Is done.
For posterity, I wanted to record that. I need to block it in the next few days, and share pix! I think it's decent looking now, but it's going to be SO PRETTY after blocking. I just know it.
So stay tuned... one very pink Cherry Blossom Stole coming your way. Now, the only problem is that I don't have any easy knitting for the metro. Oh dear! I best remedy that, ASAP. I'm thinking... Jaywalkers in the Landscape Storm colorway. It just came in the mail recently.
Let's not discuss the Friday Harbor socks I'm ignoring right now. Haven't we had the discussion about low project fidelity?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Jenni's Chullo
Jenni looks so darn adorable in this hat! I'm so glad it fits, and you should check out her Flickr photostream- she's an amazing photographer and all around fantastic and brianiac hot as heck chiquita.
Monday, February 25, 2008
A cunning hat
Looks better on him than me.
Admittedly, Jayne hats are an acquired taste. But what better gift could I give to someone whose usual expression looks like this:
Admittedly, Jayne hats are an acquired taste. But what better gift could I give to someone whose usual expression looks like this:
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sometimes it's hard to be a (busty short-waisted petite but a bit hefty) woman
I rather enjoy sewing. I mean, there are moments I hate. Hemming anything, ever, is frankly on my list of despicable chores to be avoided at all costs- I rationalize paying for others to hem my suits when necessary because if something costs nigh on 200 dollars on sale, I can spend the extra few dollars to make sure the hems are done tidily. I really enjoy piecing quilt tops and wall hangings. In fact, I'm signed up for a quilting retreat with my mother and aunt in September, which should be a blast and a half. The three of us in a cabin may in fact make the world implode with crafter goodness and hilarity. I'm not much of a quilter, but I suppose part of going on a quilting retreat is to learn something- and boy do I have a lot to learn about hand quilting. Because I really suck at it. Really.
Besides hating hemming, and loving piecing quilts, I love the idea of sewing clothing for myself. But as the title states- I am simply not proportioned the way patterns are. I haven't been a B-cup since I was 11. I'm petite, but my arms aren't really that short and my legs are just a bit long for a petite (though still seriously shorter than normal people's). I can't draft my own sewing patterns, and I have not yet figured out how to do alterations other than shortening the dreaded hems... so I've been at a bit of a standstill on growing my sewing skills. But when I went to G Street to look at fabrics this evening (it's a sale, I can't help myself), I cruised the pattern books and found the neatest thing! Simplicity is now making patterns in association with Threads (a sewing magazine) that are supposed to be very step-by-step... and they are sized with different pattern pieces for B, C, and D cups. This means I may be able to make a shirt that fits my bust, without needing to do major alterations or go up 4 sizes from my waist size! So I immediately bought two patterns and fabric for both. I'll probably try a muslin first, to determine what size I really need to make and which cup measurement, but in general I'm delighted at the prospects. The fabric is nifty, too!
The first project is a nice button-down shirt with a yoke, crisp collar, and deep v-neck styling. It also has long cuffs, which I adore for under a suit. I found a great slightly stetchy cotton fabric- crisp white with subtle black stripes, and the neatest pearly black buttons to match. Since I need shirts very badly with my new all-suit-every-day job, I am hopeful that this will fit and I can make a whole bunch of them in easy care fabrics, so I can avoid doing laundry and going to the dry cleaner so darn much. I plan to make the view that is second from the left, with a nice yoke (skipping the lace, most likely), and the long sleeves with deep cuffs.
My second project is... a dress! Dresses are even harder for me to fit to my body than shirts, since my measurements are hourglass-ish but not as balanced as the pattern companies seem to expect. This dress actually has the bust measurement separate (B, C, or D!), so I'm excited to try it out. I think it looks a little bit 60s mod, but I'm making the more contemporary view (the one on the far left) with below-the-elbow sleeves and an at-knee length. The nice gentleman at G Street helped me select a navy linen blend which is washable (KEY!) and shouldn't wrinkle much. They had some stunning linens as well, but I hate ironing finished garments almost as much as I hate hemming unfinished ones. Pure linen is therefore rarely a good choice for me.
I realized that I have transitioned my entire life over to my new Lady B bag from Lexie Barnes but never posted to this site about it! I love it wholeheartedly. It's roomy and full of pockets and not too bulky to carry on the metro. The straps stay on my shoulders, which is highly unusual. My shoulders are quite narrow or sloped or something, purses are forever falling off. The first day I used it I was peeved to the extreme because there was no place for my keys. I couldn't believe such a nice bag wouldn't have a key fob, or a little exterior pocket for them. But it does in fact have a little zippered pocket near the top of the bag, on the exterior side with the big pocket- so I had no need to complain. The bag is just about perfect. And did I mention I can use it to metro to work??
