Thank God for Patriots Day!

Here in New England, actually just the Boston area, we "celebrate" Patriot's Day. It's the 3rd Monday of April and the same day that the Boston Marathon is held sometimes earning this holiday it's other name-- Marathon Monday. Anyways, I like it. We're off from work. This is mostly because you cannot easily get around the city by car due to the marathon route blocking the southwest and northwest part of the city from each other. Fine by me. So I was productive yesterday-- I knit button bands and baked!

I finally steeked my Wicked Cardi that I started back in January! I totally procrastinated on this one. Who wants to cut their precious knitting in half??? It was really scary but I had to do it and finish that damn project. I almost never take this long to finish a project unless I don't actually plan on finishing it and just wanna toss it into the UFO pile in my closet.

But I did want to see the end result of this one. Also, I want to wear it before it gets too hot to do so. Out of the blue, I was suddenly motivated to make that cut down the center of my pull-over. I took out the sewing machine and sewed along the crochet chains that I had crochet last week and then just cut the fucker open. It wasn't that bad. I only got one gray hair from the experience. Here's what it looked like on Saturday afternoon in my dining room where I was working...
Then last night, as I'm sewing the buttons onto the button band, I decided that it was time to make those Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Cookies that I found a recipe for. They were super easy and turned out to be pretty decent. Maybe I'm getting over my baking slump. I just have to remember that baking is more of a science than cooking can be. Exact measurements are very important. I guess I can't use my cooking method of "a little of this, a little of that". Here's my baking process from last night...
Yum, those were good fresh out of the oven!!!!

In the beginning...

The wedding isn't until the end of August of this year, but I've started the Rebecca's Icarus Wedding Shawl this week. I figured that I'd start early just in case I run into any snags along the way. After all, it is my first big lace project.

So far, I'm only 16 rows in. I'm not a big fan of charts but at least it's easy to memorize at this point of the pattern. It's just really slow going. I wonder if I'll pick up some speed as I get more used to knitting lace on such a grand scale.

In other knitting-related news, since I'm on a self-inflicted yarn diet I've decided to purchase these to make me feel better! They'll be here next week!!! I've wanted them for awhile but couldn't justify the purchase when I already own a Denise set and a companion set. I still can't justify it but I was dying to buy something for my knitting obsession!

Ok, that might be it for now. Hopefully I work up the courage to steek my Wicked Cardi this weekend. The button band are done and waiting to be seamed on. We'll see.

Please don't tell...

Even though I have tons (literally!) of yarn, I do not have much lace weight. Actually, I do not have any in my stash to be more precise. The reason that I bring up lace weight yarn is that I'm planning my first big lace project: Icarus for my best friend's wedding at the end of the summer. I've never attempted a lace project on this scale before and am more than a bit nervous to take this on.

So....

I had to buy yarn for this project. I know....I said that I wouldn't be purchasing yarn until I was through my stash in one way or another, but this is a special circumstance. I purchased 4 hanks of Knitpicks Gloss Lace Yarn in Natural for Rebecca's wedding shawl. And then I purchased 4 hanks of Sterling for myself. I know-- it was unnecessary to purchase yarn for myself. I just figured that it would go nicely with my navy gown and silver accessories.

Please don't tell on me. I'm bad...

Stash-- my dirty little secret

When I buy yarn and know that I shouldn't (for a plethora of reasons) I tend to hide it. Yes, I hide it: in the bottom of my bedroom closet, in boxes in my storage closet, on top shelves out of sight. Why do I do this?

Is it guilt and if so why do I feel guilty for purchasing some measly fiber? It's not like I'm buying drugs from high schoolers or taking home hookers but it feels just as dirty. I buy yarn, mostly when on sale, with vague intentions of what it will grow up to be, and then I move on to something totally different. I finish whatever project du jour I've got on the needles and then buy more yarn for multiple other phantom projects that may or may not come to be.

