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June 30, 2005
Are You Ready?
Believe it or not, Tivoli 2 is finished and I absolutely love it (the loving it shouldn't be a surprise)! Now, I have to say, the pictures aren't the best, but that's just because I have a stupid look on my face. Please disregard that and look at the sweater. Ready?
Details:
Pattern: Grumperina's Tivoli T-Shirt
Size: bust 32", waist 26 1/2", hips 32"
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Cotton in Shell - about 2 1/2 skeins
Needles: Size 8 Addi Natura in 16" and 32" lengths
Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rounds over 4" in stockinette stitch
Comments: This is a wonderful pattern that had absolutely no mistakes, aside from operator error (see yesterday's post). I love the cap sleeves and the shaping. It's very flattering and comfortable. I'm already thinking of making another one in wool to wear in the winter under suit jackets.
In other news, I've started back into the Zip Cardi and I'm working on the ribbed pieces. The current piece starts with 5 stitches and then you cast on 2 stitches every other row to increase - very strange, but it seems to have worked.
And finally, here's a picture of the mountains looking to the west from my house (the purple flowers are wildflowers that look like delphiniums). The grass looks brown in the picture, but it's actually so long that it has seed heads on it, which make it look that way. I can't remember the last time the grass was long enough to sway in the wind!
Have a wonderful day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:53 AM | Comments (13)June 29, 2005
How Many More Mistakes Can I Make?
I must start today's post by telling you all that I'm an idiot. It's true - stop shaking your head. When I tell you why I think so, you'll agree. So last night I get done with all of the increases for Tivoli 2 (this is 8 rows from binding off) and I count the stitches - there are 4 too many - crap. So, I count the total number of times I increased and it's right. Next I count the total number of times I decreased for the waist shaping - you can see where this is going, right? Yep, one too few decrease rounds. Crap. Crap, crap, crap. You'd think I could read very plainly written instruction, but apparently, I cannot. I blame it on the fact that I read that portion and calculated the rows while I was at the dentist. Clearly, stress fuddled my brain, and I simply misread what it said. Note to self: don't do math at the dentist - or read directions for that matter. I briefly considered leaving it or simply doing one less increase round, but I just couldn't do it. So, I ripped out 20 some rows (I think it was 22), put in the last decrease round, and proceeded on my merry little way. This morning on the way to work I finished the increase rounds (again) and counted. I had the correct number of stitches. Exciting, I know. So, I now have 6 rows to complete before Tivoli 2 is finished!!!! Pictures tomorrow. I promise, even if I have to stand outside in the rain to get a decent one, I'm putting pictures up here tomorrow.
I hope you all have a wonderful day and make no mistakes in your knitting.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:14 AM | Comments (4)June 28, 2005
I Am So Not A Patient Person
It's a problem really. When I decide I want to do something, I want to do it right now. When I decide I want to paint a room in my house, I can barely wait until the weekend to start it. When I see an article of clothing I think I need, I need it right now. Same goes for yarn and knitting. This sickness is somewhat hampered by the fact that I live in Wyoming and my shopping options are minimal. I love the internet, but shipping takes time. And time makes me cranky. So, the point of all of this rambling is that I've decided I want a pretty, fun blog (with the new name), so I contacted some designers about possibly providing this service for me. The first company is so swamped with new customers that they can't get to it until late summer - this still may be the best bet, but darn it, I hate to wait! The great thing is that someone got right back to me - like the same day as I sent the request. They were kind enough to recommend another company, who does equally cute, fun stuff. The designer they referred me to is on vacation until July 11. Grrr. The one company that got back to me doesn't seem to be quite what I'm looking for. So, I'm forced to wait patiently to give someone my money. I just hate that. Will someone please assure me that the world will not end if I do not have a blog design by sometime next week? I mean really, I know this, but I can't help it.
The dentist visit yesterday went quite well. The entire process - driving to the dentist's office, waiting, having the filling, and driving back to my office - took just at an hour. The filling itself was maybe 20 minutes. Most efficient dentist I've ever been to! And the best part was that it really didn't hurt. I'm a big wimp when it comes to the dentist and this was painless. I was amazed, still am for that matter. This experience, however, does not make me want to have any more cavities, but it's comforting to know that there is at least one good dentist on the planet, and I have the good fortune of being his patient.
