It's nice outside that box

Aaaaaahhhhhhh. You know sometimes you just have to break the rules a little bit, use your good reputation to your own advantage, tell a little white (or not so white, yet harmless) lie, and then revel in the feeling of doing something really, really good for yourself.

I used to be a rule follower to the point of bending myself into very uncomfortable pretzel positions. I'm so glad that a few people in my life have gently taught me that it is ok to step outside that box once in awhile. Thanks, Friends! You know who you are.

Coniglio subbuglio

I couldn't resist posting this Italian rabbit story.

Vacation Friday

Here is the promised picture of my at Knitomatic starting on the Spiderweb Cardigan (aka the Muppet Cardigan).



I love the top I am wearing here. I get compliments on it whenever I wear it. I bought it at One of a Kind a couple of years ago. It is a Mandala Design top by Mandy Armstrong. I have 4 of Mandy's tops and I love ALL of them. In fact, I get compliments on all of them.

This morning I am off to the dreaded Dufferin Mall, but hopefully early enough to miss the crowds. Hubby and I are tardy getting our health cards and driver's licenses updated. (What an odd little word - tardy. It even feels different in the mouth from other words.) Anyway, the Duff Mall has a handy kiosk for updating our records with the government, plus it has a fantastic No Frills. I need more cherries and No Frills has them for dirt cheap, unlike my beloved Kensington Market.

This afternoon I will be enjoying glorious naked beach lounging at Hanlon's Point. I don't make it out to the island as much as I'd like, so I am really looking forward to the ferry ride and beach relaxation. And, yes, the nudity. It just feels right for me.

knit-along, new projects & vacation plans

I'm on two weeks vacation. I started it with the TTC Knit-along last weekend. I don't have too much to say about it, other than I met some cool people, bought some luxurious Misti Cotton, and I finished my not-so-secret project (thank goodness!). My pics below. (check out flickr for TONS of great photos of the knit-along) Someone took a great picture of me and my not-so-secret project, but I shall not publish it until the secret is revealed to the appropriate persons.

Here is my latte from Alterknit - got to love the i deal coffee latte



Here are Melinda's Alterknit waffles. The waffles were a big hit with many of the gals.



After Alterknit, the Central team was off to Knit-o-matic. I walked along with Carol and Anu, since the weather was so amazing! Here is a picture of the portable project (another market bag) that I worked on when I was walking or on the TTC. The not-so-secret project required dedicated sitting time without other distractions.



Here is a great picture of me with my newly purchased Misti Cotton in light blue twist. This yarn is pure luxury - a cotton and silk blend! Two or three of the gals consulted with me and all purred about their love of the Misti Cotton.



Thanks to some comments on this picture on Facebook, the yarn is now known as the Muppet Cardigan. I've never touched a Muppet, but I if they are super soft, silky, and just a dream to run your fingers over, then this yarn is a cousin or half-sibling.

My sister commented that she thought I was holding a baby. That Misti Cotton is my baby! Right after I paid for it I asked Carol to take my picture. Last night at Stitch 'n Bitch at Knit-o-matic, I asked Haley to take a couple of pictures of the beginnings of the cardigan (Spiderweb Cardigan from Interweave Crochet Spring 2007). I'll post those later, although I had to rip those first few rows out due to my mis-reading the pattern.

After ripping out and re-starting, following the pattern very slowly and carefully, I still had problems with how the beginnings and endings of the rows build on each other. I'm also not sure if the first chain 3 on the foundation row is counted as a stitch. I've sent a friendly email off to Interweave to inquire.

I've also started a dressy T-shirt in Salmon Berry Red cotton fleece from Brown Sheep (the colour is not listed on their site). This pattern is straight forward so far and I'll work on that while I wait to hear back from Interweave.

Other vacation plans:

Hubby and I will be staying for two nights at Ganders Bed & Breakfast in Prince Edward County. I can't wait! We'll visit some local vineyards and potters' studios, play a few cribbage games by the water, and enjoy the jacuzzi in our room.

Hubby is off to Winnipeg for business for a couple of days next week as well. While he's gone I'll do some errands for the 40th birthday party I am planning for my sis and her hubby (their birthdays are a month apart this summer) and hopefully do some relaxing with a girlfriend.

I think there are some patio afternoons in my future too.

Not enough time

There is just not enough time in my life to crochet. There are so many projects that I want to do and I fear not even half of them will get made. I think I just have to start a bunch of projects and rotate my attention. I've figured out that focusing on one thing only makes my forearm ache. I also get a little bored.

Maybe if Hubby makes it super big in the Canadian Television industry (ya, right)(that is to say that Canadian tv doesn't pay BIG like in the USofA... not to say that Hubby won't make it big), I'll be able to quit work and just crochet and sew. (I have a great sewing machine, but it still intimidates me even after taking a course).

I will be participating in the International KIP Day TTC Knit-A-Long (or in my case Crochetalong) this Saturday. In preparation, tonight I will peruse some patterns and figure out what yarns to scout for. I just bought a couple of vintage/retro cool pattern books. Now all I need is time.