I am in love.
Besides hating hemming, and loving piecing quilts, I love the idea of sewing clothing for myself. But as the title states- I am simply not proportioned the way patterns are. I haven't been a B-cup since I was 11. I'm petite, but my arms aren't really that short and my legs are just a bit long for a petite (though still seriously shorter than normal people's). I can't draft my own sewing patterns, and I have not yet figured out how to do alterations other than shortening the dreaded hems... so I've been at a bit of a standstill on growing my sewing skills. But when I went to G Street to look at fabrics this evening (it's a sale, I can't help myself), I cruised the pattern books and found the neatest thing! Simplicity is now making patterns in association with Threads (a sewing magazine) that are supposed to be very step-by-step... and they are sized with different pattern pieces for B, C, and D cups. This means I may be able to make a shirt that fits my bust, without needing to do major alterations or go up 4 sizes from my waist size! So I immediately bought two patterns and fabric for both. I'll probably try a muslin first, to determine what size I really need to make and which cup measurement, but in general I'm delighted at the prospects. The fabric is nifty, too!
The first project is a nice button-down shirt with a yoke, crisp collar, and deep v-neck styling. It also has long cuffs, which I adore for under a suit. I found a great slightly stetchy cotton fabric- crisp white with subtle black stripes, and the neatest pearly black buttons to match. Since I need shirts very badly with my new all-suit-every-day job, I am hopeful that this will fit and I can make a whole bunch of them in easy care fabrics, so I can avoid doing laundry and going to the dry cleaner so darn much. I plan to make the view that is second from the left, with a nice yoke (skipping the lace, most likely), and the long sleeves with deep cuffs.
My second project is... a dress! Dresses are even harder for me to fit to my body than shirts, since my measurements are hourglass-ish but not as balanced as the pattern companies seem to expect. This dress actually has the bust measurement separate (B, C, or D!), so I'm excited to try it out. I think it looks a little bit 60s mod, but I'm making the more contemporary view (the one on the far left) with below-the-elbow sleeves and an at-knee length. The nice gentleman at G Street helped me select a navy linen blend which is washable (KEY!) and shouldn't wrinkle much. They had some stunning linens as well, but I hate ironing finished garments almost as much as I hate hemming unfinished ones. Pure linen is therefore rarely a good choice for me.
I realized that I have transitioned my entire life over to my new Lady B bag from Lexie Barnes but never posted to this site about it! I love it wholeheartedly. It's roomy and full of pockets and not too bulky to carry on the metro. The straps stay on my shoulders, which is highly unusual. My shoulders are quite narrow or sloped or something, purses are forever falling off. The first day I used it I was peeved to the extreme because there was no place for my keys. I couldn't believe such a nice bag wouldn't have a key fob, or a little exterior pocket for them. But it does in fact have a little zippered pocket near the top of the bag, on the exterior side with the big pocket- so I had no need to complain. The bag is just about perfect. And did I mention I can use it to metro to work??
I am in love.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Two projects long overdue, and a Valentine's Day gift, too!
A long long time ago I picked up some insanely fuzzy wacky hot pink yarn at the Celtic Knot shop in Ellicott City. It was meant to be for SOS. And I started a scarf... and it languished. In fact, it took days just to wind the yarn into a ball (messy messy- it is essentially a ribbon yarn, a trellis yarn, a rope-like yarn, and an eyelash, a few yards of each just tied together). When I say nightmare project, I mean it. It was supposed to be done ages and ages ago- if I'd just picked up some bloody wool I would have knit 3 scarves by now.
But no matter. It's done! And in the end, it's kind of cute. In a pink yarn barf sort of way.
I also finished a hat for my friend Jenni. It's been completely done for months, except for the little braids to tie it on with and for the top of the hat. During this week of sickness of doom, I finally got up the gumption to make the braids. Funny thing, no matter how long it is in between braids, you never forget how.
It's a bit wacky-looking, but for some reason I think it looks a lot like my friend. I hope she likes it- now my challenge is to find a post office near my new work. Supposedly there is one inside our other building... but I don't know how to get to that building from mine! These are the difficulties of DC life.
