Tour de Fleece - Day 14 Progress

Today has been a very productive spinning day.  I am kinda surprised just how much I got done.

I finished spinning the singles for the Edge of the Universe fiber from Dyeing for Colour.  Beautiful fiber.  All ready to ply.

Then I wound the Bump I Navajo plied into a skein and soaked it.  It is hanging to dry right now.  I am *loving* it so much. Already trying to figure out what it needs to be.  (Currently leaning towards the Afternoon Tea shawl but these things change.)

After that was done, I started on the Bullseye Bump in the Pear Blossom colorway.  With the Loop challenge, I decide to try something different.  I am intentionally spinning it a bit thin & thick.  I am planning on thread plying it and adding seed beads to the thread.  I think it could look amazing.  *crosses fingers*  The fiber is super yummy.

A very productive day.  Now so time for sssslllleeeepppp!

Tour de Fleece Update

Quickie update.

I didn't spin on Saturday.  I was in the car for three hours.  Then I was at a party & by evening, I was so beat it just wasn't happening.  I supposed technically I didn't spin on Friday but Saturday as I was spinning at 1 am.  No, I didn't stay up to spin.  I was working.  Sad as that is...

I have spin:
5 oz Loop Bullseye Bump - Still a single. Hoping to ply it tonight.
2 of 4 oz of the Dyeing for Colour Edge of the Universe 
1/4 oz tops of Cloverleaf Farms Silk - On my spindle so I don't honestly know if I will finish that for the TdF. 


I spun with my spindle some on Friday & Sunday.  That is when I am unable to use my wheel or waiting for something on my computer to finish processing.


I am feeling good about my progress.  Since I took a rest day Saturday, I am thinking I will spin on the rest day tomorrow.  We shall see.


Tons to do, but I wanted to check in.

Tour de Fleece - Day 1

I so should already be in bed.  I am gonna wanna throttle myself in the morning when Little Guy wakes at the crack of dawn.  *sigh*

The Tour de Fleece started today.  I can't really spin with LG in the room.  He will try to put his hands on the wheel.  Luckily, he took a two hour nap so I got to spin for about an hour.  Then I spun in the kitchen while Eldest Munchkin was coloring.  After the littles went to sleep, I did some more spinning as well.  Spun through episodes 2 & 3 of the new Doctor Who episodes.  I love Christopher Eccelson as The Doctor.

I am pretty thrilled with my progress.

So hard to take photos at night and without a good camera.  This is taken with DH's cell phone.  I tweaked it as much as I could to get the colors to come out.  But the pic doesn't do this any justice. 

It is my June custom Bullseye Bump from Loop.  The colorway is Night Bloom.  I really should have taken pics of the Bump before I started spinning.  Though I discovered even more beauty to it as I started spinning it. 

 The first color, the midnight blue is covered by the lovely green and I started on the purple.   The blue is so multidimensional with bits of lighter blue and all.  So yummy.  The green also has bits of blue and other shades.  The purple is lighter than the pic shows but super yummy.  Steph does such amazing work.

Also, it spins like heaven on earth.  Super easy to spin.  It also spins so fine.

Given I have spun 2 and about a quarter of the third color, my guess is that it is about 2 1/4 oz. 

Though an important note to self.  DO NOT WATCH SPINNING VIDEOS WHILE SPINNING!  I really was struggling when I started and I realized I was trying to change my spinning while watching the DVD for The Intentional Spinner.  Bad idea.  I have some fiber that pulled off because the single kept breaking.  Not good.  *sigh*  Ah well.

I did watch my Drafting dvd later while both the kids were wake.  I knit while watching that so it was actually informative instead of troublesome.  It is a really interesting dvd and I think useful.  Though the kids were not quiet and I know there were large portions I missed while they were hollaring for one reason or another.  *laugh*  I will rewatch it some day.

So I am hoping I can spin every day for the Tour de Fleece.  But I am not betting on that.  All I can do is try.  Other than that, no particular goals really.  Just trying to spin often.

