Oct 23 2009
Mad Dash
I am in a mad dash to finish my sister’s cardigan by the time I leave for California next week… not too much more to do before I finish – a quarter of a sleeve, the collar, and the belt (plus seaming). I can’t wait to hand it over to her when we get to her house!
There is this little voice I hear in my head: “Lolly, it’s Socktoberfest, and you haven’t even cast on for a single pair of socks!” *sigh* Yeah. It’s true. Not even a single pair. Hopefully I won’t get kicked out of my own project!
The plate was already quite full with sweaters when Socktoberfest rolled around this year, and I just couldn’t abandon the projects on the needles in good conscience…
2009 has truly been the year of the sweater, and I am not sure I will be able to fulfill my early hopes of doing a sweater-a-month, but I got over half way there, and that seems pretty darn good in itself.
Sweaters really are my favorite items to knit, but I am looking forward to a little change of pace in 2010 – hats and shawls, perhaps?
In the meantime, I have three lovely sweaters in progress – all with (self-imposed) deadlines…
Knit knit knit 
What a nice gift. I’m sure she’ll love it. Will you be in San Francisco??? If so, I would LOVE to see you…
Best of luck finishing it up! The sweater’s looking great — wonderful autumnal shade and plenty of texture.
I’m sure you’ll have it done and the joy on your sisters face will be a wonderful reward for all your hard work to be sure.
I forgot how many sweater projects you were working on! While I love the idea of knitting a sweater a month, I think its the quality, not the quantity that counts. You really focus on the quality!
Oh I know what you mean! It’s so satisfying to knit a sweater, but afterwards I always feel like I need a break from sweater knitting and to return to something a little more simple. This sweater is looking great though, and I can’t wait to see it. I’m sure your sister is going to love it!
I am sure the sweater will be lovely when finished. No beating yourself up about not casting on socks, you are the one that said it is about appreciating hand knit socks, my husband doesn’t knit but you can bet he appreciates the hand knit socks I make him and I think that is his way of celebrating Socktoberfest
Put on some warm socks, have a cup of tea and knit your sweater. It is all about feeling good. Thanks for sharing your wonderful knits
Kicked out of your own project! As if.
The sweater is beautiful – your sister is going to love it.
You’re really cranking on them, deadlines or not! Very impressive- I love watching the progress of the Olympics sweaters.
This has definitely been my year of lace- I swear all I’ve been doing all year is yarn over, yarn over. I love it all, but I can’t wait until after the wedding, when I can finally make myself a few sweaters! And also socks- I have so much beautiful sock yarn, and love wearing handknit socks, but somehow I haven’t been able to prioritize actually knitting them.
I’m feeling like next year I really can participate in the knit-a-sweater-a-month challenge. Or at least a self-imposed knit-a-sweater-a-quarter challenge. I miss larger gauge items so very much!
Good luck making it to the finish line!
Great color and a very lucky sister! You’ll get it done in time. It’s been a great year of sweaters for you. I always enjoy seeing your knitting.
Have a great trip!
What a gorgeous fabric! I love the flecks of color, and the texture. Beautiful!
I love the color and I’m sure your sister will too! I am totally stealing your idea of tagging a quote to a gift. It’s such a good idea♥
Oh, it’s reassuring to hear that I’m not the only one who kinda missed out on Socktoberfest even though I really wanted to join. I *did* cast on for a pair, but I’m only an inch down the cuff (and not really likely to get any further) and the pair I already have on the needles is resting somewhere in the pile of WIPs that took up my attention. I have this cabled sweater dress that I really want to wear, so I guess that’s what took up all my time along with some attempts to finish smaller WIPs and make the pile just a tad smaller… Well, next year, I guess
Socktoberfest this year for me is about TRYING to finish some socks before I start new ones. The last two years I have knit socks like crazy during Socktoberfest. But this year I knew this would not happen, so not to pressure myself I have desided I would like to try to finish some UFOs and as a treat I started the Mystery Sock. I have convinced myslef that THINKING about socks is enough in the spirit of Socktoberfest. After all, it should be fun and not pressure, right? So, you really rock the sweaters at the moment, but you are thinking about socks, too, aren’t you? Which makes this a metaphysical Socktoberfest
New and inovative!
I’m all about the sweaters now too. They’re so satisfying! And useful!
That yarn is GORGEOUS! What a complex blend of colors.
Beautiful!
That is so funny. I’m not officially signed up, but I wanted to do it anyway. Well, it is almost the end of the month and I haven’t even looked at my socks. There are just too many other projects that need attention. I was starting to feel a little sad about it, but it is nice to know that I’m in such good company!
yep, I’ve done it too. I’ve been sidetracked by other projects, finishing my Dad’s mittens before his birthday, my Rhinebeck sweater, mittens and a hat for my daughter, and now Halloween costumes (with one yoda hat). I did start the TTL’s mystery sock, and completed both cuffs. That’s as far as I got, I have a really hard time working on multiple projects! However your sisters sweater looks great, looooove the colors in the yarn.
I recognize that little tag from Yogi Tea! The sweater is looking lovely, the colour is so perfect for autumn.
The colours look lovely in the sweater, keep knitting!
The sweater is looking beautiful. You’ll get it done!
And also, I love that chair. So gorgeous. Is it vintage?
This looks like it’s going to be one beautiful sweater, can’t wait to see it done. Year of the sweater, wow!
This looks gorgeous! Love the colour and the design. I hope your friends and relatives realize how truly lucky they are to have such a productive knitter who gives them gifts like this one!
I’m going to try knitting most of this year’s Xmas presents, here’s hoping I’ll have the time. 
That is some tweedy goodness right there. The shade of red-orange is so luscious. I’m actually working on the second sock of my first pair ever, which I started a few months ago. I just may be able to finish it this month (but most likely, not).
Lovely yarn and I’m excited to see the finished sweater. I have some sweaters I really need to finish up, but there’s another I’m itching to start. I need a system!