I have been meaning to mention that Nathalie of Knitting Natty has given me a “You Make My Day” award. I am humbled and flattered - thanks Nat :) Please forgive me for taking so long to mention it - I’m a bit scatterbrained these days.
Last night, while I was watching West Side Story, I finally bit the bullet and frogged the shawl…
Sigh… I know I’ll find some appropriate use for the Manos, but I’m still a little disappointed; it would have made a magnificent fiesta of a shawl had there only been enough of it. On the other hand, there’s no reason it couldn’t make some spectacular hats - definitely an idea to fiddle around with :)
And, just as an aside, do you think it’s possible to be too old for Romeo and Juliet? I had loved West Side Story when I first saw it and I still think the choreography and Bernstein’s music are absolutely matchless. But I found that I felt little for Tony and Maria or for much of the story at all. Chalk it up to age and cynicism, I suppose. The music is still, I feel, some of the best that’s ever been written for American Theater.
This is about 8 ounces of Socka Superwash sock yarn. It is, at this moment, residing in the crock pot and it and I are (hopefully!) cooperating in the production of something like a bottle green color. There are about 1150 yards of this stuff which should be enough to contemplate a lace shawl with. Not exactly lace weight I’ll grant you, but a little finer than most of my shawls have been so far. I’m still poring over stitch patterns so this isn’t an immediate project - at least I don’t think it is. Knowing me, it’s entirely possible that the yarn will overpower me and never stop singing until I cast it on. Some yarns are like that :) I have to exercise a little discipline though (something I am notoriously poor at) because I fell to the siren song of the Manos too and you can see where that got me :)
Remember on Tuesday, I was mumbling about using the stitch pattern from the One Row Handspun Scarf in a sweater? Well…
I’m not sure this is exactly it. However, I took out my very favorite pullover, laid it out flat on the bed and measured everything. It is a drop shoulder cotton sweater that fits me exactly as I like. I measured length from shoulder to bottom, sleeve length (and depth at underarm and wrist), neck and shoulder widths - everything. Then I did a gauge swatch (horrors!) and determined that on size 7 US (4.5 mm) needles, I was getting 4.8 stitches and about 7 rows per inch in pattern. And then I did some math and cast on.
The only thing giving me pause is the possibility of doing the top-down thing again only actually making something that fits this time :) I do wear Autumn Seeds and I don’t dislike it. But there are definitely things I’d do differently this time - like lengthening the body, not making armscyes so big you could smuggle a bulldog in them and making a more regulation sleeve. So I’m not entirely sure I’ll continue with the drop shoulder - though it would certainly be a simple enough way to go.
Oh - and shall I tell you how much time I spent testing seaming methods on the swatch? I have already rejected mattress stitch because I’m afraid it won’t be secure enough. For now, assuming I go through with the drop-shoulder plan, I expect to do a crocheted seam which looks neat on the right side and would make for a good, sturdy seam.
The new kids are all doing well. Sundance, here, is having his morning meditation :) Degus, like gerbils, have a tendency to “space out”. They aren’t asleep and are aware - but they’re not entirely there :) We have also discovered that the degus (who’s systems can’t tolerate much in the way of fats or sugars) are absolutely batty about shredded wheat. A little mini-sized biscuit to each of them in the morning, and all’s right with their world :) Forgive the schmutz on the tank - degus throw everything everywhere so it’s unavoidable.
Cocoa Puff is nearly full grown now, though she was only about the size of my thumb when we brought her home. She’s a delight to watch and is fond of pumpkin seeds which she will eat right out of my hand. Oh yeah - and we’ve also been able to determine that she is female :)
See the “Knitting Chatter” button on the side bar for more information.
With both a new router and a new modem, I can’t imagine what could keep Chatters from taking place tomorrow night. I probably shouldn’t have said that; the gods love nothing better than a challenge :) But, I’m going to open up at the usual time and hope for the best. Hope to see you there!
Have a great weekend :)
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Is there any way to make a stole type shawl from the Manos rather than a triangle? Would that take more or less yarn?
I’m so impressed with you test seaming. What planning!
Charlotte - I have been wondering about that very thing :) Cast it on the long way, making each ball into its own wide stripe? Possibilities!
Opal - LOL! Well, I guess it probably sounds a bit silly, but I wanted to make sure I could seam this thing to my satisfaction before I got all the pieces made and discovered I didn’t know what I was doing :) Now I’m comfortable that if I get that far, putting the pieces together won’t be a serious hassle.
you’re welcome sweetie~ I’m looking forward to seeing what becomes of the manos - its first incarnation was looking very special!
Love the Manos color combo. I know you will find the “right” thing to use it in.
Can’t wait to see the bottle green, sounds very pretty.
Vicki
Nat - It was pretty, wasn’t it? The shawl just wasn’t meant to be, I guess :) No fear - you think I’m going to be able to keep my hands off it for long? Not a chance! Heheheh…
Vicki - I should be able to show the yarn next week. It’s drying now - but it’s a half-pound hank so it’s going to take a lot of drying. Looks pretty good though :)