Ideally, I would love to spin at least two of my Bullseye Bumps.  The Ravelry team has prizes for different types of yarn.  One category is for ones Navajo plied which is what most people do with the Bumps to keep the lovely color progressions.  One category is for 2 ply or other techniques.  I am thinking I might try thread plying the colorway I got that I think Eldest Munchin will like, but add beads to the thread.  I don't know if I will have the time to do that one.  But who knows.  The last category is using two or more Bumps or two fibers of hers together.  I *really* doubt I can touch that category.  Though I am a bit tempted to attempt EM's colorway plied with the Ultraviolet one my terrific SIL got for me since I couldn't get to Maryland Sheep & Wool.  That could be incredible.  But again, we shall see.

After the Bump, I want to spin some fiber from Dyeing for Color.  It is called Edge of the Universe and it screams Doctor Who to me.  Since one of the teams I am on for the TdF is Team Tardis, it only seems right.  *grin*



Time to get some sleep!   DH gets to sleep in tomorrow.  I got to sleep in today.  I really should have been in bed a couple hours ago at the very least... *yawn*

Lady Mary Rivulets Socks

Project Name:

Lady Mary Rivulets Socks

Think the color is between these images. The ones on the feet are a bit dark but the flat ones are a bit light.  I tried to tweak them, but that is the problem with taking pics at night with a flash!

(I have tried multiple times to place more photos, but it isn't working.  *sigh*  I am giving up.  If you want more pics, check out the Flickr set.)

Cast On:

May 30, 2012

 

Completed:

June 26, 2012

Pattern:

Rivulets Socks by Wendy D. Johnson

http://wendyknits.net/wp-content/uploads/Rivulets-Socks.pdf

Made for:

Me - Size 9 shoe

Needles:

2 socks on two circs (Knitpicks one Harmony, one Options - makes it easy to tell which to use)

US 0 - 2.0 mm

US 1½ - 2.5 mm (went up at the ankle & leg as I have thick ankles & calves)

Yarn:

Storied Yarns Superwash Sock in the Lady Mary's Red Gowns aka Lady Edith's Dinner Used 0.92 skeins = 425.0 yards (have 8 grams left)

Purchased at http://storiedyarns.etsy.com

The gauge on this pattern is definitely off! I am glad I looked at others who made them.

My gauge is 9 sts per inch where the pattern says 8 sts per inch. I worked the largest size and found that with my gauge they were a good fit.

For the toes, I used Judy’s Magic Cast On. For the toe increases, I used Cat Bordhis’ LLink & LRink. Love them for the toe-up socks. Other than that. I am following the pattern. gasp I would have given the pattern 5 stars if not the gauge issue.

I debated a lot what I wanted to do for this yarn. I think this pattern is a lovely pairing. Almost looks a bit like fire with the red. smile

I love that it is a both solid & lacey. The almost zigzag of it really does speak to the qualities of Lady Mary herself. A bit perplexing yet also very lovely. Almost fiery in the design but with that steady subdued nature somehow.grin

I was concern about the yarn pooling, but it looks lovely. The gold & brown formed interesting patterns. I really like it.

I think the foot is a bit short. I knit to 2 1/2” shy of when it said to start the gusset. But it still seems a bit short on the foot. It fits snuggly which I like. Just a bit worried about the toe wearing out though.

I knit the heel flap higher than the pattern said, but that is something I like to do as I wear shoes with a high back & don’t like it wearing out at that spot.

All in all, I am really happy with them. They look good and are comfy.

Had 8 grams left over.  I knit them as high as I wanted.  There is just a good deal of yardage in the skein!

Ravelmpics

My wonderful SIL emailed about the whole Ravelmpics debacle.

