Obsessions

My latest obsession is knitting. My mother says I get on these kicks-when I get all wrapped up in a new skill or project. I think that description sells it a bit short. I do get really excited about learning something new and everyone knows practice makes perfect. I don't think it's unusual for someone to spend more time on a new hobby initially. I still love to cook and time permitting I can spend all day cooking up a variety of things and then either freezing them for the week or sharing with friends.

So right now I have several knitting projects going. I am finishing up a sweater from Suss Cousins book, Hollywood Knits. http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Knits-Thirty-Original-Designs/dp/1584792264
I am finishing up the sleeve and then I have to assemble the sweater. I hate the finishing part though. The sewing up is a bit of a drag. I'm also making a scarf in the brioche stitch. It's turning out very nicely and I am very excited to learn this pattern. It's very popular in France and when I was living in Paris, I saw the cutest neck warmer in the yarn section of the Bon Marche department store. Unfortunately my french knitting vocabulary was not up to the task of deciphering the sales girl's explanation and I ended up making a version in a rib knit. But now that I know how to do it I think I'll take another stab at the Bon Marche modele. I'm also working on a cable knit bag. I saw a version on a website for $150 and while very adorable, I can make one for less. http://www.margaretnicole.com/shop.htm

I've also got plans to start on a sleeveless sweater with a cowl neck also from the Suss book, with some cool yarn I bought in Monoprix in Paris. I love to knit and listen to books on tape. And I always take a knitting project when I travel. I find it soothing. At the end of a long day, I find a bit of knitting helps me unwind. Other knitters I've talked to say the same thing. They mention the calming effect. I also enjoy the sense of accomplishment when the project is done and I get to use it. And it's really nice to pick out yarn to make a scarf the length that I want to match my winter coat!