The Thrill of Something New

There is something special - almost magical, when starting a new project. I may be in a minority with this, but truly - it is something I think triggers my mind into releasing endorphins. I may be crazy, but it is somewhat like when a new relationship starts - everything is brand new and fun.

Am I crazy?

May be - but that doesn't take away from my excitement.

'tequila sunrise' yarn from Red Heart

My first "new adventure" is one in knitting. I know I know... I really am not a knitter. I don't overly enjoy it although recently I've had a craving to make socks. It isn't that I "can't" knit - I choose not to knit; however, this craving is worse than a pregnant woman with pickles and ice cream. I have been looking for the right method to knit socks, including the purchase of a new sock loom.

I had cast on using 4 double pointed needles and I remembered oh so clearly why I hate that method. So I thought I'd go 15th century (the true old-skool?) and use 5 double pointed needles. Yea... that's about the same as 4 with just 2 extra needles to jam into your nail bed.

My frustrations had almost gotten the best of me when a friend suggested I use 2 joined hooks. I went online and found the magic ring method.... yea - that's a negative as far as my first attempt. She then realized I had no idea what she was talking about and brought me a book: Knitting Circles Around Socks by Antje Gillingham. I flipped through the book and my initial thought is "ok, this makes sense." So I took my Michael's gift card out today and purchased 2 sets of joined needles. I have sock yarn so I guess I'm ready to go. Perhaps I'll have something to show on WIP Wednesday as far as socks are concerned. It's a learning curve so we shall see.

This project of socks excites me because it is a method where you make both socks at the same time, alleviating Second Sock Syndrome (SSS). In addition to preventing SSS, I will have better control of getting the colorways to match up and not have 8 sharp points wiggling around my fingers in a small work space.

I know this blog is about crochet, but I reserve the right to say it's PRIMARILY about crochet *chuckles* I don't anticipate a lot of knitting to be discussed beyond socks.

So to bring it back around to crochet, my second project (or probably the primary, considering I am VERY excited to get this going) is going to be my first true wearable beyond hats and scarves. I have decided to make my beloved a sweater vest for Christmas (or whatever holiday comes right after I finish it because I suck at keeping presents for any given amount of time).

I have chosen a pattern by Drew Emborsky, better known to us as the Crochet Dude. The pattern is simply called "Guy's Vest" (ravelry link). I will be doing it in a darker green using Caron yarn. I am really excited about this one so I can see me plowing through the pattern and having it done in time for me to give it to him on Sunday... this Sunday. *laughing*

This one makes me doubly excited because it is my first wearable and I do love crocheting for the man. I hope he'll love it as much as I love the idea (and the process) of making it for him.

So I ask you, the reader, do you get excited when starting a new project? What was the last big project you were really excited about starting and knew it was "right" to make?