Love you, Scary Pal 8

This morning (this gloomy Saturday morning) I amused myself with a bit of internet window shopping. Somehow I decided to check out the BUST Magazine homepage. I saw this:

The BUST Boobtique: "She had not yet decided whether to use her power for good...or for evil" Journal

and thought that the caption was pretty much made for me and that I would love to have it.

I swear to you, I had never seen this product line or referred to it in any way. I just loved it at first sight.

Now, here's what the mailwoman brought a few hours later.

Is that scary or what?
SP8, thank you so much for the card! Not only did it absolutely brighten my day and I love it, it also showed me that I must be rather transparent.

Oh, and your last email arrived, too. Only our server thought it would be a good idea to spit out that week's emails in increments of two a day for the next week. This as a dire warning for anyone using my "non-anonymous" email address. It doesn't happen often, but happen it does.

People, do not get excited about the picture. I took it with an ancient webcam (after I couldn't find this particular card anywhere online) and I'm not going through that again for anything except to show y'all the coolness that is my Secret Pal. However, my dad tells me that my camera-less days are numbered, because he sorta fixed it to the point where I can sorta use it until I can buy a new one. We shall see.

Am I the only person who frogs perfectly good FOs, just because I think they would look better if I did something different with them? I did that with the BGK Blueberry Bomb top, because I put a ball of my green and blue Wolletempel yarn on top of it while it was blocking (I was absentminded and the top was dry). On passing the arrangement a while later, I decided that this would be a great colour combination and the border I had done was much too frilly for the summer tweed anyway. Frogging ensued. I was right, it does look much better now. I do this all the time. Also frogged, while I was at it: Waterlily. After reading the great booty post by Crazy Aunt Purl , I came to the conclusion that a) Waterlily's main problem is its upper part and b) even if I starved myself (and believe me, I have done this before), my boobs are just not going anywhere. And they shouldn't have to.

In an amazing fit of willpower, I finished the sleeve of the blue crochet hoodie this week. Now all that's left is the, y'know, hoodie. I don't know why I can't seem to finish this thing. I love the stitch and the yarn and the book the project came from, but still ... Well, I'm not taking it with me to my parents, so maybe next week.

Speaking of which, now comes the fun part: What DO I take with me to my parents? Can't take the Chocolate-Covered Cherry, because it's too big and fidgety at this point. Also because I would finish it during the week and I can't block it at my parents' house, which would drive me nuts :o). Trust me, springing new activities on my dad is not a good idea. He might build a new table if I ask him where I could put my stuff to block. Last week I asked him for an old blanket to put on the floor for my exercises. Immediate hysteria, an hourlong search and plans for buying a new blanket (where? when would he leave? what sort of blanket do I need?), because dear God there wasn't one! I'm not being disparaging, it's a fact. My dad is hanging on by one ply of a thread. But I digress.

Other than the Chocolate-Covered Cherry I don't have anything exciting on the needles right now, except plain vanilla Regia Bamboo socks (still). And socks don't really count. Sooo ... What's next? I'll have to think about that. Not that I'm lacking a "To Knit" list, mind you, I'm just not sure what I'm in the mood for. I'll keep y'all posted (with pictures, I hope).

Typing is done without yarn

And a damn shame it is, too.
Sorry about the nonexistent updates, but between work and not having a working camera, it's been a week that hasn't been too blog-friendly. I'm getting kinda tired of those pictureless descriptions, and my new novel doesn't translate itself, either. A big flaw, if you ask me, I wish authors would think of that.
Since the demise of my dictation sweater - not a long story, it's ugly and the yarn sucks - I haven't been knitting anything at work, because I'm raaather tired of stockinette stitch, which is all I can knit without looking or concentrating. I tried dictating Chapter Six with a 2x2 rib, but that didn't work too well with either project.
I think I could be swayed in favour of acres of stockinette by the Meryl coat in BGK, but I can't decide on a yarn - and I also can't put the contenders up here (see above: no camera). Arrgh.

