I finished the first sleeve last night and I was so excited because I was determined to have the Elaine striped sweater finished this month. But it was one of those crazy days where I was constantly starting something, getting interrupted, getting back to it and forgetting where I was, getting interrupted again.......
By the time I got around to wet-blocking the sleeve it was getting late and I was in a bit of a hurry. I thought I would spin the wet sleeve out in the washing machine. I've done this many times before without a problem.
But this time I didn't check the spin speed before I started the machine. What went in as a soft, waterlogged, floppy piece of wool came out about half-sized, firm and thick and very nicely felted. If it weren't so small it would make a lovely sleeve-shaped rug. Pre-felting the sleeve was about 25 inches long. Now it is almost 15. I didn't even know I could felt something with just the spin cycle. I'm not sure what I will do with this yet, but I will save it. I'm sure I can make something useful out of it that will always make me smile.
Before this, I wondered what I would do with all the extra yarn I thought I had. Now I wonder if I have enough to knit two more sleeves. I think I have enough of the Elaine, the multicolored yarn. I probably don't have enough Manos. I am hoping to have enough Manos to get through the sleeve and then have to buy another skein for the front bands.
I have no one to blame for all the problems with this sweater but myself, for silliness, and self-delusion, and just plain old inattention. It is kind of amazing that so many things can go wrong with one sweater. But I am determined it won't get the best of me.
I wonder if I can knit two sleeves in one week and still get the sweater finished. I wonder if I want to knit two sleeves in one week. No I know the answer to that; there are other things I want to be doing. I won't let this sweater defeat me, but I won't let it run my life either.
How heartbreaking! I believe you are taking the right approach to move forward at a reasonable pace rather than rushing to finish by a deadline you set for yourself. The goal is to make steady progress and to enjoy it along the way, right? I'm so glad you can chuckle at yourself.
Posted by: LisaB | Monday, January 25, 2010 at 11:42 AM
That's terrible! Fingers crossed that the Manos holds out. I'm rooting for a good finish on this one.
Posted by: Gina | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Ouch! That smarts. I would definitely not be laughing or finding it funny, this soon. I'm sincerely hoping you have enough to do the 2nd and 3rd sleeves.
Posted by: KayY | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 05:04 PM
'scuse me, that's "only", not on.
Posted by: Luni | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 01:22 PM
I always knew I didn't have a corner on the "3 sleeves" problem, but I'm sorry that you had to join me there. I'll take this as a warning about spin cycles, and be more cautious about spinning woolens dry.
As to your pretty little felted sleeve, I can on say: "What a nice potholder!"
Posted by: Luni | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 01:21 PM
I have to admit, it would take me a while to get to laughter on that one, and I might just throw in the towel! My sympathies!
Posted by: materfamilias | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Oh, I feel your pain. That must have been a bad moment of realization. But you have learned something. And you will have a great sweater eventually - one which you can tell everyone was the hugest undertaking ever :-)
Posted by: K-Line | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 10:31 AM
It is a very nice piece of felted wool though! I am sure you will find a good use for it!
Posted by: Arlene | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 10:03 AM
Oh no! But you are right, you just have to laugh. I wish you speedy knitting!
Posted by: Lisette | Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 08:58 AM