Thank you for all the thoughtful and insightful comments on my last post. I haven’t responded to each of you individually as I normally try to do for fear that I would be up all night writing! But rest assured that I read every comment and each touched me personally in a variety of ways.
What I’ve come to realize is that much of what I wrote there is just a manifestation of my general discontent as of late. This is a fiber blog, and I try to mostly keep it as such and leave a lot of the personal goings on out of what I write here. Therefore I have not posted about the fact that my job situation recently went from bad to worse and I am facing a very uncertain future, as well as some (thankfully minor) health issues we are dealing with around here. I find it very difficult to be cheerful about anything lately which only increases my feelings of conflict. I am really quite lucky! I *have* a job when so many don’t. I have a roof over my head, plenty to eat, friends and family that care about me. I really have no reason to be miserable. So why am I so miserable?! I think that’s something I’m going to have to sit with for a while and figure out on my own.
Before I get to the fiber content I did want to point you at two podcasts that recently really struck a chord with me. It’s a Purl Man did a recent show with the owner of a yarn shop in Boston in two parts. It’s an interesting story about owning a yarn shop but also more importantly about the little twists and turns that life sometimes holds. Inspirational for sure.
Also check out the latest episode of Knitwit. The story is about Need vs. Want and how they are different, despite what the TV ads this time of year would like you to think. Carry is able to put into words a lot of what has been in my head lately (I don’t *need* more “stuff” [a.k.a. yarn]!).
Meanwhile, I’ve finished the last of my holiday knits (which I packaged up so fast and put in the mail that I totally forgot to snap a picture!) and have gone back to Barbizon:
Kitty included for scale of course.
I’ve finished the back and each side and joined them with a three needle bind off. Then things got a little more interesting as I started the collar. It required three circular needles. One to pick up the stitches on the back and one for picking up the stitches on each side. Then short rows are used to build up the collar on the back portion more than the sides to give the shawl collar effect. Quite intelligent design in my mind. Here’s a better shot of all the needles at work:
And here it is with the completed collar:
Please excuse the cruddy bathroom mirror pic. It was all I could muster.
So far so good! The fit isn’t bad and I think it will grow a little when it hits water. I just have to get the sleeves going and I’ll be on my way to a finished sweater.
Of course I’ve been distracted by trying to finish another project, which I will hopefully be able to share with you next time. 
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Can’t wait to see the FO! Love the color!
I’ll be sure to check out the podcasts you recommended!
To me, that has to be one of the worst feelings – not knowing quite why you are frustrated, down or annoyed, but feeling that way! It may be just a combination of a whole bunch of little things…….
The sweater looks great – that is one long collar!
Sorry to hear you’ve been under such a dark cloud lately. I’ve been feeling the same way – although, like you, I only scratch the surface of it on my blog. Feeling like you want to hide in bed with your head under the covers? Come on over and join me.
Here’s hoping things are looking up for us both soon.
The sweater looks great so far! I’m pretty sure it will grow when blocked
Good luck with the sleeves.
Yup, sometimes you just have to sit with the discontent for a while before it goes away or things change. Barbizon is looking great in all its bluey goodness. Did you hear that Noro sock yarn is out? Wow, I am so excited to give it a go.
The sweater looks great! Now for the sleeves. Maybe once it starts getting brighter again later this month, that cloud will dissipate? I hope so – and best wishes on the health front, too.
Sorry you’re having more-than-ordinary holiday stress! I imagine the dreary weather and mandatory gaiety of the season may not be helping. Well, you know what EZ advised: “Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises.”
That’s the worst, when the job goes horribly south. How will you afford to feed the wheel?
Barbizon looks lovely, bathroom mirror or no. Very clever collar construction, I agree!
BTW you inspired me to post about “too much stash”, which was great fun to write. THX!
Hugs! That uncertain future thing is very disquieting to live with. You’ve got a good head on the shoulders, so trust in yourself, keep putting one foot in front of the other, and knit those stitches. Your subconscious will sort a lot out.
sending hugs and good vibes your way
Sweater does look great!
There is nothing really more unsettling than a horrible work situation. Sure, its better to have “A” job than none, but still, so much of our time is spent at work that it does have a profound effect when it is miserable. Dreary weather and health issues, hopefully small, just make it all seem worse. This time of year is just notorious for the blahs. I do hope things ease for you.
Things aren’t really going great here, either, but I’m clinging to my natural optimism because, really, what’s the alternative? I hope things begin looking up for you–especially with that pesky work issue! (grin)
Oh, and . . . this should help . . . Chappy is sending you enthusiastic tail wags and wiggles as only he can. He says it always makes ME smile, so he’s hoping it works for you, too!
{hugs} feel better and may things look brighter soon.
Just because the world is going to hell in a hand basket does not take away from your pain or unhappiness. It’s good to keep the good stuff in mind, but please do not let those things negate how you are feeling. I hope your health stuff gets better soon. *hugs*