Two WIP

I really am knitting, though it feels as if I never have enough time to knit!

The first thing is my started Apres Surf Hoodie. It kind of threw me for a loop because I never pre-think anything I knit (in fact, I never pre-think much of anything), and I didn't consider that when I decrease on my waist, I am decreasing every 8 rows, but it's a ten row lace repeat, and well it made for messiness. I started out trying to do it all tidy and mathematically but decided that was too much trouble, so I am just working it out on the fly now - as long as every yarn over has a decrease to make the stitches even, I go with it. I am hoping my seams will hide my multitude of sins.

I am using the Vivid colorway which doesn't get much justice in this picture. It takes on different colors on how the light hits it. Sometimes it seems very purple, and others very blue.

And I haven't neglected the Swallowtail. She's just slow, but I still love it.

I am just drawn to lace lately and I think I need to add in a plain stocking stitch project because I find it impossible to knit lace and watch TV at the same time. (Unless it's a very simple lace.....)

I have been busy watching "Knitting Workshop" with Elizabeth Zimmerman on DVD. It's one of my smartest purchases yet. It starts at the beginning with winding a ball of yarn, and works up to master classes like lace and aran sweaters. Even on the techniques I know, I've enjoyed watching her spirit.

Housework

First of all, thank you all so much for the comments on Max. We really miss the Pirate cat.

We've been working on the back upstairs bedroom.

Before:




Now:



We plan on stripping the woodwork (we are talking layers and layers of caked paint) and repainted a buttercream, getting the plaster repaired, then painting. We will also be having the wood floor stripped and redone.

I have knitting content soon... but will only be WIPs.

RIP: Pirate Max

Max had to go over the rainbow bridge today.

All work and no play makes me a dull girl.

I feel like I've been on call every day for the last month. In reality, I haven't, but I'm feeling very tired these days. Get this: I went to work yesterday at 9:30am. I left at 5:30, and was called back in as soon as I got home and ate. Went back in for three hours, came home and went to bed. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I got called back in. I was able to finally snuggle in at home at 4:00am.
So you will understand when I say, I've been too tired to knit.

So, where am I on the knitting? Nowhere, pretty much. I haven't made any progress with the Swallowtail, but I still love it. I just don't have the mental capacity to knit it after working 12 hours or more a day.

I got my yarn in finally for my Apres Surf Hoodie. Hooray! I hope to swatch tonight.

I bought some yarn on Ravelry for a good deal, and I now have Malabrigo Lace yarn in my stash.

And Michelle sent me the most awesome goodies from her contest that I won!!! (Best thing that happened to me all month, I must say.) They were wrapped individually and it was like opening lots of presents. I really should have taken a picture, but I was so excited I just started opening and playing with all my stuff instantly.

On the house front, stuff is finally happening. We signed a contract with the roofer last week, and he should be starting in a week or two. Electricians should be here in two weeks. The heating and air guy has been here and planning, and will start in a few weeks.

Family members are pitching in with stripping the ceiling and walls.

We ordered an oven, but I'm kind of ticked because they ordered the wrong one, so I'm still stuck without one.

There is a man on his way over to pull out these gas heaters that they stuck in front of every fireplace.

And I bought a rocking chair for $15 at a yard sale!

I think I need a vacation from my hectic life. Sam has the good life - ah, to be a loved cat.