Isn’t this beautiful? Dream in Colors gorgeous colors, and a bit of silver sparkle spun into the Smooshy yarn base to make it pop. This is their new yarn base called Starry. (And I knew that my hubby’s photo would turn out much better than my attempts.) We plan to have this up at The Loopy Ewe early next week. I know these would be beautiful as socks, but I think we’ll also see a lot of shawls and scarves and hats and gloves and mitts knit up in this, too. (Why hide it in your shoes?) I will confess to having cast on a cowl. FPS*. I am having a serious problem with casting on. In Wednesday’s post I referred to my newly-discovered (newly-admitted?) KADD. I don’t have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) but I definitely have KADD (Knitting Attention Deficit Disorder.) My number of WIP’s is ridiculous and it doesn’t seem to matter how many I have on my list – it just keeps growing. I do have a lot of single socks, but lately, the thing I keep casting on is scarves. One right after the other. I AM finishing some of them. I had to – they’re for Christmas gifts. But there are still too many mid-stream that get set aside for the next sparkly fun interesting exciting pattern or yarn that comes along and intrigues me momentarily. It really is fun to make scarves and mitts and hats out of “sock yarn”. And it’s a good way to keep motoring through my stash. (But I don’t think it counts as “using it up” when it sits there as a half-done WIP. sigh.) This weekend I’m spending some time organizing the stash. I hope I come out alive.
Today’s recipe is one that Elf Karen shared with us and then I made some changes to it. (I don’t change knitting patterns all too often, but I seem to change recipes when I make them.) It’s delicious and perfect for a cool winter evening.
Chicken and Mushroom Soup (or leftover turkey?)
6 cups water
2 quartered onions
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped celery leaves
5 chicken breasts
Cook the chicken breasts in the above mixture until tender. Remove the chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces. Strain the rest of the mixture and reserve the liquid.
2 cups diced celery
2 cups diced onions
1 lb. sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup butter
5 cups fresh white bread, cubed
Saute the onions, celery and mushrooms in butter until soft. (Do not brown.) Remove from pan and then add in the bread crumbs. (You may need to add more butter.) Stir until well coated and toasty and remove from heat.
2 tsp. sage
2 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. poultry seasoning
6 Tbl. chicken stock base
5 cups evaporated milk
3 Tbl. flour
Add sage, pepper, poultry seasoning, chicken stock base, and evaporated milk to a large pot. Stir to heat through. Whisk in flour as needed, to thicken slightly. Add reserved liquid from above, as well as the onion/celery mix and the chicken pieces. Heat through. Just before serving, add bread crumbs and parsley (if desired) to each bowl.
Before I close, here’s the question for you to answer for the November Blog Contest. I’ll randomly select one person from the comments section, next Friday. So you have a week to leave your comment/entry. I know that there are many of you who, like me, have KADD. I see your orders. I peek at your Ravelry projects pages, I read your comments on Wednesday’ blog. I just know these things. For me, the thing that seems to entice me to start something new is either 1) a new yarn that I am itching to try or 2) a new pattern that intrigues me. If you have KADD, what is it that gets you picking up another set of needles and beginning something new? (And if you don’t have KADD, just go ahead and admit it. That will get you an entry into the contest, too. Any tips on how to avoid KADD? Don’t say “discipline”….)
Sheri 2or3projectsgoingatonceseemsreasonable
12ormoredoesnot.Ohwell.
*FPS = For Pete’s Sake
KADD? Is that what you call it? Currently, it is usually triggered by some totally scrumptious space-dyed or hand-dyed yarn, in a color combo I can just picture as . . . You name it.
How about multi-generational KADD? Like when your mother made you something, and you keep planning to make another. Or have cast on for another, but somehow it never quite gets finished.
Even worse is casting on for something so outrageously time consuming that once you have it cast on you know it won’t be done in your lifetime. Actually, you knew that before you even started. Is this worse than SABLE (Stash acquired beyond life expectancy)? CABLE (Cast-on advanced beyond life expectancy)?
Normally, I’d say that I do NOT have KADD. I don’t have a giant stash, and I generally stick to one project until I’m done–unless it’s the sort of project that I really can’t take on the bus. But lately, I’m all over the place. I’ve got two sweaters, a scarf and a shawl all in progress, and yesterday I picked up a luscious skein of thick, yummy, Lorna’s Laces something or other, and it’s killing me not cast on for a new cowl right now. I think it’s the weather…
KADD! Embrace it —its so much better then lost mojo
I have one more case, not only does yarn inspire me or someone else’s pattern but then I get this idea in my head and the designing bug bites so out comes more yarn and more needles!
