Designing news
Last night I realized that indeed, this is September! and the deadline for winter Knitty submissions is Oct. 1. I have a torso up to the armpits done, and had done one sleeve that was giving me pause. After sleeping on it, I knew I had to redo that sleeve. One issue is that it was too tight around. It fits on my bare arm, but this is supposed to be a winter sweater and I need ease for a turtleneck. Also, some of the patternwork was vexing me around the increases for a while. About 10 inches up, I had my "AHA!" moment and have produced a far more elegant sleeve the second time around. I'm about eight inches up the second attempt. I still need to rip out the first effort: I like to leave than until I have a better replacement in the bag. It seems less painful that way.
Last night I spent a little time on the writing up phase, too. I tend to underestimate how much time that will take since I try to include at least 5 sizes, from 36"-56", and especially if I need to write it for the lowest common denominator knitter. I read these posts in the knittyboard forum and am constantly surprised! "It says 'reverse shaping.' How do I do that?" "It says increase IN PATTERN STITCH. How do I do that?" You get the idea. If I only had to write a pattern for the quickest minds, it would be a breeze. Cast on X st. Work until the armpits. Do the sleeves, cast off some stitches for the underarm seams. Put both sleeves and the body on the long circular. Make sure you put one sleeve on EACH side of the body. Work in rounds to neck, decreasing as appropriate. Cast off. Anyhow, I'm happy to have made a start on the writing part, because it's easier to come back and do a little here and there once it is started.
Other news
Both boys will have normal school weeks this week. I'm a little anxious about Colin's reaction. I know he will settle in quickly after the first week or two, but it could be a bumpy ride until then. I still need to take care of a few back-to-school details, but most of that is DONE. Thank goodness I don't buy Back To School clothes. (Am I the world's worst mother?) That's right. I do not go out and buy a bunch of new clothes just because the calendar says Sept. Further, I wonder why everyone else does. It's the most painful time to be shopping. The stores are full of bickering parents and kids. The weather is still summertime hot, so all you need are the shorts, t shirts, and sandals you've been wearing all summer. Life is hectic enough with amassing the stuff the school requires. I do stock up on this stuff in late summer because the savings are remarkable. Spiral notebooks for a dime each, instead of $1.89, markers for $1 a box, instead of $3. But the clothes? I let that slide until it seems necessary. Anyhow, I am really looking forward to having a few afternoons of peace and solitude.
7 comments:
I don't do the back to school clothes shopping thing either! My daughter started back (7th grade this year) on August 17. It's still hot as blazes here, so she's wearing shorts and t-shirts. She has some jeans from last year that are getting a bit snug, but if we get caught with a cool day before I buy new ones, she'll survive! She has tennis shoes all the time, because she plays volleyball and must have them for that.
We also skipped the school supply shopping thing this year. Her school sold packages of supplies for a set fee. It was a bit more than I'd have paid to buy them myself, but the time, aggravation, and gasoline saved were worth it to me!
i think that is a good idea...doesn't allow your boys to expect new clothes. now you can wait until the things they need are on sale or clearance. that's my method. i do usually buy new jeans now, as they are a 'back-to-school sale' item.
as for your pattern, good on you for fixing that sleeve :) i am not yet to the point of complete designing yet. almost, as i can usually tweak patterns. then again, i use my 'crutch' (Ana) a little too often ;)
How sensible not to buy clothes until they're needed. Although, I (and my classmates)used to provide endless hours of entertainment for my mother by wearing all our spiffy new clothes the first week of school. Yes, sweaters in weather that called for shorts and t-shirts. The idiocy of youth. (Mind you, I make up for it now by wearing shorts until it is far too cold for them.)
You're not alone. I have two boys and gave up on back-to-school shopping long ago. Now I buy clothes when they outgrow what they already have. And having looked at oldest son's potential winter wardrobe, it's going to be a big trip this year. :-( But not until winter arrives!!!
Well, this newbie knitter who has asked the reverse shaping question appreciates your time and effort in making your patterns easier to follow. :) Maybe one day I'll be more quick minded when it comes to knitting.
I had to buy Anna's school clothes, as it was her first year in a uniform. *sigh* That was a lot of money, but she's set until late winter, most likely. I hate buying that stuff and bought as much as I could find on sale.
For winter, though, it's looking like a big purchase for Stephen. Is that something to get used to for boys? He's growing like a weed.
Now if I could only finish their school sweaters . . .
How's the writing and designing coming? Peaceful in your house now for at least a few hours a day?
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