Two finished projects? Piffle. Let's go for three! I ordered yarn on Friday, received it Tuesday, and was finished (but for the pompom) by Tuesday night. It's a Jayne Hat. It looks like this:
Or on my (much tinier-than-the-boyfriend's) head:
Mission accomplished. I also am on the last lace chart for Hanami, got a few more rows into Autumn Rose, and 3 inches into a cute snowflake bag- my first holiday gift for 2008. For the record, boyfriend loved the hat. If you don't know why it is, in fact, a cunning hat- may I recommend Firefly?
But no matter. It's done! And in the end, it's kind of cute. In a pink yarn barf sort of way.
I also finished a hat for my friend Jenni. It's been completely done for months, except for the little braids to tie it on with and for the top of the hat. During this week of sickness of doom, I finally got up the gumption to make the braids. Funny thing, no matter how long it is in between braids, you never forget how.
It's a bit wacky-looking, but for some reason I think it looks a lot like my friend. I hope she likes it- now my challenge is to find a post office near my new work. Supposedly there is one inside our other building... but I don't know how to get to that building from mine! These are the difficulties of DC life.
Two finished projects? Piffle. Let's go for three! I ordered yarn on Friday, received it Tuesday, and was finished (but for the pompom) by Tuesday night. It's a Jayne Hat. It looks like this:
Or on my (much tinier-than-the-boyfriend's) head:
Mission accomplished. I also am on the last lace chart for Hanami, got a few more rows into Autumn Rose, and 3 inches into a cute snowflake bag- my first holiday gift for 2008. For the record, boyfriend loved the hat. If you don't know why it is, in fact, a cunning hat- may I recommend Firefly?
Thursday, February 07, 2008
C is for...
two things, that are interrelated.
CHERRIES
and CHERISH
They're practically the same word, and in my world they're entirely coterminous. I love the fruit with a fiery passion... and of course, that passion allows me to cherish them. The words are even practically the same. Cheri, en francais, is even closer! And cerise... doesn't that sound like cherish? I'm telling you, they're the same.
I do cherish my cherries. Both the real kind, which I have been eating all week, and the Hanami shawl blossom kind!
I'm nearly ready for April, and this year's Cherry Blossom festival here in DC. I have this little daydream of going to see the blossoms at sunrise with my boyfriend who works nights- he'll still be awake, since dawn is during his normal waking hours, and I'll get up extra early to enjoy the bright morning light and the decided lack of tourists.
I have my doubts that I can really get up that early, but for him? I might be capable of anything. I cherish him, too. How could I not? He wears yarn as a hat.
CHERRIES
and CHERISH
They're practically the same word, and in my world they're entirely coterminous. I love the fruit with a fiery passion... and of course, that passion allows me to cherish them. The words are even practically the same. Cheri, en francais, is even closer! And cerise... doesn't that sound like cherish? I'm telling you, they're the same.
I do cherish my cherries. Both the real kind, which I have been eating all week, and the Hanami shawl blossom kind!
I'm nearly ready for April, and this year's Cherry Blossom festival here in DC. I have this little daydream of going to see the blossoms at sunrise with my boyfriend who works nights- he'll still be awake, since dawn is during his normal waking hours, and I'll get up extra early to enjoy the bright morning light and the decided lack of tourists.
I have my doubts that I can really get up that early, but for him? I might be capable of anything. I cherish him, too. How could I not? He wears yarn as a hat.
Photography!
I complained, and after about a minute's search the camera was found. Apparently I put it in the pink purse... why there? Who knows. I'm brilliant.
At any rate, I have proof! Beautiful proof that I knit!
Autumn Rose, the beginnings:
A close-up with truer colors:
Jeanie, for perspective
A close-up of Jeanie- I'm just past the first dropped stitches
And of course, I did finish the Snowflake Socks from Interweave for my roommate's (belated) Christmas gift. They are super cute on her! Voila, an FO for 2008.
Even more photos to come tomorrow...
At any rate, I have proof! Beautiful proof that I knit!
Autumn Rose, the beginnings:
A close-up with truer colors:
Jeanie, for perspective
A close-up of Jeanie- I'm just past the first dropped stitches
And of course, I did finish the Snowflake Socks from Interweave for my roommate's (belated) Christmas gift. They are super cute on her! Voila, an FO for 2008.
Even more photos to come tomorrow...
That time again
I'm moving in six weeks. To normal people, that's a long time. Loads of time to pack, to ponder what to bring and what to toss. For me? That is SO SOON! I am the queen of anal retentive at good times, at times like these... I get a bit crazy.
