Just about 2 weeks ago, I mentioned that I was waaaaay behind on a project that had a suspense date. Well, that date has now passed! While I’m thrilled for mom and family, I am so disappointed in myself for not finishing the sleeves yet.
This time, however, my reason is not ADD knitting. I’ve been really busy with schooling the kids this year. Everything seems more intense than in the past. I don’t know why, but it is likely just a combination of which years are going on simultaneously. I’ve got 6th, 8th, and both 11/12 with The Queen of Hearts who is intending to graduate a year early. I think I “did” math for 5 hours yesterday.
Anyway, back to knitting… I really need to get that gift finished (btw, I did already give her some longies and a wooden baby rattle/toy, so I’m not a total slacker!). I am trying really hard to not jump around and cast on new projects, but I am feeling like I’m getting behind. It is taking every ounce of will I have to stick with what I am already doing. I think it would be easier if I had more knitting time. Maybe not, though.
I have done some “soul searching” ( or is it “sole searching”?) and have come to the conclusion that there are some things (yes, knitting things) that I need to cut from my life (though there are probably a lot of other things, too…) My time is very precious (and limited) and I realized this morning that some things are not worth the mess that comes with them. This is particularly true for an online knitting “group” I joined.
This group has turned out to be a big disappointment to me. Part of the disappointment for me stems from the fact that the group doesn’t really seem like a group. By that I mean that there is little “fellowship” allowed and friendships are nearly impossible to build.
Heaven forbid you ask a question (I don’t know…. like, “hey, what kind of difference have you noticed in your kitchener and this other one? Is there really a difference? I’ve always done it this other way ~ with success ~ so I am interested in knowing if it matters, practically speaking.”) or if you make a statement about YOURSELF and then offer to share something with the group. (I don’t know… like, “I really hate plastic needles… I hate wood, too, for that matter, so since I won’t use these plastic needles that I received, I’m happy to send them to whoever would like them.”) If you do ask such questions or make such statements, the leader will publicly criticize you or will reject your email so that the rest of the group cannot see it. Talk about controlling!
The above questions in pink are actual questions/statements I have emailed and I was treated harshly in response (was told my email about sending needles to anyone who wanted them was a “vent”. Whatev.) FYI: if I hate plastic needles, it’s nothing personal. Not even to the manufacturer/designer of such needles.
I strongly believe that volunteers should not be made to feel like crap without just cause. I guess I’m funny that way. I also believe that in order to keep a group motivated it is important to ensure that they feel they are part of a group, connected personally to others who support the same cause, but this type of thing seems to be discouraged in the group I am talking about. It seems all that you are allowed to say is: “I ordered yarn”, “I got my yarn”, “I sent my project” and, of course, any glowing compliments about the leader are more than welcome. errrm.
Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to discern what this kind thing will bring in advance, so you may end up making a zealous kind of “commitment” to something before you can really understand what it’s all about…. or what price you really have to pay for it.
It is in my best interest to leave the group. Yes, I purchased yarn through them “at cost” (I think the Hearth and Home Cooperative, generally speaking, is getting better prices than the group I am leaving does) but I did purchase it. I have found nearly the same prices on the internet for the same yarn: roughly $6/ball. If a business can charge that and stay in business, I don’t think I’ve taken advantage of the group that charged me $24 for 4 balls even if they spent $3 on shipping. I actually sent them $80 for 8 balls of yarn and a few cheap trinkets. I don’t feel guilty about leaving; I feel relieved. (and the “exclusive pattern”? just a basic one. nothing special or different about it. same cast on, same structure, typical parts and ways of doing them. In having access to the copyrighted pattern, I really didn’t see anything new… but I won’t use it in the future. No problem, no loss.)
So! On to better things!!!!!!
Here is a sock I am working on…. well, trying to work on….
I’ve gotten about 3 more inches of the leg done since I took this photo.
I was pretty excited a couple of weeks ago or so when I found some yarn!!! I cleaned out our “school supply/craft closet” and found a box and a large bag with yarn in them! WhooHoo! It was like getting a surprise gift, even though I am the one who bought it!
Well, I’m off to do math. Hopefully I can sneak a little knitting time in today.
