Bird's Nest

This sweet looking bird's nest is what remains of my sweater back after ripping it out. As you can see, it's as crimped as an 80s hairstyle, so I bought some soak wool wash in the flora scent to remedy this.



I needed a break from my sweater, and needed the instant gratification that only baking or sewing can provide. However, I had more fabric than butter at the moment.





I did some quick planning after figuring out which scraps to use. I used some 18x24" fabric scraps I bought from my last visit to Purl in Soho, and something from my small fabric stash.

And this is my new and first apron!



I just eye-balled everything and started ironing and sewing. I ended up doing two pockets because of how much fabric I had, and so that the one pocket wouldn't sag if I put too much in it. (Mike's suggestion!)



I also ruched the top of the apron for some extra flair. I am a big fan of cummerbunds, and anything that looks like them, I like.

And after all that sewing, I thought I needed a new pincushion.



Now, I have enough of that new project glow to attack my sweater again.

Ice Blue Sparkly Things

I hope you have all been well. I found myself quite sick with the stomach flu last Thursday, and needed a few days to recuperate. I was too sick to even knit, can you believe it? I am very lucky to have a beau as sweet as Mike, who made me chicken noodle soup and bought me two gallons of Gatorade.

In fact, I was so ill that I didn't even have a chance to show off my lovely new haircut! How refreshing, I finally feel like myself again, only much sassier.



I went to American Mortals on 7th and Walnut and saw Sandi. She was fantastic and really listened to me and offered advice. I left with exactly what I had wanted, but didn't have the means to articulate. Perhaps she moonlights as a mind-reader?

They are very friendly, talented and not at all pretentious. I'm so glad that my friend, Jennifer, recommended this salon. (For someone who used to have such a phobia of the hair salon that she went to the biker barbershop with her dad--this is a very high recommendation!)

I enjoyed my stint as a "bag model" for my friend Lisa's Etsy shop, Purl Mia Loggia. Lisa is selling gorgeous hand-knitted and felted bags in all sizes.

And speaking of Etsy, I bought my first item on there. Generally, Etsy overwhelms me, but these earrings from sulu-design left me inspired. I couldn't let someone else have my blue earrings! The owner seems very sweet and I will certainly shop there again.

Since I have little knitting progress to show you, I'll share a thank you card I sent to someone who showed me how to seam a sweater.

Sitting next on the card is another bust that my mother gave me. She is wearing a racy dress and graciously holds jewelry for me.



There will be more knitting soon, as I'm feeling the urge and am eager to finish my sweater, socks and even the Clapotis. However, adorable Peyton Manning is on Letterman and there are Valentine cupcakes to frost, so I must go!

Progress...and surprise!

It's just a sweater! It's not like I'm knitting a fabric tarp for the next Christo project. Why was I so weary of knitting a sweater all these years?

As the sweater is coming along, I'm even happier with my pattern selection. Quite a few of you said, "I hate bobbles, but I'm sure your sweater will be cute..."



Here's a little look-see for all my haters... I know. You just changed your mind, and I completely understand!

I think that the playfulness of the bobbles works well with the sophisticated chocolate tweed yarn. It's a nice balance between cutesy and vintage. However, after this, I will be retiring from bobbles. (again).

The front is done, with the exception of the button band and the neck. I'm thinking of doing some small brass buttons with a patina and some type of design. Any suggestions on where to find something like that?



The sleeves have been started.



I had a minor issue with the blue edge on the finished back of my sweater, which may work, or may need to be started over.

At this point, I'm not upset if the back needs to be re-done, because it is basic stockinette, and I did it on the wrong size needles anyhow. Knitting is not instant gratification, and sometimes there are set backs.

Just as in life, sometimes you can gloss over something, and other times, it's just easier to take the time to fix the problem now and not have to worry about it or regret it later.



I'm just glad there are no bobble rows to be re-done. I assure you, my attitude would be completely different!