I Just Don’t Think I Can….


Knit another (censored) ruffle scarf!

I know I am complaining and whining for no good reason, I really am self-aware enough to know I sound like a brat. The scarves are getting my name out there, they are bringing in extra money that we desperately need and people really like them.

Honestly though, after I hit 50 I just started to stare at the yarn with wild contempt – like it had killed my dog wild contempt. The knitting I’ve gotten used to, can even do it fairly quickly now but it is the pulling apart of the ruffle yarn that kills me. It takes me about 40 minutes to unfurl 30 yards and is killing my hand. Knitting I am used to, pulling apart miles of lace I am not. Not to mention the tedium – I just want to purl!

I am whining again…I CAN’T HELP IT! My Mom has been selling these things like hotcakes and my husband is so happy for the extra fundage – there is no way I would dream of complaining to them. So sorry friends and neighbors, but I needed to vent.

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** On the Plus Side **

I gave away a few knits today – which felt wicked awesome! My Grandmother received my first lace shawl (Oh no! I didn’t take a picture!). My niece got her Link-like Hat and my Mom received a boatload of OSU Buckeye Flower Pins and a cowl I was making before the orders got too crazy (Oh no! I didn’t take a picture of it finished! I suck!). I (censored) LOVE giving presents!

Another awesome thing I got to do today was mail out the Surprise Mystery Box for whatimuptotoday – winner of the 100th post giveaway! Oh – I cannot wait to see what she thinks of the goodies!!!

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** Moving Forward **

So I’ve had a few ideas of what to do with my blogging time (which I am really, really missing right about now) with no new knitting to blog about. So again, I am asking for comments, questions, considerations and suggestions. To start basic though, here are a few brainwaves I’ve had so far:

Also: Seriously thinking of starting this Knit Along the second or third week in September – any thoughts?

Jayashri Pullover Pattern on Knit Picks  (Finished Bust Measurements 34″-62″)

57 thoughts on “I Just Don’t Think I Can….

  1. stitches'n'scraps

    I’ll do the KAL with you…may change the neck though… If you want to get away from making the scarves, maybe there’s something else you can make that your mom could sell as easily? Like headbands with buttons and interchangeable flowers. Or maybe try making scarves out of other boutique yarns that still have the funky texture but aren’t as tedious to pull apart…like Lion Brand Bellini(http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/bellini.html). Or even try working with the ruffle yarn in a different way that doesn’t require it to be opened out…(like this one http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/go-team-hand-chain-scarf). You could also sell ruffle yarn scrunchies…faster to make than the scarves…

    Reply
          1. stitches'n'scraps

            ok, thanks for the heads up – I may just leave the collar off entirely and end it as a boatneck….or I might just add a couple rows of ribbing – turtle necks, cowls, and that sort of thing just don’t look good on me.

            Reply
                1. allnightknits Post author

                  Not that skinny, although I do have a freakishly long neck. It’s the chest region that messes with me – being a 40 DDD is making knitting a pain in my arse!

                  Reply
  2. knitnrun4sanity

    Hang on in there. I think that you should try to fit in a bit of ‘other’ knitting time too. Just for your sanity. As for your blogging anything goes as far as i am concerned. Relax about it all. Xxx

    Reply
    1. allnightknits Post author

      Feeling very zen at the moment. I think I have mastered the fine art if ruffles! 😉 Still planning all sorts of goodies to knit during a lull – it keeps me occupied 😉

      Reply
  3. itwasjudith

    blogwise, i’m sure we would read it all, just what it’s easier or more interesting for you 🙂 you have enough work at the moment, and maybe choose what you feel inclined for when writing for the blog? x

    Reply
    1. allnightknits Post author

      That is a good point. I rally like my list – these are all things I want to write about. More than anything I’m worried of boring you all to tears! 😉

      Reply
  4. handmadebyterry

    Ok, sorry doing this mobile and only read the cry out regarding the ruffle scarves and wanted to share to hopefully cut down your winding time. Use a book to wrap it around when you are doing that whole flattening out part. It takes me maybe 15 minutes that way. Hope that helps!

    Reply
  5. lottieknits

    Don’t feel guilty for hating the ruffle scarves! Most of us get ‘second sock syndrome’ (or in my case ‘second mitten syndrome’) so fiftieth scarf syndrome seems a perfectly justified and natural reaction to me!

    As for blogging, just write what you fancy, all of your ideas are good (I’ve done your poll) and with your entertaining writing style I’m sure they would all be interesting and fun to read. I particularly like the idea of interviewing other bloggers, it would be interesting to read where everyone gets their ideas from and why they started blogging – we may have similar interests but I wonder if we are all more diverse in inspiration and what drives us to keep writing?

    Lovely shawl by the way 🙂 hope your grandma likes it! xxx

    Reply
    1. allnightknits Post author

      She did love the shawl!! 🙂 I love giving presents!

