Writer's Block

I think I've had writer's block lately. I haven't been able to think of anything to blog about. Things have been mostly crazy around here and I've been feeling depressed and anxious again. I really hate this time of year! Too cold to do anything outside and it's still dark way too early. I find it takes a concerted effort to move my butt off the couch and be constructive...let alone creative. Trying to find any creative juices lately has been a chore. And dare I say? Knitting isn't as pleasurable as it normally is. *Sigh* I guess you could say I have a bad case of the winter doldrums.

It's hard to get motivated when all you see out your bedroom window are 5 foot icicles just waiting to crash down on someone's unsuspecting noggin. We've been waging war on the build-up and up until our 45 degree thaw the other day, we were losing badly. Ice was building up in and around the windows and melt water was seeping into the walls and dripping from the ceilings. We figured it has to be because of the lack of proper insulation in our eaves that was causing this thermal effect. Fortunately we had a couple of mild days recently, one of which topped 45 degrees, and significantly helped us out with melting 90% of the ice off our metal roof. In any case, we now have some painting to do to cover up the unsightly water stains on the living room ceiling.

I have tried to combat the doldrums with knitting the Trellis Diamond Lace socks for my MIL. I've finally figured out the pattern and they are knitting up more quickly than before. However, my lovely little wild man put an end to their progress this morning when he decided to use my knitting bag as a step stool and promptly snapped 2 of my dpn's in half. Fortunately I haven't lost any of my work, just my working needles. So knitting has ground to a halt until I can replace my US#2's. I'm thinking, with my share of our tax return, it might behoove me to stock up on some knitting supplies from KnitPicks.com. I'm thinking about investing in their Harmony wood dpn set. Beautiful wood and 6 needles per size from 0-3. LOVE them!!! I'm also thinking about some of their Harmony wooden straights. The "Big Wish" is for the set of Options Interchangeable Harmony Wood Circulars. Also on my wish list, from a different vendor, is something I've been itching to try - a Hairpin Lace Loom. I saw an episode on Knitty Gritty and thought the hairpin lace strips were quite beautiful and very versatile. Anyway, enough of that.

I do have plans to knit my MIL a sweater vest for Christmas. I finally found the perfect pattern. I'm hoping to order my yarn soon and cast on. I know it's going to take a while to finish and I want to have it done well in advance of December. I want to allow enough time to produce the other gifts I'll be knitting up! Not to mention that darned never-ending hubby sweater that is languishing under my lamp stand in the living room! One of these days, I'll just cast all others aside and go to town on it! I'm hoping once I've correctly finished one sleeve I'll be motivated to quickly finish the other!

Well, I'm off...in lieu of the socks for my MIL I thought I'd cast on for a pair of wristwarmers if I can find the right yarn weight in my limited stash. I really need to start collecting again! Never enough yarn and n-e-v-e-r enough $$!!

Be well, stay safe and happy knitting!