Swatching

Although I like to think I redeemed my idocy of "not swatching" by stating aloud "Swatching is NOT for losers," that doesn't mean I have to like it. I made a 1.5"x1.5" swatch and ended up with the same guage as the book called for. The problem with this is that when I used the correct number of stitches for a person of my measurements, I believe I mentioned that it seemed as though the top would have fit loosely around a rather burly ox. When I asked for help, I was told to make a larger swatch, then wash and block, THEN measure in a few spaces and take the average. This is going to take DAYS. And the size that was suggested to me says I'm going to be making a potholder. I feel like I'm wasting yarn to make a beautiful orange potholder I don't even want. I WANT a damn camisole, but I also don't want it to be a mainmast sail when I'm finished.
Yeah, I'm grumpy; so what?

Also, being as I am currently lurking around the Yarn Harlot's blog, I've decided that I should take up my knitting calling and put it to good use: Breastfeeding Awareness. Now, I've never breastfed, and I'm certainly not one of those "breastfeed or bust" type of women (it's gotta hurt, and it's difficult, and the idea of chapped nipples makes me cringe), but I DO think it's something that we as a sex/baby/nipple phobic/fetishized society need to be better educated about. Sure there are probably one hour "how to breastfeed" courses out there, but there has to be more information than that, especially considering the failure rate among North American women.

( http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2006/06/29/the_power_scares_me.html for more information. She's also a lactation consultant.)

Thus, I am heeding the call, and will put aside my frustrating swatching, guaging, and raging, for cute fruit and veggie shaped baby hats. I've found two patterns I find relatively easy, and will embark on this for the next few days/weeks. Now I just need to think of vegetables and fruits that are plum coloured (duh... I've thought of plums), or turquoise. Or orange. Or moss green.
I might need to go yarn shopping. Who's with me?