No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better...

Friday, September 16, 2011

Do or die

Warning: whinge alert


Today is not a good day.  I have a major muscle spasm in the muscles around my pelvic joint and the joint is inflamed.  And the doctor thinks I may have early stage arthritis in my hip.  I am 41.  These symptoms and this age do not go together.  Most of the time, I am busy ignoring my body, pretending that it's fine, but right now it's not and I need to just stop and rest awhile.  The doctor has told me to stay at home for a week.  Normally,  this would be the best present anyone could think to give me.  A work-free week in New York when we only have so many weeks left would be bliss in different circumstances.  But I know that I won't be able to make much of it.  And frankly, I am hacked off to the nth degree about that.  I should be out gallivanting and instead I am stuck at home.  Even the weather is not cooperating.  It is that beautiful time of year in New York when the air is clear and fresh but it's not cold.  And I am looking out at it feeling exceedingly sorry for myself.  Sniff.

So, I am faced with a choice.  I can either consume my way out of the debt crisis on Etsy/eBay/[insert favourite online shop here] or I can produce.

I choose produce.  (It's not as though I haven't done my bit for the economy already...)

So, what to do?


Well, you may remember that I stropped and sulked about the poor service I got at a wool shop back in February when I was in Australia, and which I wrote about here and here.  Never one to let go of a strop easily, this lovely wool has been consigned to a cupboard ever since. 

What a shame.  But no more.  I am finally going to have a go at making my own version of this lovely thing:






I had thought to crochet it.  But today, I dipped my toe in the waters of Ravelry and found what I think might be a knitted ripple scarf by Karin Boles here.  The pattern says its for a 'confident beginner'.   And I figure what I lack in confidence, I make up for in cussed determination. I've checked how to do YO, K1 on youtube, and it looks pretty straightforward.  We'll see. Wish me luck.

And if I need a change from that, there are always my granny squares to be getting on with...


Yes, it's been awhile since these put in an appearance.  (And you have been too nice to enquire as to why, thank you.)  You will remember that I made a rash promise here that I'd be sewing in the ends as I went along.  Well, that of course meant that I got a bit paralysed and didn't make another square.  (Is it only me that puts such obstacles in my way?).  Well, I've binned that idea in favour of just getting on with it.  I haven't made that many, but I figure if I'm at home for the week I might just see whether I can't churn out a square or two.  (Nothing if not ambitious...)

So, there you are.  Productivity as the cure for consumption.  Who knew?

Cx
PS: and no I do not need this lovely thing from here to do any of the above... :)

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13 comments:

  1. You poor thing, I do feel for you and am hoping that after a good rest your body springs back into shape. Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labour, a week is a good long time that's for sure.

    By the way, just checked out the yarn bowl - OH MY!

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  2. Sorry to hear you are feeling rotten :-( I hope some rest will help. I have poor health these days and I find crafting has helped me immensely. It takes my mind off the pain and stops me brooding. I look forward to seeing your lovely feather and fan project.

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  3. Good luck- hope you feel better soon.
    I hate that feeling of thinking you should be excited for time off work, but you can't enjoy it cause you feel crxp!!
    Looks like you've made good plans at least to while away the hours
    you could always write as well, I'm loving the inspiration of the notes you sent me

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  4. Sorry to hear about the hip, but what a great excuse for some serious knitting. Knitting patterns are strange beasts, I'm just attempting my first now, thinking you know better than the pattern, does not it seem give terribly good results! I don't think you will be able to complete the scarf without the knitting bowl though, that is clearly an essential item for all knitters. I love it. Hope you feel better soon - Annie

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  5. I am so sorry to hear about your trials, but I do have some good news for you - you have won the Organic Holidays giveaway on my blog, so perhaps you could give me a posting address.

    Pomona x

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  6. Oh dear, such a pain for you (if you'll pardon the pun!)

    I'm not so much older than you and I have osteo and rheumatoid arthritis :( Get all the rest you can, but keep moving enough that you don't seize up. Hope you're feeling better soon x

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  7. Poor you! I think you're wise to view it as 'enforced craft time'. Good luck with the crochet/knitting- I'm sure a handy bowl would help brighten your day & help you rest rather than chasing around after stray balls of wool?!

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  8. Ouch! Poor dear, I'm sending tea-and-sympathy thoughts your way. And please 'friend' me on Ravelry if you like, my Rav username is all over my blog.

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  9. Aw hon, you have a jolly good winge!!
    That scarf will be gorgeous in those lovely wintry colours, so good luck with the knit! (This is why God invented YouTube)
    And I love that bowl!! It would just look nice anyway .. And it's verrrry useful .. Hmm, the Mister's not looking- am gonna check that link out....
    Have a good week.
    Xx

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  10. I hope you are feeling better!...The yarn is gorgeous, love those colors...Take care!...Heidi

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  11. Oh no I'm so sorry to hear about this. I can only imagine the frustration you must be feeling. But I think you've got the right idea - get crafting and then you don't feel like you're just wasting your time.

    I'm with you on the determination front, I might not be confident but my goodness I am confident that I won't give up until I get it right!

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  12. Sorry to hear you are laid up - what an absolute pain.
    You are right to spend your time ona making binge though - turn it into something positive - love hte colours you have there, look forward to see your progress - you have the determination to just go for it! Good Luck!
    Gill xx

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  13. Sorry to hear that you are not well. I have been ill for the past 2 weeks and can sympathize. Hope you make a speedier than anticipated recovery.

    With regard to your whinge - I'll join you! I live in Australia and crafting can be expensive! I too hate those ridiculous store policies like you experienced with Morris and Sons. I have only shopped there once, but only aware of their policy today, glad I didn't need to return anything. Now really, you would think that they would make an exception considering you are an international customer.
    I make a point now that I don't shop in stores that only offer credit, as I too have been caught out!

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