Retraining the Bod and My Favorite WIP

I met with a personal trainer at the gym on Monday afternoon.  He was great and worked with me for over an hour.  Nothing he had me do hurt my back or piriformis muscle, but I am a bit sore in my legs, mostly.  It was cool to see what strength I had retained and sad to see all that I had lost (along with the, now official, 12 lbs). I can see how important muscle strength and toning will be in keeping this problem at bay.  I meet with him again tomorrow and continue the torture to teach my body how to move correctly. The sad part is I'm paying him, so the stash will not be enhanced any time soon. That's the reason we HAVE stash, right!?  It was Laurie's post on happiness (see the quote on nurturing body, mind and spirit) that made me realize a trainer would be money well spent. 

The Red Bud is my favorite blossoming tree of spring. It has tight little blossoms that open slowly to a rich deep purpley, pink hue. It looks like tiny French Knots are covering each branch. 

The Eyelet Cardi has been my main squeeze this week.  I love the yarn, Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmere, and the a soft pink color. It knits very nicely and isn't as hard on the hands as 100% cotton would be.  And the pattern from Bonne Marie is also well written and easy to understand.  The Eyelet Cardi did make it to Snowbird. (But saw no action I was enthralled with NBT on Sunday).  In the picture on the  left you can see I had just attached the sleeves to the body and started knitting the yoke. She has been in my lap ever since Sunday night. Decreasing for the raglan shaping has made the work go quickly.  I'm just past the namesake 'Eyelet section' and heading into the home stretch.  Bonne Marie did stop by to let me know that the difference between Sitcom Chic and Eyelet Cardi is the gauge.  Sitcom is in Aran weight yarn and the Eyelet can be knit in either worsted or DK weight.  She added that 'the commercial pattern has better fit and finishing'.  I'm so looking forward to wearing Miss Eyelet this spring.  More to come....

Check out another Utah Grrl...Kim has knit a fabulous baby blanket.

Comments

[Julie]

I do love redbuds myself. Mine is about 3 years old now and only 8 inches high so no blooms yet but I can't wait til it's bigger. I've also got a lovely tulip tree that'll be gorgeous when he's big enough to bloom.

[Laurie]

I love redbuds. They are very hard to keep alive after transplanting in New England. Mine are just about to pop. Is there any coincidence that the redbud picture appears next to pink Eyelet cardi? That is a soft, beautiful color, especially on close-up.

[Judy]

Ahh... I checked and red buds don't make it in my zone. What a shame. The Eyelet is lovely.

[Jackie]

Love the eyelet cardi. You have inspired me - I may have to add it to my wish list.

[Shelby]

The sitcom chic was my first sweater and even though I made a lot of mistakes I love it. I've been thinking about knitting the eyelet cardi and seeing yours is very inspiring. The color is very pretty!
PS.
Redbuds always make me think of my Grami :-)

[Teri]

Your comment about cotton being hard on the hands was well said! Only a few more blankets to go....

[gale (she shoots sheep shots)]

I didn't "get" what a wonderful sweater that eyelet cardi could be till I saw your post today, love it in that yarn! Now I know what to make next....
Are your sleeves full length or 3/4 ?

[Norma]

Yes, unfortunately no redbuds up here. I love them so. Eyelet cardi looks lovely. Way to go on the 12 lb. loss and the working out. You're an inspiration as always. I haven't been able to go regularly to yoga, because of my schedule lately, and I'm missing it so much. So is my waistline.

[Marcia]

We were introduced to redbuds when we had some property and investments out in Oklahoma and Kansas back in the 90's. Had to have one here and it did well for quite a few years...last spring, mort. I miss it and may try again in a more sheltered location. Your lilacs are beautiful, too! It looks like you are about two weeks ahead of us in the flowering department!

[Rossana]

I'm enjoying the soft, gentle, happy colors on your blog. And way to go on being good to yourself by hiring a personal trainer! Yay!

[Sydney]

The eyelet cardi looks great. I love that color. And you're absolutely right about the stash. Doesn't it make you feel better after many years of yarn acquisition knowing that it's serving a purpose now? You really were saving it for a rainy day.