My Fiddlesticks Pattern came yesterday in the mail. It is fabulous. There are written out directions, lots of charts, an entire page devoted to the structure of the shawl and making a gauge swatch, large pictures - it's awesome. So, of course I want to start it right away, but I'm going to make myself finish Tivoli and the Zip Cardi before I start on the shawl. Tivoli is very close to done - I have about 18 rows left. I am close on the Zip Cardi too - I just have the ribbed bands to do, which should go quickly because there aren't very many stitches on any of them - they're just long narrow pieces of 2x2 ribbing with minimal shaping. So, my goal is to start on the shawl by July 11. That will give me just about 4 weeks to finish it before the wedding. Do you think that's enough time?
Have a good day and enjoy the sunshine.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:11 AM | Comments (6)June 27, 2005
Dinner?
I feel like the entire mosquito population got a memo that I'm available for their feasting and they're coming to take advantage of a free buffet. I tried to work outside this weekend - I helped Mom plant some new perennials and put a trellis in for my honeysuckle - and holy crap. You should see the mesquito bites I have. Now, we're not just talking about a couple - there are no less than 30 bites on my body, and they each swell to roughly the size of a silver dollar and get hard. I'm pretty sure this isn't normal, but I haven't a clue what to do about it. I look like the victim of some rare and disturbing disease. You'd think that bug repellant would be the trick, but it just aint so. The little suckers are immune! So, if you can't be outside, what can you do? Well, knit of course! I'm about 2/3 through with Tivoli 2 and am quite pleased with it (again). I'm keeping my fingers crossed on a good fit since I believe we have figured out the mysteries of cotton (which of course could just be my delusional ideas of such matters). I expect to have it completed for viewing by the end of the week (maybe sooner) :) Keep your fingers crossed and have a great Monday. I expect mine will not be particularly wonderful since I'm on my way to the dentist to have a cavity in one of my wisdom teeth filled. Sounds like a bunch of fun, for sure.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:58 AM | Comments (7)June 24, 2005
Just A Day
There's nothing exciting going on today. I've been up since 5:00 a.m and am still feeling a little sleepy. Why did I get up at such an ungodly hour? Because Travis got up to drive 4 hours to a team roping. Team roping is to him what knitting is to me. Enough said - now you understand.
I'd like your opinion on something. I've been thinking of changing the name of my blog (and possibly moving to movable type). The name I'm thinking of is "Unwind". What do you think of the name? Is it good, not good, exciting, interesting, boring, stupid? Those of you out there who use movable type as your platform, what do you think of it? How would it work for someone who know absolutely no html? Anyone switched from Typepad to Movable Type? Thoughts?
I didn't get much knitting done last night. My dad called and I talked to him for what seemed like forever. Sometimes he doesn't have anything to say and than other times he just talks my ear off - last night was a talk your ear off night.
Anyone know anything about peonies? Mine aren't blooming - they don't even have buds. I'm thinking they're planted too deep, but really haven't a clue - my only knowledge on this subject is that someone told me that you can't plant them too deep or they won't bloom - I don't even know how you know if they're too deep. I could do some internet surfing, but I'd rather hear it from someone who knows from first-hand experience (and I'm kind of lazy today). Oh, and if they are planted too deep, is it to late in the year to dig them up and plant them at the right depth?
Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:19 AMJune 23, 2005
Kind Words
Thanks for all of your thoughts and kind words. You'll be relieved to know that Tivoli 2 is alive and well. I've almost finished the raglan shaping for the sleeves and have 3 rounds to knit before I bind off for the armholes. We're cruisin' right along.
I'm still waiting for the pattern from Fiddlesticks Knitting (I know I just ordered it on Monday, but I can't help that I'm impatient - it's a sickness, really). I also need to get a couple of sizes of Bryspun needles for this lace knitting business, but I need to find out what size the pattern calls for. Anyone have the Lotus Blossom Pattern and could help me out? If not, I can call Fiddlesticks and get the info.
I had another meeting this morning - politics drive me nuts, but what are you gonna do? At least I can hole up in my office for the rest of the day and review my little contracts and no one will bother me. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:50 AMJune 22, 2005
Let Us Share A Moment of Silence...
... for Tivoli. She has passed on the the yarn stash in the sky. Want evidence?
