Second post

OK, two posts in a day is not something I like to do, but this is too funny.

I got home at 5:30, and my normal practice when I don't have plans is to jump in the shower and then put on my jammies.

However, my lawn care guy was supposed to come at six to pick up his payment, so I didn't do that. Call me old-fashioned, but I like to be dressed when tradespeople come to call.

He phoned at 6:45. I told him, "I've been waiting for you to come, so I can get in the shower."

Cue the long silence.

I nattered something about not meaning it like that.

He came and got his money, still pissing himself with laughter.

I'm getting into the shower, now. Alone. Which is how I like it.

I shoulda taken that left turn at Albuquerque

On Monday night, after posting about wanting to knit a vest, I sat down to knit a swatch.

I grabbed some yarn that had been sitting in the stash for a while (I can't believe I just ganked my own photo; it was just easier) and some needles.

I got 22 stitches and 28 rows to 4 inches. Perfect... for something.

During the next commercial break, I grabbed the binder where I keep all the patterns I've printed/photocopied (legally, of course) and found...

A sweater.


source

Yes, I know. I was all about the vests. But, I have a sweater's worth of yarn, I need a new cardigan, and the gauge was perfect. Really, I cannot stress that enough. THE GAUGE WAS PERFECT.

So, I'm making a Basic Black (pdf link), but mine will be Basic Pink (Ravelry link).

It's a deliciously easy knit. I cast on last night at Knit Night, and blasted on through an inch of ribbing while visiting. Got the other three inches done on the bus and at work today (I felt like slacking. So what?).

It's good that it's an easy knit. I found out an hour ago that I qualified for my exam. It's in 10 days. I have not started studying. I will knit while I am reading. I promise. About the reading. Harry Potter is on hold.

See my vest! See my vest!

Made from real gorilla chest....

A while ago, a friend gave me a vest she'd made but wasn't wearing.

Pattern from Chic Knits.

Mine is in heathered greys and has lovely shiny buttons. It just slid into my work wardrobe. So much so that I wear it at least once a week in fall/winter/early spring.

That's got me thinking that I need more vests. Vests, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about this, are the perfect article of clothing for me.

• I layer things, and a vest, by its very nature, is meant to be layered.
• There are no pesky too-short sleeves that make my extra-long arms look freakishly long.
• I have lots of yarn in the stash that isn't quite enough for a sweater, but is just right for a vest.
• Vests are probably fast to knit. See again: no sleeves.

I'm at the point where I am ready to choose a new project, and I am dithering between these:

Wicked Eyelet Rib Vest

Fitted Top

Rostfarbenes Lyra-Top von Lisa (pdf link)

photo from here

Of course, my favourite is in German. I don't speak German, and I really doubt that Google translate speaks knitting.

Me and Malls = Shoes

I had 15 minutes to kill today while I was waiting for a bus. So, I wandered into a shoe store.

I got these. On sale (it's hard to find stock in my size on sale).

Perfect for showing off hand-knitted socks. I didn't even know I needed these until the salesperson pointed that out.

Anticipation

In preparation for this:



I am listening to all of the Harry Potter audiobooks. Not coincidentally, I am also a knitting machine these days.