Here is the post with the original letter:
http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/for-the-love-of-ravelry/2189293/1-25#1

US Olympic Committee Response:
http://www.teamusa.org/News/2012/June/21/statement-from-usoc-spokesperson-patrick-sandusky.aspx

The Yarn Harlot's Response:
http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2012/06/21/now_that_you_ask.html

Bloomberg News Article (better balanced than I would have expected):
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-06-22/why-the-u-dot-s-dot-olympic-committee-cracked-down-on-a-knitting-group

I finally got around to The Yarn Harlot's post today.  I usually agree with her.  And I think her points are well made.  But they are too nice.  Though I was glad to see her point out that the folks at Ravelry are nice, but they are the altruistic beings that many people want to say they are.  Ravelry has become a business.  And the users really should be more aware of that.

My main issue is the bs response by the USOC after things hit the fan. Come off it.  There is no universe where that is a standard cease & desist letter.  At best, Sandusky is an idiot who didn't read the original C&D letter.  Or at worst a liar who is trying to appease a large group of people who are pissed off about what was said.  Either way, not good.

Also, really?  Send the USOC knit items?!  Why would anyone do that who cares about their knitting?!   *shakes head*

I have to ask, how can the US have a monopoly on the term Olympics?  But we come back to moronic copyright law.  The Olympics as an organization have been around since 1894 when the International Olympic Committee was formed.  So please...  *shakes head*


If the USOC was the picture of altruism they are trying to claim, I would get it.  But they aren't.  Like so much Olympics related, they aren't pure.  So to try to belittle others when your own record isn't so clean...*shrugs*


At their base, they do some very good things.  But not without their own self-interests at heart.  And like so many large organizations, their bureaucracy wants to make more money for itself.  (Same reasons I won't support anything involving the Susan G. Komen nightmare.  *growls*  Good piece about it.  When the buracracy cares more about sustaining itself than doing good, it is time to move along.)


The board for the Ravelympics is having a poll to decide on a new name.  So they are dealing with the issue so the owners of Ravelry don't have to.  Great.  Avoids the legal headaches.  Don't blame them to pull out of a loosing fight.  But it is also a bit frustrating.)

I confess the whole thing has left a bad taste in my mouth.  I know it isn't the athletes fault that this happened.  But it doesn't make me want to watch the games much.  Mind you, given the games are in London, it isn't as if I am going to be watching them live anyhow.  So I was already going to be skipping commercials a good deal. But now I am certain I won't watch them if I don't record them so I make certain to skip the commercials.  (A lot of the On Demand disables fast forward.)

There is also leftover negative feelings about the last summer Olympics.  I am still astounded about the hosting the games in a repressive regime who does not embody the ideals of the Olympics in the slightest.  And then having girls who were clearly of questionable age participating.  It made me sad.  I am hopeful that these games won't have the same feeling.  But it is anyone's guess...  I think I still have a negative feeling over the 2002 ice skating debacle which messed up a lot of the beauty of ice skating with the new judging system.

I don't honestly know how I feel about the Ravelympics as a whole.  I will probably still participate.  I have been looking forward to it.  But honestly, I may just use up my energies on the Tour de Fleece.  That was a strong possibility even before all of this happened.

All I can do is see where I am at when July 27th rolls around. Mind you, the TdF ends July 22nd.  So that is only 5 days apart.  It just may not be enough of a break to focus on something else time consuming.

We will be up in the Adirondacks for the opening ceremony.  There is a chance we will watch them, but even more likely we won't.  (I confess I still find it strange that there is net access up there.  I try to limit my use of it and not plug in.  DH won't miss his morning funnies when we are there.  *laugh*  Mind you, he actually gets to read them while we are there unlike some days at home.)

Of course, the Tour de Fleece relies on my knee deciding to cooperate.  It has been acting up at off times since I fell about a month ago.  It will be fine for days and then suddenly it feels like the knee cap has slid sideways a bit and doesn't want to move right.  Whee... (Of course today is one of those days just to remind me. *grumblegrowl*)

I checked and for 2010, Eldest Munchkin was just four months old.  I worked on Olivia the Swamp Dragon.  I did complete the knitting during the Olympics.  Though the finishing work was done post-Olympics.