I did manage to find some lovely stuff for my One Skein Secret Pal, only I'm having a hard time with the one skein idea. I got her first skein, but I haven't sent it yet, because I'm still contemplating adding a second one "just in case". I'm a yarn glutton. No, seriously, the idea of giving just one measly ball as a gift to an accomplished knitter is really weird. For a beginner, yes, take this and go play, but ...
I'll get over it.

The Blueberry Bomb is done (I know, I know, I can't give image evidence, I'm working on it). You know, the BGK Cherry Bomb Top in Summer Tweed Blueberry. Lovely yarn, if a little bulky. I made some changes to the pattern. I added a row of eyelets and some additional shaping under the boob part for a tie and fake empire waist, and I made it longer, because I make everything longer (did I mention I'm 5'11"?). For length I added a few rows of the lace pattern from the accompanying Chocolate Covered Cherry Jacket, and it does look nice, if I do say so myself.

The top looked lonely on its own, so I decided to give it the above mentioned jacket as a partner. Finally a use for the lovely but much abused Lang New Angora in a smoky blue with a little touch of purple, so it goes well with the Blueberry, which I've used as the accent colour in the lace. Right now, I'm struggling with the hood.
Does it surprise you, too, when you are doing something right? I swear, at the end of every lace row I'm, surprised that I have the right number of stitches remaining, or when I count my stitches, I'm happily astonished that I do have the number I should have. I'm not making all THAT many mistakes usually (we will not discuss Waterlily at this point), but still the surprise is there.

The owner of the Evil Crack Den gave me a slightly battered copy of Classic Knits for Real Women (German translation)with my Rowan purchase. It's a nice book, but it ain't BGK. I like some of the cardigans - I like cardigans :o) - but there are quite a few project I wouldn't do, not to mention the moment when I saw the loopy pompom hat and thought, wow, they even have a pattern for a Halloween wig. They didn't. They were seriously suggesting a ball-shaped hat covered in lilac loops as a chic look. And you can knit the matching shagpile scarf and handbag. Little hint: do not go out in public looking as if you did cruel and unusual things with your bobtail puppy. It's just not a good look in any size.

The dinner went well. My mom had a blast, and it was nice to see how everybody wanted to sit next to her. My dad's friends are really special people. Many times, my mom gets the reception of "Oh, yes, that's Gunther's poor sick wife", but not with that bunch. They just like her and are happy to see her whenever she can manage it. If you have ever tried to negotiate a situation where you thoroughly enjoyed yourself while at the same time your heart was being shredded, you will know that these occasions are a mixed blessing. But a blessing all the same.

Rowan, Rowan, Rowan your boat ...

Just me with a brief update from Chez Parental Units.
Exciting things happening (well, I'm excited, anyway). Saturday will be the day of the Big Outing, wherein the entire family will actually leave the house together and have dinner at a friend's house. Yep, Momma 'n' them included. Half the town is a-twitter with the news. I'm not kidding, since it would appear that half the town is invited. Did I mention my parents live in a small place?
So right now, Mom and I are in the middle of The Great Outfit Issue of 2006. It has to be light, cool (temperature-wise) and roomy enough so people won't see that she's not wearing the fake boob, although the last item has become negotiable since we realized that the only garment able to conceal this little fact would be an oversized steel breastplate (see light and cool above).

On the knitting front ... I'm in the middle of the second sock of the second lot of Regia Bamboo - and there must be a way of rephrasing that dreadful sentence, but I can't think of it. Love the bamboo fiber, I strongly recommend it for summer socks.
Also, a visit to the Evil Crack Den brought forth my first project from BGK - Cherry Bomb, only with modifications to make it an evening top. The yarn? Rowan Summer Tweed in Blueberry. Oh, yeah.
I really tried to stay away, but the urge was too strong. Really, I tried.
Now, the silk-wrapped package tied with hand-woven strings made from Highland heather will arrive at the Crack Den on Saturday. I can't wait! Blueberry Bomb, you will be mine! (cue in deranged laughter)

Book Report

The mailman must have heard my whining yesterday, because about half an hour after I wrote that One Skein isn't here yet, he appeared at my door with not one but two packages.
In addition to One Skein, I also got Knitting Over The Edge . Wow! Nicky, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. This book is so great that I'm actually glad that Mariposa turned out too short, because now I can add an edge. I am also contemplating the purchase of an old childhood nemesis, the Knitting Nancy, to produce i-cord for the funky edges in the book. Here in Germany, they call them "Strickliesel", Knitting Lizzie, by the way. Just some international knitting trivia for ya.
I like most of the ideas in One Skein. I think the mini clutch is adorable, and I'll definitely make a pair of the silk sleeves, and in terms of the Secret Pal exchange, I'm glad that the one skein idea also includes using different partial skeins, because I have something in mind for my pal that wouldn't work otherwise.
Overall, it was a good book day.

