Oregon Vest Class

I signed up for another class at my LYS... the Oregon Vest by Oat Couture natural knitting. I am really liking it! The pattern is written for 3 weights of yarn, Worsted, Bulky or Super Bulky. My goal is for this vest to stay in the car when we are traveling around this summer and be used for those runs into the hockey arena for youngest son's games. I wanted to use chunky yarn for warmth, but wanted easy washability so I wouldn't be upset if it gets smooshed in between hockey equipment in the back of the truck. I chose ella rae Amity yarn in a pretty midnight blue (color 20). I have the back complete and 10 inches of the left front. I'm really liking the twisted rib stitch, it's amazing what knitting in the back of the stitch will do for the look of rib.

The two big reasons I took the class is because we are going to learn how to put in a zipper... and pockets on a side seam. There are 3 vests made in different sizes at the store, one of them has cloth for the pockets instead of knitted fabric. I'm going to try that version.... I'm concerned about keys and things going through the fabric in knitted pockets, not to mention a triple layer of bulky knitted fabric right at my stomach/hip area.

I met the Harlot!

Yesterday a friend (Kim) and I got to leave work early (YEAH!) and drive to St. Paul, MN and attend the Yarn Harlot's talk for her book launch of Cast Off. That's a shot of Stephanie taking "sock pictures" of the crowd.

We arrived in St. Paul early, found parking amazingly easy... then walked just a block east to visit the Yarnery. WOW, what a neat place... I could wander those rooms for hours looking at the yarn and seeing all of their knitted up swatches and items. I was just going to "look" (yeah right) and wound up bringing home 4 balls of Cascade Fixation (more baby hats and booties in my future) as well as a skein of Fleece Artist Sock yarn. I think this means I am going to start knitting socks - heaven help us! ;-)

After touring the yarn store, and thanking the wonderful people there for putting this all together, Kim and I walked a block back and visited the Bead Monkey. Oh my, I actually found myself putting things in a little tray to buy so I could start doing beads! WHAT was I THINKING?!? Sanity prevailed and I didn't buy anything but goodness there was gorgeous stuff there! A bead stash would definitely be fun to build and easier to hide than yarn.

We then stopped for coffee and conversation in the Bread and Chocolate place nearby and then walked over to the auditorium where the Yarn Harlot would speak. We met up with Gail (from my Knitting Parents Yahoo group) and her friend Sally - then got in line and chatted until the doors opened. I was a little anxious about them trying to check in 400 people but the Yarnery pulled it all off quickly and without a hitch again. We were seated and knitting within 10 minutes of the doors opening and we were probably 30 people back in line. Nice job Yarnery!

Stephanie was like an old friend sitting on the other end of the couch knitting with us, she made us laugh, she made us think and at one point Kim was crying she was laughing so hard! When I was walking back to the car I realized that my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. What a wonderful evening! I just want to sit, knit and reflect on it all day. I should however get back to work so I can earn that next paycheck to keep buying more yarn! ;-)

Mitred Jacket is finished - well almost!

Just as soon as I find those buttons I bought those many weeks (or is it months) ago, I'll get those sewn on and it really will be finished.

Buttons or not, I'm wearing it tomorrow when I meet Gail (from my Knitting Parents Yahoo group) and the YARN HARLOT! I'm so excited.... an entire afternoon and evening of knitterly fun!

The jacket was begun last spring/summer/fall... gee, I can't remember. I made it with Cascade and Malibrigo for the fun stripes. I love it in the front, not so crazy about the back but then I don't really have to look back there so I'll live. ;-)

You can see details about the yarn and pattern here: http://tamsden.blogspot.com/2006/08/class-starts-tomorrow.html

Hair?

In 2000 I started cutting my hair shorter and shorter - it got so it was shaved in the back and the longest hair was under 2" long. I had shorter hair than my sons! ;-) Two summers ago I decided it might be fun to grow it out and try some new hairstyles again. ARGH... what was I thinking?

Ok, it is kinda fun to be able to put it up under a baseball cap, or in a pony tail... and it is almost long enough to all go up in one ponytail in the back. I had totally forgotten how much fun it is to put your purse or bag over your shoulder and pull your own hair, or to go outside and have the wind blow your hair in your mouth and eyes so you have to use one hand to clear your face to make sure you cross the street safely.

I'm not sure how long it will last - but it's long again. My hubby and kids love it. I haven't decided yet.

Smitten with Mittens

I have finished the Smitten and matching Mittens for a friend at work. I did "His" side of the smitten in blue and "Her" side in a purpley/pink mix. The mittens match their side of the smitten. The yarn I used was Cherry Tree Hill yarn (Twister?) in 75% Merino Wool and 25% Superwash. I used 1/2 a hank of each color.

The Smitten pattern is from One-Skein Wonders and the mittens are from Knitters Handy Book of Patterns.

I hadn't used the Knitters Handy Book of Patterns since I got it.... it seemed a little too complicated for a very beginning knitter. I've since looked at it again and can't believe I haven't used it before now. It's wonderful!