Thursday, September 11, 2008

Can I be a Finisher?

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Watching my son lay around and pondering the universe made me start thinking about my knitting universe.

Since I started spinning, I have not picked up the needles. I began to get the itch. The feel of the fiber sliding over my fingers as magically thread turns into something of value. Yup, I must knit.

I had balls of left over spun yarn from various bobbins that I had been winding and tossing into a basket. Before I knew it, the needles were back in my hands and I was knitting away all the worries of the world.

I have admitted many times to many people, I am not a finisher. I have more projects started and not finished than I would ever admit. But, I am not a finisher. That is the beauty of being a fiber artist, I can paint and spin the yarn, and you can finish the project.

When this recent knitting itch hit, I had to keep in mind my finishing problem and keep my projects simple, mindless, and timeless. I began knitting various size squares out of various weight fibers, some hand painted, some hand spun, some commercially produced (oh the horrors!). I can cast on as much as I like, knit or purl as many rows as I'd like, and then just cast off when I get bored (or when the small ball is nearing it's end). Perfect for a non-finisher!

Here are a couple pictures of different squares I have finished:

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I have actually finished 14 squares/strips/rectangles. Yes, I said finished. It's a miracle. They all look really cool, and super funky when laid side by side, so whenever I have enough squares, I am going to put them all together into a blanket. There is no timeline on this project, so hopefully I finish by the time I am 50 (at least that's a long way off).

The newfound ability to finish has got me inspired to start another project. Not to discourage myself, I should start a scarf or a wash cloth right? Of course not! I have started a blanket...yes, a blanket. I don't know what my deal is with blankets, I guess it's the longing for security. Nothing is better than a soft, warm blanket.

I am knitting it on size 35 needles, in the hopes that it moves along fast enough for me to not abandon it. Here it is in it's infancy. I do love the feel of it, so here's to sticking with it to the end.

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So that's what I'm working on, what about you?

5 comments:

Jus Shar Designs said...

Finishing is hard.

I currently have about six different projects going on. I need constant distraction. Adult ADD? Could be, but it seems to be a common problem with all fiber folks I know of.

Your yarns are GORGEOUS. And you'll finish things (or you won't) in due time. :-)

idyll hands said...

Girl.... talk about unfinished projects. My very first project I ever started is still sitting on some needles in a box. I am working on some lovely scarves and neck warmers for the craft show in October, but that's about it.

Unknown said...

I cant wait to see it. lol. dont get offended if i dont hold my breath. haha you know i love ya.

Suna Kendall said...

Hi, thanks for commenting on my blog--it's good to meet readers.

I am so glad you spin. I haven't been able to get going on it--don't seem to have a knack, but then all I have is a drop spindle.

I do finish stuff, but still harbor great guilt over the things I don't. Like they are sad. Gee, they are inanimate objects!!! I have left a few on Ravelry, to look at me and remind me they are THERE.

Anonymous said...

You come by your "not finishing things" quite naturally. I still have a baby blanket half done that I started when I was pregnant with you. Maybe I'll give it to you to finish. LOL.