No pictures of the instant gratification project, because the camera, it is dead with a capital headstone. A solution must be found.

One Skein Secret Pal

Okay, here's an opportunity for a picture-free entry (sigh), the One Skein SP Questionnaire:

1. Which yarn is most like your personality?

I'm thinking I'd be either a dark red or rich green silk blend, or periwinkle cotton. Hobby psychologists, have at it! :o)

2. What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with?

Non-yellow

3. Have you ever used variegated, or magic, yarns?

Yes, lots. In fact, I bought I don't remember how many pounds of sorta variegated yarns in that ebay-store clearance sale about a month ago. The colourway really has to appeal to me though.

4. Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns?

I like blends that contain cotton, merino or silk. I rarely knit with any "pure fiber" except for felting.

5. Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn?

I don't care either way.

6. Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them?

Uh, organic as opposed to man-made fibers? Or organic in the environmentally friendly sense? Whatever, I've used it both ways.

7. How many and what projects have you made in the last year?

Three cardigans, a shawl, two scarves and the cotton monster that was an ill-conceived sweater in a previous life. I know, I have to get more pictures up. Also, two WIPs, cardigans again.

8. Will you be knitting any gifts this year?

Yes, felted slippers, socks and a sweater.

9. What is your favorite one skein project?

Haven't got the book yet. I don't know why, German Amazon is usually very reliable.

10. How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it?

I store most of it in a huge red chest of drawers in my room, the overflow (ahem) wrapped in boxes, all with lavender and sandalwood stuff in them.

11. Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use it or part with it?

I have yarns that go through several swatches and plans, before I come up with a project "special" enough for them. I do want to knit with them eventually though.

12. Do you knit less or differently in the summer?

Not really, I almost never knit with really warm or fuzzy fibers anyway.

13. Do you belong to any knitting groups (online or offline)?

Well, the decision to go online and "knit in public" is a recent one, so I'm just getting started on looking at groups and all that, although I have been lurking in blogs and on message boards for a while. Offline? I'd love to, but I can't find any.

I've got an exciting instant gratification project planned for today, and there will be one last stab at camera CPR, so there might be two entries today, since I'm leaving again tomorrow.

Palling in comparison

Well, I've got my two secret pals - or rather the women who will have me as their secret pal. One from SP8, one from One Skein. Buttons, you say? I know, I know. Getting there.
I'm really happy with the choices the hosts and hostesses made. Both pals seem like very nice, interesting women and their interests and favourite things are stuff I can relate to, but just different enough to make finding the right "spoilage" for them interesting.
I love this idea. And I love giving gifts. It's like miniature Christmas.

In other news. Have I mentioned that I dropped my camera about a week ago? It worked for a bit, if I pressed down on the little lid that holds the batteries in, but now it's dead. That's raaather unfortunate. I had this vague idea that I would get a nicer camera one day (in the very distant future), but now it looks as if I'm once again stuck with whatever is cheapest out there. On the other hand, my little cheap-o Jenoptik did a good job for five years, so who am I to complain?