I talked myself out of crazy town.  Somewhere in my head I started to consider that I might knit DH sweater *during the yet-to-be-renamed-Ravelympic*.  Luckily, I talked myself out of the crazy in an email to Silvercat.  Of course, that leaves me wondering what I might knit...  Still actually debating trying one of the lovely EZ tribute half-circle shawls.  But we come back to Crazytown!  Maybe socks or a shawlette...  We can see.

If I could resist casting it on, I would go with the Haruni in the Nightfall yarn.  But I really think the minute I finish my socks (which are nearly done - working on the ribbing and they are toe-up), the shawl may be going on my needles.  *smile*  Also thinking the Scylla socks in  Tri'Coterie's self-striping yarn in the Siouxsie need to go on my needles next.  Though I also need to finish my Lady Bianca Socks.  So many choices.  So little time!

Best to get some more work done.  I am behind on things at work due to computer issues.  *sigh*  Ah well.

Yarns & Patterns

Every time I get a new yarn that screams *KNIT ME NOW*, I start the pattern looking.  Today it is the Nightfall in deep purple.  If you know me, you know my thing for dark colors.  Black, purple & reds are my favs.  So finding a yarn that goes from the color of your choice to black...well, you can imagine it screamed my name. *laugh*

There is 490 yards in the skein.  And with it being a single skein, it is definitely shawl material.

Haruni

Ravelry Link:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/haruni

Non-Rav:

Sorry - Rav only http://www.flickr.com/photos/tanisfiberarts/4799432890/ for pic

Example in Nightfall:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Twinkerbell/haruni

This is the leader at the moment.  It is a pattern I have been wanting to do. Though part of me feels like given so many people have used Nightfall with this that I don't want to do it.  18 not counting hibernating or frogged out. But it might also just be that it is a good pairing.  Or morely likely that given there are over 6000 projects...  Wow.  That is a lot!

The sample link with the Nightfall has beads, but only at the end.  So *if* I feel up for them, I could add them at the end.  Or not depending on my mood.  *grin*

A couple people ran out on the edging.  But the beauty of this going to nearly a black is that I can dig up some yarn that can look like the edging without it having to be the same skein. 

Lilah

Ravelry Link:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lilah-shawl

Non-Rav:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss11/KSPATTlilah.php

Example in Nightfall:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Twinkerbell/lilah-shawl

The original large size was made in Nightfall, but it was a limited edition fiber that was a much larger skein than the one I got.  Though the pattern has three sizes and the small is under the yardage I have.  I like the pattern a good deal.

Bitterroot

Ravelry Link:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bitterroot

Non-Rav:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/KSPATTbitterroot.php

Example in Nightfall:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Toumaya/bitterroot

Lovely pattern that is very gorgeous.  Though part of me looks at it and wants the beads that are pictured with it.  Though I think a break from beads is in order. 

Swallowtail Shawl

Ravelry Link:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swallowtail-shawl

Non-Rav:

http://www.evelynclarkdesigns.com/portfolio.html#Swallowtail

Example in Nightfall:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/sljusak/swallowtail-shawl-2

This one has been on my list to do for a long while.  But I don't know if it is shouting the loudest to be done.  Tough call.  *smile*

The funniest part is that all four of these patterns were already in my favorites and two were in my queue.  Though the two in the queue were there from when I was looking at Luxe patterns.  Yet they all have been knit in Nightfall!  *laugh*

Thing is that the all but the Swallowtail would look better with beads.  But I swear I am not getting involved with beads again right now.  Really.  Honest.  *laugh*

Ah.  Gotta add another contender.

Aeolian

Ravelry Link:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aeolian-shawl

Non-Rav:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/KSPATTaeolian.php

Example in Gradient Yarn:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/deianara-crush/aeolian-shawl

Aeolian is still talking to me in a big way.  I was leaning heavily towards this for the Luxe gradient from Unique Sheep.  But I decided against it in the end.  I keep wondering about this one...  But it comes back to the beads.  Would it be as lovely without them?  Hmmm.  I think I am trying to convince myself that it wouldn't look half as good without the beads.  And more yardage would be nice, right...  *laugh*

There are others I considered.