What gets me picking up another project is a “pat on the back”. In other words…”good girl, you only have another inch on the last sleeve of that sweater…” and there I go AGAIN!
But my KADD swings both ways! I love blocking and finishing, so they all eventually get done.
It’s the yarn. Hands down. There are some yarns that must have magic spun in them (I’m surprised to see that “Magic” is never listed in the content, but I digress) because I lay eyes on them, and I feel woozy, and I can’t WAIT to get home and either cast on or snuggle the skein. (Sometimes I snuggle first, then cast on, but I do not reccomend snuggling with a WIP – needles are sharp.)
If I am starting to get too many projects on the needles, then it usually takes a little pep talk in the mirror to stop me from starting something new. (Something along the lines of “Your neck/feet/hands are cold and they aren’t getting any warmer so you really should finish that/those scarf/socks/mittens before your extremities fall off!” This really only works in the winter months, bit it’s something.) It helps that I try to stick to picking yarn and projects that I adore, and I am definitely a “results” knitter; I can’t way to see the finished objects. Of course, a skein a shiny new yarn always throws a wrench in even the best laid plans…
I’m almost starting to develop KADD if I’m not careful! I keep telling myself not to buy sock yarn at least, worsted seems more practical. Hopefully this holiday knitting season won’t just kick start the KADD into full force. I’ve already bought worsted malabrigo that is for a hat and matching gloves…its practical right!?!?!
Yes I totally have KADD. I always have a million projects on the needles and can’t decide which one to work on. I also LOVE the look of Starry!
A new pattern or a new technique I want to try will do it. Just turned my first short row heel on my first toe up sock. What took me so long to try this?? The current pattern obsession is the Sweet Pea Jacket on Twist Collective.
I can’t say if I have KADD or not because I don’t know what it is … HELP!!!! Does that mean chances are I have it? 🙂
The KADD comes and goes. Right now it’s definitely here! What sometimes works for me is to keep a schedule that permits some amount of KADD. Like maybe 2 or 3 days a week. Mind you, right now it’s not working at all and all I’m finishing is socks.
I am of that elusive breed known as The Monogamous Knitter. I do admit to hoarding an enviable stash. But I rarely buy yarn with a project in mind. I cast on a new WIP for two reasons: a loved one requested something specific, or I have been poring over patterns and knitting books for a week or more and my fingers are itching for something to do.
Ihave yarn ADD more than knitting ADD;however,I’m making an early New Year’s resolution to have more projects. I want to get some good fondling time with that stash of mine. Not to mean that I’m going to not keep the stash going by any means!
I have such a serious case of KADD I had to buy new needles with which to cast on new projects. It hurts. Mostly it is new yarn in awesome colourways, but these days it’s the impending holiday. Somewhere in my brain casting on means finishing, and if I just get that item cast on, it is sure to be done for Christmas.
Delusional!
I don’t really have KADD, though there are projects that due to knitting inactivity, sometimes get left by the wayside. I think the thing that keeps me from having KADD is that I’m not a fan of casting on…once the cast on is done, I’m on my way, but just getting the cast on done (especially if it’s a new cast on, like the tubular cast on that I’m trying to learn) is sometimes an issue. I will admit that due to all the pretty yarn (yes, I’m talking to you Starry) I have so much beautiful yarn just sitting there waiting for a project.
It’s something with the word – soft – and with the right colour – green, turquoise, teal, burgundy – the name – such as starry… for example and then I know for sure that I want to have it to start this or that or even such and so.
Yes I have KADD – I’m using working a lace, a sock, and a sweater at the same time. I just can’t help myself given all the great items The Loopy Ewe presents to us.
What brings my KADD on is a new pattern. Being that I work in a yarn shop, it just feeds the KADD…someone brings in something they’r working on, I have to do it. A new knitting book comes into the store, I have to do it. Being around the yarn obviously doesn’t help/hurt the situation, either.
Yes I have KADD – I’m an usually working a lace, a sock, and a sweater at the same time. I just can’t help myself given all the great items The Loopy Ewe presents to us.
I’d have to say that I am easily tempted by new yarns. Colors, textures, weights, all of it plays a part for me. That’s why I have something like 5 projects going all the time. I don’t particularly like having that many going at once, it just seems to be the norm with me! Though, I haven’t really done anything to try to reverse the tides.
I too have a hard time getting everything updated on Ravelry, but I am slowly trying to change that!
It’s the yarn or the pattern or both. The only way to avoid it is to lock myself up with only my WIPs and stay away from the stash, the internet, LYS and all knitting books and magazines.