My room looks like a tornado hit. I finally bought a shredder, and shredded many reams of paper that should have been destroyed and tossed ages ago. I have every utility bill I ever received, for example- they do not need to be kept! So out it went. As did most of my writing from high school and college, and ALL of my notes from classes. I kept some fun creative writing from when I was a kid, and of course I couldn't get rid of all my more interesting papers. But most of it? Tossed. I had two large vertical file containers (plastic ones), and I consolidated all of it into one container. This is brilliant. But I haven't brought down the two bags of diamond-cut paper yet. I still haven't touched my other plastic containers or the boxes that are stored in the basement- and I suspect many of them contain things that need to be given away or thrown. It really is a good thing that I'm moving into a studio apartment. It gives me the impetus I've been needing for years to finally declutter and destroy the evidence of my packrat past.
Don't worry, the yarn isn't getting tossed! I have been destashing with some success, mostly on Ravelry but also by completing some projects. But I have a long way to go. In fact, let's not think about that.
On a more important and inter-related note, I can't find my digital camera. It has disappeared amidst the packing! I have no evidence of Jeanie's progress, or my amazingly fast and yet slow progress on Autumn Rose. I never took photos of Wisp (or blocked it, cough). The camera has photos of completed gifts on it that have never been uploaded to Flickr. In general, I need to find the camera and use it.
If the camera has gone the way of my perfect black purse, which seems to have been lost in my room, then I will find it at some point in the packing process. Otherwise, I get to buy a new one. But paying for a new couch is higher on the priority list over a camera. Having a place to sit and knit trumps evidence of knitting progress. Barely.
This is going to be a nutty six weeks! Nutty, but fun.
My room looks like a tornado hit. I finally bought a shredder, and shredded many reams of paper that should have been destroyed and tossed ages ago. I have every utility bill I ever received, for example- they do not need to be kept! So out it went. As did most of my writing from high school and college, and ALL of my notes from classes. I kept some fun creative writing from when I was a kid, and of course I couldn't get rid of all my more interesting papers. But most of it? Tossed. I had two large vertical file containers (plastic ones), and I consolidated all of it into one container. This is brilliant. But I haven't brought down the two bags of diamond-cut paper yet. I still haven't touched my other plastic containers or the boxes that are stored in the basement- and I suspect many of them contain things that need to be given away or thrown. It really is a good thing that I'm moving into a studio apartment. It gives me the impetus I've been needing for years to finally declutter and destroy the evidence of my packrat past.
Don't worry, the yarn isn't getting tossed! I have been destashing with some success, mostly on Ravelry but also by completing some projects. But I have a long way to go. In fact, let's not think about that.
On a more important and inter-related note, I can't find my digital camera. It has disappeared amidst the packing! I have no evidence of Jeanie's progress, or my amazingly fast and yet slow progress on Autumn Rose. I never took photos of Wisp (or blocked it, cough). The camera has photos of completed gifts on it that have never been uploaded to Flickr. In general, I need to find the camera and use it.
If the camera has gone the way of my perfect black purse, which seems to have been lost in my room, then I will find it at some point in the packing process. Otherwise, I get to buy a new one. But paying for a new couch is higher on the priority list over a camera. Having a place to sit and knit trumps evidence of knitting progress. Barely.
This is going to be a nutty six weeks! Nutty, but fun.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Monday Me
Just check it out. Definitely me!
For more LOLfun, which I may have linked to before, but are worth another LOL- PhiLOLsophers Flickr Pool
Geoffrey Chaucer hath a blog
For more LOLfun, which I may have linked to before, but are worth another LOL- PhiLOLsophers Flickr Pool
Geoffrey Chaucer hath a blog
Music and Musing on Autumn Rose
This weekend was fantastic. On multiple counts, even. I got to have delicious steak and equally delicious conversation on Friday night with the boy, and I spent Saturday swatching and casting on for Autumn Rose.
No really. I'm almost done with the corrugated ribbing! You'd think aliens came by and stole my usual placid boring non-swatching self. As always, I had to go up a needle size. I may knit tight, but at least I knit consistently tight. I started out with the Addi Naturas... I hate them. I've switched to the metal Addi's and am already significantly happier with my work. I'm hoping to finish the ribbing on the train tomorrow, so I can come home and do the prep row for my beautiful colorwork! I also need to make copies of the charts- the book is far too large for convenient metro knitting.
