anticipation

There's something magical in the act of taking an idea from sketch, to swatch, to reality. Something promising latent in the uncertainty and excitement of learning a new cast-off, or in using an old method in a new way, or in watching what blooms after a good soak in Eucalan and cold water.

Today I did all of the finishing on the Issaquah vest. It's blocking downstairs as we speak. There's waist shaping, two colorwork motifs, applied i-cord edging, a traditional Cowichan bind-off at the shoulder, and a gorgeous, horribly time-consuming garter-stitch shawl collar. I puzzled over PGR's instructions while watching a samurai flick for history class. There's a little pile of yarn bits sitting on my bedside table from the weaving in of ends. My room is a disaster. My last cup of coffee was at 8 pm. I wish the damn vest would dry already so that I could put it on over my Smart-Wool turtleneck and go to chem class and show that while I struggle with crystal structures, I am quite aware of perfect and imperfect symmetry.

In other words, I really can't wait to share this one.

FO: Egyptian Sash

Aren't I smug.

And deep in thought about something over there.

Naturally, these things make me a Serious Artiste.

Finished object, at long last.

Project: Egyptian Sash
Pattern: My own, cobbled together from Richard Rutt's A History of Handknitting
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend, one hank gold, two hanks burgundy (probably could have done it with one hank, but wanted to be safe)
Needles: Size 7 US

Notes: Okay, so I'm really, really proud of this. The edging turned out exactly the way I wanted; it allowed me to beautifully finish the back by tucking the cut steek into the hem, and the sewing made it look really polished. I'm sort of tempted to go buy more yarn and make another one, perhaps in violet and gold, or teal and copper. It's the first thing I've ever made from scratch (save the chart) that I have been really, truly, completely happy with.

Hooray!

winter has descended

Yesterday I went for a long run to the arboretum, then grabbed some lunch at the local bar, which also functions as the best burger and sandwich place around. It was really cold in the afternoon, and it had snowed in the early morning, but it was nice for running in. I was wearing a thermal shirt, a polar fleece vest, and yoga pants, which was great while I was in motion, but by the time I started walking home I was completely frozen. So, how better to combat the cold than by taking a hot shower, then putting on a cotton dress with tights, wool long underwear, a spring sweater, and a shawl as layers? Um. Well, pants might have been a good idea instead. I'm afraid it's hard to let go of the dresses for the season, but unfortunately, I think it might be time to let go of the delusion and drag out the real winter layers.

In progress: Egyptian Sash

On the home stretch! I finally ripped and re-knit the hem, after deciding that the decreases were too sudden on the mitered edges. They're still a little rounder than I would have liked, but there's a much lovelier mixture of curve and angle now. And actually, the wrong side looks sort of beautiful. I'm really hoping to make this piece finished-looking on both sides, and so far it's working out pretty slick.

thanksgiving

Not wearing tights to Thanksgiving dinner when it's spitting snow? Bad idea, guys. However, this is the second Thanksgiving in a row that I have worn this dress/sweater combo, and I think it's pretty effective. Although you can't see how amazing this dress is, there's a lovely, nipped waist, boatneck, and elbow-length sleeves under there. I love having versatile pieces in my wardrobe - this dress can be worn with a sweater over it, on its own, with a belt or sash, with tights in the winter, dressy or pretty casual.

I picked up the trail of a beautiful blue silk brocade 50s style cocktail dress the other day, for something like $15. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, happy Thanksgiving!

the clothes dork strikes again

White and jeans: a most awesome combination.

in the details

So I splurged the other day, and bought four beautiful tops. Each of them is relatively simple in design, but has amazing little details that are neither overwhelming nor trivial.

print and flutter

geometry

color and construction

drape, lace, and texture.

As we get into the last few weeks of the semester, things are getting crazy. I'm keeping sane by going to the gym, trying to work a little on big projects every day, sleeping, and breathing. I won't say it's easy because it's not, but I guess it's in keeping with my Semester of Big Changes. I'm really looking forward to going home, and then hopefully the new year will bring smaller, perhaps more happy changes.