knitting lemonade

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...

I didn't waste any time using some of that Estes Park haul. I grabbed that Riata yarn from Brooks Farm Yarn and got down to Counterpane Carpet Bag biz-niz.

I have been in love with this bag since I got Handknit Holidays for Christmas. So for the past 6 months, I have been searching for the 'perfect yarn.' And boy, was I picky...I didn't want yarn that was too stripey. I wanted yarn that was antique-y looking. I didn't want yarn that was too dark. I wanted this, I didn't want that. Picky, picky, picky.

At Estes Park, my primary mission was to find that elusive 'perfect yarn' for this bag. And while shopping in that big barn full of kiosks and yarn vendors, the heavens parted. I found the Riata. Can I get a "Hallelujah"?! So I saw, I bought, I knit.

This weekend, I quickly knitted up one side of the Counterpane Carpet Bag.

Conclusion: I LOVE THIS BAG! The quickness of the knit kept me engaged and the yarn, oh the yarn, is knitting up better than I ever hoped for. It is truly perfect.

There is, however, a hitch. The pattern in the book calls for 800 yards of the La Lana Forever Random Blends. I have maybe used 200 yards for one side. I mean, that is a HUGE discrepency. They yarns are not that different in weight:

Forever Random Blends: 40 yards/oz
Riata: 45.6 yards/oz

Now don't get me wrong, I love my bag as is. It's just the Nancy Drew in me refuses to let this mystery die. Any ideas?