Autumn in Vincennes (rav link) is lovely, but it seems to be calling me to use some handspun.  It can take a yarn with some variation so it would be better for that.  So maybe I will knit it with something I spin for the Tour de Fleece.

Citron and Afternoon Tea are also saying handspun to me. Love the semi-circle shapes.  They both look like easy knits too.

Wings of Peace (rav link) has been saying knit me.  But the yardage it requires is too much.  I could cut it shorter but I don't really want to.   

The Stora Dimun Shawl (rav link but pattern in Folk Shawls) is beautiful but needs more yardage I think.  Though I finally added that to my queue for some day as I really like it.   Again, I think this could stand up to a nice handspun, though given the yardage, it is more likely to be a Knit Picks yarn!

Looking at shawl patterns also got me wanting to take on one of the EZ 100th Anniversary Half-Circle shawls by Mwaa Knit (rav).  There are three on Ravelry that are beautiful.  Though we come back to yardage & they *definitely* need a very plain yarn. 

Enough browsing.  Of course, I may decide to try and tackle this for the Ravelmpics.  I am not sure yet.  Decisions decisions!

2012 Goals Update

(I started this three weeks ago and then managed to forget about it.  *sigh*  It has been so busy it is crazy...)

Time to access my 2012 goals.  I will cross post this to my personal journal as well as I posted the original on both.

- Spend time with friends or have some solo time without DH & the kids
I am happy that I have gotten to have lunch with a friend.  I am staying hopeful again happen soon.  *crosses fingers*  Still need to focus on this more.

- Complete at least one pair of socks
Done!  I should post pics and do the write up on the blog.  But I haven't.  Here is the Ravelry link.

- Put buttons on at least half of my WIPs with missing buttons
Four are done.  So yes.  Half are done.  But honestly, I really need to finish the rest.  Though I still haven't found buttons for one.  Another doesn't fit Eldest Munchkin anymore.  And I am not sure it will fit Little Guy.  I need to check.  The other is that embarrassing one that is missing *a single button* since 2008. 

Here is the 2011 WIPs list and status:

Done -
Simple Shrug for 18" Doll - Button added / done
Shrug for DD - Button added / done
Aviatrix Hat for Ella - Button added / done 
Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges - Button added / done 

Still in Progress but Some Progress Made -
Crest of the Wave Scarf - Missing some beads - added about 1/4 to 1/3rd of them.  Taking longer than expected
Flora Dress - 90% done

For the Flora dress, I am ever so close.  *sigh*  I had 3 of the 4 straps done.  Was cranking along on the last one.  And bam.  Ran out of yarn.  *grumblegrowl*  So it either requires that I shorten the other by at least 2" each which also means reknitting the ends as they have the pattern on them.  Or just giving up and finding matching ribbon for straps instead (which is what the pattern actually calls for).

Suri Bias Scarf - 60% done (though could end any time really)

The Suri isn't any hurry as it is an Xmas present that is actually long enough that I could just end it where it is.  It is very mindless knitting but the yarn is a pain in the tush.  It is fluffy with a thread to bind it.  So if you don't catch the thread, it can be very bad.  I did a few rows recently after getting annoyed with the Flora Dress.  Didn't last long.  I am tempted to just say it is done and bind it off as I really am not a fan of the yarn.

Untouched -
Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor - Missing buttons 
Simple Cardi for Bella Ella - Missing buttons
Mary Janes for DD Daughter - 30% done Maeve Socks - 55% done
Beaded Evening Bag/Purse - Missing button since 2008.

The Beaded Bag has been in limbo for way too long.  Problem is I finally figured out the perfect button for it.  And of course now I can't find it!!  *groan*  I really tried as I was seeing the recipient in March.  I really wish I could figure out where they are!!
 - Have at least three dates with my DH
We got out for a late lunch for our anniversary. So that is progress.  Woohoo.  Definitely nice spending time with him.  And we discovered an amazing beer bar in Jersey City!  So a big win.