We have Tivoli as we all remember her:
And then we have her during the frogging:
And then of course we have her ready for her reincarnation:
I cast-on the 112 stitches I need for the second version and will begin the re-knit of the beloved Tivoli and hope to have her done by the weekend. This was my first major frogging project, and I have to say, it wasn't too bad. I had a moment when I looked at all of those piles of yarn and thought, man, it sure didn't take me long to rip out all that work, but it was kind of neat how it came apart. Don't get me wrong, it isn't something I plan to do on a Saturday night for fun, but it was interesting. Once.
So, I finished the second sleeve of the Zip Cardi and came out with 2 less stitches than on the first sleeve. I'm sure I did an extra set of decreases somewhere, but darned if I could find it easily and I wasn't going to rip out a bunch for 2 stitches. I'm just gonna make it fit - I mean really, we're talking 2 stitches in 4-ply cotton - that's something like 25 stitches to 4 inches. It can't be too big of a deal, right? Right?
So, I leave you with pictures of my kids playing in the yard last night. These are pretty normal pictures because I missed the "dead" poses - both on their backs with their legs in the air - crazy I tell ya.
Riley and Isabelle
Have a good day - it's Wednesday!
Posted by Stephanie at 8:29 AMJune 21, 2005
Well, It's Tuesday
Yesterday was a Monday in every sense of the word. Work was unproductive, karate was difficult and it was about a hundred degrees at the gym, and I didn't get much knitting accomplished. I am making progress on the second sleeve of the Zip Cardi - I'm actually on the home stretch - as I calculate, I have about 12 rows left! Woo hoo. After that, it's frogging Tivoli to re-do her with the proper gauge. The good news on that is that I may be able to wear her by the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed.
I ordered the Lotus Blossom Shawl Pattern and let me tell you Dorothy (the designer) is just about the nicest lady ever. She was out when I called and she called me right back. She was very pleasant and told me I could call her any time I wanted if I had questions and she's help me through them. Very cool. She said she'd mail it out yesterday, so I'd guess I'll have the pattern by sometime next week - I'm not sure how long it takes to get mail from Canada.
I'm off to buy self-tanner over lunch in an attempt to hide the major bruises on my legs (kicking people in karate with my bony shins) and avoid blinding people with my overly bright white legs. Do any of you have a tried and true product that you swear by? In my experience, these things are kind of hit and miss.
I hope you have a great day and that today is better than yesterday.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:31 AMJune 20, 2005
Lots of News
I have lots to tell you. It seems like I've been gone forever. I know, three days isn't really forever, but I've missed you guys. Friday I went to the Estes Park Wool Market and took a class on Natural Dyeing. Here's a picture of the view outside the classroom:
It was a wonderful class. The class was taught by Liesel Orend and we dyed yarn using black walnut hulls, osage orange, cochineal, madder, marigolds, cutch, logwood, and indigo.
So, we dyed three skeins of each color, then shifted one skein of each with iron, and overdyed one of each with indigo. We then dyed three skeins of indigo - one dip, two dips, and one dip that we shifted with iron. It was all very cool and informative. I think there may be dyeing in my future!
Now, on to knitting. Some days I really hate cotton. Tivoli finally dried, I put it on and it fit. I wore it for about 10 minutes and it's too big. Why, you ask? Well because the cotton stretched. Only horizontally, but enough that in Travis' words "that sweater makes you look pregnant". Isn't he sweet. My gauge changed from 19 sts to 18 sts to 4 inches. Enough so that sweater is about 2 inches larger all the way around. Lovely. Not the patterns fault, I should have washed my swatch before I started so I knew what the ending gauge would be. So, because I really like the pattern, I'm going to frog and re-knit with the proper gauge in mind.
The Zip Cardi sleeve #2 is coming along nicely. I'm shaping the cap and will be done with it this week. I also found 2 options for a zipper - aqua, which is a bit lighter than the yarn, and a dark gray. We'll have to see which turns out to be the better choice after I get the rib panels done (remember there are 7 of those suckers!). I think I'll re-knit Tivoli after I get this sleeve done before I tackle the ribbed pieces. I can only handle so much cotton on size 1 needles.
I'm still undecided on the shawl, but I think it is between the Leaf Lace Shawl and the Lotus Blossom Shawl. I hear from a good authority that the Fiddlesticks patterns are fabulous and the charts are wonderful. So, we'll see as the time for this project draws nearer. The wedding I want to wear it to is August 6 - so I have a bit of time.
