Self Indulgence
Remember last Friday when I decided "Retail Therapy" was the only way to get through my self pity for the lost trip to the mountains? Well, strike me down I’ve gone overboard now. Self control step aside I'm going for self indulgence.
Ever since Wendy and Kristine announced the Lara Along, the Bad Ass knitter and Good Grrl have been fighting it out in my head. Wendy knit Lara quickly and it was so elegant and beautiful. Then when Deanna brought her Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk project to Stitch and Bitch and I was able to touched the yarn…OMG! How could anyone resist it after that!? The Bad Ass voice grew in volume. And as if the planets were conspiring against my better judgment, Knitters Review had an article on the yarn and they liked it very much.
When I saw the colors at the shop and held a ball in my hands, it was all over. Would it be the elegant dark claret, soft baby blue, or the deep denim blue (YES)? The glorious Lara is now my ‘easy’ knitting. I am a Bad Ass Knitter…no apologies! Lara grows daily as she knits up quickly with only a few minutes invested here and there. Again today you should wish this was a ‘feel-a-blog’ as you would be in heaven once more.
In the book Lara is fastened with an elegant pin. Vintage pins were a passion of mine at one time so here are a few possibilities. I’m sure others will be found from the collection before Lara is complete.
The class for Lotus was a success on Tuesday night. Lisa is a fabulous guide as you can see.
Me: I’m not sure if the pattern will fit the number of stitches so I’m going to cut and paste a full chart of the back.
Lisa: How many stitches is the repeat?
Me: Uh, oh…I didn’t check that…looks like 32.
Lisa: How many stitches do you cast on?
Me: 320…DUH! It fits perfectly 10 times. Sigh…
So with a half repeat to start and 9 full repeats around and the other half of the repeat at the end, I’m knitting along. See why I'm taking a class? With a couple days of good knitting I should have something to show soon.
Stacey sent one of the cutest knitting cards I've seen. There was a sheep on the envelope, too. She wrote to tell me she enjoyed my blog and also said how much she like my Kersti Sally's Raglan. There is something very nice about receiving a hand written note. Thanks so much Stacey!!
Something came from my SP2 last night, too! You'll have to come back tomorrow to see what wonderful goodies she sent. Thank you Secret Pal!
Sharon’s had some bad knitting karma so send some good vibes her way.
And that great Laurie RAOKs the world! Check out free patterns!!
I have been very tempted by Lara. I might ask for the yarn and book as a Christmas present from my husband.
Posted by: Melissa | September 30, 2004 at 03:50 AM
Any of those vintage pins would look fabulous - I love em too!
And THANK YOU!!! for my wildflowers book. It came yesterday. I'm thinking of having a wheel painted with bunnies and flowers on it and that is the PERFECT reference book with its simply stunning photography. Thank you - that was really sweet of you to send. :)
Posted by: Anne | September 30, 2004 at 04:24 AM
Oh my gosh, I am being seriously tempted by that gorgeous Alpaca Silk. I love the color you chose. Looks like a fun sweater to knit.
Posted by: Annie | September 30, 2004 at 06:01 AM
Isn't that Alpaca Silk fab!! I touched a skein at my LYS and of course brought some home with me, but just enough for a hat. I love the stuff though and have been debating Lara ever since!!
Posted by: Kate | September 30, 2004 at 06:25 AM
Love it Margene and the color is fab. Darn you.
Posted by: Kathleen | September 30, 2004 at 06:39 AM
That DB Silk Alpaca is my new "love affair yarn". I periodically find a new yarn that I just love at my LYS and carry it around petting it. The Silk Alpaca is definitely pettable! That pattern is definitely the cutest one in the book. Have fun knitting it!
Posted by: Johanna | September 30, 2004 at 07:12 AM
Mmm, Lara, yum, and those vintage pins! Perfect.
Posted by: Norma | September 30, 2004 at 11:30 AM
I just surrendered to the siren call of the Alpaca Silk, myself, but I bought it from a Canadian discounter that was a very welcome find. Thought I'd pass the link on, as a public service announcement. The deals available there are incredible! It's http://www.woolneedlework.com/
Posted by: Andrea | September 30, 2004 at 11:55 AM
I was there Tuesday! I saw it! I touched it! I gave it back anyway!
Posted by: Shannon | September 30, 2004 at 01:40 PM
I have yet to experience the Alpaca Silk in real life...I have been living vicariously through all these knitters knitting up beautiful garments out of it, though. I think your blue Lara is going to be lovely, especially with such gorgeous pin choices!!
Posted by: clariknittist | September 30, 2004 at 05:50 PM
I have yet to experience the Alpaca Silk in real life...I have been living vicariously through all these knitters knitting up beautiful garments out of it, though. I think your blue Lara is going to be lovely, especially with such gorgeous pin choices!!
Posted by: christina b. | September 30, 2004 at 05:50 PM
I have yet to experience the Alpaca Silk in real life...I have been living vicariously through all these knitters knitting up beautiful garments out of it, though. I think your blue Lara is going to be lovely, especially with such gorgeous pin choices!!
Posted by: Christina B. | September 30, 2004 at 05:51 PM
That sleeve you brought the other night seduced me. (Doesn't take much, true, but I wanted a cigarette after our cuddle, and I don't smoke.)
One word: Grape. It will be mine. It might have to wait for my next life, but, IT WILL BE MINE.
Posted by: Laurie | September 30, 2004 at 11:39 PM