I haven’t had much time to knit, but I DID manage to block out four pieces of the VCC. I am really looking forward to seaming it. Once it’s all seamed, I’ll probably order a custom two way zipper online from Zippersource. They sent me their little catalogue/packet thing. It’s cool. (If you follow the link, tell me…. Do you really think that pretty model with the dainty nose is spending her life sewing zippers? I doubt it).

Mine came in the mail yesterday. I wasn’t expecting it, because I hadn’t seen it talked about online anywhere, although I’ve been a bit preoccupied the past week or so. For those of you who’ve seen it, what do you think? I admit to being a bit surprised. It seemed out of character for IK. Something along the lines of, “Just because you can…..” There are a few patterns that I like.

The Isis Wrap is nice.

The Premiere Pullover is probably my favorite, but I’d definitely change the neck.

Go with the Flow socks are lovely, and were designed by a local. Always a plus. I’d really like to meet her someday.

The baby kimono at the back of the mag is striking.

Then I went online and saw Dibs on Ribs made with Kureyon. It’s a bit odd, but I really, really like it.

And I have to say, I love shrugs. PLEASE don’t let them turn into the poncho craze. I’m very put out over that. Ponchos everywhere to the point of being overdone. If that happens with the shrug, I’ll cry. I love them, and I want to make many, many more. Dumb fads. So, getting back to IK, I really liked the pink shrug designed by Pam Allen with the soft ruffles at the 3/4 sleeve. I must make one of those for someone.

The Bolero is cute. I could possibly see it on my sister, but I can’t imagine it on me. And I’ve noticed that, in the pictures at least, they’re much cuter from the side than head on.

Tell me what you liked. What do you want to knit from the Summer issue of IK? Which patterns are going to become the hot knit-alongs?

Olivia is six today. She is the drama, the flair, and many times the fun in this family. Her laugh is something that can only be experienced. She loves life. She loves clothes. She is usually the first to share, the first to apologize, the first to cry and the first to laugh, which she does with her whole soul. She is genuine, kind, sensitive… And she LOVES people. In large family gatherings, Liv’s the one off in the corner with the aged relative, enraptured as they prattle on and on about things. She can approach any situation from numerous angles. Particularly if she doesn’t like the response she got from her previous attempts. She’s a thinker, and she’s quick. She’s incredibly perceptive. Fun is her motivation, and she takes us all with her. We love you, Liv. Happy birthday!

I have a question. When picking up stitches to knit, do you pick up existing stitches on your needle and then follow it up with knitting the new yarn, or do you poke the needle through to the back, grab the new yarn, and pull it through one stitch at a time? I was reading one of my FAVORITE knitting books, The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, and I happened upon a technical section illustrating how to pick up and knit stitches. I’d never done it that way. I’ve always picked up the required number of existing stitches, and then gone back and knit with the new yarn. It’s usually a pain in the neck because the stitches get really freaking tight as you go along. What do you do?

I’m still happily knitting on the VCC. (Vogue Cable Cardi). I’m almost sad, seeing how close I am to finishing. I’m into the armhole of the last piece. I need to get blocking so I can start seaming right away. And, as far as the cable pattern being wrong…. It’s even more wrong than I originally thought, and the new way of being wrong really does bug me. Dangit. I’m still going to finish it as is, but I’m annoyed. Plus, at the fiber fair on Saturday, I saw a hat with the EXACT cable, and it was worked correctly. Kick me while I’m down, thank-you-very-much. Oh well. I still think the cardi will be gorgeous. I still like it. I realized, after posting my rant on the subject last week, that I had decided I needed to knit this cardi after looking at Shana’s progress pics, not the magazine photo. Her progress pics show the cable knit exactly as mine is. So I shouldn’t have anything to complain about. Right?

Mmmmmmm, the fiber fair. It’s called the Shepherd’s Extravaganza. Based on the name and location, I expected it to be bigger. Still, I had a glorious time and according to Nate, (who was off entertaining the girls- see face paint above), I spent over two hours talking to people, feeling fleece, and petting sheep. My appetite has been whetted. I’m anxious for another one. It is fun to talk to people about tools, fibers, projects, experiences….. To see vibrant colored rovings next to beautiful natural wools. The fleece that was available for sale had been judged and graded, with judges comments and rating attached to each bag. That was quite helpful. I didn’t come home with a fleece, which was only mildly difficult whereas if I owned a wheel it would have been nearly impossible. A really old man was doing a drum carding demonstration. There was a Great Pyrenees breeder there with her dogs. It was my first time seeing a Great Pyrenees in person, and I realized that my Abner is nearly as big. Wow. I also saw Border Collies herding geese. That was both fascinating and hilarious. Those dogs are amazing, and geese are awkward and comedic. I had a blast.

Good morning. Well, let’s see…. I weighed in pretty heavy this morning. 223. Ugh. I knew I would though. I’ve been quite inactive the past month or so due to being sick, and I haven’t been exercising. This past week was impossible with the trip and all, so I transfer my hopes and intentions to next week. It should go well. I feel extremely motivated. Not just by the scale, but because I feel sluggish and unhealthy. I long for those exercising endorphins again. Plus, I want to hit the weights and start rebuilding muscle. They’ve diminished in the past several months, and I want them back. SO, I am feeling optimistic and happy today.

