Second Sleeve Syndrome (more famously known as second sock syndrome)

Do you ever struggle to complete that second sleeve, second sock, second glove, second mitten, etc.? I'm working on my last test knit prior to taking a significant break from testing. Knowing that this will be the last test makes it only more difficult to get through the second sleeve on this cute cropped sweater. I don't like to focus on only one project at a time...It's not something I'm proud of.

The CALs and KALs are calling me. The last clue is out for the WestKnits' MKAL and I haven't even completed more than a few rows, it's so beautiful!!! I've been following instagram so no worries about spoilers. We're five clues into Yarn Over New York's sock MKAL and I've barely started the third clue for one sock. Lastly, the Rozeta CAL is three sections in, and I still need to get started. All that whining is my motivation to get through this last sleeve. I'm enjoying the fit of the cropped sweater, yet there are so many lovely distractions. Just inches to go, a decrease section, and a cuff!

Here are my five tips to getting past this:

1. Remind yourself that focusing your time solely the second item will be much quicker than starting that new project.

2. Remind yourself how unlikely it will be that you or the recipient would use that one item without its pair.

3. Utilize shows, continuing education, or other events to help get through the time needed to work on the second item (jury duty helped me recently).

4. Keep the first item around with you as a reminder of your ultimate goal (It's also handy to have the item to make sure that your second one matches the first).

5. Remember how quickly you made the first item and that the second one should only take that much time or less (since you're familiar with the pattern).

Of course, you could work on pairs two at a time, but I'm assuming that you've already completed the first item. Ok, enough advice :).

A couple of weeks ago I said I'd feature my recent test completions. Now that I'm so close to finishing the last one, I want to wait another week. In the meantime, check out Nomadic Knits Issue: Vermont. I'm working on my fourth of the designs in the publication, and I've enjoyed them all :).

Happy crafting and have a great week!