Finishing a Sweater

I've noticed a sad but interesting thing about myself and, in my very rough calculation, this seems to apply to about 50% of knitters I meet everyday. Some projects, like hats, are very easy to finish, but those that require "making up" can sit, completely knitted, in a closet for years just waiting to be finished and shown off. Let us not fear success! Just think of all the compliments you will receive on your sweater, of the baby that is now six months old and in need of a hand knit blanket, or whatever the incentive that works for you.


If you haven't noticed, I'm trying to motivate myself here.  I have been working on a coat-style sweater on commission since October now.  In my defense, I had to take a break from it for my Christmas knitting, at which time I was able to finish several different projects, though mostly small ones.  But I finished almost all of the main knitting on this sweater about two weeks ago and I've just been avoiding the assembly of the pieces, the next necessary step.  So today I forced myself to sew the side seams and the sleeve seam of the one trial sleeve.  Note that it took no more than an hour.  Oh, and it didn't hurt at all!

New Baby

  Working at the yarn shop means I am always thinking about which items might want to come home with me.
  We sell these beautiful drop spindles on consignment from the talented Tucson artisan Ken Ledbetter.  Each one is unique and they vary in weight, wood type, and embellishments.  This one has always stood out to me and I have seen it passed over time and again by shoppers.  Originally I was waiting until a spot opened up in one of the shop's popular spinning classes, but I decided yesterday that I couldn't wait any longer to bring this baby home with me!

This spindle features a lacquered Russian broach
on a Koa wood whorl
with dyed maple for the shaft.
weight: .88 oz

I watched several tutorials on YouTube and found this one to be most helpful to me:

My first handspun yarn!  It is merino wool which is known as the easiest
for a beginner to spin.  The only question is what will I use it for?

My First Tag

Welcome to 2012

Happy New Year, everyone!


It's been a busy few months for me wrapping up 2011. Since I've been back in Tempe, I've been working two jobs while attempting to keep some time available for my knitting sales. I work at Tempe Yarn & Fiber, which is great because I get to surround myself with other knitters just as obsessed as I am. It's also great because I will be able to learn lots of new skills - I'm particularly excited to take some weaving and spinning classes hopefully starting this month. To help support my yarn habit, I also work at a brand new restaurant/bar called O.H.S.O. in Arcadia, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Phoenix.


It's nice to keep busy, but I need to make sure to keep my priorities straight - so here are my New Year's Resolutions:


1.  Finish Every Project I Start!


2.  Get More Involved On Ravelry!
        ->Find me here as MeghanCecilia


3.  Burn Through My Yarn Stash!