I am neither a fast knitter nor a loyal knitter. I think the continental method is helping me speed up a bit, and I’m working hard to limit the number of WIPs I’ve got going at any given point, but it’s inevitable that several days after I begin a new project, I’m already starting to be wooed by new ones. I’m not one of those Ravelry people who have thousands and thousands of projects queued—my queue is roughly 3 times the size of my finished projects list. I only queue a pattern if I think I’m actually going to make it at some point down the road. That said, I find myself browsing through patterns and friends’ activity looking at patterns left and right, dreaming up projects for my stashed yarn and drooling over yarn I wish I had.

Sometimes projects fly off the needles, like my Sahara, which took a little less than 2 weeks to complete, including swatching and dyeing the yarn. Other projects, like my Nantucket Jacket take much, much longer to complete. And the longer I let a project sit, the more I start dreaming about new projects, and the more likely I am to actually cast on again.

I’m really trying to make 2009 the year of the monogamist knitter. Socks, of course, don’t count, because there’s no way I’ll be able to combat the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome, but I’m also trying to limit socks to two pairs at a time.(Knit Pair 1 Sock 1, Knit Pair 2 Sock 1, Knit Pair 1 mate, Knit Pair 2 mate — mixes it up a little bit, while still allowing me the chance to actually finish a damn pair). And yet, what do I find myself doing this evening? Queueing more projects, of course. I have to stop!

I’ve been good so far, though. I finished the first Continental Ribbed Sock yesterday afternoon and immediately cast on for the second. I’ve got about 1″ left to go before it’s time to start the heel flap. Progress!

So, my goal for February is to finish my current projects:

• Nantucket Jacket
• Continental Ribbed Socks
• Maggie’s purple socks
• Sheep & Wool Hat
• Theta Socks

And then in March, I will allow myself to start with some new projects. I’m itching to do some lacey shawl knitting. I’ve got some Louet Mooi calling my name…

Now I just have to figure out which of the 15+ shawl patterns I’ve got queued will be the lucky winner.