Oh, I certainly do have KADD! I have to fight it every day…and it is usually sock yarns that get me. Pretty, colorful, enticing sock yarn… My KADD is kicking into high gear now that I am buckling down and doing gifts for other people. I just want to get to that Cherry Tree Hill that I have on my desk that I got from TLE recently. It’s a struggle!!!
Have you seen all the beautiful yarn that are available??? And the darn designers keep putting out new patterns to go along with the new yarns. They are nothing but enablers and should be stopped!!! At least until I can catch up! 🙂
I’m certainly keeping the needle companies in business because I have to buy new ones to cast on for the new projects.
Isn’t it nice to know that we’re all in the same boat?
The thing that makes me want to start something new, is reading about it on someone’s blog, or looking at my Ravelry friend’s activities and seeing what they are doing or looking at. I usually get inspired by something that way.
Example: I just got the yarn for a Noro striped scarf after reading about it on the yarn harlot’s blog.
I DO, I DO have KADD!
Any new fun yarn, any interesting pattern is enough to get me going.
Sometimes I HATE the internet!
🙂
I also have KADD, and a little KOCD thrown in for good measure. Just about anything can get me hooked on starting something new. Yarn, new knitting needles, a pattern.. lace is a big one that can reel me in. I also make lots of scarves, and I buy lots of needles to start more.
I have Yarn ADD more that I have Knitting ADD; however, my early New Years resolution is to get more projects going at once so I can enjoy my stash more. That doesn’t mean I won’t be enhancing it. It just means that I’ll show those little skiens hiding in the corner a little more love.
I don’t think KADD is such a bad thing. I think it just depends if it stresses you out or not. If it stresses you, then it’s not a good thing to have. If not, then be happy!!
New yarns definately gets me excited and wanting to cast on a new project. Then after getting that new yarn or thinking about getting it I go into Ravelry and see what others have done with the yarn, and then I am already knitting up several different things in my head before I actually cast on for something!
Trying to limit myself to one or two (or three…) project does not work for me, I have lots on my needles at all times. I have realized that I just have to go with the flow, and cast on something whenever I feel like it. Sometimes the projects are finished fast and other times they sit in my knittingbasket for ages and ages before I actaully finish them.
Trying to limit myself with my knitting is like killing all the joy and love I have for it!
Uhhhh, I don’t want to talk about it. I am so easily distracted into casting on, there’s almost no rhyme or reason to it. New yarn, new pattern, new idea, change in the weather (need mittens now!), pretty much any whim or notion that comes my way is powerful enough to activate the KADD. It’s a wonder I finish anything…
I would say just about anything worsens my KADD…yarn, patterns, new IK issue, just getting bored with the second sock!!! About once a year I buckle down and finish up most of the WIP’s. It is satisfying to finish so many things in such a short amount of time as I have many projects that just need finishing touches or a toe etc. The starry yarn looks lovely – uh oh- one more temptation.
In my head I am usually knitting about 10 projects at one time but in reality I try to keep it to just 2 or 3. My down fall – I start getting impatient towards the end of projects and I start casting on for new projects before I’m finished with the WIP. Must. Not. Cast. On.!
Hi, my name is Tara, and I am a recovering sufferer of KADD. It’s been nearly 12 months since I last sufferred a bout of castonitis.
It came to a head for me when I realised I had 11 unfinished objects lying around, and I couldn’t handle the guilt that was eating me alive. They were all staring at me reproachfully. So one by one I evaluated and then either frogged, or worked single mindedly to finish them off. After wards I developed rules. And I’ve kept to them!
One rule was that I may have only one thing for one body part (regardless of whom that body part belonged to) cast on at a time. If I had a hat for one of the kids on the needles I can’t cast on a hat or beret or headband or anything of the sort for myself.
Got a sweater on the needles? No shawl. The other rule related to socks and mitts. Once you cast off on one, the other MUST be cast on within 24 hours. Race the clock!
So far I’ve kept to it, and it;s working well. Things are actually getting done. I’m proud I sought help.
(added bonus, now that things are actually getting finished I don’t feel in the least bit guilty about adding to the stash, left right and centre!)
I got KADD but I think it’s a good thing! I jump around to different projects ’cause I can’t wait to try new techniques. Also, if I’m workng a complex project I need some simpler ones to take a break with. I usually get back to ones I put down. As the Harlot says, there is no knitting police! It’s one thing I do totally for ME!
We just had a LYS open in our town, and all those new yarns – together with an invitation to teach – have my mind swimming and chomping at the bit to start a new design for a class with her store’s yarns. Triggers can be new yarns, a closeout deal, or a need for an item. I have helped moderate my WIP-pace by (1) realizing that, beyond a certain point, I enjoy my knitting *less* when there are “too many” projects, and (2) devising a yarn budget, where I “earn” knitting-dollars by exercising, getting up on time, other habits for which I need yarny encouragement.