That's all for me. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:45 AMJune 16, 2005
One of Those Days
I hate it when nothing goes right. It really ruins my entire day. This morning I got up excited to find the dried, blocked Tivoli, only to be disappointed by its still damp state. My God, how long does it take cotton to dry? I can tell you. Forever! Do you sense my impatience? This was followed by my attempt to download pictures from my digital camera to my computer so I could then download them to TypePad. Sounds simple enough, but alas, it was not. Downloading them to the computer was easy enough, but then the computer wouldn't spit them back out no matter what. And believe me, I cussed and promised and threatened enough that if it was gonna happen, I would have been able to get it done. So, no pictures of the wonderful alpaca I got from Jenn, no picture of the silk/merino I want to use for a shawl, nothin'! Grrr.
As for the shawl, I'm on a mission. I am considering a couple and would really appreciate your opinions on which would be the "best" shawl for me to start with. I must preface this by saying that I honestly like them all, so here are some that I like:
The Flower Basket Shawl from Fiber Trends
The Leaf Lace Shawl also from Fiber Trends
Next, the Spirit of the Southwest, yep, you guessed it, from Fiber Trends
And last, but not least, is the Lacy Lattice Stole from Fiddlesticks
Now, I know I told you that I have some (I think like 1300 yards or something) fingering weight silk/merino, but I'm not set on that yarn. I'm sure I'll use it sometime if there's something you all think would be better (like Kid Silk Haze for Birch).
Thanks for all of your thoughts. I'm off to Estes Park tomorrow morning for my natural dyeing class so I'll have to post when I get home and tell you all about it. I will also have pictures of Tivoli, I promise! Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:50 AMJune 15, 2005
Lace Questions
Tivoli was completed last night at about 11:00 and is now blocking. I really wanted to wear it today, but it did need blocked, so I gave in and did the right thing. Here's the blocking picture.
I really, really love this pattern. I love it so much I'm thinking of making another one at some point. I promise I'll put it on tonight and take a picture of it and then I'll give you the specs.
So, now that Tivoli is complete, I'm back to sleeve island with the Zip Cardi. True, it's the second sleeve, but I'm on row 27 (I know this because of my lovely new row counter) and the ribbing continues until row 64. After that it is miles and miles of stockinette stitch. Oh well, I am determined to get this thing done, so that's the way it's gonna be.
Now, on to the lace questions. My only experience with lace is the Rebecca Wrap Cardigan, which I enjoyed and didn't find overly difficult. So, my wish is to knit myself a shawl. I have some lovely pearl gray merino/silk fingering weight (or what I think is fingering weight) yarn that I'd like to use. I recently acquired A Gathering of Lace and there are two patterns that I think I like. One is the Beginner's Triangle Shawl and the other is the Faroese Shawl (shown on the cover of the book). I'm not sure which would be better, if there is such a thing, but I want a versatile shawl that I can get a lot of wear out of - I'd like to take it to my brother-in-law's wedding in August and imagine wearing it in my office. I'd appreciate your opinions or suggestions for another pattern.
It's Wednesday and I'm not working on Friday because I'm going to a natural dyeing workshop at the Estes Park Wool Market. So, I only have today and tomorrow left to work - woo hoo. I hope you all have a good day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:18 AMJune 14, 2005
Minimal Progress
I made minimal progress on Tivoli last night because of karate. I did finish the waist decreases and tried it on. Everything seems to be working perfectly. Here's a picture of my progress, please disregard the karate pants (I know, they're very fashionable!)
So, this morning on the commute I started the increases. I don't have much planned for this evening so I expect I will get this done! I am so excited - a finished project! It's been a while since I've had a finished sweater for myself, and a long time since I've had one I'm going to like as much as this. I may have to wear it to work tomorrow!
The weather's actually acting like it may be summer here today - no rain, no 40 mph wind, and most importantly, no snow! I have to go buy my dad a father's day gift over lunch. I'm thinking a book and some cigars - do any of you have a better idea? I hate having to buy things for my dad because he buys himself everything he wants and doesn't wait for a holiday so someone else has a clue what to buy for him. Oh, the joys of gift giving!
