This project turned out so pretty and I love it but I didn’t love it for a while. In fact, several times I thought about giving up. For Camp Loopy, we had to start on July 27 and be finished by August 27. I started right on July 27 but messed up and had to start over three times. I put it aside for several days and then about the time I got committed to really getting it done, Adalina was born and my heart wasn’t in knitting . . I just wanted to get to MO to see her.
When I went to MO for a week, I thought about taking this project but with all the counting and instructions, I figured I needed something more mindless and even messed up that simple project.
Then when I got home from MO on August 21, I had less than a week to finish this project and I wasn’t even halfway done. As the project progresses, it gets larger and each row takes longer to complete. Twice during that week, I convinced myself to give up. You get one skein of yarn, as well as double shopper points, for completing the project but I decided it just wasn’t worth it. I couldn’t finish . . no way! Then I told myself that I am NOT a quitter and I decided to finish but promised myself I would not do Camp Loopy again next year. I would announce on the blog that I was never doing it again and then you all would say “You lied!” when I signed up to do it again next year.
At 1:30 a.m. today, the last day to finish the project, as I was blocking this shawl, I said “Yes! I am doing Camp Loopy next year. I learned a lot. I made two things I probably never would have made had it not been for Camp Loopy!” What I will not do next year during Camp Loopy:
- Get interested in a series book that I cannot put down. I read three of the four books in the series during the month when I should have been knitting.
- Have a grandbaby in the middle of when I should be knitting (Hear that Chad and Nicole?).
- Buy and roast 50 pounds of Hatch chili peppers on the day before the deadline for the project. I should have been knitting furiously when I was out roasting peppers.
The project is Shaw’s Cove Shawl and it’s a very well written pattern and it was quite easy once I got the hang of it.
About 1:00 a.m. last night, I finished knitting.
Before crawling into bed, I blocked it.
This morning, I couldn’t figure out where to get a decent picture so I draped it over the outside fan!
And then I hung it over the back of a chair.
It’s beautiful, I love it, I’m glad I did Camp Loopy but I’m tired and I’m sleepy and I still have 50 pounds of peppers to get skinned, seeds removed and canned. No knitting for a few days!
Claudia Wade says
It’s beautiful, Judy!
Linda Steller says
It’s gorgeous, Judy! That has to be a real sense of accomplishment to finish, as I’m sure skinning those peppers will be. You go, girl!
Helen B. Ellen says
Life!
It sure can get hectic sometimes and make you want to “throw in the towel” on some projects!!
Your shawl is absolutely beautiful!
Penny Holliday says
Oh Judy!! Congratulations on your timely finish. The shawl is beautiful! I know how to knit but promised myself I wouldn’t do any knitting or anything else until I busted my stash(fabric of course) but your shawl is just so gorgeous! You are truly tempting me!! Maybe I just won’t look at the picture again but think I will just enjoy thoughts of Judy and her gorgeous shawl!! Penny in S CA
Judy D in WA says
It’s gorgeous! Way to stick with it As soon as I read about not doing the next camp, I started laughing……. 😉
Mare says
Beautiful! What book series did you get hooked on?
Mel Meister says
Congratulations! I couldn’t get either of the first two done and then got really behind on the West KAL, but I’m still working on all three, plus a 2nd sock for my husband. I’m a very slow knitter.
I hope your family is hunkering down for Isaac and that they will all be safe. I will keep them in my prayers.
NancyB in AZ says
Your shawl is beautiful! What is the name of the series you are reading? Author’s name?
Annie says
Beautiful, I love it!
Crystal D-G in WA says
It is stunning!
Beth C says
Beautiful work, Judy. this was my first Camp Loopy and I loved it (thanks to youl)
denise russart says
It turned out gorgeous – love the colors together. The photo of mine is unblocked due to falling Friday – wrecking my knee and not being able to even think about crawling round on the floor to pin it. I do need to get some blocking squares tho so I can block on a table and not have to do it on the floor. Not do Camp Loopy — now don’t be silly. LOL
Jeanne in Ohio says
Beautiful shawl! What’s the book series? I’m always looking for new things to read.
Judy says
Great finish. I had put this pattern on my list when you first showed it (great name, tee hee), thanks to you…also the Honey cowl, so I’m going to be busy with the needles. What was the book series in case I need distracting. Oh, and I finally linked to your On the Needles post….late of course. Good luck with all those peppers. We’ll be tackling peaches here soon. 🙂
Linda in NE says
Beautiful shawl!
May I ask what series of books you’ve been reading? I’m always looking for something good to buy for the library.
Ava Crotinger says
You’re quite amazing, Judy. I don’t know how in the world you get all that stuff done? You did a great job on the shawl and not giving up.
Jojo says
That is a thing of beauty:-)
Sue H says
I wondered what the book series was too.
The shawl is stunningly gorgeous! I’m glad you stuck with it. Can’t wait to see what you “don’t do” next year!
loralie says
Ha ha ha! I bet you’ll take grandbabies any time you can get them….knitting project or not.