Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Ambition versus Reality


I have a dear friend who had a birthday just before I went on holidays. Having long wanted to knit something for her, I quickly set about choosing a pattern and yarn for my suitcase, expecting completely and without question that it would be a finished gift upon my return to Australia. I even packed two other holiday knitting projects to fill all those anticipated empty days after I finished the first. 

Sigh. There are never enough hours, even on holidays, to knit everything that needs to be knitted. I would estimate my progress on the shawl, after two weeks, to be about 5%. Oh, dear. I'm sure all the wool and patterns enjoyed their time away, even if they didn't see the outside of the suitcase.

I did finish a book on my holiday, and make hefty progress on a second. This Anita Shreve novel fit the bill perfectly for poolside reading. My attempts at poolside knitting were less successful, but at least I tried...

It's left me wondering about those tropical climates, as I sit here at home in chilly, ridiculous-for-November temperatures. Could I live in a place where knitting seems, well, crazy? Would the dumplings and noodles make up for the lack of fireside clickety-clack? I just don't know.

Joining in with the Yarn Along here.

And thanks again for your fabulous and supportive comments, both here and at my new Facebook page, for the launch of Typically Red Knits. I'm looking forward to a couple of fun giveaways in the next few weeks, so stay tuned.


22 comments:

  1. I have a few of Anita Shreve's books too! I find them so easy to read and they're captivating! I'd have to say The Pilot's Wife is a favourite of mine. The last book I read was last summer: "Love.Wisdom.Motherhood." by Jessica Rowe. That was a great read!

    Sophie xo

    P.S. Just keep knitting, knitting, knitting! - That's what Dory would sing!

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  2. Even Australia is too hot for me, so no, I don't think I could move where it is too hot to knit! It looks like you had a wonderful time away though.

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  3. i went through a phase about ten years ago of reading every anita shreve book i could get my hands on. they would definitely fit the bill for pool side reading.

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  4. I find the summer months here far too hot to knit or crochet for that matter but love nothing more than curling up with my needles or hook when it's cooler.
    That shawl is gorgeous and the colour divine.
    x

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  5. There is aren't enough hours in the day to knit, on holiday or not. :) The shawl is beautiful and I'm sure when you give it for a birthday gift it is going to be will loved.

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  6. Never enough time. I always think that when we take our "slow vacations" aka cabin in the woods, I will just sit on the deck and knit. But, considering I have a 4 and 2 year old, sitting is rarely what happens :-) It is a lovely yarn color though! And I am sure it will be much appreciated whenever it does make its way to your friend!

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  7. I am quite enjoying knitting with bamboo now that the weather has warmed up (most days...) but my motivation to knit does seem to slump in the summer months. I have my eyes on your beautiful bonnets when my autumn babe arrives. And a pattern winging its way as we speak to try my hand at my own. Well done on the shop - you do have the cutest models out there!

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  8. The pattern your friend has chosen and that yarn are such a beautiful combination. I do enjoy the warmth of sitting down in the winter months crocheting but I still enjoy it in the hot weather too, I use cotton and make smaller projects, though it's not the same as crocheting in winter. x

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  9. The yarn for that shawl is just beautiful. I am definately a cold weather girl, I love to snuggle up in front of a fire and knit, knit, knit...

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  10. Let me tell you, it does feel a lot crackers sitting in Singapore with the A/C blaring to justify a knitting addiction! But as long as you know that you'll be returning to the tundra at some point, to use the woolies, then it's ok! x

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  11. beautiful yarn----i'm sure your friend will be thrilled whenever this gift gets done....(I personally love the extended birthday celebrations!!!)

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  12. That yarn looks so soft and is gorgeous! Lucky friend.

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  13. well, now that you are home hopefully you will find some extra time to knot. isn't that the way on holiday? too busy relaxing, which is a good thing.

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  14. What a beautiful blue! I often over pack knitting-wise for trips too.. I think the idea of possibly not having any knitting with me is a little scary.

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  15. Just catching up here ... hugest good luck with the shop m'dear :D

    I think I'd find your part of the world too hot for knitting! An Australian friend tells me I'd need to settle in Tasmania to stand a chance of coping with your weather! I know a few folk in the tropics who seem to crochet accessories and things for the home rather than knit, I guess that is the cooler approach.

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  16. I didn't manage any knitting on holiday recently either. That Anita Shreve is one of my favourites of hers. Love the shawl hope you finish it soon.

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  17. My christmas list is always an example of being too ambitious (where do I think the time will come from? And yes, guilty of it this year too..). But at least you go some good reading time in. A holiday is never a proper holiday to me without a new book to read.
    Congratulations on the shop opening! I saw your bonnet on Claire's blog - quite stunning on her little one :)

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  18. I think i would always chose to read a book which is probably why my crafting projects are never finished! Congrats on the shop! Does this mean i don't actually have to knit anything now for the twins? I'll take two please...xx

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  19. I always pack more project than I can hope to finish on vacation. The yarn you are using is lovely!

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  20. I read The Pilot's Wife about ten years ago and loved it. I then went on to read most of her other books - their all as good, the right balance of well written and readable. There is never enough time for knitting, never. Sad but true. x

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