      I am rambling around trying to figure it all out – hoping for a little lull in the ruffles here pretty soon ( I will finish #90 tonight if you can believe it!). I have my eyeball in a few things – I guess we’ll just see what happens!

      Reply
      1. lottieknits

        Giving knitting to people who really deserve and appreciate it is an amazing feeling! My Mum is always very grateful for any knitting I do for her and she knows how much time and effort goes into it so she looks after it well too. She is certainly incredibly deserving so that makes it all worthwhile 😀

        Crikey! Scarf number 90? That is crackers! I don’t know how you can keep your sanity and knit that many, but I’m pleased for you that they’ve been such a success 😀 you deserve a medal!

        Hope Trevor’s 1st week in his new job went well. xxx

        Reply
        1. allnightknits Post author

          It has indeed gone very well! He seems to like it well enough, I think it is hard on him because he loved the job he was at before so much.

          Well, I hit 100 scarves yesterday and now I am taking a break – before I set the ruffles on fire (or knit a noose, either way ;))

          On a baby hat kick right now and I think Lolly over at lollyknits has finished her pattern of the Hunger Games Cowl! If that is the case then I will drop everything and make that!

          And yes…giving presents is the best thing ever!

          Reply
          1. lottieknits

            Glad Trevor’s job is going well. Hopefully he will get to love his new job as much as his last one.

            Can’t wait to see Lolly’s cowl and your version if you make one 🙂 it’ll be a nice break from the ruffles (if you’re allowed before you’ve finished your other WIPs 😉)!

            Reply
            1. allnightknits Post author

              I broke the WIP diet and started the cowl! Problem is that I need to buy a pair of needles to finish it – which means I need to make some more ruffle scarves. Oh well, absents makes the heart grow fonder! 🙂

              Reply
              1. lottieknits

                Good for you! I hope Trevor hasn’t given you that look again though 😉. Isn’t it always the way with needles? I have so many but I always manage to pick a yarn or pattern that needs a size I don’t have. Maybe the thought of more needles will spur you on to get those ruffles done 😃!

                Reply
                1. allnightknits Post author

                  The ruffles and I have made our peace. The day I found Trevor and Gloria taking the yarn apart to spare my hand reminded me that life is full of little amazing things, I am lucky to even have USE of my hand let alone people that are so cognizant of my capabilities.
                  What can I say, I am feeling like a lucky girl. Even despite the onset of agoraphobia after the man tried to get through the door I feel pretty freaking blessed.
                  Whoa! Sticky sweet diatribe! 🙂

                  Reply
  6. musingrunner

    I am going yarn shopping today! I will be ready for the KAL whenever it starts. My friend has an order to do 13 ruffle scarves for her aunt and she is having the same problem.

    Reply
    1. allnightknits Post author

      Send her my regards 😉
      I am super stoked – think I will post this week and start it Monday, September 16th. If you can (or want to) a co-host would be awesome! Lemme know!:)

      Reply
            1. allnightknits Post author

              Go for it! I’ve been working doubles and someone tried to break in last night so I don’t know if I will post today – I feel like I’ve been to war 😦

              Reply
  7. jackmaybenimble

    Aw bless! I know that feeling of doing the ‘wrong’ side of something you do actually enjoy to earn a living, so you have my sympathies! And I hear you on the blogging front too – I feel I may have to expand mine to non-crafting things or its going to be very infrequent postings!

    Reply
    1. allnightknits Post author

      When I could work on why I wanted it seemed I could talk all the time! Now I struggle, I mean – how many times can you show progress on ruffle scarves? 😉

      Reply
  8. salpal1

    I agree with everyone above! Get help with the ruffles, blog about what interests you, I like the interview idea, the ETSY shop review idea, I like hearing what is going on in your world. I like reading what you write.

    And talk to your mom – can she sell ANYTHING else? Like those flowers…. 🙂

    And for heaven’s sake, knit something else, too. 🙂

    And may I repeat – I am excited to see that box? I may move down to the PO until it arrives. 🙂

    Reply
      1. salpal1

        Who would think it? A baby hat is a good project – small, fits in around other projects. 🙂

        Got the tracking number, package should be here on the 28th – thanks, I love the innovative way you sent the number!

        Reply
        1. allnightknits Post author

          You mean the lazy way I sent the number 😉 I just didn’t want to type it wrong and have your worrying over whether the package was going to get to you.

          I cannot wait for tomorrow, it should be there and I am so excited! I mucked up my first swap so this is like a chance at redemption 😉

          Reply
    1. allnightknits Post author

      Thank you. I am trying to keep my complaining to myself but ranting is good for stress relief. Where better to do it than a community of people that know how tiring it can be to knit the same things over and over!
      What were you making four of? I am terribly behind on catching up on my blogs so please excused my ignorance. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Pingback: Am I really going to answer today? | Rob's Surf Report

  10. Pingback: Sewing Saturday – Cake Bonny Sailor Top and a KAL | musings and motion

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