I am thinking when summer Fridays come back that we should take at least one to go there and have a late lunch again.

- Spin
I have spun!  Woohoo!  And super thrilled about it.  I am about 80% done with spinning a 5+ oz Bullseye Bump from the Loop.

I am super sad I missed them at Maryland Sheep & Wool as I wanted to meet the woman who creates these amazing batts.  But due to some people being sick, that didn't happen.  But my amazing SIL actually waited on line to get me a Bullseye Bump.  Too wonderful!

- Get back to some activity
Nope.  That simple.  Haven't been good about it.  I feel happy that I actually walked from my doctor's office to my office once.  If I could manage to get out of the house in time in the mornings, I could walk from the house to the train station.  It is almost a mile.  I think I have done that 2-3 times since the new year at most.  *sigh* 

Almost three weeks ago I decided I was late anyhow, so the walk would do me good.  And guess what?  I tripped!  Fell and bruised a rib.  Two weeks of really nasty pain but it is finally getting better.  Hoping to be able to spin again this weekend.  But that was also put on hold since the fall.

- Knit Sweaters for the Family (added after the original post)
The plan is to knit for DH, the two kids & Eldest Munchkin's 18" doll.  Made a vest for Little Guy.  Love it and happy the weather dropped a bit so he could wear it a couple more times.  Started a sweater for EM which is about 30-40% done.  Looks cute.  I am making it big so she can wear it next winter.  Of course, if I were a smarter human, I would have done the doll one first as they are matching.  *laugh*  But I wanted to start EM's first.

I know DH will be last.  That is kinda the plan.  I need to find a pattern for it.  He is pretty good about things.  But I know he doesn't want anything too crazy.  The yarn is a heathered grey yarn (Lion Brand Wool-Ease Sportweight).  It is a superwash wool/acrylic blend.  I suspect it will be a pullover as he likes them. 

So there is progress.

Chic-a Yarn Keeper & More about Mojo

I am not big on knitting accessories.  But every now and then, something catches my eye and I don't resist.  I picked up the Chic-a Double Yarn Keeper.  I really don't know why I decided to spend the money, but I am oooohhh so glad I did.  I adore it!

Its design is actually pretty simple.  A plastic fabric bag with two metal grommets in the top for you to loop the yarn through. The top is see through plastic so you can see the yarn inside.   It has a zipper so you can open it.  Pretty simple.

But for knitting two socks on two circs, it is amazing!!  I am currently knitting socks with strung beads.  That can be a major nightmare.  Between two balls of yarn to tangle and the beads catching the yarn or the strung beads snaking out and about.  But it is so simple with this.  It keeps the yarn neat.  It also makes it very portable.

I confess I am looking to buy another one when I get paid as I want to put a second pair of socks on my needles.  I have to fiddle with the yarn because of the beads.  However, without beads, this would change my knitting completely.  No more tangled yarn balls.  No more spending time untwisting the yarn.  I adore it. 

My only wish is that they had a divider between the two compartments.  I think this would be an excellent idea for when you are tossing it into a bag to travel with it.  The bags would be fixed into a compartment no matter how much they got tossed around.  But it is a minor complaint.  I adore it.

On the last post about mojo, I took something my MIL told me and reworked it.  I decided that I should just focus on getting the dress done before I allowed myself to cast on anything else.  And that plan was rocking.  I got the body of the dress done.  Hooray. 

I decided to add knit straps rather than trying to find a matching ribbon.  Going great.  Three of the four straps, done.  In the home stretch...  Then 6 out or 12 inches into the final strap, I ran out of yarn!!  *sigh*

So either I rip back at least 2-2 1/1" on each of the other three straps or I just take off the straps completely. Or something else I haven't thought of.  I was so pleased with myself.  And then to have the yarn fail me.  *pout*  I am cranky! 

I confess that part of me feels like I did my job so I can cast something on.  *laugh*  But instead I just focused on the previously mentioned socks.  They were only *just* cast on.  I had cast on one sock & only half the stitches on the second!  That is it.  I was cranking along on them this weekend.  I have two repeats done.  I think I am going for at least four repeats but maybe five.  Depends on how many beads it takes as I strung all the beads I have for this project.  So if I can do five, I will.  If not, I will stop with four.

