This and That – Part 2, Project Spectrum edition

I've been clocking 12-hour days at work for the past 6 months. And this is starting to take its toll on me. Time with husband has increased a bit because I commute home with him now that my working hours are matching his. However, I'm not spending as much time with my daughters as I used to and every weekend is very precious now, even a quiet afternoon of colouring and drawing is very much cherished.

You might have noticed my appearance here has been getting scarce. Not only that, my unread Bloglines has stayed well above 3000 for quite a while. But I still do knit, albeit now always in mindless stocking stitch, garter stitch or ribbing. Sometimes, when the adrenalin stayed high after a day's work, the soothing clicking of the needles really do help calm my nerves and help me go to sleep.

For the bus and for bringing-everywhere knitting, I now have this Gathered Scarf in green Araucania Ranco, a gift from Joy. It is sock weight yarn so I've modified the number of stitches and row to achieve a similar effect as written for a DK weight yarn. I'm loving the different shades of green and not minding one bit it is knitted in small needles (3.6 mm and 2.75mm). JY likes it too and this will go to her when finished. It will take a while though.

For the at-home knitting, I'm immersing myself in some Habu goodness. I've finally cast on the Kusha Kusha scarf in Terra Cotta and Brown from Olga who's been spreading the Habu love and showcasing some fantastic Habu knitting. My husband has already 'booked' this scarf and it'll go to him when completed. Yes, it's kinda orangey-reddish-brownish and not quite a guy colour but yes, he'll wear it, and has been asking for his 'zen' scarf. And opening up to this Habu knitting is scary-crazy, all you can think of next is Habu-Habu-Habu. Try it and you'll know what I mean.

Speaking of Olga, she sent my little CY a scarf too. And I can't help marveling at the fascinating construction. The pattern is from Knitting New Scarves.

Now that everyone in the family has or is going to have a new scarf except myself, maybe it's time to go cast on for one more.

Comments

[bernie]

I love reading your blog, whether you write every day or every month. You always have something cool and inspiring to look at. And yes, I can totally relate to only being able to knit really simple stuff after long days at work. Sorry you're having to work such bad hours---hope it won't last. The gathered scarf is really nice.

[Dorothy]

I've missed you, but do understand how such a schedule can cut into blog time, especially when you need to spend time with your little girls. But we'll hang around and will be here when you come back more often. The scarves are all lovely! Have you seen the Flutter scarf? It would be a great one for you and is pretty mindless knitting.

[erin]

It's always a treat to read your blog. Take good care, those 12 hour days sound very exhausting!

[Ingrid]

Hi,

They are beautiful knits (and photos). Take care of yourself - those long days can be really draining.

[marjorie]

wow you've made so much progress in your scarf knitting. I like all 3 of them. I'm now making My So Called Scarf for my bus knitting so you've given me 3 more ideas hehheh....

[Oiyi]

I love the green Gathered Scarf. I am working on a pink one for my sister.

[mindy]

I love your blog, and, Oh man, I love them all, too . What a coincident, I've been searching for scarf patterns 'cuz my old one got snagged with a big hole. The green scarf doesn't look too complicated, but has the "wow" factor.

[maryse]

hey! that's my scarf! and yours looks great.!

[sil]

Very beautiful scarves, and indeed the brown one is an amazing concept. Don't work too hard and make sure to find a fabulous scarf to make for yourself!

[lolly]

I do hope that the work schedule calms and that you are able to have some more rest time! I love seeing your Project Spectrum knits and photos!