And She Knits Too!

Crazy Kid in Crazy Colours

Well, having this energy-draining cold didn't stop me from finishing Emma's vest:

I'm really pleased with it. I'm also very happy with the button holes. I used the simple and elegant solution provided by Sally Melville in her Cross-over top in The Purl Stitch. Here's a close up of the button loops done in reverse stockinette:

And, I think the finished product looks mighty nice on Emma:

Finishing this led me to consider my coming attractions list (since I could start something new, according to my three project+sock WIP strategy). I've decided that I won't be doing Ingeborg. I still find the pattern compelling, but fear I wouldn't wear it. And, I really want to knit summer things. Charlotte's Web is calling me, so that is likely the next project. I've also secured yarn for a bunch of other summer projects, but think I'll concentrate on the Faux cardi for a bit. The entrelac is definately stalled, but not stopped. It's no so tempting now that it's getting too warm to wear.

So many decisions, and not enough time. I have some serious thesis-editing to do. Some for coherence, some for length, but all in all, not a ton of time, so that has to be the first priority. Actually feeling better is the first priority...but that's coming.

Can you catch it from another blog?

Wow, I'm sick. Not horribly sick, but not doing any work sick. Sleeping until noon sick. Feeling like crap sick. It's just a cold, but I'm knocked right out. After reading about how other bloggers have been feeling, I wonder if I picked it up on another blog. You know like a computer virus? Okay just kidding, it's the cold talking. I probably caught it from Xander, who had a cold last week, but barely noticed. Ah to have to resiliance of a three year old.

I felt well enough on the weekend to get some knitting in. I did a few more inches on the Mandarin Faux Cardi (which is still too boring to photograph) and made significant progress on Emma's vest. All that's left is the front bands and weaving in the ends. I chose reverse stockinette bands for finishing, and the button holes will be loops, modelled after the vest/sleeveless top in The Purl Stitch. I think it works nicely:

Hopefully I can finish it tonight. Right now it's time for something to eat and then back to bed. Hopefully a day of sleep will help me get over this thing.

Progress!

I finally got some solid knitting time in yesterday. And, I finally figured out my wireless network; one little setting was messing the whole thing up. At least now, this lovely laptop isn't sucking up all my free time.

I finished the two fronts of Emma's vest and even started the top back. I love knitting for kids--it's almost instant gratification. Here it is:

I had to pin it down because it rolls like crazy. I'm still deciding what to do with the bands. I think I'll use attached i-cords for the armholes, and might do a ruffly neck and button bands (well, the buttonhole band will be ruffled, the other plain). But I'm worried it could be too frou frou. I guess I'll be experimenting this weekend.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. Tonight I get to knit with my pals, and tomorrow I get to play in the nice weather. Have a good one!

Boring Blogging, but pretty pictures

K 100. Turn. Purl 100. Turn. Yep, lots of stockinet stitch going on right now. Makes for pretty boring blogging. But Emma's vest is turning out lovely:

I'm almost at the armholes, so it's going quickly too. I knit one ball of the Imagine for my faux-cardi, but decided to concentrate on Em's vest because I know she really wants it, and being five, doesn't hide her anticipation.

Since the knitting is a bit boring, I'll show you the nifty new laptop bag I got from a fab company called Tom Bihn . Here's the ID messenger bag:

Nifty, but no big deal right? Well, look inside.

I love the bright sapphire blue. In the back there's the case the laptop goes into. It's called a Brain Cell and has a great design. The case is hard plastic, and the laptop sits in a heavily padded sling inside the case. The sling is shorter than the case, meaning that if you pull an oopsy and drop it, the bottom of the laptop won't slam into the floor.

Neat eh? It had me sold. I can carry the brain cell alone if I just want to jaunt out for a bit without extra trappings. And for me, it's a good place to store the computer safely from the kiddies.

I have to add, that this was a great company to deal with. Shipping was lightening fast, everyone was friendly and courteous, and they went out of their way to help with my many questions. They even posted pictures on their forums to show what you could cram into the bag.

Okay, enough gushing. I love the bag, and am pleased with the company.

Now to get out in the sunshine, hit a coffee shop and work with my new toys. I'm in a happy thesis place right now--I'm revising instead of writing.

Love is...

Casting on 670 stitches to make a ruffly border on your daughter's vest. 670. It took forever. The ruffle was all the knitting I did last night. I decided to do the vest in one piece to the armholes so at least I only have to do it once.

Doesn't look like much, does it?