Taking the Plunge

Do you know what these are?

They are my fancy schmancy new cable stitch holders. I think that's what they're called. I just found this out yesterday. Prior to then, I would have referred to them as those "bendy needles," but, since I can't be a novice forever, I need to start using this knitting lingo.

Speaking of knitting lingo, I heard the term "frogging" yesterday, and didn't know what it meant. So of course, I had to look it up and this is what I found. Who knew that I've been frogging all along --- and that because I've had SO much experience with it, I'm actually quite good at it. Okay, maybe not something to be proud of, but it brings me one step closer to being a crafting goddess. Silver lining, yes?

I can no longer put off finishing my tunic...off I go!

xo,

J.

Pure BLISS!

Drumroll, please...
The long-awaited Fall/Winter issue of the Debbie Bliss magazine has arrived! I had checked her website earlier this week, only to find that it was being released in early September. Lucky me, because I was able to get it a few days early when visiting the local yarn shop. I can't wait to curl up with it later and feel inspired.

Thank goodness it finally arrived. Booksellers everywhere had me on a watch list. ;)

xo!
J.

On (errr....off) my Needles

As promised, here is the current picture of my lovely tunic project that has turned into the lovely-taking-forever-project.


Although this is my first item of knitted clothing, I think I've already determined that I don't like the finishing stages of projects. It just seems so....oh, what's the word I'm looking for?....BORING. Doesn't my project know that I can't watch the latest reality T.V. show AND knit the finishing touches to my project at the same time? I think this is asking way too much of my attention span. Hmphf.

So, onward and upward I go, trying my very best to get through this project so that a) not only can I wear it but b) I can also start one of the other 50 projects that has taken over my closet. I guess if all else fails, you may see me walking down the street wearing this little number, attached purely by safety pins. That's actually an enticing thought.

xo,
J.

My favorite season is just around the corner...

...and you know what that means! New knitting magazines!

Last week while on vacation in Boston, my mom and I scoured bookstores every. single. day. looking for the new Fall/Winter Debbie Bliss magazine. Unfortunately, we ended up empty-handed. The *maybe this one magical time it will appear on the shelves* didn't actually happen. We were among some of the most impressive landmarks of our country's history, and there we were, looking for a knitting magazine that we were convinced was going to come out....aaaaaand it didn't.

The upside of this trip (besides the historical landmarks, of course), was that I learned to create a V-neck for the tunic I'm currently working on, knitting both sides at the same time. I think the utter chaos of needles and multiple balls of yarn everywhere is supposed to look a little disorganized, right? I'm on to the finishing stages, though, and I'll hopefully be wearing this little number during the upcoming season. Pictures will be posted soon!

Happy knitting...off to check the bookstore one more time...!
xo,
J.

Oh. Boy.

I am currently working on Berroco's adorable tunic:

Image courtesy of Berroco.com

Cute, right? For the most part, it's been smooth-sailing. The pattern itself is easy to follow...except for when the person knitting it can't seem to get it right! It was one of those weekends when I seemed to rip the same 4 rows out over and over again. I was getting so frustrated, and my beginner-level of experience definitely showed. When in doubt, rip it out - that's what I say! Mostly because I don't know of any other way to fix a mistake. :) I think (I think!) I finally managed to get it right, and I will hopefully be finishing this tunic up shortly in time for the fall weather.

Although, I do admit, I am afraid that when all is said and done, it won't fit. Ah! Can you imagine? All of that time and effort spent on something and it doesn't fit! Cross your fingers....and your toes!

xo,
J.