I'm also a big fan of buying a sweater's worth of yarn. Anything less is just not enough for me. So I possess tons of "sweaters" that I feel the need to hide in various closets and storage spots throughout my apartment.

Buying, stashing, hording makes me feel guilty because I know that it's not necessary. I know that I should buy enough fiber for a predetermined project or two and, when they are complete, I can go back and do it again. I don't have to stock my apartment with tons of yarn in order to live/knit. So I decided to face my demons and come clean!

I took all of my yarn out (in plain sight) and asked for help. Help carrying it all to the living room, help sorting it, help organizing it. I also need help photographing and cataloging my collection in order to load up my Ravelry "stash" in hopes of possibly destashing in the near future (we'll see if I can handle that emotionally....TBD).

It feel good to come clean. The truth is out. I don't have to hold onto my dirty little secret alone any more. Though it's been recommended that I do not buy another bit of fiber until I've either used or sold what I already have. But what he doesn't know won't hurt him...

Knitting? What's that???
Haven't knit in awhile-- just haven't been motivated, I guess. I whipped up a scarf for myself but that's about all I've done in the last 3 weeks.

I've thought about knitting but I just don't know what's next right now. Maybe I'll go back to the Puff-Sleeved Cardi. Or maybe I'll crank out a Fad Classic. Or should I finish off the button bands for my steeked Wicked Cardi, which is still warming my lovely dress-form? I need some direction.

I just finished The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. It was really well written. Jacobs did a fine job portraying the strengths women possess and the comradery that developed between them. I loved that it took place in NYC, being a NY girl myself. Though if you have no knowledge of knitting you may miss the metaphor.

Ok, I'm off to make my grocery list...the fun never ends (I also just finished the laundry-- please don't be jealous). Hope you all are enjoying the early days of spring and are more motivated than I've been.

What a great way to start the day....

I started my day/ended my night on a red-eye from San Fran (this particular leg was from Las Vegas) to Boston. I didn't get an ounce of sleep thanks to a bratty, shouting, crying child. Don't people have any consideration...who takes a child on a midnight flight out of Vegas? People like to sleep on red-eye flights-- obviously a screaming, un-parented child is going to prevent that from happening. So now I'm in my 37th our of wakefullness and I'm to the point of being so overtired that I can't sleep. A couple of ativans before bed ought to do the trick.

And, yes, my California trip was chock full of fun. We'll see how my return to reality goes tomorrow. Now onto knitting content.

I had a pretty productive trip knitting-wise. I actually finished my Tree Jacket which was long over due! It turned out okay. Like many others, the sleeves are much too big but then again it's supposed to be a loose-fitting sweater. I like it alright. It came in handy while I was in San Francisco-- it was pretty chilly there during our stay. Picturess to come.

This is an exhibit showing that several Alcatraz inmates learned to knit to pass the time. These men had real balls-- pun intended!

I also started and finished two baby hats for a couple of people that I work with. One's tiny, for a preemie and one is maybe 0-3 months size. There's nothing better that coming back from a vacation with presents ;-)

Can you tell that I have no new knitting content....

What Michele Means

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

I Guess I'm Still A New Yorker!

You Are 20% Massachusetts

You Yankees loving homo! You probably think Starbucks coffee tastes better than Dunkin Donuts.

How Massachusetts Are You?