I’ve caught the juicing bug again. Those of you who have been around might remember that this isn’t new. But I forgot for awhile. It’s jumping into my head again that I need to be juicing and drinking wheatgrass. This means I need to somehow acquire a juicer with wheatgrass capabilities. Does anyone have a good one they can recommend?

Now we’re off to Puyallup for a fiber festival. It’s my first, and I’m very excited!

How was your week?

Wow. While I haven’t exactly mastered the laptop and iPhoto application, I feel pretty darned proud of the progress I’ve made. Now I need to figure out how to post 30 pictures of beach romping without eating all of my bandwidth. (If anyone knows how to do this, please tell me).

Cable-Eights- I brought my yarn, pattern, and cable correction to the cabin with me and fully intended to start on it. I forgot, however, that I don’t have the needle I need. I have a 16 inch circular, size 11 bamboo needle which I used to swatch with. I need a 24 or 36 inch circular. My LYS didn’t have one when I went to get it. Hence, neither do I. Anyone have any progress to report? Rebekah started hers and is having a bit of trouble. It was really pretty before hitting the frog pond.

We’ve had a great time up here. The weather is insane. On Wednesday, between torrential downpours and hailstorms, we managed to find a nice sun break to head to the beach. The beach is rocky and littered with barnacle covered sea shells. Abner had fun romping in the canal.

The girls combed the beach for treasure.

Nate found a live mussel. I missed the masses of starfish we usually see. It must not be the season. I am not remotely familiar with the habits of sea life.

It does not take long for Nate to get cabin fever, so on Thursday, after witnessing a rather wild look in his eyes, we headed out. We stopped at the A&W restaurant in Port Orchard and had root beer floats and a “family sized” tray of fries and onion rings.

I’ve been knitting a bit on VCC, of course, and I did some Mother’s Day knitting. If you aren’t related to me in a Matronly capacity, you have my permission to continue reading.

Nate is a good daddy to little girls. And resourceful as well. I wouldn’t have thought to use crayons as toe separators when painting tiny toenails. It also makes for a really cute picture.

If you’re reading this, than we weren’t able to get the internet to work at the cabin. Oh well.

UPDATE- I’m here. It took awhile, but we have internet up now. It was really nice yesterday with no phone, no cell service, and no internet. But now, Nate and I are ready for some connection to the outside world aside from the Mariners’ radio broadcast. I’ll be able to post tomorrow morning, but it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to add pictures ’til I get home. Right now, Nate’s checking out the phone book for local yarn store listings. Cute.

By the way, my shawl won the people’s choice award at the Weaving Works shawl show! Thanks to all who voted for me!

2nd UPDATE-Looky here! I’m learing about iPhoto! Here’s a picture of Veronica on the beach at low tide on Hood Canal.

While I am on vacation right now, this entry was written before I left. It’s a pretty safe bet that I won’t be able to post today, but I have high hopes for tomorrow. So for continuity’s sake, here I am.

I’m planning on knitting a lot while we’re at the cabin, obviously. I’ve brought Cable-Eight, and hope to get a start on it. The VCC came along. I’ve also brought some Mother’s Day knitting. Shhhh, don’t tell.

This is a gift I received from Shannon! Aren’t they cute little stitch markers? Thank you so much! I never expected to get gifties in return for the Valentine’s Day Giveaway. It has been a delightful surprise. A big thanks to all of you for the gifts and notes you’ve sent.

I think I’ve finally found the perfect project for my lovely Elsebeth Lavold Angora.

I love it, I love it, I Do!

It’s the gorgeous lacy shrug pattern from the new Knitty.

It looks to be the right gauge, but I haven’t swatched yet. I wear my green Kathmandu shrug all the time, so having another shrug makes practical sense. Elsebeth Lavold’s intoxicating Angora yarn doesn’t make practical sense, like, ever, but it was one of those times when I knew I had to have it. I think it’s the first time I’ve bought yarn with no project in mind. I bought the whole bag. Fortunately, I had a bunch of store credit, or I never could have brought it home. But that color of red had my name on it, and I wasn’t about to let it slip away.

Friday was knit-along day! Ack! Whatya got? In the quick browsing I did, I saw that….

Stella has finished hers! Beautiful! I can’t wait to see it modeled.

Diana’s Cable-Eight is done, and looks great! I can’t figure out how to link to a single entry on her blog, so read her entry on April 7th. Plus, she comments on her adventure seaming, which looks quite helpful. If you haven’t completed yours yet, I’d suggest reading it.

If I missed anyone, please speak up and don’t be mad at me. I did a quick scan for links and pictures, that was about it. I haven’t had much computer time at all recently.

Speaking of, I’m going to a remote little cabin this week. We’re leaving Tuesday and will be back Friday, so I may or may not be able to post on Wed and Thursday. We’re going to try to get internet to work up there, but if not, I’m telling you so you know what’s going on and won’t worry. (Most of you don’t care. I know that. But I do know for certain that there are some of you who will think I’ve died. We wouldn’t want that).

As for my knitting, well, I don’t have much to show. I’ve been working on the second side of the front of VCC. It’s going well. I’ve worked past the pocket, and am happily moving towards the armhole shaping. You’ve seen plenty of pictures of this cardi, so I’m sure you can use your imagination and come up with an image that is accurate.

Have a great Monday!