So, due to equipment issues, today's progress report will be 100% bandwidth-friendly (you just have to know how to put the right spin on a problem - for how-to reference, check out statements on environmental policy issued by the government of your choice.)
Mariposa is done. Even though the measurements were just right when compared to tops I like to wear, it turns out to be a little short on (my) person. So now I'm thinking of attaching some sort of crochet edging for an extra inch, which is not easy, because Mariposa's edges are seed stitch. The only other solution would be longer straps, but that might be a little more cleavage than I'm prepared to show in public.
Also done: socks in Regia Bamboo, toe-up with my own half-butted "so, what do you want to do with these?" pattern. I like the yarn a lot, but I'm not overly fond of the colourway, "Passion". I was told that the 5 colours the store had on display were all this yarn came in, so I chose one, because I wanted to try the bamboo, only to discover later that there are, in fact, 13 colours available. Grrr. I should have known though. I mean, does any Regia yarn have fewer than 10 colours?
(Not having a camera really stinks.)
The Goof Off Scarf is coming along.
Sigh. I really want to start the Meryl Coat from Big Girl Knits. Lovely pattern, and I have the right yarn for it that will work pretty much all year long (with a little layering in winter). Only ... it's miles and miles of stockinette. Again. As was the unfortunate Waterlily. As was Mariposa. As are the eyelash parts of the scarf (and the other parts are 2x1 rib, how riveting). I love the projects, but I'm BORED. I need to find something with at least two different stitch charts. This would be the perfect moment to try a lace shawl, but I haven't got the nerve.
Remember I mentioned the Lang Yarns "Twin" recently? Yeah, I shouldn't have mentioned it to my mom, because she insisted on giving me a sweater's worth. What with treatment costs and care and everything, I don't want her to make these lavish gifts, but she shut me up by telling me that she wants to spoil her girl while she can. Now I can't even look at the yarn without crying. I wish I could make her something wonderful, but I know that most things except very thin cotton nightdresses and PJs make her uncomfortable. She wears the shawl I gave her last winter, but I can tell that it makes her uncomfortable, too, and that she only wears it, because I made it. Same for the socks. I made her a little crochet cosmetics bag last week, because she said she needed something for her hand lotion and assorted things that clutter up her bedside table. Strange, isn't it? Usually, a knitter expresses love by making something fabulous for her loved ones. I express love by not knitting for my mom.
She loves to see me knit though and watch the progress. In fact, we've founded our own Stitch & Bitch group. I sit by her bed knitting, and she tells me stories about the family (and if you knew my family, you'd know that those stories make me lose stitch count on a regular basis).

Hmm, I guess Lang Twin it is, tears or no tears. And I'll find something more "showy" (read: interesting to watch it grow) than the Cinxia I originally intended to make with it (no disrespect intended, I love the Cinxia pattern, but ...). Stay tuned, I'll resolve my camera issues ASAP.

German Mother's Day is on Sunday. My mother issued strict orders to ignore the occasion. I'm not even to mention it in her presence. But here's the thing. I'm fortunate in actually being aware that my time with my mother is very limited and even more fortunate that my life and job situation allows me to spend a lot of time with her. So, y'know, go hug your mom. Or call her to make plans for a visit, if she lives too far away. Or, if your relationship with your mom is strained, try to think of at least one positive thing or fond memory about her.

This gratuitious public service announcement was brought to you by Gratuitious Public Service Announcements 'R' Us.

Secret Pal 8 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I think I said this before, if it's pretty and soft I love it. I can't wear pure wool next to my skin, but wool blends are fine. I'm definitely not a "yarn snob" as they say.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Straight needles and dpns - a vase on my desk. Circular needles - a dark red fun fur bag that's supposed to be for cosmetics, I think. Crochet hooks, sewing stuff, tape measures etc. - another big cosmetics bag.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting and crocheting on and off for about 30 years (mostly off during my 20s, totally ON for the past five years). I'd say my skills are intermediate with an adventurous spirit. Basically I think if I can read the instructions I can knit it. Eventually :o).

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Not at the moment.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

Anything citrus-y or otherwise fresh, like melon, cucumber, green tea (although I still don't know what that smells like, really)

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

See entry about being a big chick :o). Favourite candy: peanut butter cups, bars, bits and pieces. I don't care, as long as somebody's peanut butter is in my chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I make bead jewellery and I get the occasional paper maché fit in the summer, when I can work out on the porch. I love any crafts involving fabric, yarn, paper, dye, beads and candles. Except, I don't do scrapbooks. I love to look at them, there's some amazing stuff going on, but it's not for me. I've never dyed or spun yarn. I'd love to try, but where I live supplies or classes aren't easy to come by.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I'm so not in the loop where music is concerned. But I like all kinds of music, except the really, really heavy metal and songs where people recommend to kill or rape other people. On my play list right now: "Tyrone" by Erykah Badu, REM cover versions of pretty much anything, "Variations on a Shaker Hymn" by Aaron Copeland, the soundtrack from Chicago, "Lady in Black" by Uriah Heep and "Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton. Get the picture?
And it's yes on the MP3 thing.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

