What you talkin' bout, Willis?

Super Thanks!

Thanks so much to all you folks who complimented the vogue tank. All you guys out there in KnitBlogdom are so nice!

You got questions? We got answers!

Q: Eileen asked if the vogue tank was hard to knit?

A: Ok, first, Eileen you cannot be 48. If you are 48, I'm a rhinocerous. Wow wow wow. And she knits, she knits great stuff! Go check out her site, people!

The vogue tank wasn't hard to knit, but one thing that might be more difficult for a new knitter out there would be the straps. They are made with m1 stitches and it can be hard to get those to look good sometimes - I do them, look at them, sometimes rip them out and do them with an opposite lean, etc. until I'm happy with the appearance. Bit of patience required.

Q: Julia asked don't I love the tahki cotton classic?

A: Yes! It's cheap, you guys, and I love mercerized cotton. Who knew it came in variegated colors? Well, Julia the fantastic did. Check out the tea cups she's making! We high energy kids can't wait to see what she has sent in to Knitty for the fall.

Q: Becky asked the other day when will I start the Kate with sleeves with my new Aviso?

A: Ask and you will receive, Rabbit!!!!

...because jenny doesn't have enough blue sweaters.

I tried to get a decent close-up for you here.

I love this yarn. It's just that damn simple. It's a bunch of little strands twisted together. It's soft, but has meat to it, if you know what I mean. It's big without being too big. I can't wait to see what it does when washed. I am using blunt needles (bamboo) so it doesn't split. Just a tip.

Q: Rachel asked if that might be a tattoo on my right arm?

A: Maybe. Hmmm. Oops. Caught. Trying to avoid all identifying markers here at High Energy land, but blast! She of the keen teacher brain that can zero in on what you are hiding, like the note you have under your desk that was just passed to you by Jessica that says Derek likes you, he liiiiikkkes you.

Okay, kids today probably send txt messages and not notes. But Rachel still finds them out!

That's all I'm prepared to say about THAT.

One last thing

And just for Rach, the following, sung at the top of my voice:

"OOOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKlahoma wherethewindcomessweepingdowntheplains, andthewavingwheatcansuresmellsweetwhenthewindcomesrightbehindthe raaaaiiiiiin. OKKKKKKlahoma everynightmyhoneylambandI, sitaloneandtalk, andwatchahawk makinglazycirclesinthe skkkkkkkyy. Weknowwebelongtotheland, andthelandwebelongtoisgrand, sowhen we saaaaaaaaaaaaay Yeah! AyippeeIO Aaaaaaaaah! Youknowwe'resaying You're Doing Fine OKlahoma, Oklahoma OK!"

Thank you. I'll be here all week.

I love it when a plan comes together.

Well, the vogue tank is done. I really like the color.

I varied my pose this time. No really!

Notes about this sweater:

1) I shortened the body (I always have to do this because I have a short torso).

2) I really really like this yarn (Takhi Cotton Classic) - it is mercerized, and really smooth.

3) I used a cable edge (slip the first stitch of each row) and it made the armholes and straps curl under in a way that made me happy!

4) The selvedge problem seems somehow to have worked itself out, either in the sewing or blocking. Not sure why, but the seams are okay - not perfect, but what is?

Here's a close-up of the front straps.

Lace!

The lace top has come out the right size, finally, and is on it's way! I've memorized the pattern, so it's really fun now.

I didn't use to use stitch markers with lace patterns, maybe I thought I was too advanced or some BS like that. I'll tell you though, they have made both this pattern and Mon Petit Chou much easier to knit! That'll teach me to be a smartie-pants. ;-)

Southern Knit-Bloggers

So you may see I'm part of the Southern webring. Well, those of you who know me know I don't live in the South yet, so you must think, "How cheeky!" (OK, maybe you would only think that if you were British.) Anyway, we are moving to Georgia at the end of the year, so Rachel said I could join up. Cool!

Well I can run, just as fast as I can...

to the middle of nowhere...

Ah, Pink. She helped me to run FIFTEEN miles yesterday. I couldn't believe I did it, I've never run that far before. It was really hard. Course I have to run a lot farther when I run the marathon...

I think much of running that far is mental. No, I'm not mental (well I AM, but that's beside the point). But a lot of being able to keep going is the belief I CAN keep going. It's that crazy.

Did I mention I'm hypomanic?

Meaning, of course, that before finishing my current WIPs, I have started something new... And it's so cool!

(Mom and Dad, avert your eyes. It's undies.)

I am making Mon Petit Chou, a pattern by the fabulous Kate. It is so fun to knit. I'm really enjoying it.

This is the bottom picot edge, you fold it over and purl it to itself. Cool!

Look how clever it is!

This is the right bra cup. Don't worry, there's no nudie pics. ;-)

Fun with stitch holders!

No Dice.

Well, still no solution to the selvedge problem I mentioned. So, my solution, fudge it and move on! But I still welcome any advice.

OOH! LOOKY!

All the way from France, I got some Phildar Aviso to make
"Kate" with sleeves. Thanks, Becky! I'm so excited!