Alexandra - Finished!
Alexandra finally dried after her lavender "bath" and blocking, and I wove in all the ends today. I really like how this one came out! It is a little wide on the neck, but I think it is supposed to be that way.
I also dragged out the Debbie Bliss Lace & Bobble Jacket today and picked up all 300(ish) stitches. Now I have to do 13 more rows, and the bobble bind-off and I will be putting the proverbial fork in this one at long last. Almost a year in hibernation for that one!
I finished the 2nd sleeve on the yellow Lace & Cable sweater and started the front today.
Blocked the pieces of the Surplice Bodice Camisole and they're drying now.
No progress on Fifi except got clarification on my pattern question. Thanks Cozy Kitty! I love this design, but I'll tell ya - this pattern could be a lot more clear than it is. It has made me less than motivated to work on this one, although I think the end result will be pretty.
In non-knitting news, on Friday night Jim and I went to his cousin Anna's house for a fun home shopping party. She had these Beijo purses there that I had never seen before, Lia Sophia jewelry, and Tastefully Simple. Of course I had to hit each vendor...I bought this purse
this jewelry (I tried to pick things that would be more difficult to make myself - they were buy 1, get 2 at 50% off)
the earrings and necklace in the upper right corner - pink teardrop shape
and the earrings marked "B" in this picture.
and some assorted seasoning mixes from Tastefully Simple.
On Saturday morning, I went to a jewelry design class with my friend from work and made this:
I had thought we would be doing wire wrapping (I took a class on that before and need a refresher) and making a bracelet and earrings, but only made the bracelet. Oh well, at least we were able to ask the instructor (same one I had before who doesn't believe in handouts, hence the need for a refresher course) about some other things like the memory wire closures. I also got motivated to try to make the lace bracelet (using 26 gauge wire) from Lace Style.
Two things I learned: 1.) I don't like knitting with 26 gauge wire - too stiff and hard to bend into shape but 2.) I do like working with 32 gauge wire, which has a lot of patterns for it. I started playing around with the 32 gauge wire and some beads I bought on sale at Michael's and got something kinda cool so far, but it'll probably just be a practice swatch.
I also got an AWESOME final SP10 reveal package and will blog about that separately tomorrow as this is getting too long and I have a lot to show!
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
I totally agree about Fifi. I cast-om three times before I got the sizing right and I have been increasing forever to get the bust right before splitting for the arms. Some sections have been scratching my head.
Posted by: chrispy | July 15, 2007 at 07:10 PM
Your sweater looks great! Congrats on having another lovely thing to add to your collection.
Posted by: Amanda | July 15, 2007 at 07:27 PM
The top looks fabulous! I really love it. We already talked in length about Fifi so you know that I am with you on the pattern directions. They are quite off as far as I am concerned but also think the end results will be great.
Glad to hear your opinions on knitting with wire. I have been wanting to try it!
Posted by: Lara | July 15, 2007 at 07:48 PM
I heard the same horror stories about Fifi, so I decided to skip the SKC this round. I bought the RCC pattern to help Annie out, but I doubt I'll knit that one either.
I love all the pink! Your sweater, bag & bracelet all match!
And, I don't know about you, but I am loving the Gmail. I have it checking all of my other email for me. I feel so centered. LOL.
Posted by: Jenny | July 15, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Alexandra looks great!
Posted by: Lauren | July 15, 2007 at 08:59 PM
I love the colors!
Posted by: Robyn | July 15, 2007 at 10:16 PM
It looks great! And you got a great haul there. :g:
Come over and join my wire and jewelry knitting group!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/baublesnbeads
(I think that's right) We're small just yet but I'm hoping we'll grow!
Posted by: Romi | July 15, 2007 at 10:30 PM
Glad you got it finished!!! Looks great. I really like that design. Hmmmm lol, I have cast on fever right now so I may need to step away from your blog and stop reading about all your projects! LOL
Posted by: adrienne | July 15, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Such a beautiful colorway on you; Alexandra is lovely!
Posted by: Karma | July 15, 2007 at 10:47 PM
You and Alexandra are such a cute combo!! The neckline totally makes it...
Posted by: Heather | July 15, 2007 at 11:49 PM
Very pretty top! I like the wider neck too.
Posted by: Karen | July 16, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Alexandra looks AWESOME! I love those quick satisfying knits everyone once and a while. I think the neck line looks good too. My rule of thumb is as long as I don't look like I'm pulling a "Flashdance" move with the neckline, I'm ok with it. LOL. I just finished the Puff-Sleeved cardie from Fitted Knits this weekend and boy was I happy to get it off the needles. I felt like it was taking forever. Now I'm thinking this may be a quicker, instant gratification project I need right now. I didn't pay too much attention to the pattern before but I love how yours turned out. Looks great!!!
Posted by: Sharon | July 16, 2007 at 11:19 AM
I just had a Lia Sophia party on Saturday. It was fun and I loved a lot of the stuff. I didn't close the show yet, but I'm definitely getting that same pink necklace. My best friend got the same earrrings as you too. You have good taste!
I love Alexandra too! :)
Posted by: Kristin | July 16, 2007 at 03:03 PM
The shaping on the back is a really nice detail! Great job!
Posted by: turtlegirl76 | July 16, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Adore the bag!
Posted by: Phyl | July 17, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Love, Alexandria! It really looks great on you! Make me want to start mine!
Posted by: Michelle | July 17, 2007 at 03:25 PM
alexandra is so pretty. i can see that is being a kinda sexy yet warm and wintery sweater...the purse is fab, lovely color, like red wine! and the bracelet you made is really cute.
Posted by: kaetlyn | July 17, 2007 at 04:26 PM
Alexandra looks great. How do you like the Landscape yarn? I like the purse and pink necklace/ear ring set too. :)
Posted by: Heather R | July 18, 2007 at 08:11 AM
I've loved this sweater since I first saw it. How do you think this would knit up in Giotto? I think the colors would work well and the gauge seems right. I think Giotto would make a sweater that can be worn year round. Having made this sweater, what do you think?
Posted by: Kozy Kitty | July 19, 2007 at 04:24 PM