Saturday night the boy, my friend Stephanie, and I went to dinner in Arlington- Whitlow's on Wilson will evidently become one of my new haunts in my new neighborhood! As we were waiting to order, I was watching the door and said "huh, that guy looks like Dan... only taller." Silly me. It was indeed my friend Dan. He lives in Southwest... his friends mostly seem to live in Bethesda... so that was a pretty random meeting! I think the whole world is coallescing in Arlington nowadays. After dinner, we went to Iota to see my favorite rockers, Fools & Horses. I was completely unimpressed by the first act, since they were a bit too Christian rock and way too feedback-full for any kind of enjoyment. The middle act was rocking, however. The Sometime Favorites had a really great sound, and I definitely want to check out their music a bit more. Their rendition of Gin & Juice had the whole crowd singing along. The night was of course capped by the boys of F&H, who I have adored from their humble(r) beginnings and will always love. Their new song "Selfish" screams radio to me, and if I don't hear them all over the local rock stations soon then those people are craaazy. A good crowd stayed to see them, and my roommate and her boyfriend joined us midway through the show as well. A good time was apparently had by all, since most of us left humming their music. Or in my case, still singing it- I can't help knowing the words! Jamie is pretty enthused by them as well, and good taste in music is a key component in any boyfriend. My only regret from the night was not bringing my camera- it seems to be missing in action. We had awesome seats at the bar, and then right in front of the stage for F&H, and I could have snapped some great shots in that brightly lit venue. I'm not much of a shutterbug, but I was definitely kicking myself in this case.
Speaking of music, on this tangent, March is a crazy music month. We're seeing Jonathan Coulton again (my 4th time, Jamie's 3rd, our second together as a couple, since we met at his show at the Birchmere in August). We're not fans or anything. Then we'll be seeing Live at 9:30 Club's "Surprise! At the Club!" show. And I also have tickets to see The Mountain Goats, up from Raleigh where my pal Abby blogs them with love. I really want to see them live, but I'm a bit nervous about trying to catch a show on moving day. I guess if it all goes smoothly, I can nap and then head downtown. Hmm.
The Stupor Bowl festivities were a bit lacking in vim this year due to them being all-vegetarian and almost-all-healthy. Most of us had a glass of wine, and I think my friend Adam even managed a beer- but the mulled cider was the drink of choice. If everyone hadn't had to drive, mayhaps it would have gone differently. I worked on Autumn Rose during the game, and then consoled myself with some easy-peasy Hanami once my Pats LOST. Oh cruel world. Work tomorrow will be insufferable. At least I have Autumn Rose to see me through! And twilight yoga at 6pm, if I can somehow get out of work on time. Yoga is my new knitting. Except for the part where I knit obsessively, and am an inflexible beginner yogi, once a week... gotta start somewhere!
No really. I'm almost done with the corrugated ribbing! You'd think aliens came by and stole my usual placid boring non-swatching self. As always, I had to go up a needle size. I may knit tight, but at least I knit consistently tight. I started out with the Addi Naturas... I hate them. I've switched to the metal Addi's and am already significantly happier with my work. I'm hoping to finish the ribbing on the train tomorrow, so I can come home and do the prep row for my beautiful colorwork! I also need to make copies of the charts- the book is far too large for convenient metro knitting.
Saturday night the boy, my friend Stephanie, and I went to dinner in Arlington- Whitlow's on Wilson will evidently become one of my new haunts in my new neighborhood! As we were waiting to order, I was watching the door and said "huh, that guy looks like Dan... only taller." Silly me. It was indeed my friend Dan. He lives in Southwest... his friends mostly seem to live in Bethesda... so that was a pretty random meeting! I think the whole world is coallescing in Arlington nowadays. After dinner, we went to Iota to see my favorite rockers, Fools & Horses. I was completely unimpressed by the first act, since they were a bit too Christian rock and way too feedback-full for any kind of enjoyment. The middle act was rocking, however. The Sometime Favorites had a really great sound, and I definitely want to check out their music a bit more. Their rendition of Gin & Juice had the whole crowd singing along. The night was of course capped by the boys of F&H, who I have adored from their humble(r) beginnings and will always love. Their new song "Selfish" screams radio to me, and if I don't hear them all over the local rock stations soon then those people are craaazy. A good crowd stayed to see them, and my roommate and her boyfriend joined us midway through the show as well. A good time was apparently had by all, since most of us left humming their music. Or in my case, still singing it- I can't help knowing the words! Jamie is pretty enthused by them as well, and good taste in music is a key component in any boyfriend. My only regret from the night was not bringing my camera- it seems to be missing in action. We had awesome seats at the bar, and then right in front of the stage for F&H, and I could have snapped some great shots in that brightly lit venue. I'm not much of a shutterbug, but I was definitely kicking myself in this case.
