knitting lemonade

Well, here it is. My secret knitting project. It's Twitterpated from those darling zephyr girls. This is actually the free pattern they offer on their site (Free, people, Free!). Twitterpated and a best friend, they make quite the pair, no?

I have been promising Susan a "knitted item" forever. Once I saw this pattern, I knew this was the perfect knit for a girl named Sue.

The bag: This fast and easy knit was even more rewarding because it is so ADORABLE. Using my leftover yarn from my Counterpane Carpet Bag, Twitterpated was a great stash buster. I even used the leftover lining from CCB. The only alteration I made to the pattern was two I-cords added to the inside of the purse for a more secure closure. Add to the mix a purse handle from my local JoAnn's...and voila, you got Twitterpated!

The girl: Susan and I play this game, "Would you be my friend if [blank]?" The [blank] has ranged from "if I had Vienna Sausages for fingers" to "walked everywhere on my knees (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with my legs)." Basically, we have learned from this game is that our friendship is VERY conditional. The truth? From the beginning of our friendship, it has always been easy with Sue. We just worked as best friends. We met in college through a mutual friend and then discovered we were in the same English class. Then the following semester we just happened to have another English class together, and then again the following semester. Eventually us taking English classes together was no longer left to fate. During the course of our 8-year friendship we have both graduated colledge with English degrees, shared an apartment, had a long-distance friendship, traveled to Paris, dated inappropriate men, married an appropriate man (her, not me), and most importantly, remained best friends.

I just love my Susan. And if Twitterpated can show that, even a tiniest bit, then it was one of my best knits.

At last...My Counterpane Carpet Bag is here to stay.

I love this bag. Is love too strong a word? Well, too bad, cause that is just the way I feel. I can't deny my true feelings. Ever since I picked up that Handknit Holidays in December, I just knew we were meant to be.

I seamed the ole' CCB one night at the Motel 8 in Taber, Alberta, and lined it at my Grandma's. Ok, when I say "I lined it," I mean this...It takes an Canadian army to line a bag, eh? The first pic is of my darling mom is doing it old school with a needle and thread. And next pic is of my Aunt Vicki and Grandma working the machine. With their help, I was able to get this...
Do you see the cute little pleats? My mom did that...Don't you just love moms? They can do anything!

Wanna another shot of the bag? Well, ok...
And here are the scallops in detail...
Basically, the Riata yarn from Brooks Farm Yarn was PERFECT! Just what I was looking for all these months--something that looks super antique-y yet has a subtle colorway. I used just a bit over one skein. (Some of the yarn leftovers were used toward a secret project which I will reveal as soon as I give it to its recipient.) Also love the lining. It just finishes off the "I found this in my Grandma's attic" vibe I was going for. So there you have it, yet another purse to add to the rotation. I think the purse count is up to about 29 now...

So I got to travel to Boston this week for work. It sounds glamorous, doesn't it? Well, that really wasn't the case. Basically, my week was an like an episode of the Apprentice. I spent the whole week running around the Boston Convention Center handing out prizes trying to get as many people to visit our booth. Oh, and I was wearing wacky hats at the time. I guess when there is a free trip to Boston on the line, I will do just about anything.

One HUGE drawback to this week was that I was working so much that I got no knitting done. Zero. Zilch. I am working on a new project, however, but it is a secret. shhhh....I will reveal what it is and who it is for when it is finished, which should be soon. I know you all are shocked by the idea that I might actually be knitting something for someone other than myself. Believe me, you can't be more surprised than me. But who knows, this might be a turning point for me. I could become the Mother Teresa of knitting--never thinking of myself, just devoted to the fiber needs of others. Nah.

I did however finish both sides of my Counterpane Carpet Bag AND bought the fabric for the lining, as well as the handles. Wanna see?

Now all I have left is to seam and line the bag. My family is taking a road trip to Canada this week to visit the grandparents. We will be in Taber, Alberta. If you are familiar with Taber (it's the corn capitol of Canada, I'll have you know), you will know that there will be PLENTY of free time to finish this bag, and possibly those darn Pomatomus socks too! So look for some new FOs when I return...

The ideas just keep coming...darn inspiration! I just picked up the latest copy of knitscene. And lookie, lookie what I found...the Central Park Hoodie. It is lovely, no? It is full of tweedy goodness and cable delights. And look ma, no buttons...I am loving the green, but I am toying with the idea of doing it in a bright blue. Any suggestions?

Another project in knitscene is the Molly Ringwald. Love the name, love the sweater. Can't you just see Jake Ryan leaning against his car, saying "Yeah, you." while wearing this. Can't quite tell if it would be flattering on me, but it is definitely on the "Think about until it is all-consuming, then knit it despite your body shape" list.

Also, I have recently joined the Knit the Classics. If you are unfamiliar with this group, here is a brief synopsis:

1. Group picks a literary classic to read for the month.
2. Read said classic and receive knitterly inspiration.
3. Knit a project that best represents the classic to you.
4. Be super pleased with yourself that you are a well-rounded person...well, at least a knitter that can read.

This month is A Passage to India, by E.M. Forester. Wonder what kind of inspiration that will bring...