The yarn for Leo arrived on Wednesday, as did my Knit Picks Options set. Very exciting.
So my swatches are made, and as soon as I finish this post, I'll be casting on. And then working 17.5 inches of 5x3 ribbing...
Sara's Pomatomus...
Ugh...
Gasp...
Ack...
Yikes...
Ah, Liberation.
This project was just not being fun for me. It was, in fact, stressing me out. So I frogged it, and never again will the Pomatomus darken my needles! I think I may try instead for the Child's First Sock Pattern from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks.
I bought myself two little treats today. The new issue of Interweave Knits and one skein of Artyarns Regal Silk. This stuff is luscious.
No, really amazing:
I thought I might just hang onto this precious little bundle and give it the occasional longing look and tender pat, but then I saw that Sarah's Yarns sells this stuff, priced quite reasonably. So I started thinking, hmmm, three more skeins and I could make a decent-sized and absolutely beautiful Clapotis. Definitely something to think about.
Of course, I would welcome all advice and suggestions on what to do with my beautiful silk.
I have decided it's time for me to give a sweater a shot. Not a sweater for me, but a sweater for Paul, who is seriously lacking in cold weather wear. Of course, the fact that I probably won't have this item completed until the trees are back in bloom and the tar is melting on the road is no deterrant. At least he'll be warm next winter!
We decided on Leo from knitty. I have the yarn choices narrowed down to three options, all of which would likely work equally well.
I like the Rowan Cashsoft Dk because it's washable, and would be so soft. The drawback is the not-so-great color selection, and the higher price than my other options.
ETA: Well, I went ahead this morning and ordered the Cashsoft for the sweater. And in the very same color pictured here! Please, no one come along and tell me how this was a bad idea.
The Peruvian Highland Silk comes in nice colors, and is affordable, but handwash only.
Ditto for the Queensland Uruguay DK.
Suggestions/advice would definitely be appreciated here too. This is my first sweater, ya'll! I have already ordered the KnitPicks Options set just for this very purpose. I am way excited to cast-on.
And in other news, Eric's Tony brought us a phalaenopsis in bloom to enjoy in our office. It's so beautiful. And speaking of Eric, drop by to leave condolences on the death of his cat, Sherby. He was a charming little cat, and I know he will be missed.
Our friends Sara and Kris commissioned me to do some projects for them.
Kris wanted, what else, a pirate hat!
The colors she picked were so, ahem, muted, I had to add a bright red stripe to the lining, just for my own amusement.
Sara wanted some socks. And not only did she want socks, she wanted Pomatomus socks. Now, I know it's my own fault for showing her the pattern, but still, Pomatomus and I do no have a great history together.
Luckily, it seems to be going much smoother this time. I am ready to work on the heel of the first sock, and so far, no major problems. (FYI, the yarn is Lisa Souza Sock! Merino in Mombassa.)
In Progress:
Closeup:
Now, we all know knitting for others is its own reward, but a skein of Lisa Souza Sock! Merino certainly doesn't hurt!
