Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Back in Business!

The pleasant clicking of needles is back at Chez Knitguyla. I'm pleased to report that after months of pondering why my knitting mojo was lost, I concluded that I needed to stop worrying about mojo and knit something, anything, and it would right itself. Although the act of knitting itself has been non-existent, pattern hunting and project ideas have been swarming all over the place. I have great friends who are expecting their first baby ... soon! I've been trying to find the right project but one that I could do on my own. By now, everyone knows there's little help from the local knitting community (and I use that termed lightly) in this area. I found this lovely faux-cable pattern that was interesting so I decided to try it.
It's not a baby blanket but it's turning into a fun little kitchen towel.

On other knitting fronts, I read Knitting Rules by famed blogger and author Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. It's a clever little book and a really fun and quick read. There's a section where she classifies knitters. I won't list them here as I don't want to be sued by the Yarn Harlot for reproducing her work but according to her, I'm a Scientist knitter but verging on a Pretender since I haven't really been knitting. Well that lit a fire under my ass! And a fine ass it's becoming but that's another post about my new exercise routine and my new bike I call Gert! This post is the result.

Thank you Yarn Harlot!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Frogging

That's all I seem to do these days. The frustration level is getting higher and worse yet, getting to me. I miss Edith. There, I said it. When I lived in L.A., I'd often make a mistake and simply head over to Ventura Blvd. the next day and get it fixed and merrily continue on with my project. Tonight I tried to knit back, gave up and tried frogging a few rows but I couldn't get that damn needle back in appropriately. Again, 30 rows are gone and I'm left with a beautiful ball of yarn. I love the yarn but loved my project more.

I hate my LYS, every time I bring something in to be fixed she looks at me like I have 10 heads. It goes something like this...

LYS Owner: What kind of stitches are these?

Me: Trust me it's not that complicated, here's the pattern.

LYS Owner: A pattern, why don't you just do garter stitches.

Me: I like a little variety.

LYS Owner: I think you need to start over.

ME: Why?

LYS Owner: Because you can't fix this when there are all these stitches in there.

Me: I know I can't fix it that's why I've come to the woman who owns the yarn store and is supposed to be an expert.

LYS Owner: Why, we just knit garter stitch dishcloths and fun fur scarves.

Me: I hate you.

LYS Owner: Honey, here's some cotton, go wild!

Me: Die.

Okay, that last part's just in my head.

It's so frustrating but this too shall pass. Luckily, I had some diversions this weekend. I had a blast in South Beach! The east coast is beautiful and the ocean is so different than the gulf, although much cooler. I even got a lot of sun - unheard of for me. It's sexy on me, too bad it kills you. I loved the drive across the Alley as long as I didn't open the windows. Who knew there were so many mosquitos in the Everglades? I saw an alligator, ate tremendous Cuban food and met a few skimpy bathing suits.

Enough of that, it's time to cast on, AGAIN!