Day Ten, almost done with the back.

Work gets in the way of my knitting.

Not lying, it is true. But without work there would be no knitting. Must keep my priorities in line here, people! Serious work has been completed during my commute and while my computer is thinking.

When I packed up my bag to come to work I packed up my knitting thinking that I would only have time to finish the second row of horses if I was lucky. So I only brought the colors to do so. I am headed down to Olympia, Washington for a concert (yeah, far travels for a school night) so my bus commute would be only one way, cut in half. Well I did not anticipate that my computer would be slow and the IT guy would walk into my cube and disconnect my network for funs. As you do. So long story short, I finished the horsies and had to stop.

Progress Day Seven: Stunted by my inability to predict the future.

Sweater progress, Day 5

This picture was taken at the end of day 5. My hands are starting to hurt. Mer.

Progress on Sweater-Jacket

So I have started taking pictures of my progress on my sweater and uploaded it to my Flickr account.

Day Three: Horses Complete

Day Four: Still working on back panel. Almost have the first repeat finished.

Now I am not sure about the colors that I chose. The grey is a little bit too dark and it is hiding the details of the other colors of the sweater. Sad but I really can't do anything about it right now. I have also learned that I really don't like working with more than two colors at once. Takes me forever and the yarn gets tangled up.

Even with these minor shortcomings I really like how it is turning out. I am still excited to be working on it and I really want to get it done so I can wear it around!

Ambitious Sweater

Off I go starting an overly ambitious project. Standard. A few months back I stumbled upon a Japanese fashion magazine to get inspiration of new styles. I saw is really sweet, chunky western-inspired sleeveless sweater. I loved it and knew that was something I would like to make. I searched and searched for a pattern that would make what I wanted with no such luck.

My friend Annie and I went to a yarn shop to get some supplies that she needed for a pattern. I went because I love yarn and projects and I was in the car. As she went to get stuff she needed for her project and I bummed around in the store. They had an array of Debbie Bliss pattern magazines. I found one called "Land Girl" which each pattern was inspired by 1940's designs. Flipping through the book I found what I have been pining for: a sleeveless sweater with a western motif! It is called the "Sleeveless Jacket" , it is a fair isle pattern and has horses on it! I didn't buy the book and the yarn right away. I slept on it talking with Annie and Brooke about the pros and cons. The pattern calls for a lot of yarn and I really wanted to start saving some money. I searched for yarn alternatives and found they had a 100% wool yarn at the store that was a few dollars cheaper than the one that was called for in the book. The enjoyment that I get out of knitting overcame my hesitations and I got the book and most of the yarn (I didn't buy it all at once because I am looking to spread out the cost over a few months).

I started the sweater last night and I am about two inches in on the back now. I hope that I don't get burnt out with the project and never finish it. This is one of the things that I am learning to overcome. I think my excitement of having a really sweet sweater will overcome my inhibitions. Fingers crossed.

The plague of 2011 and a new skirt

I am still recovering from what I would like to call the plague of 2011. It took me a full week with this flu, no joke. I got it on Saturday night and I was in bed for the duration of Sunday, Monday and most of Tuesday. The only thing that got me up was knowing I needed fluids. I was ready to tie a small rescue satchel around Catface's neck and make her go on a Lassie mission. Luckily I survived but my head is still congested and ears are plugged up. I was able to be a little sociable this weekend but I still feel like I am not ready to hit the pool and do some swimming. Joy.

I did have the chance to make a wool knit pencil skirt. It's green and black herringbone and it turned out quite nice.

Marimos!

I have a new plant in my life. They are marimos or ball seaweed. They are an aquatic plant that grows in Iceland, Japan, and other places around the world. They are really, really neat. I am going to bring them to work because Catface likes to drink out of it. Pictures!

Hiatus

So right now I am burnt out of making things right now. My creativity ebbs and flows. I am on a reading kick though. Want to start a book club? Well you can read along:

Currently digesting:

• "Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities and Our Health-and a Vision for Change" by Annie Leanord

In the queue:

• "Where's My Jetpack? A Guide to the Amazing Science Fiction Future That Never Arrived" by Daniel Wilson.
• "Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea" by Barbara Demick

I have provided the link to my favorite bookstore in Seattle though I have decided to become a fan of borrowing books and going to the library. Seattle Public Library has come out with a really cool smart phone application which lets you search their inventory and place holds on books from your phone. Rad!