It's a Beginning

The other day, a friend gave me this sweet ornament that she made. Can you see the sparkles in the red yarn? I love it!



However since we don't put up our Christmas tree or decorate until this weekend, I've kept it on the OttLite all week.



Christmas cards haven't been written yet. Presents are not yet bought. This little stocking, instead of mocking me for my procrastination, gives me hope that I'll pull it all together. Soon.

Shake Shack Scarf

Seen through the window of Shake Shack today:



Probably a machine knit--but I'm not sure. However it does look long and loopy and cozy to wear on this windy, chilly day. And since the high temperature tomorrow will be 27 degrees, I'm sure plenty of scarves and mittens will be making appearances all over the city this weekend.

Hugs and Kisses Scarf

This scarf was being worn by a woman I took a class with this past semester. She said her daughter made the scarf. It wasn't until I looked at the photo that I noticed the cable is a hugs and kisses cable.



AWWWWWW. . . . how sweet!

An update on a past post. I'm still stalking that yellow scarf! The same woman had the Pilates appointment following mine on Monday --but she wasn't wearing the scarf.

A New Beginning

2010 is going to be the year of a sweater for me. Just one--my first.

Sometimes I think I need a knitting shrink to figure out why I have a sweater phobia because I've never, ever made one. I haven't even knit so much as a baby sweater. For the past couple of years, I've thought, "This is it--I'm doing it. I'm knitting a sweater."

But how many sweaters have you seen on this blog? Nada. Nothing. Zero. Calling Dr. Knitting Shrink!

However, at the Knitters Review Retreat, it all came together for me. I took a sweater class with Ann Hanson. Ann's skilled teaching gave me a huge boost of confidence. Plus I have my measurements and a load of tips for knitting a sweater.

And, sure enough, a pattern I've had my eye on--Jackie Leisure Jacket-- was for sale in the Retreat's marketplace. No excuses--"Oh, I'll buy and download it later." Suddenly I had the pattern in my hands.

One of the suggested yarns is Briar Rose's Fourth of July. Chris, of Briar Rose, was at the Retreat and, again, I had no excuse for talking with her right then and there and placing an order.

And that brings us to right now.





Look at me, I'm swaaaaaatching!

A Near Miss

Yesterday, I wrote about a missed opportunity to take a photo of a nice-looking knitted scarf and I swore that wouldn't happen again.

The other day, I was rushing around town and noticed that, despite it being chilly, I didn't see any knitted hats or scarves. Ten seconds after I wished I would see something knitted--I spotted a knitter-in-the-wild. A knitter I know from the neighborhood.

I noticed she was wearing hand-knit socks and I thought I saw some knitting peeking out of her tote bag. But she was rushing, I was rushing--we quickly greeted each other and went our opposite ways.

I then stopped dead in my tracks. D'OH! Another missed opportunity! Surely I could have found five seconds to snap a shot? By then I was a half-block away and could see that my knitter friend was hailing a cab. I knew the photo would be fuzzy -- but I didn't care. This is a habit I must get into!



You really can't see this too well--but her socks are a heathery purple. Maybe self-striping? And doesn't that look like a red go-knit pouch in her tote?

Missed Opportunity

Since I'm a wimp, there's no photo of what I'm gonna be talking about.

As I was leaving the Pilates studio Monday, I noticed the next client's coat and scarf hanging on a peg. Scarf?! It was so nice-looking, I knew it had to be hand-knit. I fondled the scarf and asked the owner if she had made it. She didn't, but a friend had. I fondled it some more. Soft, soft, yellow fingering weight yarn. Stockinette done on large needles. Nice and squishy.

The scarf-owner told me she loves it because it's long enough to wrap around her neck several times. I continued to fondle the scarf. My Pilates teacher said, "Gee, you really seem like that scarf." The scarf-owner frowned and squinted.

Then I noticed the fringe. Personally, I don't like fringe at all. But this fringe was drop-dead gorgeous! I looked closer and saw that the knitter had used not only the scarf's yellow yarn, but she also used some gold metallic yarn. It was perfect! "Oh! Isn't this metallic yarn just wonderful?!" I yelled out. My Pilates teacher and the scarf-owner exchanged looks.

At that point, I thought about taking a photo. Then I remembered I was among non-knitters and the nervous looks I saw on their faces registered with me. I knew I was acting like a crazy knitting lady and that taking a picture of the scarf might just be crossing the line.

I dropped the scarf and left.

Now I could kick myself. With my first ooh and ahh and fondle of the scarf, I had already become the crazy knitting lady. Why did I worry about what they'd think of me? Why did I back down?

I'm looking forward to this Monday and I'm hoping that the scarf-wearer will have the appointment after me again. And I hope it'll be cold enough for her to be wearing that scarf. My camera is ready.

S is for

Street vendors. ****

Fake designer bags,


dirty water dogs,


books


and bling,


roasted nuts,


Middle Eastern chicken,


pies


and tablecloths--


All for sale on our streets!


****I'm a bit behind with the ABCs--but I'm getting closer. My ABCs this year focus on NYS/NYC things.