There was almost some unraveling, but it's been averted. We weren't sure if Justin would be home at all, but he happily surprised us by coming home early and caught me knitting his Just Try It cowl. He said, "I hope you're not making that for me," and I got kind of a sinking feeling in my stomach. After some discussion, it turns out that he's not against cowls at all, and in fact, had just bought himself a new fleece one for hunting. It's not ideal for the way he likes to wear them (pulled up under his nose, high on his head in the back, but with his neck still covered in the back), so we talked about modifications to try and get closer to the ideal cowl configuration. This is on waste yarn so he could try it on this morning before he left for South Carolina, and my plan is to work the modifications and have it finished before he gets back here sometime around New Year's Day. The pattern underneath is our collaboration on a possible pattern so I can sew the ideal cowl out of fleece. The planning has been fun; now all I need to do is see if I have enough skills to make these.
I haven't done much reading over the past few days, but my plan is to finish several almost-completed books and then continue with some of these books on my pile: The Queen of Hearts, The Woman Who Smashed Codes, and/or Mindfulness. I had a lovely picture in my mind that consisted of loads of knitting and reading happening this week, but so far it's been mainly loads of laundry. It's time to make that imaginary picture a reality!
What are you making and reading?
A collaboration seems like an excellent idea! And, this post is quintessential making... because what you want is not available to buy! I think this is an excellent project!
ReplyDeleteGood reading and knitting to you!
Oh I can see why your heart sank! I gave an aunt a shawl and someone asked how to wash it. She said, Oh no one really wears them much, they rarely need a washing. I so wanted to grab that gift back!
ReplyDeleteI initially felt bad because I've made at least one Christmas gift for each of my sons for 25 years or so. I didn't have Justin's gift done by Christmas, but at least when I do finish, it will be something he will most likely wear. I'm not sure about your aunt's knit-worthiness, and wouldn't blame you a bit for taking back your gift!
DeleteI spent yesterday knitting short rows on two different projects. Looks like your col migh5 need some short rows? I am hop8ng to start the Mindfulness book this week too.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your collaborative cowl project! My brother gave me The Woman Who Smashed Codes for Christmas, so I look forward to reading that after the 1st of the year.
ReplyDeleteIt's been bustling around here, plus working a couple of days this week, and the family from Spain is arriving today for a visit... so more bustling!! I am looking ahead and hoping to ring in the new year VERY QUIETLY with some knitting & reading and probably some laundry, too. ;)
ReplyDeleteI hope now that the laundry is done you can get in some quality reading time!
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about laundry? Why does it pop up needing to be done every time I want to sit down? I think it is because I effectively ignore it until I can't. I haven't gotten any knitting or reading done either. I think making the cowl will be relatively easy, especially if you use fleece. You cut 2 rectangles for the front of the cowl that you sew together, then cut 2 larger curved rectangles for the back to allow it to go up his head that you sew together, then stitch both rectangles together at the sides, leaving enough area to turn it right side out, sew it shut, and BOOM, you have a custom reversible fleece cowl. Probably easier than knitting one! Makes me feel like I need to make one for me! The wind chill here is 14 today, and it's only going to get colder. This southern gal is COLD.
ReplyDeleteI started knitting this cowl and will most likely finish it, but realize that even if I try some modifications, it still might not be ideal for what Justin has in mind. It did finally dawn on me that maybe I was trying to do something with knitting that sewing with fleece would accomplish much better, like you said. We'l see if my sewing skills are up to par; I'm going fleece shopping tomorrow!
DeleteJohn and Justin are on their way to SC as I type and they were disappointed that it wasn't going to be warmer there; they were hoping for 50s, but it's at least 20 degrees cooler. I hope you warm up soon!
Good lluck with that project! Can't wait to see it. :-) I'm still listening to Nobody's Fool, reading No Exit and knitting on that sweater. I did stealthily make Doug a hat for Christmas...I wonder if he's worn it? So glad you had a visit from Justin!
ReplyDeleteBecky's idea of how to make the fleece cowl sounds right on the money and I hope your mods for the knit cowl work out well, too! I've often wondered how the two of us can create so much laundry, although it was harder to get done when I was working. I'm making my way quickly through Ready Player One. It's interesting, a little tedious at times, but fun, too!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to collaborate with your son. Sometimes it is the best way. Hopefully the New Year's weekend brings more time for reading and knitting.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you'll get to see Justin twice! and of course you have the skills to pull off the cowl! I've heard great things about The Code Smashers; I hope you have it on audio so you can work on the cowl while you read it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's sweet that Justin wants you to make cowls for him. I'm sure they will turn out fine.
ReplyDeleteWe did have a lot of fun collaborating on ideas and I've got at least 4 different prototype ideas to keep me busy now!
DeleteOh now we are knitting it to suit his specifications that means it will be worn!! yay!
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