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:11 AMJune 13, 2005
Busy Weekend
My weekend was busy - not surprising since I always try to cram as much as possible into two days. Friday night I cast on for the Tivoli T-Shirt and can I just tell you, I love this pattern. It's so ingenious it's hard to even imagine. That Grumperina is one smart chick. This is my first attempt at a top-down raglan sweater and it appears to be working perfectly. I meant to take a picture of my progress, but forgot. I'll try tonight. I'm about half way done with the waist shaping and it's really looking good. I probably could have gotten the entire sweater done this weekend, but I went to the greenhouse and bought a ridiculous amount of flowers for my yard, and then of course had to spend hours planting them. I guess that's what summer's for right?
Yesterday it rained all day, so it was the perfect day to spend sewing my new knitting bag.
All in all, it was a good project. The pattern is well written and the construction is good. I modified the interior pockets a bit, and I would change them even more if I had to do it over again. It's designed as a diaper bag so all of the pockets are fairly deep. I'd like to have a few more shallow pockets for my little knitting things. I'd also add a snap or velcro to the top because it needs some sort of closure. When I got it done I thought, My God, this thing's huge! But, when I put Tivoli and my various knitting paraphernalia in it, things fit just right. I'd definitely use another Amy Butler pattern - I may have to make myself a purse or bags for Christmas gifts and this bag would be a great baby shower gift (if I ever have a friend who's having a baby). :)
Have a good Monday and a lovely week.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:29 AMJune 10, 2005
Half Way There
I finished the first sleeve!! I know, I know, you didn't think I'd ever get it done. Frankly, I wasn't sure I would either, but in fact I persevered. Here she is:
Not the best picture, but you get the idea.
I cast on for the second sleeve at about 9:00 last night and have about 15 rows done. I'm seriously considering taking the weekend to start the Grumperina Tivoli T-shirt. There are a couple reasons for this. Number one being I'm not sure how much more 4-ply cotton I can take at the moment. I'm enjoying the progress on the Zip Cardi, but I'm really feeling the need to accomplish something and this project just isn't doing it for me right now. So, I have the lovely Blue Sky Cotton in shell and I have the pattern. Why not? It's supposed to be a quick knit so I'm thinking I may take the weekend to sew the Nappy Bag (without the changing pad of course)
and start the Tivoli T-shirt. Maybe on Monday I will be refreshed and ready to tackle the second Zip Cardi sleeve. I guess we'll see. Have a great weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:32 AMJune 9, 2005
Besides Knitting
I decided that I "need" a new knitting bag for the summer since my Zelda Grand is black and red velvet. I got that cute tote bag I showed you last week and I like it, but it doesn't have any pockets and I'm a pocket girl. Organization is really my thing. So, I looked around (this is all really just an excuse to surf the web when I should be working, but...) and didn't find anything that I liked enough to pay the prices (who knew tote bags with pockets were so expensive). So, what's a girl to do when she has something in mind and she can't find it? Well, if your like me, you make it. So, I looked around for a pattern (more surfing involved in that) and came up with this. Now, I know it's supposed to be a diaper bag, but I think it will work for knitting too. It has pockets, which I'm a big fan of, and I think I can put more pockets or re-size the ones contemplated by the pattern to better fit my knitting paraphernalia (and you know I have a lot) rather than the baby stuff it's designed for. I decided to use these fabrics from the Amy Butler Charm Collection:
The floral will be on the outside and the dots (or whatever they are) will be the lining. The actual fabric may be a little pinker than these make it look based on what you see in this picture, but either way will be good.
So, that might be a Saturday project. I'm about 15 rows from completing sleeve number one on the Zip Cardi. I had hoped to finish it last night but there is a lot of knitting still left when you get to the cap shaping. The good news is that it's going quickly now because I'm down to about half as many stitches as I started with.
My mom closes on her house Friday and she's so excited. I'm excited for her and helping her decorate it will be a lot of fun. I'm also kicking around some ideas on how to remake my existing breakfast nook light fixture - this would involve paint and new shades. I think I'm going to try it because new light fixtures (at least the ones I like) are expensive. I'll let you know when I decide what I'm doing on that.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:00 AMJune 8, 2005
5 Things
I've been tagged by Caitlyn and here are my answers:
Choose 5 things from the list below and complete the sentence:
If I could be a scientist
If I could be a farmer, I'd actually be a rancher because that's what my dad is and I'd raise cows and horses and I'd have a few sheep for my own use :).
