Sixes and Sevens

A simple google search unearthed several possible origins for the phrase “At Sixes and Sevens” but I like this one best because it most accurately describes the way I feel about my personal knitting at this moment:

To be “at sixes and sevens” is an English phrase and idiom used to describe a state of confusion or disarray.

Common in the United Kingdom, it likely derives from a complicated dice game called “hazard“.^[1] It is thought that the expression was originally “to set on cinq and six”^[1] (from the French numerals forfive and six). These are the riskiest numbers to shoot for (to “set on”), and anyone who tried for them was considered careless or confused.

Thank you, Wikipedia, for articulating my current state of distress. Not that anything has gone particularly awry. I just feel a slight lack of direction. We’ll start here…with Holden.

Though I am pleased on the whole, I’m a little concerned that these lace shawls always turn out smaller (and I’m talkin’ A LOT smaller, even after aggressive blocking) than expected and use only about 1/2 to 2/3 the expected amount of yarn. Am I missing a repeat or something? Still pretty, though, don’tcha think? (And that’s sayin’ something considering how much I hate this yarn).

Anyhoo….whilst I mulled that one over in my mind, I thought I’d experiment with some new stitches. This came about as a result of my attempts at Entrelac. I’m in love with Herringbone. So easy and so much fun! I must say, the mind reels with possibilities…place mats, pot holders, scarves, tote bags and on and on….

I thought it might make me feel better if I found an inspiring yarn in a color I adore, then search for a pattern I could work from start to finish. I found this quirky little product. TOFUtsies! Made from superwash wool, soy and chitin. (That’s right: shrimp and crab shells.) I’ve got 425m. I could do lacy socks or I could take another crack at lace. These are my first-world problems.

Oh! And lest I forget…the first three comments on my Pay It Forward posting were: Loaves and Stitches, Garret Knits Ohio and Burlesque Baker. I hope we all have fun with this one, my friends! Remember, we all have 365 days to complete the challenge. Please let me know where you’d like your handmade gift to be sent (you can message me on Ravelry if you’d like your address to remain private).

Semper Knitty!