should be the year of Polly.
Posted by: valentina at December 30, 2004 03:56 AMYou be as selfish as you want (I don't think you've got a selfish bone in your body the amount of knitting you've done for others this year!) I was going to bed but am now about to surf re the CTH wool. Me thinks you could become a bad influence!
Posted by: Tracy at December 29, 2004 11:42 PMYou mean the Handpaint Heaven (in Vermont, USA ) sale that starts midnight 12/31 for a week? They will add some extra baby loop to some bags (just got in an email from them). Wow I guess you do have to wake up at an unusual hour - but I would to if I lived yonder.
Wonderful, wonderful site. Very much enjoy the writings re travel and knitting!
Happy New Year from San Francisco
Posted by: Terry at December 29, 2004 11:23 PM