Friday, June 29, 2007
The little Surplice Lace Top knit- along behind
It was my husband's idea that I rename the knit-along, a knit-behind. He thinks it's very amusing that I enthusiastically proposed the knit-along and then proceeded to make 6 other things.
My biggest mistake was that I got excited and announced the idea way too soon. I tell myself that in the process of it's very slow start, my Surplice Lace Top has evolved into something far better than it would have been had I jumped right into it. I also tell myself that my scattered focus would really have been annoying if hundreds of people were taking part in the KAL. As it stands, the three participants have remained cheerful in the face of my confusion.
I have to hand it to blogless Amy, who has practically completed her Surplice Lace Top in a lovely red Soysilk yarn. She, my friends, has focus.
She sent me photos of her progress along with a message of encouragement (thank you Amy!).
Here's a peek at her hard work:
As for me, I am proud to announce that I have finally cast on. Two hundred forty eight loops on my circular 4's are poised to become the lace section of the top. No small task, since I also had to unravel my peek-a-boob which was knit with a double strand of Euroflax. Unraveling and then unwinding two strands from one another. A mess, indeed.
And for a wonderful distraction from your next big project, can I recommend that, like me, you bake up a batch of Quinoa Muffins? I was inspired to take the picture above partly because these muffins (which can be found in Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison) are so delicious.
I also wanted to share with everyone how sweet it is when a four-year old shares his muffin with Mickey Mouse.
It was my husband's idea that I rename the knit-along, a knit-behind. He thinks it's very amusing that I enthusiastically proposed the knit-along and then proceeded to make 6 other things.
My biggest mistake was that I got excited and announced the idea way too soon. I tell myself that in the process of it's very slow start, my Surplice Lace Top has evolved into something far better than it would have been had I jumped right into it. I also tell myself that my scattered focus would really have been annoying if hundreds of people were taking part in the KAL. As it stands, the three participants have remained cheerful in the face of my confusion.
I have to hand it to blogless Amy, who has practically completed her Surplice Lace Top in a lovely red Soysilk yarn. She, my friends, has focus.
She sent me photos of her progress along with a message of encouragement (thank you Amy!).
Here's a peek at her hard work:
As for me, I am proud to announce that I have finally cast on. Two hundred forty eight loops on my circular 4's are poised to become the lace section of the top. No small task, since I also had to unravel my peek-a-boob which was knit with a double strand of Euroflax. Unraveling and then unwinding two strands from one another. A mess, indeed.
And for a wonderful distraction from your next big project, can I recommend that, like me, you bake up a batch of Quinoa Muffins? I was inspired to take the picture above partly because these muffins (which can be found in Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison) are so delicious.
I also wanted to share with everyone how sweet it is when a four-year old shares his muffin with Mickey Mouse.
Labels: little tiny surplice lace top KAL
¶ 4:40 PM 4 comments
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Puppets are Magic
My oldest son is thoughtful and contemplative and he can be reticent when it comes to responding to questions like, "What did you do today?" or "How are you feeling?"
That is, unless he's talking to Guissepe the puppet (who is a sausage-maker from Naples).
When Guiseppe, in classic stereotypical Italian accent, asks my son, "What-a you do-a today-a my friend?" my son's eyes light up and he becomes animated and chatty. He can hardly wait to tell the puppet about his favorite toys and the details of his day-to-day life, like what his Batman toothpaste tastes like, how much he loves "puffy" pancakes, and how hard it can be to have a baby brother. He'll even open up about fears and disappointments we'd have to pry out of him if it weren't for our Neapolitan friend.
For nosy, chatty parents like me, a reserved child presents a special challenge: I will do almost anything to hear what's on his mind. Thank God for Guiseppe and his puppet friends.
You may remember that the puppet theater has been on the list since late last year. I finally made the time to do it.
I ask you, is there anything funnier than a puppet show by a 4-year-old?
The Surplice Lace Top has been s..l..o..w to start. The hunt for the perfect yarn has been a bit silly. I ordered what I thought was the perfect yarn from Elann, but alas, I wasn't paying attention and it was aran instead of DK weight. My latest brainstorm: I am making a huge mess unraveling peek-a-boob so I can attempt to get gauge with the eggplant Euroflax linen. I'm hopeful. I do love that yarn and I long to see it in a sweater that is not a miserable failure. When I finish unraveling the massive knots, I'll let you know how it works.
Meanwhile, I was hunting around online yesterday and I happened upon this loveliness:
The Cable and Lace Kimono-Sleeve Wrap @ Sweaterbabe.