Progress, Planning & Pizza

This past weekend was chock full o' things that had to be done. Friday night we booked our final hotel in San Fran for our upcoming California trip and did a little more planning. During the week I made folders for all three cities and labeled them with the city & dates we'd be there. Every document (hotel confirmations, direction to and from the airport and any attractions that we plan on driving to, car reservations, our itineraries, etc) was labeled and placed inside the folder. I also made up a Flight Folder for all of our flight documentation to and from California and from LA to San Fran. It pays to be organized especially when you're trying to cram a million things into one week's time!
On Saturday we went to Target to pick up somethings for the trip and for the house. We got those cute little travel size toiletries that fit nicely into our carry-on bags and, of course, Jorge got T-shirts. It wouldn't be a trip to Target if he didn't even though his bureau drawers are practically busting at the seams with T's. I guess you can never have enough! I got a bathing suit with a really retro 1920's feel. Makes me feel like I should wear red lipstick and pin-curls when I wear it! (pic from Target.com)
I also picked up a pizza stone. I've been on a homemade pizza kick these days so naturally I had to have a pizza stone. My pizza turned out great. The crust wast perfect. Thin and crispy just like at home in NY.
And, of course, some knitting progress. I'm on the second sleeve. Too busy to finish this weekend unfortunately. Hopefully this week!?

Progress & Cookies-- a pic only post!

Man, Where've I been!?

I feel like I've been away for a long time. I haven't been knitting as much as I'd like to. My dad was in town this past weekend and my sister the weekend before and I've just had much too much to do over the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping to reclaim a little normalcy around here and get my knitting groove back!

The last few weeks haven't been a complete and total loss. I got a little knitting done on my wicked cardi. I'd say I'm about 40% done at this point. I'd really like to have it completed by next week. I'd love to take it to California with my in March. I can picture myself wearing it while touring a winery in Napa. I think that it's just the color ;-)

Recently I place a Knit Picks order and bought even more yarn. I finally bought Shine Worsted in Grass for Fad Classic because there was a fantastic sale that I just couldn't resist. I also purchased Wool of the Andes in a lovely heathered red color. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with this yarn but the color is lovely and it was so damn cheap for really nice quality fiber! I clearly have a problem with buying yarn with no particular use in mind. I need to stay away from Knit Picks...they are just too good to be true. Somebody stop me!

Wicked Cardi
I have really wanted to made a modified Wicked for awhile-- ever since I saw Flintknits' version-- which I totally fell in love with! So for my Spring Ahead KAL I've started on Ravelry, I plan to do just that!

I cast on figuring that it's a pretty easy knit which I really think it is. I CO and then promptly found a way of fucking the easy-peasy pattern up....twice. I guess third time's a charm because it finally seems to be working out-- not that I've gotten very far.

I hope that the rest of this project doesn't give me as hard a time.

Ravelry KAL!


So I decided to create and host the Spring Ahead KAL on Ravelry. Last week I was really in the mood for Spring to hurry it's ass up and get here (damn it!) so, hence, the KAL was born. I'd love anyone and everyone on Ravelry to join if they'd like so click on the link or the banner above and join my group!

Don't forget to vote every 24 hours!!!

Thanks for all of your support!!! I love you guys!

Voting...

Apparently, according to the Knit Girls site owner, the rules for voting is 1 vote per day (from an IP address). Who knew!? If you haven't voted to day, click here.
Thanks!!!

February Knit Girl-- Small Polling Snafu

If you cast you vote this afternoon it may not have been counted because it was off line for a bit while the nice lady who runs the site was working on it. I don't believe that there was any sort of message or error thrown when you clicked submit. You may just have to go back and resubmit. I will check and see if I can find out the exact time so it's all fair.

Click here

February Knit Girl-- Vote For Me!!!!


You may have noticed that cute little button to the right of my posts! Please go click on it and vote for me for February Knit Girl!!!! Purty please!?!? Thankyouplease!

Love,
Michele

"Downtown, Everything's Waiting for Yo-ou... downtown"

Yes, jury duty has been a PIA but the benefits have also been great. No, I'm not talking about being given the opportunity to perform my civil obligation of serving on a jury. I'm talking about actually taking a lunch break (as opposed to scarfing down a balance bar at my desk while I work) and getting to browse through stores that I'd otherwise have to wait for the weekend and a specific T ride downtown for. Everyday I've been able to grab some soup for lunch (my fav on a chilly day!) and leisurely browse through H&M and Windsor Button without any specific task in mind. It's been fabulous. And, yes, costly. Here are some of my finds...yes, only some.


