Happy Birthday to me :-/

So, I have been unable to work all week due to an emergency trip to the hospital that resulted in a minor surgery that required anesthesia. No need to get deep into the details. It was very painful, but now the worst is all over. But, the crazy part is .... it all happened the day before my birthday, which was the 22nd. The doctors were really nice to me, and they took care of me. One of the nurses even said a prayer with me, so I thank her for that. So, my birthday was happy in the essence that I was alive and painfree. I wanted to have this party at a really trendy lounge, but instead spent it with family and a few close friends. But, that was actually the best thing, because I got to spend some quality quiet time with the people I care about.

So, in the time that I had to stay at home resting, my mind just kept buzzing. I started to design a webpage as well as a logo and a flyer for an event that a friend is having. And, I have come to realize that when people don't interrupt you, you can really get a lot done. I was able to finish my Central Park Hoodie sleeves (will post pics soon) and make some progress on my Falling in Love Sock. So, I started thinking of my next project. I want to make the Better Sweater, as seen on Knitty Gritty, and designed by Stephanie Japel.

As a birthday gift to me, I did some shopping. Knit New York had a sale, and I just had to go in there to pick up some Cascade Magnum (lime #9481). It was 10% off, and I entered a raffle to win a $100 gift certificate. Geez, I hope I win, because I saw a lot of really nice yarn that I wanted to get my hands on. Hmmm... as if that was not a given. Here is the latest addition to my stash. That color will definately be a welcome addition to my wardrobe, once the sweater is knit up.

I Fell Halfway in Love

It has been a while since I posted, but good news. I completed 1 side of my Falling In Love sock today, and in order to prevent Second Sock Syndrome, I immediately casted the second one on.

I almost had a heart attack today, because I bound off, cut a tail in the yarn, then tried on.... and it would not go on. Of course, I bound it off too tightly. So, I then did it all over again, loosely, and it was perfect.

I have to visit the hair salon tomorrow, so that will be about 2 hours of knitting while I wait for my hair to dry. Long plus thick hair is a mixed blessing. I hope that is enough time to get past the heel. We will see.

So, I have been taking some pictures of my stash to get some artwork for a flyer that I am creating. This is the raw, un-photoshopped version.

While doing this, I remembered that there was a specific project that I bought this yarn for. It is from a magazine published in the UK called "Knitting", the March 2006 issue. It was designed by Jean Moss, and I think this sweater is so adorable. It uses Rowan's Cashsoft DK yarn, so I know it will be super soft and supple once it is knit. Here is my swatch being blessed by the angels. OK so, I know my swatch is not the full 4 inches in length, but I figure if I use the specific yarn that the pattern calls for, and the actual needle size, I should be okay. I plan to knit the 34" size. I am not going to be crying about the fit later on, because the yarn is being blessed by the angels. Someone, tell me you have faith along with me. Can I get an AMEN!!!

Here is what the sweater will look like. I substituted some colors, so that I can get a more "pinkish" sweater. There is a sky blue, brown, and red that I have replaced with wine, fuschia, and lilac. I have a pair of pink boots that would match this baby perfectly. You know I am a fashionista at heart.

I give up!!!! This is crazy

So, I thought it would be so clever to use a yarn from my stash to make my Sidewinders for my knitting meetup group. However, they have become a pain in the neck, and I am about to give up.

I finally learned how to do a skp and a ssp, so that is not where my issue lies. It is always great to learn a new skill. but looks at this picture..... this is supposed to be the slip stitch edge of my sock.

Now, where did my stitches disappear to? I am supposed to have 38 stitches in this portion, and I only have 34. What happened? I am so fed up with this pattern...it's driving me crazy.

A note to my fellow Meetup participants. I sincerely apologize for this, but I am going to have to back out of this one. I am not emotionally sound enough to handle this pattern, because every time I try to knit I get into a fit of rage, and knitting is supposed to be a relaxing thing. Who ate my stitches.... and why do I feel like I can't see anything with this yarn? I am going nuts, and I have better things to knit with my time. This is the last you will see of this sidewinder. Toe up socks rule in my book!!! This one is going in my NTFO's.... Never to Finish Objects.!!!

Now, I am off to finish my Falling in love sock that I have neglected for a trial at this pattern. I applaud anyone who has made it through the challenge. Epecially Chante, who made it through the pattern in less than 1 week. God has given you a great gift.

I know you missed me!!!

I know it has been a hot minute since I have posted, and for that I apologize. I have been extremely busy. So, first I will tell you what has been keeping me away from my needles.

Aside from knitting, my other passion is singing. I don't usually tell many people because they ask me to sing on the spot, and I get extremely nervous. However, when I am singing for a bunch of strangers in a huge crowd, it is okay. So, I recently linked up with a band called Tropic Topic, because they were looking for a singer to add to their lineup of talented performers. So, here is a clip from YouTube of a performance we did at a Street Festival in Fairlawn, NJ.

Now, I said that I love to sing...but driving to gigs cuts into my knitting time.... If I were rich and famous, then I would have a big tour bus, and a state of the art knitting room in there too, so I can get into my zone on the way to a performance. But, this is the real world ladies and gents, and I do not have a cheauffer, stylist, or makeup artist. So, you just gotta do what you gotta do... while the wool suffers.

In the meantime, I have beeen working on some socks.

Here is the progress of my Falling In Love sock. I am still on the first side.

:-(

Just about 2 more inches to go.

I have also started a pair of Sidewinders with my Sit N' Knit Meetup group. This sock is a real challenge for me, because I cannot see where it is going just yet. But, I am still pressing on. More updates soon. Well, I must also comment on the Austermann Step yarn (from my stash). It feels wonderful when you are knitting with it. Very smooth and soft. Maybe the niceness of the yarn will help me to get over the wonkiness of this pattern. I feel that the pattern was written properly and thoroughly. I am just having a hard time seeing how it gets created from the side. I should be a pro by the time I get to sock #2. Also, I am interested to see how this self striping patterning looks, so that will keep me going.