TGWE #6: Learning about myself as a knitter Part II

I've tried to motivate myself to continue working on the Risti Mitts.  I've told myself I need peace and quiet, few distractions, and to not be tired.  So, I've created that atmosphere for myself.

Guess what?  I still don't like working on the mitts.  I keep making mistakes, even without distractions.  I find myself getting tense, frustrated and a tad grumpy.  And I think, "Why am I doing this to myself?  I knit for relaxation and contemplation time...to keep my hands busy when in a group setting...not to get aggravated."

So, I cut the yarn and have decided to move on.  I didn't like the density of the fabric, either, which was another strike against these gorgeous mittens.

As an experiment goes, this one failed to support the hypothesis.  I have about 2000 yards of some really gorgeous yarn that I have no idea what to do with.

And here's the funny.  When I was talking with David about whether or not to cut this project, my biggest concern was all that yarn with no purpose.  He said, "you have a room full of yarn with no purpose."

That boy doesn't get it.  This yarn was bought for this purpose.  To make some gorgeous color-work mitts.  After it succeeded in that purpose I would have had approximately 1800 yards leftover to make something else, but it could happily sit in a basket and await its next destiny BECAUSE it had fulfilled its first.  Unfortunately, it's going to have to sit in a basket and await its first destiny and I have absolutely no idea what to do with it.

About all that other yarn?  Well, it was either bought because I had a specific project in mind, or a general concept of what I wanted out of it, or it was bought because I liked it.  If it hasn't achieved its destiny yet is only exemplary of the fact that I'm not a knitting/weaving factory and have only a limited amount of time to do things.

Today's picture is of the gorgeous socks I'm working on using my Signature needles.  I love these needles.  they are slick and strong and have the tiniest points imaginable.  I love that they could serve as a weapon should I need them to (ha!).  The pattern is called "Hickory" by Jane Cochran from "A Knitter's Book of Wool" by Clara Parkes.  The yarn is sumptuous:  Springtree Road's Julep Twist socks (merino, cashmere and nylon blend in colorway Idyl).  The pattern doesn't look like much in this picture, but when I finish the second sock and take pics of both of them on my feet you'll love how the ribbing branches out and looks very organic.  They will be a beautiful pair of socks that I'm going to thoroughly enjoy wearing and showing off!