Deep, rich reds, earth tones, all blues and most greens. I wear a lot of olive gree and terracotta, because they just look really good on me although I wouldn't say they are my favourites as colours, if that makes sense. And I'm a denim kind of girl.
I don't wear white much. And I have yet to find a shade of yellow I like.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

No kids, no pets, though I love both. If I had my way about things, I'd have one kid of each kind, one tuxedo and one orange tabby cat and a pug. A girl can dream :o).

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Love them all, except for the ponchos. Never wore them, never will, because I'd be the Strange Case of the Walking Tent.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I don't really have favourites. Whatever strikes my fancy, with a tendency towards tanks with a cardigan or shrug rather than sweaters, and scarves and socks. One of these days I'd love to try a lace shawl, but haven't worked up the nerve. Oh, and BAGS. Love the BAGS.

13. What are you knitting right now?

A top (Mariposa, from Knitty), my Goof Off Scarf with eyelash yarn and a pair of Regia Bamboo socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Of course.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Not particular there either. Whatever works with the project, doesn't hurt my hands or snag the yarn. My knitting needles are mostly INOX, because that's the main brand here in Germany, most of my crochet hooks are US aluminum. Next time I'm in the States, I'll try to get me a pair of those aluminum knitting needles in the funky colours.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

My yarn winder's name is Andy :o). So, no, I own neither.

17. How did you learn to knit?

My grandma taught me to knit and crochet when I was 5. I loved her a lot, and since she died when I was 10, I love the fact that I have a lasting, living memory of her.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?

About three years. A crochet cardigan with too tight sleeves that I need to frog.

19. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas.

20. Is there anything that you collect?

I collect giraffes and armadillos. You'd be amazed how few things are giraffe- or armadillo-themed.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Since I live in Europe, I covet all things American, as customs officers checking my bags when I return from the States can tell you. Especially all things for making bags, frames, handles etc. I subscribe to Interweave Knitting,and I buy the German magazines at the store.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

See lace shawl above. I'd also like to try hairpin lace and do more felting. I love vintage-style hats, but I have a big head, so felted hats will be my next major ambition.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Love the socks. My feet are huge. I'm 5'11", 180 cm, and wear a size 42 German, 10 1/2 American.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

November 4. (1970, in case you're wondering)

The freak show folded its tent

Okay, the most embarrassing thing first: I cried. A little bit.
Granted, I just returned from a very emotional week with my parents, so it may have been one of those moments anyway. Along with my mail, there was a package waiting for me, and I knew it could only mean one thing:

Big Girl Knits. Let me say it again: Big Girl Knits.

The book is amazing. Actually, I think I'm in love. Not just with the projects, but with the whole approach to the subject of the female body with the sheer audacity to have a waist of more than 25 inches. There's been a lot of hype about this book, and as far as I'm concerned it's all justified. If you are a big chick, or even in the vicinity of biggish, go and buy the book. Right now. I'll wait.
If you want to know where Jillian Moreno and Amy Singer are coming from, all you have to do is flip to the back of the book and look at the essential reading list. Rita Farrow, Catherine Lippincott, Wendy Shanker? Gimme more of that. And they do. Even if you are not a knitter, this is some of the best fashion advice out there. Because it's as real as the title promises. And because Jillian and Amy treat the big sisters with dignity and respect and a GOOD sense of humour. Could it be that we are really not just freaks who literally don't fit in?
Big Girl Knits is - excuse the psych lingo - absolutely empowering. I can't even tell you how many times I found myself nodding emphatically at sentences like: "... very few sock patterns take into account that your big bits don't stop at the knee." Or laughing at observations like the baffling fact that yarn store salespeople don't fall over themselves to help a big chick when she comes in, because she will spend about twice as much on yarn as a skinny woman. Strange, innit?

