What makes us so crazy busy at the end of the year? Is it just the holidays or is it that feeling of urgency that the year is almost over and there is always a feeling of urgency when something is almost over? Or are we just busy all the time?
Crafting women are busy women. period. There is rarely a moment in the day when we are not thinking of ideas, and creating things, and reading about what other people are thinking of and creating. Do you know that in the midst of the "day after Thanksgiving shopping rush" I had to go into Joanne's to get a few supplies for decorating at church. Where was I drawn? To the books. To the magazines. (While JR was in line for me...isn't he a dream?) Just looking for ideas. I would rather spend an hour at the library or at Joanne's lazily flipping through books when I have pies to bake. I would rather browse the isles of five craft stores to find the perfect little bird for a Christmas ornament than clean my house. I would rather decorate my house than clean my house. I could spend three hours reading about what all of you are thinking of making and doing for Christmas rather than making and doing what I need to do!
And so it goes. Every year, we say we are going to do things differently. And every year, we don't. I think it's in our nature to be busy and feel the urgency of the holidays... I'm not sure it would be fun for us if we weren't!
I decided his morning (while I could have been cleaning the bathroom) to do some Internet Christmas browsing. What ideas grabbed at me? What would be on this knitter's dream list? Sort of a "Lynne's Favorite Things" for you... just for dreaming, of course.
How about a 625 yard skein of pure cashmere...enough to do a shawl? Classic Elite Embrace $280.
Or a sweater's worth of classic coal black pure merino dk? KnitPicks Merino Style $24.90 for a sweater's worth.
A Knitting Workshop with Meg Swenson $735. Or an "Elizabeth Zimmerman Knitter's Workshop DVD" for $48?
An Offhands Designs Zhivago Weekender for $220 . Or a MisoCrafty Knitting Clutch for $30.
Lantern Moon Sox Sticks $22 . Or A complete set of Options Harmony Needles (interchangeable and double points) $104.98
The Complete Barbara Walker four Volume Treasury of Knitting Patterns $120. Or The Best of Interweave Knits for $24.95
A Handcrafted Holidays Tour $3600 plus air fair. Or the book, Handknit Holidays $27.50 ( I have this one...it really is one of my favorites!)
A hand massage at the Baskets of Yarn Winter Retreat $995 plus transportation. Or Blessed Juno HandKnit Soap $7.00 and Mary Kay Satin Hands Hand Cream $8.00.
Dream on, Knitters! What is on your knitting wishlist?
Ok...a Christian knitting woman...and a MK consultant. We have too much in common. I found your blog from Beth's (felt like knitting). I've enjoyed seeing her special swap packages.
Posted by: Kristen M. | November 27, 2007 at 06:13 PM
JR stands in line for you at the store? You definitely need to let him use your bodywash! :)
Posted by: Beth | November 27, 2007 at 06:51 PM
Wow - that is an amazing list - thank you for sharing it!
Posted by: chris | November 27, 2007 at 08:27 PM
My first wish is for a swift. I usually use my knees but I think it's time to get serious. :) But is there a website where you can get knitting time? That would really be my fantasy, like a phone card where you could buy extra minutes.
Posted by: Debby | November 27, 2007 at 09:48 PM
Since small children prevent me from having anything TOO expensive right now (why knit up something in cashmere when it's going to get ketchuped, thrown-up on, or snot loved?), I have to say that I'm really hoping for the 101 Designer One Skein Wonders book. The projects fit into my budget, and I love learning new things!
I'm also guilty of spending so much time collecting ideas that I forget I actually need time to make them happen!
Posted by: Dorothy | November 28, 2007 at 06:43 AM
My mom and I discussed that Meg workshop. Her BFF from Knitting Camp in the 80's is going...but we decided against it. With airfare it is just too expensive. I would love one of those offhand design bags or any carpet bag type of bag. Sigh. I want those Knitter's Blocks for blocking. Realistically speaking.
Posted by: Kathleen | November 28, 2007 at 06:48 PM
Well, we are so alike. Love the post. Typical of me as well. I love to read others' blogs and see their gorgeous inspiring knits.
My wish list: some new Taos yarn, enough for a vest.
My big wish: Someone to rewrite me a pattern they love and are so familiar with in my pathetic language. I need line by line when it comes to working fronts with reverse shaping and at the same time lingo. I would love a vest or simple sweater pattern. (hope Al reads this. Doubtful she'll have time with finals!!!!) I can wish right?
Posted by: kathy b | November 28, 2007 at 07:10 PM
Love your wish list. I think I'd accept just about anything on it. I think the reason we get crazy this time of year is that as creative women, the idea of giving something store bought just doesn't cut it. We know we can make it better and more unique. Unfortunately we're not always the best planners by coming up with this revelation on December 1st!
Posted by: Dorothy | November 29, 2007 at 10:13 AM
I LOVE your wish list! The Complete Barbara Walker four volume Treasury is pretty high on my wish list also!
Posted by: Tonni | November 30, 2007 at 02:56 PM