ClanMac

Oh, I always start out so full of enthusiasm and optimism … but then it all goes horribly wrong. “I have plenty of time!” so quickly turns into “Oh lordy, is the party TOMORROW?”

And in this particular instance I actually set the date for the dinner myself! How silly is that?  So about a week ago, I thought I’d make a nice beanie for a dear friend. Easy-peasy, right? I can churn out a beanie in about 2 hours. I was even bold enough to do this without a pattern. And why not add a little slot in the ribbing for a shuffle? Cool, yes? The perfect early-morning walking beanie. (Let’s forget for a moment that my friend is a Sikh and has never been seen without a turban on… he likes beanies for night time and that is all. I half expect his son or daughter to steal this handmade gift from the poor man.) Anyway, I had the perfect yarn in my stash! This would be gorgeous! And in a really soft, lovely blue merino/silk blend chunky yarn.

So, when do I actually get said wonder-beanie on my needles??? The day before the dinner. Yup. To be more precise, I cast on around 8:00 the evening before the party.  And whilst I watch Doctor Who, I procede to knit away. By the time I’m done, around 10:30, everyone is asleep. So I try the beanie on my own head. Fits. Right on. Am I good, or what?

The next morning, I have Krash Sr. try the beanie on. Shock and horror!!!! It’s too tight!!! I cast the ribbing off too tightly! And it’s about two inches too short for my liking. Crikey!  Let the frogging commence! Only, holy crow! I’ve promised to attend a BBQ in the hinterlands today! I can’t take my wool there! It’ll get all dusty!

I get back from the BBQ with just enough time to shower, and force my children to do likewise. In the car, I am knitting like a demon, trying (ha ha ha) to knit about two inches in 10 minutes. Right. So, we arrive at the restaurant, everyone is there, and I send my family in to stall. While I knit in the parking lot. Seriously. 15 minutes later, I am done. Huge sigh of relief.

I waltz in like nothing is wrong (heh) and present the bday boy with his prezzie. May he never know what went into the making of it (AuntieZ, if you read this, don’t tell him!!!)

This is about as last-minute as I have ever done. You wanna know the really stoopid thing? While in the car, knitting, I am planning what to do for Christmas presents this year. Totally. And I am saying to myself the same thing I say every year (all together now…..) AND THIS TIME I WILL START EARLY.