I want to make every damn project in the book. Some are stronger favourites than others and I would make changes in some of the patterns - but here's the best thing: they tell you how to make those changes.
It's my sweater (or tank or skirt or wrap), so I should be able to make it so it fits and flatters ME. According to MY taste and specifications.
That reminds me of my one and only attempt at custom-tailored clothes. We have a dressmaker's shop right around the corner. And one day last winter, I screwed up the courage to go in there. Y'know, a strange woman would take my top-secret measurements and all. Never got that far. I explained to the (tiny) dressmaker what I wanted. I'm a socialphobe and being a big girl doesn't help, so I wanted an evening top - deep, square neckline, slight empire waist - that would really fit me so I could just slip it on and feel good about the way I look without giving it any more thought. I was willing to shell out € 110 (about $130) PLUS the price of the fabric if it would help me solve the problem of what to wear on a night out once and for all. Only the dressmaker wouldn't do it. It wasn't that she was all booked up, the woman just refused to make the top I wanted. What she wanted to make for me was a "loose" (read: tent-like) tank with a "loose" (ditto) blouse to wear over it. No matter how many times I told here that I've got that combo in 27,000 variations and that I thought the point of having something tailored was that I could get something I really wanted and couldn't buy at any department store (for a fraction of the price I might add) - it didn't happen. She told me that she was a size 10 and SHE wouldn't wear the top I requested. Was I aware of how FAT I would look in that?
Yeah, it was full frontal freak time. Pretty humiliating. Never tried it again.
Now I think I'll knit myself an evening top from the book I may have mentioned in passing here :o). Strangely enough, deep, square necklines and empire waists are exactly what's recommended for my body shape. Either my idea of what suits me isn't so freakish after all or there are more freaks like me out there. Either way works for me.
Here's something else I found interesting. I'm a person who is very aware of real body shapes (how could I not be?), and I actually like the look of some flesh on the bones. Jennifer Aniston, while a big (tee hee!) favourite with the male population of my life, is not exactly my beauty ideal. However, when I first looked at the models in the book, my reaction was not positive. I thought they looked big. DUH, Kay, they are big. Like you. You know why this happened? Because even the large size section in most knitting or sewing magazines is modeled by skinny women. I know this is not news, but I was amazed at how much that fact had distorted my perception. Apparently, I'm so used to being lied to in the context of fashion photography (yeah, we shot this sweater on a size 8 model, but it'll look just great on your size 20 body. Honest.) that I don't even realize it anymore. At a second glance though the models looked totally gorgeous. And very much in keeping with the premise of the book, because a lovely, well-cut sweater won't make you look skinny, it will make you look GOOD.
Now excuse me, I gotta go swatch for my Trinity Bay Skirt.

Whoops!

It's been five days, huh?
Sorry about that, but there is not a lot of knitterly excitement going on here. Okay, there is some, but I don't have my camera with me. I'm about done with the front of Mariposa (excuse the linklessness, but if you were sitting at my dad's computer, you wouldn't mess with that stuff either). Love the yarn, love the pattern, but it sure looks huge. I think I'm having top issues, last one - too small. This one - too big?

Like a dumbass (I think I mentioned), I left a half-finished sweater here when I went home last, but I took the pattern with me. Need I mention that I didn't bring it back? I THINK I could work on it for a bit without the pattern, but then again I THOUGHT I had the calculations for Waterlily right. Less thinking and more pattern reading sounds like a plan.

Of course I had to enter the Den of Evil yesterday, and the Wicked Temptress plied me with Lang yarn. Forget Rowan, this stuff is my crack. I bought one ball of Lang Twin, a cotton blend, in Perfect Red. I don't know what they call the colour, I call it Perfect Red. I swatched for a summer cardigan (a modification of Cinxia from Knitty - again without the links), and now I shall go forth and torture my budget. Maybe I should knit me some willpower.

The SP8 questionnaire is up! Need to put it up - and the button, too. Again, I'm going to have to do that on Sunday when I get home. I'm so excited! My first Secret Pal exchange, yay!