[Liz]

Thanks for the link to the red bud tree. It's my favorite, too but I've never known what it was. I keep seeing it and saying 'Eric, we need one of those in our yard.' But we never do anything about it. Silly us. :P

Love the eyelet cardi. I just got some Cotton Cashmere yesterday, have been looking for a worthy project.

Happy Wednesday! I'm happy to see you're taking care of yourself and visiting the personal trainer. Eat your bananas! You won't be so sore.

[Liz]

Well, you've just got all my favorite blooming trees out there! We can't grow redbud here either, and I do miss it. Love that Eyelet cardi...been thinking about making one, now I'm getting even closer. :)

[Kim]

I'll second others but congratulating you on hiring the personal trainer--I think we all wish we had more time to treat ourselves. Thanks for pointing out my blog :) it made my day! I was in Salt Lake last night and I didn't even think to stop by your SnB until I got home--although in my defense I had the kids with me--kids and knitting groups don't mix well :) Have a great day!

[Rebekah]

I love the Redbud two, in fact I have 2 in my yard. I look forward to it's blooming every year. Did you know the flower of the red bud tree is edible. It is! You can put it in salads, or fry it (which I've never done as I only found out about that this year after my tree was done blooming). It is also known as the Judas Tree, because as legend goes Judas Isacriot (from the Bible) hung himself on one after betraying Jesus. Whether or not this is true who the heck knows or well cares, but it's cool because it shows the tree dates back to ancient times.

[julia fc]

I bought french fries yesterday, and just as I finished them, feeling stupid and heavy in the hunk of junk around my middle, I thought of you. If I had thought of you BEFORE I had eaten them, I probably would have just bought a milk instead. Good going on the 12 lbs. I think today's a new day. I'm going to put a magic marker Z onmy right hand (the eating one).
smooches.

[Paula]

Margene, the eyelet cardi looks great. You have inspired me to tackle Sitcom Chic. Glad to see the flowers are finally blooming way out West-they are lovely. I am sore from planting tomatoes.

[Lolly]

I love that eyelet, Margene... so pretty.

Thanks for sharing the lovely redbud pics!

[Kristi]

Oooo, your eyelet cardi is going to look awesome!

And congrats on getting a personal trainer! I just started water aerobics on Monday and am suffering slightly sore for the extra resistance toning work we do in it.

[Debi]

Hi Margene! I think this might be my first post here altho I read you every day...no wait I'm the one who suggested the darning egg for kitchener-ing your toes! Anyway, seeing your redbud brought back all kinds of childhood memories! We had a huge one in our backyard and I used to love to lay under it and look at the sky thru all the beautiful pink/purple buds and flowers!
Your eyelet cardi looks great! Very springy!!

[birdsong]

Margene, your eyelet cardi looks so much more appealing that the pattern website. I want one now! It will be well-loved through the next few months, I am sure.

[michele]

Red buds are the best, and I love your pictures! I love that Debbie Bliss yarn too...I knit a baby sweater with it, and it was yummy. I like the eyelet cardigan and I also checked out Kim's blog...have a nice evening, and congrats on the personal trainer...I much prefer exercising with someone than alone. Good for you!

[Shannon]

But you didn't NEED to lose 12 pounds!

[jessica~]

Beautiful color on that tree! I love this time of year.

The Eyelet Cardi looks great! I like B.M.'s patterns, don't you?

Take care!

[Cathy]

We wanted to plant a redbud here but realized the yard is just too hot - luckily the neighbor planted one in his front yard with all the grass and sheltered from the winds. It's in bloom now and I find reasons to walk the dogs past it daily. I have my other fav trees tho - and the mountain ash is beginning to leaf out. Love the eyelet cardi - and hope to see it in person next month. NEXT MONTH!!

[juno]

I've had people comment frequently that they can't see spending that much money on the gym (by which they mean the expense of working with a trainer)...but it is so much more than just working out. A good trainer guides your progress and comes to know your body in a way few others do - including sometimes yourself - and teaches you to know yourself better. And the appointment gets you there week in, week out, to continue the process of being healthy and strong, no excuses. Good for you.

[lynette]

Your ribby looks awesome! It's on my list. I know. I'm slowly conquering those yarns I bought in the '3-5 yr-ago' section. Good luck with your trainer.