My oldest son is thoughtful and contemplative and he can be reticent when it comes to responding to questions like, "What did you do today?" or "How are you feeling?"
That is, unless he's talking to Guissepe the puppet (who is a sausage-maker from Naples).
When Guiseppe, in classic stereotypical Italian accent, asks my son, "What-a you do-a today-a my friend?" my son's eyes light up and he becomes animated and chatty. He can hardly wait to tell the puppet about his favorite toys and the details of his day-to-day life, like what his Batman toothpaste tastes like, how much he loves "puffy" pancakes, and how hard it can be to have a baby brother. He'll even open up about fears and disappointments we'd have to pry out of him if it weren't for our Neapolitan friend.
For nosy, chatty parents like me, a reserved child presents a special challenge: I will do almost anything to hear what's on his mind. Thank God for Guiseppe and his puppet friends.
You may remember that the puppet theater has been on the list since late last year. I finally made the time to do it.
I ask you, is there anything funnier than a puppet show by a 4-year-old?
The Surplice Lace Top has been s..l..o..w to start. The hunt for the perfect yarn has been a bit silly. I ordered what I thought was the perfect yarn from Elann, but alas, I wasn't paying attention and it was aran instead of DK weight. My latest brainstorm: I am making a huge mess unraveling peek-a-boob so I can attempt to get gauge with the eggplant Euroflax linen. I'm hopeful. I do love that yarn and I long to see it in a sweater that is not a miserable failure. When I finish unraveling the massive knots, I'll let you know how it works.
Meanwhile, I was hunting around online yesterday and I happened upon this loveliness:
The Cable and Lace Kimono-Sleeve Wrap @ Sweaterbabe.Don't worry, I remain devoted to the Surplice Lace Top, but it's hard to stay focused in the face of such a convoluted start...
Labels: little tiny surplice lace top KAL, puppet theater, sewing
¶ 8:04 AM 4 comments
Thursday, June 07, 2007
A little, tiny Knit-Along
Excitement for the Surplice Lace top KAL peaked sometime around 2 weeks ago, then I got distracted with facecloths and a few baby things. There is consensus around here that if we don't officially begin this thing, the moment may be lost forever.
Who is participating?
Well, so far the list looks like this:
Me
Heather
Chris
Marianne
Amy
k-ron
Amanda, have you decided to join us?
Amy has already begun and I'm so excited to see her progress, but Amy, I can't reach you! If you have a blog, leave it in the comments or email me at yarnisgood@yahoo.com. I'd love to link to it here.
I love the idea of an official Surplice Lace Top blog, but I must confess that it's taking all my energy to keep Baby Finds a Kazoo afloat, finish all the laundry and occasionally get a row or two of knitting done.
So here's the plan:
Reply in the comments here if you are officially planning to take part in our little, tiny KAL. I will compile the official list and add a Surplice Lace Top side bar to Baby Finds a Kazoo. That way, people can easily link to you and watch your progress as you document it.
If, however, someone has the time and motivation to set up a blog so we can all post pictures (even the blogless) I would be thrilled to help administrate said blog.
When does the knitting begin?
Let's start Monday, June 11.
Have a lacy day.
Excitement for the Surplice Lace top KAL peaked sometime around 2 weeks ago, then I got distracted with facecloths and a few baby things. There is consensus around here that if we don't officially begin this thing, the moment may be lost forever.
Who is participating?
Well, so far the list looks like this:
Me
Heather
Chris
Marianne
Amy
k-ron
Amanda, have you decided to join us?
Amy has already begun and I'm so excited to see her progress, but Amy, I can't reach you! If you have a blog, leave it in the comments or email me at yarnisgood@yahoo.com. I'd love to link to it here.
I love the idea of an official Surplice Lace Top blog, but I must confess that it's taking all my energy to keep Baby Finds a Kazoo afloat, finish all the laundry and occasionally get a row or two of knitting done.
So here's the plan:
Reply in the comments here if you are officially planning to take part in our little, tiny KAL. I will compile the official list and add a Surplice Lace Top side bar to Baby Finds a Kazoo. That way, people can easily link to you and watch your progress as you document it.
If, however, someone has the time and motivation to set up a blog so we can all post pictures (even the blogless) I would be thrilled to help administrate said blog.
When does the knitting begin?
Let's start Monday, June 11.
Have a lacy day.
Labels: little tiny surplice lace top KAL
¶ 8:36 AM 4 comments
