more kitten, less knittin'...

So, it's been a week since my BF and brought home our cat...The good news is that I love our cat! The bad news is that there's much less knitting being done. Auggie is 7-months old and full of energy. By the time I get home in the evening, she's ready to do a few laps around the apartment. Then, after feeding and playtime, she looks for a warm lap to take over.

I have been able to get one sleeve of the Onde project done since I still knit on the bus. But, the only way that I can knit at home is if Auggie is taking a catnap or if my BF is playing with her. Any time she sees me knitting, Auggie comes running toward me as if she's got an open invitation to play. Thankfully there has been no harm done. Right now, I have all of my current projects in ziplock bags. When I see the cat bounding toward me, I just calmly put my knitting in the bag and close it.

Does anyone have a good suggestion for knitting with a cat in the house?

all quiet on the SP4 front...

I haven't been talking much about Secret Pals because the project I'm working on is, well, secret. I did drop a postcard in the mail for my Pal, just to let her know that I'm still around. With any luck, I'll be able to finish up the secret project in the next week so that my Pal will get something in March...

Also, it's been a while since I've heard from Ms Amica Clandestina...I hope you're still out there!

lost in translation...

Even though I am working from the English translation of my Phildar pattern, I find it necessary to take out pen and paper to work out the instructions. The sleeve shaping is fairly simple, but written really badly. The sleeves also have neck shaping at the top. And those instructions are even worse:

"Dec one st at beg of foll 2 alt rows AT THE SAME TIME casting off at beg of next and every foll alt row 3st (1 time) and 4st (2 times) then cast off rem 2 st."

To add insult to injury, the instructions for the left sleeve include my favorite saying, "work to match right sleeve, reversing neck shaping." It's a good thing that I like a challenge!

knit along/perfect with bridesmaid dress?

During lunch, I flipped through the Rebecca mag...I love it! Conveniently, there's a knit along starting up in March. What do you think of this little wrap sweater?

I think it would be great! Just a little something to cover my shoulders. I wish you could see the other pictures...The model is wearing it with a lacey shirt and jeans! I see some potential for multi-season wear. This design is definitely in the running.

why to not use media mail...

Back on the 2nd, I ordered the new Rebecca magazine from an eBay seller. When I went through the checkout process, I noticed that they offered shipping by media mail. I usually don't mind media mail. I have ordered books and cds, had them shipped media mail, and had them on my doorstep in as little as 4 days. And, the postal service says that it takes 7-10 days.

Well, after 22 days, I have my copy of the Spring Rebecca! This was, of course, no fault of the seller. I got shipping confirmation and tracking info the day after I placed my order...gold star for SuperCrafty; needs improvement for the usps.

new start...

Since my yarn diet is in full swing and I'm itching for spring projects, I took a dive into my stash over the weekend. I didn't have to look very far before settling on my newest project...Actually, I was sitting right on top of the rubbermaid where I keep my yarns.

It's time to Onde! Thankfully, the Ombré effect hasn't become too passé in the last year. I'm going to be making this top in the colorway that transitions from a denim blue to an almost sky blue.

I swatched and got gauge the first time...always a good feeling. As you can see from this swatch, the fabric that Onde creates is bumpy, almost popcorn like. It is also fairly soft and springy.

I have already started the first sleeve. The are knit using the solid color, so it's kind of boring. Once I get to the body, I'll get to see the colors change as I knit...like magic!

open to suggestions...

My BF's sister is getting married in May, and has asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. I graciously said yes, of course. So, since November, I have been waiting to see what style of dress I would be wearing. Finally, last weekend, she picked the dress.

She was in Florida (where the ceremony will be) and went to the bridal store to look for her gown...and, while she was at it, the bridesmaids dresses. She chose them herself, with input from her mom...but, none of the bridesmaids. The price was already reasonable, and they talked the shop into giving us 10% off since the entire wedding party will be shopping there. So, here's the dress:

Here's the catch...The color she chose is called Caribbean Blue. The wedding and reception are going to be on the beach, and I think I want to make a sweater or wrap that I can put on once the ceremony is over. This is where you come in...I need suggestions (both for color and style). I want something that will show off the dress but still keep me from shivering my butt off once the sun goes down.