What have I been up to? Still working on Sahara. While it's an easy project, the finishing touches has been a nightmare. After completing the bottom lace pattern, and trying it on - it looked wonky. I cut it all off, frogged back a few inches and redid. It is much better, except I bound off a little tighter than I wanted. Next - the sleeve. For whatever reason, it was way too loose. I'm going to try the short sleeve version instead of the sleeveless to see if that helps.
Now for the fun....or not....I went to La Jolla Shores to go kayaking with a friend of mine. Here we are before setting off:
The minute they pushed us off however, I started to FREAK out! I started thinking about sharks...yummy yellow kayaks and the like. Now everyone in San Diego will tell you that there's no sharks, but I didn't feel that way. Plus - my entire childhood, my Sister (2 years older) use to have nightmares that I was eaten by sharks. It never made sense then, since we lived by a lake, but I suddenly flashed back to my childhood and FREAKED. Then came the seals and sea lions who were swimming in between the kayaks. They were really big and rambunctious. I wasn't scared of them - but of what EATS them...yup, sharks. Anywho - here's the reality pic of me once I'm way out on the kayak.
Shortly after this pic, I turned the kayak around and paddled back in to shore.
I have completed the beading work on the neckline for Sahara. I am happy that I did the beading myself. Looking at the close up, you can see that I used several bead in the same color family. I like that it's subtle, but still apparent. I have about 3 more inches on the body before starting the hem. I'm waiting til I complete the body before deciding how much to seam on the neckline. While I plan on adding beads to the sleeves, I'm not sure about the hemline yet. Depends on how many beads I have left and if I think it'll be too much. Here's a picture of the length I have so far:
Last - but certainly not least...I received my Coffee Swap package from my swapee Lia. Look at all of the yummy knit and coffee goodness. Not to mention the carnival edition skittles. I love it all. In addition, the yarn in the bluebell colorway has a label that reads "hand dyed for Susan". This is so cool. I'm very excited. Thanks Lia. I have mailed out your package, so you should receive yours soon.
Here is my progress on Sahara so far. I feel like even though it's a quick knit, I'm moving slower than normal on it. I have joined the body and am working in the round now. I have about 7" more left and then the neckline and hemline. While I'd love to get prebeaded yarn, I've purchased some and tiny crochet hooks to get the beads on. If this doesn't work, I might have to bite the bullet and cough up the $39 bucks for it already done. We'll see....
I've been tagged. Since this is my first time, I'm hoping I get it all right. I've been tagged by Michelle.
Here's the rules: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged need to write on their own blog those 7 facts as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog. So here are my facts:
1. I'm a quilter as well as a knitter.
2. My lowest grade in my Masters program was a B+ in Marketing Management which brought my GPA down to a 3.868 (I've was devastated and am still sore about it).
3. I'm the youngest of three kids - my brother is 43 and my sister is 34.
4. I have two cats - Hannah & Scofield and two salt water fish tanks - 75 gal. & 30 gal. in my household.
5. I'm very competitive, even with past-times like knitting.
6. It will be my one year anniversary for moving to San Diego (from Vermont) on 5/20/2007.
7. I first stumbled upon knitting blogs after finding Wendy Bernard's website when I purchased her Sizzle pattern 12/12/2006.
I'm tagging:
Hattie
Polli Wanna Blog
Knit Picky
Reckless Glue
Tami
Wanda Woman
Brandi
Here's a quick pic of my two-tone shrug with my turtleneck tube vest. Please excuse the wacky pose - it was late at night and I was in a s.i.l.l.y. mood. I think the Fitted Knits book is spectacular. So much so, that I've started casting on for a new project....
Here is my very early start to the Bold and Bulky Mini Cardi. I'm using the leftover Lamb's Pride that I used for the Winter Capelet I made my Sister and stash yarn that I purchased almost two years ago in Vermont. I like how the muted colors work together. I'll have to figure out what buttons I'll go for once I've made decent progress.
Finally, my Sahara progress. I'm digging the texture and the color. I went to the Bonita Knitting store last night for a knitting group. It was really nice. I did see some pre-beaded yarn that has me thinking about whether or not I'll spend the extra cash for it, or do it myself. Even though I'm not much of a multi-project person, I'm feeling pretty good about what I'm working on. I know that I need to pick my NSSC back up, but since the project is on hold in order to do another Wendy Bernard pattern, it's not really cheating...right? lol
I will post my Sahara progress tomorrow. For those who have asked, I'm using Cotton Flamme in a gorgeous green color. The yarn is both thick and thin, which adds some extra visual interest. In the meantime, I just received prom pics of my niece. I just couldn't resist. I'm getting nostalgic. Just yesterday, I could have sworn I was changing her diapers...They all grow up sometime I guess. I'm glad she grew up to be such a great girl. **yes I'm gloating, but that's what an Auntie with six nieces and nephews does**
What a weekend. Despite being under the weather, I managed to finish my two-tone shrug as part of the Fitted Knits KAL. I used left of yarn from my turtleneck tube vest so I could wear it together. It'll be perfect for cooler evenings. I bought both types of yarn from Little Knits. The main color is Feza Cekor in a buttery soft beige. The contrasting color is Ella Rae Classic in a pastel aqua blue.
This weekend also brought me an unexpected surprise. I received a wonderful package from my Secret Pal as part of the SP10. There's three skeins of Debbie Bliss - a cotton cashmere blend. It is soft soft and yummy, you wouldn't believe. Then there's three skeins of rowan in 100% cotton. Would y'all believe this is my first time I'll be using it! I'm so excited. MY SP10 also gave me knit wash and a GORGEOUS row counter bracelet. I'm so thankful and excited. Thank you SP10 for brightening up my weekend. It's so wonderful that it's even kitty approved.
With two patterns down for the Fitted Knits KAL, I'm going to focus on Sahara as part of the Sexy Knitter's Club. I have already completed Rusted Root, and am hoping to be able to complete this second project as well. Keep your fingers crossed.