If I could be a psychologist
If I could be a librarian
If I could be an inn-keeper, I'd own a Bed & Breakfast in Ireland.
If I could be a professor, I'd be a law school professor and be nice to my students.
If I could be a writer, I'd be a romance writer because I do love a good romance (reading Nora Roberts right now)
If I could be a llama-rider
If I could be a bonnie pirate
If I could be an astronaut
If I could be a world famous blogger
If I could be a justice on any one court in the world, I would be a justice on the US Supreme Court
If I could be married to any current famous political figure
I'm tagging Diana, Jenn, and Rebekah
Sleeve island still has me prisoner, but I can see the light at the end of the first tunnel. Maybe I'll have a picture of finished sleeve #1 for you tomorrow. Have a good day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:34 AMJune 7, 2005
Why?
Why oh why do I feel the need to post every day, even when I have nothing to say? I think I'm obsessed. Seriously though, I had karate last night and didn't knit but about 4 rows yesterday. Therefore, I am still stuck on sleeve island. I may be stuck there for the rest of my life. After seeing the lovely sock yarn Diana dyed, I must try this kool-aid dyeing method because those are fabulous colors that girl has. So, I'm going to order some stuff from KnitPicks - color your own sock yarn (of course), but I have to figure out if there's anything else I "need" before I order. Hmm, I'll have to think on that for a few days. I'm also intrigued by the new Bryspun Bry-flex Circular Needles Grumperina reviewed on her blog. I may "need" to try one out on my lace shawl. I'd like it if I could get it at KnitPicks, but don't see them on their site. Any ideas other than Oregon Trail Yarn (they only sell the 16")?
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:30 AMJune 6, 2005
What A Weekend...
I'm actually amazed I survived! My in-laws arrived on Friday night just as we were finishing watching Oceans Twelve. We went to bed and woke up Saturday morning to this:
Yep, ladies and gents, that's 12 inches of snow on June 4th. Included with this little bit of wonder was no electricity (for about 7 hours) and spotty phone service. The snow was very wet and a lot of the old trees in town were damaged. There were broken branches everywhere, on houses, cars, in the street - it was a mess.
The good thing about getting a lot of snow is that it's good weather for knitting and painting your kitchen. I got the second coat on the kitchen and it looks much better. I'm very pleased with the color and how it ties in with the rest of the house. I worked on the first sleeve of the Zip Cardi all weekend and can only report a completed 35 cm out of the required 45 cm - before shaping the cap. I'm pretty sure I'm never going to get that baby finished (and the really good news is that there are 2 sleeves on this sweater so I have another one just like it still to do). :)
The weather straightened up yesterday, and by the afternoon this was the view of things:
Can you believe the difference? I was amazed that all of that snow melted so quickly.
Also in home news, the in-laws came down to help us put in the rest of our beautiful white fence. Travis and his dad made quick work of it and it looks great. What do you think?
That's all I have for you. Have a great day (I know, it's Monday, but try).
Posted by Stephanie at 8:47 AMJune 3, 2005
What A Trip
I'm back for my expedition and feel like I went 2 weeks without sleep. I know it's an out of town thing, but I don't think working for 13 hours with no breaks is reasonable do you? Especially when it involves hanging out with a bunch of lawyers and the elected officials in Wyoming - stressful!!! I've never eaten so much food in one day - ever. I'm not going to need to eat another steak for at least a month - steak for lunch, "light" afternoon snack (stuffed mushrooms, crab toast things, chocolate covered strawberries), and then the hugest (it's a word in this post) NY steak I've ever seen (and I grew up on a ranch and eat red meat on a regular basis), which was followed by ice cream, which you know I'm too weak to turn down. I think I gained 20 pounds in 2 days.
I made very little progress on my knitting in the last couple of days - not enough time and I was too exhausted last night to do anything but fall into bed. So, this weekend is the second coat in the kitchen and sleeve knitting. I'll have pictures of the progress for you on Monday.
My in-laws are coming again this weekend so I'll have painting help, but not a lot of down time. I hope you all had a great couple of days, I'll be checking in with you soon, and I hope you have a fabulous weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 3:33 PM
