the blue blog archives: crunching the numbers

Since I've started making mitered squares again, I've been able to get about 1 1/2 squares done each day. No matter how hard I've tried, somehow I just can't make it through that second square at the end of the night without falling asleep. Now, I know I said 'one square at a time', BUT then I crunched the numbers. If I have 22 squares and I'm going for, let's say, 64, I need 42 more. At 1 1/2 squares per day, that's one full month until I'm done knitting. Aaaaack, we're flying in a month and I sure can't do all the sewing at my in-laws! Even two squares a day would take me 3 weeks, leaving only one week for seaming. Prooooobably not enough.

So my new plan is to crunch out like 20 squares over this long Thanksgiving weekend. Then I can slow back down to the more reasonable pace of 1 1/2 squares a day and still give myself a couple of weeks for seaming. I've already gotten started on my mitre-mania weekend.

Two and a half squares in cream. This is the last of the eight colors I chose for the blanket. Once I have a few of every color, I can start laying them out and thinking about a pattern. But first things first, knitting.

posted by alison at 10:48 am | in a crafty christmas , an afghan

Comments

You can do it!!

Posted by: Laural at November 21, 2007 10:51 AM

You can do it! :)

Posted by: Leslie at November 21, 2007 11:01 AM

I know it's a gift from you but if you'd like some help with a few squares, just let me know! I think the full size would be fabulous and I owe you for all the quilting advice!

Posted by: Carol at November 21, 2007 11:23 AM

Do you have anyone that could help you to knit the squares?

Posted by: Dani at November 21, 2007 11:40 AM

I think a lot of old movies and a LOT of chocolate might help. I have faith in you Alison. I'd bet you can make 22 squares over the Thanksgiving weekend. Have a happy (knitting fast) Thanksgiving!

Posted by: Katherine at November 21, 2007 11:55 AM

Are you sure you did the math right?

I'm sooooo evil, bwaaaaaaa.

Posted by: Anita at November 21, 2007 12:02 PM

You can do it! I think you will exceed your weekend goal!

Posted by: Sarah at November 21, 2007 12:22 PM

You should invite some knitters over for tea, and give each of them a ball and some needles. Then you'll get done in no time! Of course, it IS a present,so maybe you want to do all the knitting yourself?

Posted by: Chantale at November 21, 2007 12:24 PM

Good luck with your squares. Just don't start hallucinating and try to mitre the turkey!

Posted by: Laurie at November 21, 2007 1:13 PM

I'll be right with you in my nose-to-the-grindstone sock yarn squares. If we're good we'll both be able to make it to our lofty goals!

Posted by: Seanna Lea at November 21, 2007 1:23 PM

just keep knitting. just keep knitting, knitting, knitting. you like to kniiiiiiiiiiiit! (think dorey, from finding nemo, lol)

Posted by: minnie at November 21, 2007 1:29 PM

So pretty! I can't wait to see this all done.. If you want some input on putting it together, I'de love to help :) Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family...

Posted by: Dani at November 21, 2007 4:58 PM

Be careful there, you're starting to sound like me with all of that planning and number crunching. :) Good luck, and have a great holiday!

Posted by: Kris at November 21, 2007 5:08 PM

Quick! Now is the time to teach the boys to knit!

Posted by: Laurie at November 21, 2007 7:18 PM

How about a seaming party? Your friends could start putting them together even as you are knitting more. Oh, and wine and chocolate.
These same friends may consider minding the kiddies in return for some knitting related swag in the new year.

Posted by: Angie at November 21, 2007 9:07 PM

You go girl! Stay with it. I know you'll reach your goal.

Posted by: Marcia at November 22, 2007 7:26 AM

As my five-year-old would say "Go Dog Go!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted by: m.o.M at November 22, 2007 10:24 AM

Alison, you can do it. Think of it this way: the rest of us have to plan our Christmases and decorate our houses and all of that. You don't -- you're going to be out of the country. So channel all that tree-trimming energy into the squares. And if you have to sequester yourself for a day or two in between arriving at the in-laws and Christmas morning to sew it up, everyone will ultimately understand. You can do it.

Posted by: elizaboothy at November 22, 2007 11:17 AM

I love the way those squares look! Good job!

Bev
http://bevscountrycottage.com

Posted by: bevq at November 22, 2007 9:29 PM

See? Now this is the sort of holiday lunacy I've been looking forward to. A mitre-a-thon? That's pretty freakin' festive. Happy knitting!

Posted by: Stephanie at November 24, 2007 8:44 AM

Go, Alison, Go! I'm rooting for you to finish your blanket before Christmas!

Posted by: Kirstin at November 24, 2007 10:57 PM

Alison, Does anyone do what you do.....for quilters?

Posted by: Susan at November 25, 2007 7:20 AM

Wheee! How's it going?

Posted by: carrie at November 25, 2007 8:14 AM