here mojo, mojo, mojo...

I just know it is around here somewhere. Come, mojo...

I have pulled together some supplies for a couple of projects that have been swirling around in my noggin all weekend. My eldest daughter is in her very first community play - so it has been a weekend full of pick ups, drop offs, applause, squawking "wash your make up off", and soon a pot luck. Oh joy, says the introvert. Anyways, must be done - my bars are made, my smile practiced all day for my own performance as the well-adjusted, smiley, chatty broad I should have been.

Anyways, I have got some projects brewing. I have been working on my Nanook and making some pretty good progress - but then the Ravellinic games are upon me (actually, I am late to the party) - I need to get cast on and park myself in front of the games as much as I can. This means a project I cast on for the Olympics and hopefully finish before the torch goes out. I am, per usual, behind the 8-ball. I am thinking Pinctada.I found some Plucky Knitter Merino Lite in Sisters (a classics club color)in my stash, I love the color. It matches my new nailpolish - Fly by OPI - someone found it matched some yarn and posted it on the Plucky Knitter Ravelry "Love it? Recommend it" Board...this board is very dangerous - be careful.



Next up - I really would like to sport a new purse/ tote. The 241 Tote by Noodlehead is awesome, everyone seems to be making one in blog land. Inspired mostly by this one over at p.s. I quilt, I ordered some of the same fabrics, and some very similar ones. I also like how her bag seems somehow more substantial with a heavier fusible interface. I sense an aqua theme, too bad this bag and cowl would probably not cross seasons very well :) Then I would like to make a kindle cover to match.

I should probably just start by winding my yarn...



I promise not to come back until I have something actually finished to show for myself. Til then, have a wonderful week!

pluckylicious

A little pile of Plucky Knitter goodness. I was involved in a couple of mini-skein swaps, and here is the first batch. I find these teeny little bits fun - I made some striped socks with my last installment, and kind of think these cool little chevron mitts could be a fun project for some of these.

I other news, I have been in a flurry of planning. We are going to Walt disney World this fall - which I swear to God, may very well be my favorite place on earth. It sounds so cliche. I have the fondest memories there. I have a pile of books to help plan. Our reservations are made, right down to the restaurants we will eat at each day and I have been listening to podcasts for more information - the Disney Foodblog Podcast and Be Our Guest (there is even a handy app for that) are my favorites. I listen when I walk at lunch (when it is not 100 degrees out...). It has been a fun way to get excited and to get some clever tips and tricks. My co-workers just shake their heads at me when I get back to my desk and pull out my "Disney notebook" to write down my latest discovery. I am geek. of. the week. Luckily, I am good with that. I will be having a Dole Whip in October and they won't.

Lastly - I love to share a good book - Heading Out to Wonderful by Robert Goolrick. He also wrote The Reliable Wife. He is such an interesting author - he has a gift with keeping it interesting, and completely unique. He has a memoir as well, I read a sample on my kindle today and it seems like it could be a winner, and shed some insight on where he may have picked up some of his twisted-ness.

sometimes you just have to say wtf...

Does that saying make you promptly think of Tom Cruise in his Ray-Bans on Risky Business? Who knew WTF would catch on. Anyways...

The title has nothing to do with my current projects - just a recent visit. Sometimes I can't believe how thoughtless people can be. I want to respect this space for knitting, sewing and overall good stuff, but then things happen, people piss me off and I just can't believe it I let it bother me again. But I did, dang it. Does this ever happen to you? Any suggestions, is there an easy way to let things beyond your control go? Okay, off the soap box - I know it is hopeless, but still. Sometimes I feel I could be quite successful on an island.

So when I am frustrated and my feelings are hurt I should go for a walk - but instead usually I eat. And knit - thank gosh there is the knitting. It is my saving grace today...



This is the near done yoke of my Nanook sweater - the one with garter fronts I wasn't sure I could tolerate after the Color Affection I belly ached about - but here it is. Thankfully at closer look only the fronts are garter - there are enough other things going on to forgive this sweater for the garter. It is cooking along in Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted in Peep Toes. I swatched but still I pray it will fit. I will divide for the arms soon - the pattern suggests knitting the sleeves flat - but oh dear, seaming. So I am going to change my needle a bit and go for it in the round. I'll keep you posted.

In other news - I made this delightful Lemon Basil Spritzers - how simple and delicious, and I think, relatively not bad for you. You could add some booze if you wanted, but just plain ole is yummy!

And then there is this Rhubarb dump cake - wow - simple and quick for that last little bit of rhubarb this season. Which I was delighted to find it for less than a gajillion dollars at my local grocery store. I ended up using cherry jello because I had it on hand, and whew, it was good.

Don't look back...

My Color Affection in The Plucky Knitter Primo - Neapolitan kit. So, so glad this project is in my rearview. It took 6 months. I have decided, as much as I hate purling, I really hate garter - yet I want to cast on for the Nanook - a sweater of garter - why does this happen? Anyways, it will be a lovely scarf come fall but for now- I am throwing it on the pile, wiping my brow and having an adult beverage. Bah, piss off ye old garter. Until I swatch for that damned Nanook. Because, I know, I will. I think it should be my "Ravellenic" project, since it would be epic if I actually finished the thing.

I have been celebrating this garterlicious accomplishment by making up a few quickie Ribband bracelets. They have been fun and quick, and my 7-year old has been a real helper with the bead pattern. I see a Mudra Cuff in my future.

I would also like to get sewing. I have bought some zippers and I mean to make this box bag, the tutorial rocks, and I think I can do it. I love the little silver clip detail. I also have some quilts to make backs for, and quilt, but like garter - gosh, quilt backs are apparently my nemesis.

Other than crafty endeavors, I have continued to read and read. I would recommend Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - wow - twists and turns galore and characters that I can empathize with while still kind of wanting to kick them in the pants.

And because a post deserves more than one picture - check out this "Sweet Tomato Heel" designed by Cat Borhdi - it's pretty clever, there is a youtube link - if you like to make socks but hate a heel flap...



Mama Blue (sadly discontinued) striping sock in Penpal - I really like what this heel does for the striping...