knitting lemonade

A very special package arrived for me the other day. It was stitch markers from the fabulous Abi at SpiderWomanKnits. They are so cute. I started using them immediately. Thanks Spidey!

I started yet another project last week. All week, I have been faithfully knitting Ms. Marigold, yet another zephyr style creation. (I tell you, those zephyr gals had me at Green Gables.) However, last night I made a sad discovery...I didn't have enough yarn. I am completely done with the body, but I still have the bottom ribbing, the neck ribbing, and flutter sleeves to go. So now Ms. M is on hold while I am waiting for another skein of Knit Picks Elegance in Wild Rose. Hurry Mr./Ms. Mail Carrier, Hurry!

I am debating the flutter sleeves. Should a six-foot tall girl wear flutters? Should flutters be reserved only for the petite pixie girls of this world? It is a dilemma that weighs heavily on my heart. You know what?! I'm going for it. I can always frog them if I end up looking like a female wrestler wearing a Tinkerbell costume.

In other kniting news, I got the new Knit Pick Options needles. Their inaugural run was on Ms. Marigold. Verdict: I love them. They are definitely a little heavier than bamboo or addi circulars, but I don't mind that so much. Interchangeable circular knitting needles, a brilliant invention. What will knitters think of next? We are such a clever bunch.

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...