I've recently found myself with a pile of really b-o-r-i-n-g partially finished projects---the kind that make you groan to even think about dragging out, but that really need to be done. Make that-----DONE.
I hate that I've thrown the church charity knitting in this category, but knit 3, purl 3, knit 3, purl 3.....blah, blah, blah, blah....for 60" is just not fun no matter how you look at it (and on size 8 needles with aran wt yarn just makes a blah knit even blah-er).
Two road trips and a sprint to the finish last night and I can call this one finished.
This zigzag scarf was a real pain, too. Large-r needles, worsted weight yarn and knitting and purling in the back of each.and.every.stitch.through.the.whole.project. YUCK. Boring AND tedious......and FINISHED! Woooowhoooo!
So, to celebrate removing two black clouds over my head....I found some fingering weight odds and ends and cast on a christmas cowl. Miles of garter stitch ahead of me. Miles. Oh, joy! I can't wait!
???? Boring? No way. Relaxing, zen-like knitting at its best.
Yeah, I don't get it, either.
I agree, I don't get it either, but it works for so many of us so just go with it and enjoy! It's going to be an awesome cowl.
Posted by: Tracey | 10/09/2014 at 11:02 AM
I think the difference is, the change in stitches of the first two patterns. They were repetitious, but not in a mind in neutral kind of way.
Posted by: Chris | 10/09/2014 at 12:33 PM
It all looks wonderful to me. Do you know anyone who does work for pay? I have a vest that I would like!
Posted by: Marilyn Ann Denton | 10/09/2014 at 02:59 PM
I've got miles of stockinette ahead of me on the Inky dress I'm knitting, and I have to allow myself breaks, or I'll go mad. There have already been two cowls knit during interim periods of rest. I think there's a fine line between zen and boredom. :-D
Posted by: Michelle | 10/09/2014 at 03:04 PM
Go you for finishing those WIPs! They look great and the colours are beautiful.
Posted by: Tahnee | 10/09/2014 at 04:03 PM
Yeah, I don't get it either, but I totally GET it. You are a fan of the fingering weight though, right? That might be your secret ingredient ?
Your projects no matter how tedious they may be to you, always seem to turn out really nice!
Posted by: ellen | 10/09/2014 at 04:43 PM
Would never guess you ever had a boring knitting experience! Your pieces always look as though you put love into every stitch.
Posted by: Chrystel | 10/09/2014 at 07:45 PM
I think the key to boring knits is the tedious factor :) Definitely on the zen garter train :) Can't wait to see the fun cowl take shape!!
Posted by: Jenna K | 10/09/2014 at 10:18 PM
I love boring knits for tv and talking otherwise I do get bored with them. If I do not like the content (as in cotton) then I'm not happy. However I LOVE that deep green you got on the needles there :) Beautiful!
Posted by: karen | 10/10/2014 at 05:33 AM
Ooo... but at least the colors are EXCITING! I mean look at the lush mulberry at the top--yum! The zigzag is very effective with the bright juicy yarn--score! Your stress-less knitting will be equally gorgeous... yes...yes. ;o) Happy Days, Steph ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | 10/10/2014 at 06:49 AM
Miles of garter stitch? Yep - that's my happy place too. I love how the zig zag scarf came out, even if it was difficult to work on. Have a great weekend Steph!
Posted by: Donna | 10/10/2014 at 08:40 AM
I find zen knitting is best when combined with netflix binge watching :)
Posted by: Martina | 10/10/2014 at 08:55 AM
Zen knitting is definitely good, but we all do know those boring knitting projects. I'm really bad with knitted blankets for that reason. And knitted long scarves. It doesn't say anything much about the finished project (in fact, I can think of quite a few very boring knits that have become favourite things to wear once they were - finally - finished), but there is something about all that repetition that and the length of some projects that makes them really dull.
That said, both your FOs predictably look fantastic! x
Posted by: Iris | 10/10/2014 at 03:22 PM
They might have been boring to knit, but both projects turned out fantastic. Miles of garter stitch is my idea of zen knitting, too. Love the yarns that you picked out for the Christmas cowl!
Posted by: Tien | 10/10/2014 at 10:51 PM
Love your blog!
Posted by: Debra | 10/11/2014 at 10:08 AM
Garter stitch is the best. And yes, very Zen. I'm looking forward to seeing your cowl, I think those oddments are going to look really interesting together.
Posted by: Annie @ knitsofacto | 10/11/2014 at 12:16 PM
Good for you! I do have some of those projects sitting around and I am in full denial mode! I have to say that I find garter stitch to be Zen, but knit-and-purl patterns are tedious!
Posted by: Caffeine Girl | 10/11/2014 at 03:47 PM
Cute! Love your finished knits. Enjoy your miles of garter stitch, looks like you've got some wonderful yarn to work through :) xo
Posted by: Leigh | 10/13/2014 at 10:15 AM