Finally a little progress!

I pinned down what I've got so far to motivate me to get through this project. It's so simple yet will look so elegant in the end. I can't wait to finish and block her out and, of course, give it to Rebecca! Another motivation for finishing is that I'll let myself start a light summer cardi for myself...I'm soooo self-centered sometimes.

So, I have to say, KnitPicks has fabulous customer service! I've already received the Harmony needle replacements!

Not so much knitting...
I don't know what it is. I think about knitting, read about knitting, listen to knitting podcasts but I'm just unable to get myself to sit down and actually do some knitting. I've made some progress on Rebecca's wedding stole, Wisp, but I'm not near done. Though I don't imagine that it's take very long to finish-- I'm about 1/3 of the way through the pattern. It's hard for me to get a lot done in a sitting because me KnitPicks Harmony needle has a split in the wood that keeps snaggin my yarn. It's driving me crazy, but the nice people at KnitPicks are sending me a replacement free of charge-- can't wait for it to arrive.

I've got several projects on the needles (see progress bars) but I'm just not motivated. I want more and different. I'm obsessed with the idea of a cotton summer cardi. No particular pattern in mind just a simple cardi. That's all I keep dreaming about casting on. I just can't get it out of my head. Maybe when I finish Wisp, I'll let myself seriously consider it.

Remember that I bitched a few weeks ago about not getting the tee I wanted from the Ravelry store? They were sold out and I was bitter? I knew that would jog your memory! Well, I decided to but a tee anyway in a 2XL and tailor it to fit me. I've reconstructed tee shirts in the past so I'm confident that I can do it. Me and my sewing machine need to get better aquainted these days anyway so this should be a fun and easy project. If you have any tried and true reconstruction ideas send them my way-- it's been awhile. I'll post pics whenever I finish-- as of now I haven't even received the tee in the mail yet so it might be some time before the FO appears here.

I've also been trying my hands at urban gardening again this year. Not only am I growing herbs (parsley, oregano, basil, & dill) but I'm also growing tomatoes. I'm growing heirlooms and sugarsun cherry tomatoes (the orange ones). Both plants are flourishing. I can't wait to make Caprese salad from my own tomatoes and basil!

Change of Heart
So, Icarus--RIP. Not only have you completely bored me into stockinette hell, but the more I think about it the more I feel that you just aren't the right choice for Bec's wedding shawl. You're too solid throughout most of the body (being in stockinette) and maybe just a little too much for her gown. So, I've decided to go with Wisp, who is simpler and can be worn more like a wrap rather than a shawl in the August heat. I promise not to frog you, for maybe I will come back to you at some later date. I still think that you're beautiful. Please forgive me.

Wisp, you are working up rather quickly but I do hope that you grow with blocking-- I'd hate to have to abandon yet another project. I've never blocked lace but I've heard that it is very gratifying. Don't let me down.

Hot, Hot Summer in the City

We had two days (today will be three) of temperatures over 90 here in Boston! Hot an humid do not make for a happy girl. Leaving the house was dreadful. We don't have AC, but the house was actually cooler than it was outside as long as our windows stayed closed and the fan was going. Sat evening, when I couldn't wait for Jorge anymore, I installed the one AC unit that I have in the bedroom by myself. It's was ridiculously heavy but it was my saving grace-- that I got to sleep in a cool room.

On Saturday morning, I finished my 2nd Everlasting Bagstopper. I made I-cord handles instead of ribbon handles. I used a combination of Lion Brand Lion Cotton and Sugar and Cream Cotton. I even used it on Saturday when I went grocery shopping.

I also received my prize from Marly of the Yarnthing Podcast. The new Yarn Harlot book, Things I Learned from Knitting...whether I meant to or not.

Thank you to Marly for the book-- can't wait to read it!

Ravelry took the joy out of Knitting!

Ok, ok, that's not exactly true. It just enhances my ability to procrastinate by sitting for hours upon hours on the computer looking at knitting rather than actually knitting. I heart Ravelry...even if I was out of town and away from the internets when the Ravelry store went up. This means that by the time I logged in everything that I could possibly want had already been sold out. Meanwhile I'm reading posts from other Ravelers boasting about how many T's they snagged before the store sold out in 5 minutes flat. Greedy much!? I'm just bitter.

Here's the progress on my market bag:
I love the color and how easy and quickly it's knitting up. Maybe this project will help me out of my no knitting funk. Plus, I do like to bring my own shopping bags to the grocery store and Haymarket these days.

While I was away missing out on all of the swag in the Ravelry store which is now sold out (still bitter), I got this beaut:
It's a Day of the Dead Skull, also known as a sugar skull. I've always been totally fascinated with them-- I think that they're beautiful! So this is Miss Dee of Great Southern Tattoo Co.'s rendition of El Dia de los Muertos' sugar skull. I think that she did a great job. P.S. It's just above my Achilles tendon on the back of my ankle. Wait until my mothers sees this one....

Maybe I'll be wearing pants while I'm visiting in a couple of weeks.

Startitis with a touch of the blahs

So I can cast on but that seems to be almost as far as I can force myself to get. I just don't know what's keeping me back, but nothing seems to keep my interest lately. I'm totally having doubts about being able to get through the Icarus shawl. I'm irritated by the strap construction of Fad Classic. The Puff Sleeve Cardi-- ha, what puff sleeve cardi!?

I even cast on for Orangina which has been in my Ravelry queue since last Spring with the yarn I purchased for it around the same time. Now all I can seem to think about is knitting more market bags (I'm suddenly super into reusable shopping bags which I think is a good obsession). What's a girl to do?

Apparently, buy more cotton yarn!
On to the Market bags....I guess.

To be continued...

Thought that I lost my crafting mojo...

Turns out I'm just anemic. I've been so tired lately. I finally saw my PA last week. She did a ton of bloodwork, scared me into thinking that maybe I was preggo, and told me to wait a couple of days for the results. Luckily, I manage the medical practice where I get my care...I looked up my own results the minute they were available. So I need more iron in my diet and possibly supplements (which I'm avoiding because they hurt my tummy-- which you you rather be tired or in pain? It's a toss up).

The fatigue has drastically affected my knitting production. I've barely touched Rebecca's Icarus Shawl in the last couple of weeks. I've started Fad Classic but am not in the mood. And the desire to work on the Puff Sleeve Feminine Cardi has come and gone. I need some energy and some motivation. Here's my pathetic attempt at progress:

Since I haven't felt like knitting, I've read a few books. One of great notice is The Kite Runner. It was beautifully written and an amazing story of life. I loved the author's, Khaled Hosseini, style so much that I just started his second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns. So far, I'm interested but I literally just started it--so it's more like a "TBD".

Well, you guessed it, I'm tired. I'm going to go rest and maybe read a little if I can get through the guilt of not wanting to knit.

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!