Work in knit-two purl-two ribbing until you're sick of it

After my family and I enjoyed a non-traditional Christmas dinner of home made egg rolls, along side a nice bed of blanched broccoli on a bed of risotto, I sat chuckling as I read Barbara Walker's commentary on Elizabeth Zimmermann's instruction for a ribbed turtle neck: pick up a multiple of 4 stitches around the neck and work in knit-two purl-two ribbing until you're sick of it. That's pretty much how I feel right about now as I'm in the midst of creating a bottom-up pullover that I started back in October. It's actually a cowl neck, but the same principles apply.

I've been doing nothing but ripping back because I'm so darn indecisive. I've had the bodice ready on waste yarn for several weeks now, patiently waiting to join with my sleeves, that is, if I ever finish them. I started off with an all-rib sleeve, then embarked on a short row funky bell sleeve. I didn't quite like the look of them, so I proceeded to make a traditional bell sleeve. Then at about six inches up, I decided that a bell sleeve is not in, so guess what?  I went back to a ribbed sleeve.

Sure, it would be nice to wear this before the winter's over, but I'm really just enjoying the process. For the first time in years, it's nice to design something for myself, without a worry about this becoming a pattern in my collection. When I first set out to make this piece, I decided that I would allow it to evolve and change along the way if necessary. Sometimes, some interesting things can evolve on the needles, that you can't translate ahead of time on paper. I would often cross my fingers after sending out a new design to my sample maker, hoping that what I put down in technical terms would translate to what I had envisioned.

The boys out sledding

Oh no, it's Mr. Snowman!

On a different note, it really has been quite a memorable first Christmas here in Indiana. We had a little snowfall overnight, which officially makes this a "white" Christmas. We all went for some fun sled riding this afternoon and spent the rest of the day watching silly movies like Scrooged and A Christmas Story, eating apple pie and drinking cocoa.

Spending the day with my boys makes me feel truly blessed, and grateful for the many gifts I've been given. Life's too short, and as I get older I realize that more with each passing day. Sometimes work can just wait, and doing a little "nothing"can be one of the most productive and replenishing things we can do.