Mind you, the pattern says two repeats before beginning the foot.  I feel like either a) the author likes shorter socks than I do or b) my row gauge is radically different.  I kinda think b when I look at the patternpicture.  I think part may be that there is a row across the ankle without beads.  We shall see.  Heaven knows I might bead those. But again, we will see how long it is and how many beads I have left.

Gotta run.  I wrote this in the morning...but didn't have time to finish it.  If I don't post it now, who knows if I ever will these days!

How Do You Get Knitting Mojo Back?

Anyone have great suggestions on ways to get your knitting mojo back on a project after it has lost some of its luster? 

I started a dress for the Eldest Munchkin while I was up in the Adirondacks almost two years ago.  I made it big figuring she could wear it the following summer.  I lost track of it in the disaster that is the craft/guest room.  But when we cleaned it up for company, I found it again. 

I checked about a month ago and to my amazement, it will fit still fit EM.  But I just haven't felt compelled to knit on it.  I look at it and think it would look really cute on her.  Yet when I think about picking it up and feel blah. 

Thing is, if I do not finish it soon, it should just be frogged.  But it is a simple super pattern.  There really isn't any reason I shouldn't finish it pretty quickly if I just work on it.  It is an aran weight yarn and the skirt is pretty simple.  The top section/tube is done and about 2-3" of the skirt.

I am trying to figure out how to pull myself away from all the stuff I want to do now, rather than later.  I am not sure how to get that mojo back.  But EM would look adorable in it.  Maybe I simply need to move it out with the active projects.  It is currently in the craft room which isn't good given it has reverted to the bad stage...  *sigh* 

There are so many sirens calling me that I am getting a headache.  *laugh*  The Tri'Coterie Sock BFL SW Self-striping yarn in the Siouxie colorway is singing out to become a pair of Scylla socks.     There is a KAL for the Isabelle shawlette.  But I guess I should count my blessings that the Tri'Coterie Sock Silk in the Black Pearl colorway hasn't arrived yet so I can't start it. 

I have a Bullseye Bump on my wheel that is begging to be yarn for something fun for EM.  And another Bump that is screaming to get on the wheel too.  I keep beating it back, telling it not til its cousin is off the wheel.  They are both from Loop, but they definitely feel more like cousins than siblings.  The one on the wheel now has glittery bits, lumps of sari silk and loads of bumpiness.  Bright colors with "Merino, corriedale, nylon, bamboo, tussah silk, recycled sari silk, and Angelina."  The other is smooth and lovely dark sweetness with merino, corriedale, bamboo & tussah silk.  Cousins or teenage sisters who want to be dramatically different from one another.  *laugh*

Mind you, I am chugging away on the Shawl for Queen Catherine in the Unique Sheep Luxe in the Tudor gradient colorway.  It is looking so beautiful.  I have been pretty monogamous with it as I really would love to get that done for Maryland Sheep & Wool.  *crosses fingers*  Though admittedly I am only about half way there.  I have knit up the first three of six of the gradient colors. 

Back to work for me!

Why I Love the Yarn Harlot...

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2012/04/11/my_inner_knitter.html

Wow.  That is soooo me lately!  I want to be doing anything but work and have piles of it.  I want to go crazy with yarn purchases I really shouldn't make. 

Yep.  That is sooo me.  (The best pic I can find that I have of my goth days...and this was outdoors in Belgium.  So certainly not a my full gothdom.  I need to scan some of those.  Though there are actually some on Facebook of all place.  This one is particularly fitting...a cemetery at night...  *laugh*)

Mind you, I really was there in the black clothes and all.  Though listen to actual goth music not some wannabes.  (I had to look up Fall Out Boy as I had never heard of them... *laugh*)

Definitely makes me happy to know I am so not alone on having that inner voice of a teenager when it comes to knitting.