Speaking of music, on this tangent, March is a crazy music month. We're seeing Jonathan Coulton again (my 4th time, Jamie's 3rd, our second together as a couple, since we met at his show at the Birchmere in August). We're not fans or anything. Then we'll be seeing Live at 9:30 Club's "Surprise! At the Club!" show. And I also have tickets to see The Mountain Goats, up from Raleigh where my pal Abby blogs them with love. I really want to see them live, but I'm a bit nervous about trying to catch a show on moving day. I guess if it all goes smoothly, I can nap and then head downtown. Hmm.
The Stupor Bowl festivities were a bit lacking in vim this year due to them being all-vegetarian and almost-all-healthy. Most of us had a glass of wine, and I think my friend Adam even managed a beer- but the mulled cider was the drink of choice. If everyone hadn't had to drive, mayhaps it would have gone differently. I worked on Autumn Rose during the game, and then consoled myself with some easy-peasy Hanami once my Pats LOST. Oh cruel world. Work tomorrow will be insufferable. At least I have Autumn Rose to see me through! And twilight yoga at 6pm, if I can somehow get out of work on time. Yoga is my new knitting. Except for the part where I knit obsessively, and am an inflexible beginner yogi, once a week... gotta start somewhere!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Some say the world will end in fire
I say it really starts the year off right.
Today, today, today is the first day of Project Spectrum, and this year Lolly and the rest of the intarweb gang are focusing on the elements. Our first element is FIRE!
I love flames. My most brilliant memories have to do with fires and flames- summer camp and the brilliant success of building a one-match fire, or my failure to keep the fire alive with my high school boyfriend when we went back to New Hampshire to camp and it was 30 degrees at night and of course we ended up not being able to keep the flames of romance alive either. Those sorts of memories. I love sitting in front of a fire, even the fake sort of fire in my parents gas fireplace. I adore the bright reds and oranges and pinks in the flames, and am mesmerized by the hazy world immediately above them. I watch the Chanuka candles burn down to their last sigh of a smoke tendril, and am thankful for the celebration and the family around me.
I have some big goals for Project Spectrum, and specifically for this Fire beginning. I want to use it as an opportunity to burn down the past, figuratively, and reevaluate old projects that have been stagnant. Should they be frogged? Do they need revitalizing new life? Can I build something from the embers of their failures and incompleteness?
I also have a few new projects to add to the needles. I will finally swatch Autumn Rose- knowing full well that once I swatch it, I will no longer be afraid and can finally knit and wear the darn thing. I will cast on and hopefully complete the rust sweater I have been contemplating for ages, the yarn sitting hopefully by in my stash since Interweave Winter 2006. And I made this for my father ages ago, but bought the yarn to make one for myself. What could be better than to knit a holiday gift for myself, 11 months early, so when the holiday comes around I will be prepared and ready to display the flames of knitterly self-love?
I think that is all a good start.
Today, today, today is the first day of Project Spectrum, and this year Lolly and the rest of the intarweb gang are focusing on the elements. Our first element is FIRE!
I love flames. My most brilliant memories have to do with fires and flames- summer camp and the brilliant success of building a one-match fire, or my failure to keep the fire alive with my high school boyfriend when we went back to New Hampshire to camp and it was 30 degrees at night and of course we ended up not being able to keep the flames of romance alive either. Those sorts of memories. I love sitting in front of a fire, even the fake sort of fire in my parents gas fireplace. I adore the bright reds and oranges and pinks in the flames, and am mesmerized by the hazy world immediately above them. I watch the Chanuka candles burn down to their last sigh of a smoke tendril, and am thankful for the celebration and the family around me.
I have some big goals for Project Spectrum, and specifically for this Fire beginning. I want to use it as an opportunity to burn down the past, figuratively, and reevaluate old projects that have been stagnant. Should they be frogged? Do they need revitalizing new life? Can I build something from the embers of their failures and incompleteness?
I also have a few new projects to add to the needles. I will finally swatch Autumn Rose- knowing full well that once I swatch it, I will no longer be afraid and can finally knit and wear the darn thing. I will cast on and hopefully complete the rust sweater I have been contemplating for ages, the yarn sitting hopefully by in my stash since Interweave Winter 2006. And I made this for my father ages ago, but bought the yarn to make one for myself. What could be better than to knit a holiday gift for myself, 11 months early, so when the holiday comes around I will be prepared and ready to display the flames of knitterly self-love?
I think that is all a good start.
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