Sunday, September 20, 2009

Progress Report

I have 2 projects next to me that need attention, but the siren call of casting on for a new project was too alluring to ignore.  The border as of 2 PM is half done thanks to Aran weight yarn and US size nine needles.  Can I make myself crazy by finishing this in no time?  It would be great to have it as a wrap to show off next weekend in Virginia.

That said, one of the women at my local yarn shop knit a  full length below knee coat in 21 days.  There were 21 skeins of yarn, so she made herself a promise to knit a skein a day and stuck to the plan.  I have 9 skeins to knit (100 yards per skein), and the pattern calls for 8.  It's possible.  I think it's doable if I knit at least 1.5 skeins a day from now until the time my plane takes off on Friday.

Oh.  Who am I fooling?  I'm quite prepared for both the cabling section and the moss stitch section to trip me up more than once.  The cable row repeat has one section that needs to be repeated 16 times.  I foresee at least a bit of madness.

How about you?  Do you have a plan for completing your projects in a specified period of time?  What time limits have you set?

12 comments:

Stephanie V said...

I have a half-hour left of knitting the pink shawl. See how I've timed it? Or is that not quite what you meant?
Then, I'm going to cast on for the cardigan. I think it'll be fairly straightforward and quick until I get to the cabling part. That looks - and sounds from others' comments - a bit tricky. There's no telling what could happen then.
Here's to your Wrap in a Week goal. I'm cheering you on!

Rose said...

A week? I knew I was the slow one in the group. I just cast on the 210 stitches using an invisible provisional cast on for the first time, knit one row placing all the markers, and I'm ecstatic that the stitch count was correct! And I'm worn out from the stress already. Did I mention I highlighted all the stitch counts for my size? That felt like an accomplishment, plus it scared the bejesus out of me going through the lengthy directions. Why am I so scared of this????

Rudee said...

Rose, there is no way I'll finish this in a week. It's easy to be sure of oneself when doing two by two rib....

Stephanie V said...

Well! Like Rose, I have cast on all those stitches. I am not happy doing that invisible cast on- it's so-o hard to count the stitches. I don't do it often enough to make the casting on an easy job until I'm almost finished. I have to relearn the moves and it took me a full hour to get it all on and markers in. I was a little grumpy about that.
I've done a few rows now and it's pretty easy so far. I figure I can make it easier by removing the seam markers now that the line is established - that's 4 gone! The yarn feels lovely and soft. I haven't used even one skein yet, though.

Rose, I keep looking at that left wave/right wave thing and figuring that's where things are going to get weird. I usually don't mark the numbers - I just remember that I'm the second biggest. Makes me feel sort of petite...I'm usually the biggest!

Rudee said...

I'm almost done with my second skein of yarn and have completed 3 chart repeats. I'm using a lot of markers--even though I don't have to--because once I get in a zone, I need a marker to smack me to tell me it's time to move to a different area of knitting. It's relatively easy now that the pattern is well established. It doesn't sound anything like the challenge you two selected. I do have more recent experience with the provisional cast on, but not with that many stitches. Lets just hope that was the toughest part of the sweater for both of you.

I'm a little more realistic today and I realize there is no way this will be done in time to wear to Virginia, but I may get it done while I'm there. Here's hoping.

Rose, I sometimes find the instructions overwhelming, but after knitting a few rows, the emerging pattern starts to speak to me and it all makes sense. I hope this happens with your cardi.

Rose said...

I did actually enjoy doing four or five rows last night after I posted. I know I can do the 6.5 inches of this part and I'm just going to trust that it'll get clear as I go. Or something. And Stephanie, I'm the second biggest as well. I wear an 18 tall in ready made clothes and figured a cardigan needed some ease. Does that sound about right to you? I'm so glad we're doing this KAL otherwise I would have talked myself out of this. And after knitting as long as I have, I should be able to do this. Right?

Rudee said...

Yes Rose, you can!

Stephanie V said...

I've passed the easy part and doing some pretty easy waist shaping. But then, it gets to be like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time with a rhythmic foot stomp added. I think I'll need three row counters LOL

What have we gotten ourselves into, Rose? I'm almost done my third skein - they're small.

Rudee said...

I won't say where I am. I don't want anybody throwing double pointed needles at me.

Suffice it to say, it may be wearable by the weekend.

Stephanie V said...

Good for you! I knew we could cheer you on. I'm not jealous...well maybe a little. This project is going to be a challenge and there's nothing I like better.
I can hardly wait to see your wrap.

Rose said...

I am definitely the turtle here. I was hoping to be done by Christmas; that would feel like an accomplishment to me! Stephanie, I'm glad you're first; you can hold my hand when I get to the hard parts. Rudee, I can't wait to see your wrap, as that was one of my final contestants.

mrscravitz said...

I never set a time limit to finish a project. Could be why I have a closet full of them!?