Not to mention the adorable shoes I picked up at Payless, yes I said Payless. These are too adorable to have been at Payless but what a score!


In knitting, I finished Jorge's fingerless mitts and the pink fingerless mitts I was making for myself but have decided to give to Rebecca. I already cast on for another pair which will be for me!

Small Updates

On Sunday, during the fourteenth hour of watching football, I finished knitting the fingerless mitts that I was working on but am yet to work the duplicate stitching that I've planned. This is partly due to procrastination and partly due to my drawing up shitty charts on graph paper.

I finished sewing on Kristin's Juliet's buttons but still need to get it in the mail to her. Unfortunately, I had jury duty yesterday and then got selected to serve on a jury so it's been hard to find time to get my ass over to the post office.

Though I have sad some time, when we're not in the courtroom, to get a little knitting in! I finished the first sleeve of my Tree Jacket. I turned out HUGE. I followed the pattern but still it's kinda big. Not sure if I should frog it and re-knit or deal with it. I better decide so I can move onto the second sleeve.


Being downtown at the courthouse has definitely disrupted my daily routine but it has it's perks. Yesterday I got to stop by Windsor Button on my way home and pick up a couple skeins of Brown Sheep's Lamb's Pride Worsted in two lovely variegated shades. One's a lovely mix of pinks and the other is rich teals. Both are gorgeous. I've already started knitting with the pink-- a pair of fingerless mitts for me!

This week in Knitting

I finished and sent off my Dad's mittens. He received them yesterday just in time for 50 degree weather. Tomorrow's supposed to be quite chilly so he'll get to put them to good use then.

After finishing the mittens I finally put the finishing touches on that baby hat. Since the bay has now been home for one week I figured that it'd be nice to finally give it to the mommies.

Then a new project was started last night: fingerless gloves for Jorge. I'm very loosely following a pattern I found on Ravelry. I've modified it so much that I'm considering writing my own pattern up in case anyone's interested. The plan is to use the duplicate stitch technique to make an anchor in white on the top of the mitt, an idea I stole from my friend Carolyn. I've never duplicate stitched before-- hope it's not too hard.

And, finally, I got the perfect buttons for my sister's Juliet yesterday at Windsor Button! I'm so glad-- I feel like I've been looking forever though it's only been 1 week! I think that they are a perfect match. Hope they're fun enough for Kristin.

2008, so far

So far...I mostly finished my sister's Juliet. Still on the hunt for the perfect "glitzy" buttons per Kristin's request. I picked up a few neat silver-tones buttons at A Good Yarn but I'm just not satisfied with them. One of my favorite yarn shops but not the best button selection if you're looking for something truly out of the ordinary. I think that I'll try to hit up Windsor Button sometime this week or next weekend.

Speaking of family knitting, my dad brought it to my attention that I've never knit a stitch for him. So I asked him what he wanted. He wanted mittens. I find this slightly amusing that a grown man, such as my father, wants a pair of mittens. Not a pair of gloves or even fingerless gloves, but mittens. Ok-- can do. I've finished 1 mitten and the cuff of the second so far. They're an easy knit and actually my first pair of mittens. I'm knitting them in this yarn I bought years ago from Circles Knitting Salon (when it was still here in JP). It's a really lovely worsted-weight super-wash wool. The color way is a nice variegated earthy green.

I haven't touched my Tree Jacket in quite some time. I really should work on it but.....sleeves.... They are really dreadful. Especially these sleeves which are garter stitch in the round. Now can you see what I mean by dreadful?

I still have to finish a baby hat for my exec director at work and make two more for a doc and one of my staff members. Seems like everyone is popping out kids about now....yuck.

Well, even though I'm not a fan of babies, I still find their clothing adorable...I'm not totally heartless. Well, at least not for that reason...