I have KADD, it’s awful. Sometimes it is yarn, sometimes it is patterns, but usually it’s a combination of the two. I’ll find a pattern and think it will be perfect for a particular yarn, so I’ll cast on ASAP.
Yep I have it, I have KADD. And why? It’s all of the above! If I see or (worse yet) FEEL a yummy yarn it has to come home with me. If I see a great FO in a great yarn, I feel compelled to buy it and make it (at some point, my intentions are always good.) Right now I am recovering from foot surgery so I CAN’T get out to buy yarn, but there’s always the internet (yikes.) I just finished a hat and scarf in the last 2 days and will also finish another scarf (xmas gifts) during my 2 weeks off. I have 4 other projects going and am thinking of beginning 2 more. But then there are the new things that pop up online! What’s a yarn/knitting junkie to do? Do I feel guilty? A little, but my husband has lots of tools he plays with and so I have the yarn…….and there you go….
I don’t have a PROBLEM. I have an ADDICTION. ^-^ So perhaps KADD isn’t the best description of what I have? Anyway, I’ve heard there’s therapy to this disorder – first you need an intervention, then they lock you away without the needles!
I am not really sure if I have KADD or not… to tell the truth. I haven’t been really “knitting” long enough to know. You see, I have known how to knit for several years, but only this summer discovered that you can knit things other then garter stitch scarves. My stash fits practically in the palm of my hand. And I can’t really start anything other then fingerless gloves for Xmas presents until Xmas is over and I have Yarn. Anyways, a couple of things that make me want to knit something different is (A); finding gorgeous new stitch patterns (cables especially do this to me) that want me to start using them in something improvised, or (B); Almost anything else.
Ok that’s my 2 cents (more like 50, but moving on)!
My KADD is based on two experiences. First, the overwhelming need to knit a new pattern, or knit with new yarn, the moment I see either pattern and/or yarn. There’s something that sets off the ‘must knit now’ bomb in my head.
Second, there’s the fear of being in a car/meeting/airplane for more than 2 hours and finishing the current sock in progress and having nothing to do. So have to start a new sock.
I would say I had modified KADD. I generally force myself to finish a prject before I start a new project. However, even if I’m working on a big project, I do like to have a least one SMALL project going like a scarf or socks so that I can have something to bring travelling to youth sports activities. The combination of a perfect yarn with the perfect pattern for that yarn in the perfect color will sway me every time, though!
An enticing pictured knit up pattern gets me going and KADD is an irresistable force!
No known solution ….which is just fine with me!
Yes I have KADD, but the new starry is calling my name. I have a steamer trunk full of yarn and three or four projects on my needles, but new sock yarn is a must have.
Colors gives me KADD — those evil wonderful colors twining themselves round that little string in those skeins twining themselves around my mind. Sock after sock after sock…heh heh heh my little lovelies….what’s so bad about KADD?
Hmmmmmmm….. not only do I “suffer” from KADD I also have 2nd sockitis. I am seeking therapy though. 😉 Seriously both “ailments” are related so I’d have to say that what sparks my KADD is 1. Going to the library each Monday and checking out new knitting books, 2. Checking out all the awesome yarn on TLE, by the way I just ordered some Duet Skinny and can’t wait to knit that up and the fact that I am a beginning hand-dyer. For me its the combination of patterns & yarn that do me in.
Other people’s gorgeous knitting, for sure! And the challenge of a new technique, and of course, pretty yarn!
I must say its the perfect pattern that gets me casting on. I usually spy a pattern someone has knit of ravelry that I just couldn’t possibly wait any longer to cast on for and its all down hill from there.
I know I have KADD, but I fight it off by writing lists of things I need to knit. Right now I’m working on Christmas gifts, so I have a list of things I MUST finish, and recently I cast on and finished a hat real quick to satisfy the craving for something for myself. Come January, though, I’m going to go insane casting on 257 new things, all for me!
I definitely have KADD. My KADD is mostly triggered by seeing new yarns, patterns and WIPs on knit blogs, and by checking on “What’s New” in the Loopy Ewe shop.
Hi – My name is Debbie and I have KADD. Usually what entices me to cast on is the pattern and sometimes it’s the yarn. Oh heck, it’s both! Thanks for the contest. Debbie
I have such a bad case I named my blog ADKD (Attention deficit knitting disorder). I’ve long since determined though that if there’s a cure I don’t want it.
I usually don’t suffer from KADD…..however, just once in a while, some lovely new yarn might do it!