at the same time

After ripping and starting for a THIRD time on one of the front panels of the Ruffled Surplice, I'm actually making significant progress. Slow, but significant. Why did I knit this thing THREE times? Because of "At the same time." My least favorite phrase in all the knitting instructions in all the world. I like to think I'm kind of a smart cookie, in general, but my brain throws up its hands and takes a coffee break when it sees "At the same time."

The real reason my knitting progress is slow because of my new craft addiction. My free time is now divided between knitting and jewelry making. I guess my addiction is not that new, actually. I used to make jewelry several years ago, which eventually took a back seat to soap making. For a while, I sold my handmade bath and body products at craft shows and through a couple boutiques in my area, but my interest eventually fizzled and the soap making was replaced by the knitting. It's not that I've lost interest in knitting, but I've rediscovered my interest in jewelry making. I guess I enjoy crafts that are somewhat functional. Having the Etsy shop has been fun, too. (Although my friends and family keep scooping up the good stuff before it's in the shop for very long!) I want to keep a variety of items in the shop, and I expect to have several more fine silver pieces in there very soon, but ever since I acquired the proper tools and found out where to get good beads, I can't stop making rings...