I've finished something! Well, a piece of something. The feeling of completion is such a great feeling! I finished a sleeve for one of Classic Elite's Spring '07 garments, and I'm about 7" up on the back, which is about half way to the armholes. I've still got a ways to go on it, and with the wedding invitations only about half done I don't have a whole lot of time to do anything with yarn. I'm also have another design that I hope to send out tomorrow to Club Monaco. I found a contest in which the winner will have their design mass created and sold in the Club Monaco stores as well as having their sweater mentioned in an upcoming Marie Claire magazine. Now, wouldn't that be fun.

The reason for my lack of yarn related stuff:

July 26th, 2006

1. My sister is getting married. She and I decided long ago that we would make her wedding invitations. Well, now that it's come down to crunch time we're realizing just how much work is involved in this, and it's taking up ALL MY TIME! I'm not complaining... really... it's just that I love my yarn and I can't wait to get it back between my fingers.

2. It's summer. Needless to say, during the summer I lack motivation to want to put anything warm on my lap. Granted, that isn't an excuse for small (washcloth like) objects...

Okay, so speaking of washcloths! I found out that a friend of mine is pregnant and I've been scowering the earth looking for something to make! Baby's are a whole different ball game for me. I've never had one, or one to really knit anything for, so this being the first I got super excited and decided this baby is going to be one knit loving baby. In the process of searching for the perfect thing to make I came upon the idea of knitted washcloths. Personally, they didn't sound all that appealing to me at first... that was until I made one! This first washcloth was made from Classic Elite's Premiere (a pima cotton and tencel blend) and I loved how soft and... soft it was that I just had to try it. I've never felt so much pleasure from washing my face! Seriously. I couldn't tell you how much that one experience made me want to make hundreds or thousands of these things and spread the love all over the world! Here's the pattern I used. Mine were made on size US 6 needles, but I knit tight, so if you wanted to make one, I suggest maybe trying a size US 7.

I'm not sure if she's going to get 500 washcloths or something else that I keep secret. I'm not sure if she reads my blog and wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.

Submissions

July 24th, 2006

So, I found a magazine that is still accepting Spring design submissions! I totally thought that I had missed that boat. Four beautiful designs fell out of my head to submit, so they're being sent on their way this afternoon! Whoopie! To all those knitter's who have an interest in knitting for me, hopefully, if any of these are chosen, I will have something for you. I haven't forgotten about you, and I appreciate your interest in helping me. I truely do.

Random thoughts

July 19th, 2006

Every day this week, Sunday, Monday and yesterday I've thought it was the 19th. At one point, I had remembered thinking that the day before was the 19th, so that day must have been the 20th. In all moments where I had this thought, it dawned on me that it really wasn't the 19th (or the 20th). And with each moment of confusion I questioned more and more why this was happening. So, now... today's really the 19th, (I double checked, just to make sure) and I'm eagerly looking forward to learning if anything special might happen today. I'm not expecting anything, in fact, I've been working on never having any expectations for anything... it avoids disapointment, and makes every good thing more wonderful. It just feels as though today will be a unique day... just like every other. So, lets wait to see what today brings.

As for knitty related things, I'm finally up to the eyes on my smiley face tire cover! Last night I was so determined to get to the eyes that I worked for a few hours on it. Which, in this hot hot weather is quite a bit of progress. I've been slow on my current projects, but I'm still plugging along. I hope to finish one someday...

Vogue Knitting on the Go – Crochet Scarves Two

July 13th, 2006

So, once upon a time, I had 2 designs accepted for this book. I've been patiently... and patiently waiting for its release. FINALLY, I found it on Amazon! I'm so excited to see it, even though it's not technically released yet. I can't wait to receive my copy to see the photographs of my scarves.

Lots of updates

July 12th, 2006

I tried opening up this page from my dad's house not too long ago, and I swear it took 10 minutes to open. So, I figured I had better fix that for the rest of the world who has a slower connection than I do. I've started by separating July 2006 from the rest of the posts. I plan on dividing them up by months eventually... but you know, baby steps. I did however finally succeed at updating the gallery page to include my Fall 06 Classic Elite designs!

Stormy is also finally available at String! So those of you who would love to get started on this beautiful cashmere vest. Now's the time.

Okay, I'm back!

July 10th, 2006

Okay, after a few weeks off from doing any significant amount of knitting or crocheting, I'm finally back. I worked on both my crocheted cardigan and the tire cover this weekend! I've only got 9 squares to go on the cardigan! I'm so close to being finished, I can't stop now. As for the tire cover, I've passed the half way mark on the round part. So, the smile part is done. I've got 10 rows of just yellow, then I can start the eyes, Yippy! Classic Elite's Spring line is about to fall into my lap, so I'd like to finish at least one of these before I need to work on the Spring patterns. We shall see what happens. It feels nice to be playing with yarn again.

Lacking Motivation

July 5th, 2006

To be perfectly honest, I really haven't had the motivation to pick up my knitting and crocheting since I've returned from Ohio. I feel as though a mini-vacation from that aspect of my life is deserved as well. I may have burned myself out before I left, that I just don't want to get back to the level I was at before. I'm definitely going to keep going, but probably not as "strong". By "strong" I mean working (or playing) with yarn every second of my waking life. I'd rather just pick it up when I feel like it, rather than having an "obligated" feeling to it. I find it much more enjoyable when there is no obligation involved. So... we'll see what happens!

On another note, keep your eyes peeled in the gallery section. I will soon be putting up the garments that I have in the Fall 06 Classic Elite line! Ooohh... how exciting!

My Raw journey

Patterns for Sale

Tweed Beret

Violet, the Slouchy Head Friend

Lush Woven Scarf

Petal Socks

River of Life Socks

Crochet Motif Cardigan

Beatrice Ribbed Tie Coat