knits, notes, etc.

I guess I really needed to start some new projects to help me get over my knitting funk of the last few weeks...

This weekend, I began and frogged a couple projects. First, there was a cap-sleeved top that I was making with Rowan cotton 4ply. I stopped after a couple rows because I'd had enough of pink for the past few months. Then, I thought I would make a sleeveless version of Arisaig using silky wool. After the ribbing and one repetition of the lace pattern, I quickly frogged it. It was beautiful, really, but I have the Araucania Ranco, also in a shade of blue, waiting for this project, after all.

Now that I knew how quickly I could knit something with the sillky wool, I was determined to use it for my next project. I thought I could mix it with double-stranded Rowan Yorkshire Tweed 4ply (since I have so many skeins!) to make a variation of the Fyne slipover from Rowan 42. But, when I got past the bottom ribbing, I decided that I would just knit a simple sweater vest instead.

I took this picture as my train slowed to stop at Mountain View this morning. I am really loving the silky smoothness of the plain stockinette. I can't wait to wear this vest... Imagine a very preppy outfit: The vest over a white buttoned blouse, perhaps three-quartered sleeves, with black slacks... Not a very creative outfit, I know.

This is a quick snapshot of my first ever (received) knitted gift: Embossed Leaves socks, made by my sister. She was so sneaky about it too!—She kept calling to tell me about her progress (her first time knitting socks) and then when she finished she tells me that they're for me! Aren't they awesome?! I'll take better pictures when I have more details to share about the project (e.g., yarn, needles, etc).

Ah. Malt. This was taken at least a week ago before I started the armholes for the back panel. It's a few inches longer now. Though I don't go on about it much, I really love this project and I really love the yarn.