The Problem with Promises

Last time I saw my hairdresser, I promised her that I would knit her a slouchy beret. She said that I could choose any color I want--that she wasn't picky--so right after my blow dry, I walked across the parking lot and bought the loveliest turquoise Malabrigo, something that would look great with her huge tattoo of Koi fish and roses, all in shades of green.

That was six long weeks ago, maybe more, come to think of it. Thing is, that yarn is still sitting here looking at me.

I haven't wanted to show up to the salon empty handed, so now I will make a confession: I have avoided knitting that beret for so long that I had to actually revert to coloring my own hair again. Thing is, I'm now my old (before I went to a professional) unintentional mousy blonde at the roots because I completely forgot what level color she was using on me.

In my desperation, I even went so far as to call her up to ask her what color she had been using on me so I could do it on my own at home. I don't know; I guess I was just thinking I could make up an excuse for not coming in that could buy me a little knitting time. But then when they put me on hold and I couldn't come up with a good excuse, just as she was picking up, I slammed the phone down.

What was I going to say? That I lost all function of my hip so I can't come in for her to tint my hair? That I have a serious intestinal condition that prevents me from sitting in her chair for any length of time? Or that, in all honesty, I prefer the mess of tinting my own hair and I really don't mind walking around for weeks and weeks with roots one color and the rest of it another?

Worse, my hair is getting so long I got it caught in the car door today.

(Don't ask how.)

I think I better cast on before all heck breaks loose on my scalp.

A couple things: I found these knitting note cards online awhile back. You can order them as is, or you can use your own Avery-type plain note cards and print them on your own printer. These particular ones are fun because they have stitch patterns on them and the information acts as a little gift to your recipient. You can buy the separate pdf's for only five bucks so you can print as many as you want, or you can get them pre-printed. Oh, and the latest on the hip: Still suffering. I am now starting physical therapy three times a week to see if we can't sort it out. (I'm thinking if it completely heals I should keep the news under wraps. You never know when a good limp imitation will buy you a day at the pool.)

 

Comments

[rudee]

I hate when knitting promises slip out of my mouth. I owe so many people socks. I'm trying to avoid promises like these.

As for the hair, Clairol root touch up kits are AMAZING and will buy you a couple of weeks at a time. You only do the roots and incredibly, it blends right in.

I hope the PT works for you. It's miserable to always be in pain.

[Debbie]

HAHAHAHA! I have to laugh at this story with your hair! It's exactly what I would do, except I would probably switch hair dressers, or let my hair go for so long, I would have to go to its natural color--gray! Funny!

[Cindy]

Thank you for mentioning my cards on your blog. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy your blog.
Cindy

[Martha]

As long as you get it cut before it starts getting caught in your armpit (don't ask me how either, but it involves tank tops)...

Be brave, walk in and realize that you don't owe her a hat...just a tip.

[sue Treiber]

promises to make things get me into trouble too. I doubt she will mind, when you finally get around to it :)

[Kristen]

At least you're concern is over an actual promise. I often make a plan in my head to craft a gift for someone, then feel bad when I don't follow through, even though I'm the only one who knew about the failed plan.

[scoutj]

Of course I want to know how!

I dye my own hair....hey it's 9.99 and no one knows!

[Jane]

You said you'd knit her a beret, but you didn't say when. Get your hair done, tell her that the beret is a work in progress, and set yourself a workable deadline.

It's a gift!, not an assignment.

I just don't feel like myself when I need a haircut.

[Jane]

You said you'd knit her a beret, but you didn't say when. Get your hair done, tell her that the beret is a work in progress, and set yourself a workable deadline.

It's a gift!, not an assignment.

I just don't feel like myself when I need a haircut.

[Jane]

You said you'd knit her a beret, but you didn't say when. Get your hair done, tell her that the beret is a work in progress, and set yourself a workable deadline.

It's a gift!, not an assignment.

I just don't feel like myself when I need a haircut.

[Lizbon]

I'm with Jane. The thing to do is turn the negative (haven't finished beret) into a positive. "Hi (hairstylist's name)! Guess what! I'm knitting your beret! It's going to be lovely!"

She gets all excited, you can tell her about the very special yarn you chose for it, and you get to go home looking fabulous.

[the Lady]

Definitely agree with Lizbon - I am so out of sorts when I need a haircut, I can't imagine needing coloring done too!

[=Tamar]

Don't you need to take measurements to make sure the headband part will be the right size?
Cast on and knit two rounds so you can test it.

[Marie]

really don't let the hair go. your stylist would much rather you come in on time than have to fix the mess you've made. She still gets paid, has a more pleasant time with your hair and you, and eventually you'll get her the beret when you can. I know these things because I have been what is know among the hair circles as a "hair whore"...no loyalty whatsoever. I have tried to commit in my "older" age. My kids have hopped, even the dog has hopped to different groomers. My husband just does not get it since he's had the same hair stylist for about 20 years. He's also had the same haircut (albeit with less hair) for the past 20 years.
Believe me, she'll be happy with the beret whenever it gets done.

[Marie]

oh and another thing
the beret is not as bad as showing my mom (in Sept.) the scarf I was knitting for her b-day last October, then screwing it up, ripping back to the beginning, never re-starting it, and never mentioning it or working on it again and here it is June...oh well, that's what flowers are for (and gift certificates, etc....you get it)

so now I'm shooting for a "whenever" gift or I have till this next October to get it done. She'll think I'm a verrrry slooooow knitter.

[Nita]

I color my own hair, but have had the same haircutter for years and years. I once agreed to crochet a poncho for her small daughter, when I hadn't crocheted in years, (having long ago switched to knitting). I swore I'd never agree to such a request again, even though I negotiated a $40 barter for the work.

I get her laughing about my determination to do color my hair myself (after she did it once and I decided the price wasn't worth it), but I know she appreciates my longstanding business! You could go back and get your hair done while telling your hairstylist about the yarn purchase, and say the beret is in development! She'd rather have you come back without a beret than wonder why you disappeared.