Thursday, October 14, 2010

Overextended

I've always had a bit of a problem with biting off more than I can chew, comfortably.  I remember the last year I was an undergrad, I was taking 21 credits (both semesters) so I could graduate in May, working two jobs (full time), planning my wedding, and getting ready to move right after. There was a lot of crying towards the end of each semester and much gnashing of teeth. But I got it done.  I seem to be doing another version of this with my knitting. 

At first, I was kind of surprised that I was only knitting one Christmas present (Brother's Sweater) so I thought, why not knit another one? And now I've committed to a second sweater for Adam. Well, two sweaters didn't seem to bad. Besides, there's still more than two months before they need to be done. I guess I should also tell you that I've committed to knitting a baby sweater for my mom to gift as well as a pair of socks by early November. And I still have my sample knitting. Oh yeah, and I offered to make my parents a queen-sized afghan for Christmas. You heard me right. I offered.

So now what do I do? Do I rescind my offer? Or do I find a manageable afghan pattern and get going?   I've narrowed my pattern choices down to these three:

Girasole 
Pros: Hello, gorgeous! Other Ravelers have actually knit this in two weeks.
Cons: Uses about a ton of yarn. Pay pattern.

Sunny Spread
Pros: Using a textured pattern will let me get away with only using one color of yarn. Working in motifs means this is a portable project.  Free pattern. I crochet faster than I knit.
Cons: Calls for more yarn that Girasole which means I'll have to watch my spending. And I don't want to knit an acrylic afghan just to save money.

Hemlock Ring Blanket
Pros: Also gorgeous. Most projects on Ravelry only used 2 skeins of Cascade Ecological Wool so, affordable. Free pattern.
Cons: Will it be big enough to cover a queen-sized bed? Not a portable project.

While I like the Girasole the best, I'm leaning towards the Sunny Spread because of its portability. I am having a hard time choosing a potential yarn though since it calls for about 2,500 yards (and that's just to make the standard size). I'd like to know your thoughts. Which do you think I should (or could) make and do you have any yarn ideas? I would love something washable but I'm not dead set on anything.

13 comments:

  1. You are crazy girl! How are you going to do all of this?!?

    I'm now thinking that I won't be asking you to do anymore sample knitting for me this year! Im saving you from yourself. :)

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  2. Wow!! Busy girl...I got tired just reading about all your projects ;-)

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  3. The texture of the Sunny Spread is great but they are all very pretty. I don't have experience with washable wool so I can't recommend anything. Maybe you can find a great deal on something in the destash group on Ravelry?

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  4. Ok so. I think we do this to ourselves every year. We crafers always bite off more than we chan chew, and we ENJOY IT secretly. But as far as which pattern. I like the first and the last patterns the best. But you gotta go with your gut - what can you get DONE? I admit though, that circular afghans always put a smile on my face!!
    Good luck with whatever you choose!

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  5. My goodness, you ARE busy. I suppose all you can do is remember to keep breathing and just do one thing at a time.

    I wish you the very best of luck with all your projects! :)

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  6. I made Girasole this past weekend and it was a great project. If you ended up being pressed for time, you could leave off the last section (it would probably save something like 10-20 hours). Honestly though, seeing the sunny spread makes me wish I crocheted- I love it!

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  7. I too tend to bite off more than I can knit. So this year I decided I would not stress myself out and if I didn't get everything done, it was ok. It's ok because I know I'll eventually get it all done.

    I like the portability and the quickness of the Sunny Spread. I crochet faster than I can knit and when I need an afghan or a blanket I usually do crochet it.

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  8. Well I have all 3 of those in my queue and I actually got the pattern for Girasole. I sourced yarn when I was considering it and the Eco-Wool from Cascade on Webs is resonable. I think like $50.

    I love the Sunny Side and the Girasole equally. I like the idea of the portable blocks on Sunny Side. Much easier to find time for a 30 minute block, vs an hour long ROW. Just my thoughts.

    I don't think Hemlock will be big enough.

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  9. I like the Girasole and the look of a round afghan. I'm sure your parents won't disown you if you don't quite finish it in time for Christmas. Enjoy the process!

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  10. Oops! Entered my address wrong.

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  11. You can do it! Ambitious, yes, but you're motivated, and you churn out projects pretty quickly. So, on the yarn choice, I don't know if you've used Berocco Comfort, but it comes in a great selection of colors, is washable, and I've heard it holds up well. All three are lovely patterns. I've got the Hemlock blanket in my queue as well. If I could crochet, I'd probably pick the Sunny Spread, since you'll probably finish that one faster than the other two options. Good luck!

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  12. I am voting for the sunny spread. There are some soft great priced wool blend yarns out there that may help cut down the cost. :)
    As a fellow overextender, your projects made even me a little woozy. :) You will be fine.

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  13. The Girasole is so lovely, but it may be more practical to make the Sunny Spread since you crochet faster. I would check Ebay for the yarn, I have found some great deals there.

    Can't wait to see which you chose and the finished project.

    Oh, and I feel you on the overextended thing!

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