not really instant moderate gratification

Sometimes I get tired of projects on tiny needles on which I can't see any progress. Here's this week's antidote: front and back of a cotton sweater on size 10 needles. Yikes! they feel so big. But I can already see actual inches of fabric, instead of millimeters. Life in general is a little wacky right now, and frankly, I don't really care if this garment ever gets finished. What I need is to work on something that takes minimal concentration, on which accomplishment is visible, and on which mistakes don't matter too much. This yarn has already been ripped from one very unbecoming though well-intentioned tank top, and if this pullover stalls and it gets frogged again it won't care. I didn't even check gauge before starting. If it doesn't fit me, it will fit someone else. This is a project for calming purposes. Easy. Soothing. For the one who craves huge lace shawls on size 0's, quick.

If it does become complete, it will be a fitted pullover with high ribbed collar and an eyelet design at the neck. (couldn't quite stay away from lace even at this gauge!) The long sleeves have a ribbed panel going up the outside. That is, if I decide to keep following the pattern.

Side note: boss has started to contact travel agent for summer reservations. Peru being Peru, who knows what will happen, but it looks as if he's fully intending to take me. I am looking forward to it. Two months of terrible roads, weird water, ceviche, cold damp nights, foggy days, dust, cheap avocados, uncertain laundries, nothing in english to read, marriage proposals from taxi drivers... To get out of the country and do interesting work... what could be better? I am so grateful!

Comments

[Bill]

I agree: sometimes instantaneous gratification is really nice. Sure, there may be a deeper sense of accomplishment after finishing a long project...but sometimes it's just nice to make things. For instance, it's a lot of fun to cook a wonderfully complicated meal, replete with, say, traditional French sauces or seven different kinds of lettuce. Such a meal can bring out nuances of flavors that could not otherwise be brought to life. But sometimes it's good to eat ice cream for dinner too.